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Maigret's Christmas: Nine Stories
Nine stories make up this delightful holiday-themed collection, each featuring Georges Simenon's famous detective, Jules Maigret. The first eight are short stories, and the ninth is a novella. They are:
1. Maigret's Christmas --
2. Seven Little Crosses in a Notebook --
3. Maigret and the Surly Inspector --
4. The Evidence of the Altar Boy --
5. The Most Obstinate Customer in the World --
6. Death of a Nobody --
7. Sale by Auction --
8. The Man in the Street --
9. Maigret in Retirement.
The second is especially interesting for a Maigret collection in that the Superintendent's name is never mentioned!
Several are about Christmas. An otherwise sensible little girl insists that she has seen Father Christmas, a statement alarming to her neighbors, Monsieur and Madame Maigret. Then, a choirboy helps the inspector solve a crime while he lies in bed with a cold. Another boy, pursued by a criminal, ingeniously leaves a trail to help Maigret track him. Many feature observant and resourceful children, frightened yet resolute, who bring out a paternal streak in the childless Maigret. The rapport between the inspector and these youthful heroes imparts a delightful freshness to this collection - a cornucopia for fans of Maigret and mysteries.
Librarian's note #1: this is a collection of nine stories. Entries and reviews for each story including the title story, "Maigret's Christmas" can be found elsewhere on Goodreads by searching for "a Maigret short story."
Librarian's note #2: the ninth story, "Maigret in Retirement", also published in English as "Maigret Gets Angry", is #26 in Penguin's recent collection of Maigret novels by Simenon (75 in total).
1. Maigret's Christmas --
2. Seven Little Crosses in a Notebook --
3. Maigret and the Surly Inspector --
4. The Evidence of the Altar Boy --
5. The Most Obstinate Customer in the World --
6. Death of a Nobody --
7. Sale by Auction --
8. The Man in the Street --
9. Maigret in Retirement.
The second is especially interesting for a Maigret collection in that the Superintendent's name is never mentioned!
Several are about Christmas. An otherwise sensible little girl insists that she has seen Father Christmas, a statement alarming to her neighbors, Monsieur and Madame Maigret. Then, a choirboy helps the inspector solve a crime while he lies in bed with a cold. Another boy, pursued by a criminal, ingeniously leaves a trail to help Maigret track him. Many feature observant and resourceful children, frightened yet resolute, who bring out a paternal streak in the childless Maigret. The rapport between the inspector and these youthful heroes imparts a delightful freshness to this collection - a cornucopia for fans of Maigret and mysteries.
Librarian's note #1: this is a collection of nine stories. Entries and reviews for each story including the title story, "Maigret's Christmas" can be found elsewhere on Goodreads by searching for "a Maigret short story."
Librarian's note #2: the ninth story, "Maigret in Retirement", also published in English as "Maigret Gets Angry", is #26 in Penguin's recent collection of Maigret novels by Simenon (75 in total).
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1976
21 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
About the author
Georges Simenon
2,733 books2,287 followersGeorges Joseph Christian Simenon (1903 – 1989) was a Belgian writer. A prolific author who published nearly 500 novels and numerous short works, Simenon is best known as the creator of the fictional detective Jules Maigret.
Although he never resided in Belgium after 1922, he remained a Belgian citizen throughout his life.
Simenon was one of the most prolific writers of the twentieth century, capable of writing 60 to 80 pages per day. His oeuvre includes nearly 200 novels, over 150 novellas, several autobiographical works, numerous articles, and scores of pulp novels written under more than two dozen pseudonyms. Altogether, about 550 million copies of his works have been printed.
He is best known, however, for his 75 novels and 28 short stories featuring Commissaire Maigret. The first novel in the series, Pietr-le-Letton, appeared in 1931; the last one, Maigret et M. Charles, was published in 1972. The Maigret novels were translated into all major languages and several of them were turned into films and radio plays. Two television series (1960-63 and 1992-93) have been made in Great Britain.
During his "American" period, Simenon reached the height of his creative powers, and several novels of those years were inspired by the context in which they were written (Trois chambres à Manhattan (1946), Maigret à New York (1947), Maigret se fâche (1947)).
Simenon also wrote a large number of "psychological novels", such as La neige était sale (1948) or Le fils (1957), as well as several autobiographical works, in particular Je me souviens (1945), Pedigree (1948), Mémoires intimes (1981).
In 1966, Simenon was given the MWA's highest honor, the Grand Master Award.
In 2005 he was nominated for the title of De Grootste Belg (The Greatest Belgian). In the Flemish version he ended 77th place. In the Walloon version he ended 10th place.
Although he never resided in Belgium after 1922, he remained a Belgian citizen throughout his life.
Simenon was one of the most prolific writers of the twentieth century, capable of writing 60 to 80 pages per day. His oeuvre includes nearly 200 novels, over 150 novellas, several autobiographical works, numerous articles, and scores of pulp novels written under more than two dozen pseudonyms. Altogether, about 550 million copies of his works have been printed.
He is best known, however, for his 75 novels and 28 short stories featuring Commissaire Maigret. The first novel in the series, Pietr-le-Letton, appeared in 1931; the last one, Maigret et M. Charles, was published in 1972. The Maigret novels were translated into all major languages and several of them were turned into films and radio plays. Two television series (1960-63 and 1992-93) have been made in Great Britain.
During his "American" period, Simenon reached the height of his creative powers, and several novels of those years were inspired by the context in which they were written (Trois chambres à Manhattan (1946), Maigret à New York (1947), Maigret se fâche (1947)).
