Maigret and the Lazy Burglar by Georges Simenon, Book Review

Remember Maigret? The French police detective series by Georges Simenon, first published between 1931 and 1972? Penguin is now publishing the entire series of Maigret novels, all 75!

It’s been a while since I read one and I never did read Maigret and the Lazy Burglar, first published in 1961. The book is classified as a novel, but at only 152 pages, it’s more like a novella. Having said that, the plot covers all the elements you would expect from a good solid crime book: an engaging protagonist, a mysterious murder, a tricky investigation and lots of lovely atmosphere created by a colourful supporting cast. Simenon was an elegant writer with a natural grasp of the human mind.

I was discussing children’s books with a friend earlier today and we agreed that unlike the meandering books of our childhood, nowadays children preferred plots with lots of action. I reckon the same goes for readers of thrillers and crime books. People now expect a faster pace, more obvious emotion, more violence. For crime readers of my generation, a revisiting of Maigret is a treat, but I’d love to hear from younger crime readers what they think. Perhaps Simenon did not need more than 152 pages, because he implied so much without having to spell it out. Take your time as you read it, and enjoy. I certainly did. 

Translated by Howard Curtis, Maigret and the Lazy Burglar was published by Penguin in 2018 in paperback, £7.99.