Simenon also wrote a large number of "psychological novels", such as La neige était sale (1948) or Le fils (1957), as well as several autobiographical works, in particular Je me souviens (1945), Pedigree (1948), Mémoires intimes (1981).
In 1966, Simenon was given the MWA's highest honor, the Grand Master Award.
In 2005 he was nominated for the title of De Grootste Belg (The Greatest Belgian). In the Flemish version he ended 77th place. In the Walloon version he ended 10th place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 29, 2018
From BBC Radio 4:
Sir Derek Jacobi reads a classic Inspector Maigret mystery by Georges Simenon.
On Christmas Day, as the snow begins to fall in Paris, Inspector Maigret receives two unexpected visitors. A young girl claims to have seen Father Christmas in her room, behaving strangely and cutting a hole in the floor. He agrees to investigate...
Read by Sir Derek Jacobi
Abridged by Lauris Morgan-Griffiths
Written by Georges Simenon & translated by David Coward
Produced by Mair Bosworth
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000...
Sir Derek Jacobi reads a classic Inspector Maigret mystery by Georges Simenon.
On Christmas Day, as the snow begins to fall in Paris, Inspector Maigret receives two unexpected visitors. A young girl claims to have seen Father Christmas in her room, behaving strangely and cutting a hole in the floor. He agrees to investigate...
Read by Sir Derek Jacobi
Abridged by Lauris Morgan-Griffiths
Written by Georges Simenon & translated by David Coward
Produced by Mair Bosworth
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000...
February 13, 2020
I read this every winter. I love the mysteries, the twists in each story. Reading this book is comforting and familiar, like returning to a favorite restaurant to watch the world around you. The people in Maigret’s world are living their own lives outside of these stories and we get brief, revealing glimpses into the most private parts of their lives. For a classic noir detective genre I highly recommend this book.
September 2, 2019
A pleasant collection of nine Maigret mysteries. Yes, I said "pleasant," despite the murders and other felonies that are typically at the heart of each short story's plot. While the topic is usually grim, the detective that Georges Simenon conjured is so amusing and wry that it takes the edge off the darker elements. This is more akin to reading Christie's Hercule Poirot or Doyle's Sherlock Holmes than it is Chandler or Hammett. While (to my mild disappointment) not all the stories take place at "Christmastime," title notwithstanding, it's still perfect companion while sitting next to a crackling fireplace, under twinkling Christmas tree lights, with book in one hand, hot toddy in the other.
June 16, 2022
4 Stars. Some of the 9 stories here are delightful. The title story is about Christmas morning in the Maigret household with special hot croissants, and also about a bright little girl across the street who is confined to bed with an injured leg. Colette insists she saw and spoke with Father Christmas the previous evening. None of the adults believe it. They come to ask their famous neighbour to intervene and, although unspoken, put her straight. Of course, that's not what happens. One of the best mystery short stories ever written IMHO. There's another, again about a child and ingenuity, 'Seven Little Crosses in a Notebook.' On Christmas Eve, little is happening in Paris to concern the police. Some drunk and disorderlies, but relatively quiet. Then several police call box alarms go off in rapid succession. The call centre, with a big wall-map of the city, records them and a pattern emerges. We learn that it's a signal from a young lad running the streets and trying to escape danger. The star police officer is not Maigret this time, indeed our hero is not even mentioned by name but his pipe does make an appearance! Here they are - yours to enjoy. (June 2022)
January 13, 2024
This collection contains the following novellas and stories~
1. Maigret's Christmas;
2. Seven Little Crosses in a Notebook;
3. Maigret and the Surly Inspector;
4. The Evidence of the Altar Boy;
5. The Most Obstinate Customer in the World;
6. Death of a Nobody;
7. Sale by Auction;
8. The Man in the Street;
9. Maigret in Retirement.
Among these, the first one was the most emotionally charged, while the second one was outstanding as a suspense-filled thriller. The others were usual slow-burners with lots of small observations and dialogues, occasionally lighting up with emotions.
It was a very good read. Recommended.
1. Maigret's Christmas;
2. Seven Little Crosses in a Notebook;
3. Maigret and the Surly Inspector;
4. The Evidence of the Altar Boy;
5. The Most Obstinate Customer in the World;
6. Death of a Nobody;
7. Sale by Auction;
8. The Man in the Street;
9. Maigret in Retirement.
Among these, the first one was the most emotionally charged, while the second one was outstanding as a suspense-filled thriller. The others were usual slow-burners with lots of small observations and dialogues, occasionally lighting up with emotions.
It was a very good read. Recommended.
January 15, 2023
Only one of these 9 stories was set at Christmas, although at least one other was set in winter. No matter, I enjoyed them all and will be continuing with my plan to read more Simenon.
February 20, 2025
Top-notch collection of crime stories, replete with smoking pipes, steaming dishes, glass after glass of beers, wines, and spirits, and plenty of that variable Parisian weather. Oh, and there's murder, too. Despite the title and festive book jacket, only two of the stories are set at Christmastime, and one of those doesn't even feature the title character! That is, Maigret doesn't appear in it, but the way Simenon dances around his absence, keeping him off-stage but present in the reader's mind, makes it the cleverest story of the bunch. As the faithful Janvier and his other colleagues race against time to catch a killer, we can picture the old Inspector at home, pipe in hand, enjoying a cozy Christmas evening with Madame Maigret. After all, even Inspector Maigret deserves an occasional night off.
November 3, 2021
Some of the stories I enjoyed a lot and others not so much. Simenon writes psychological mysteries and I wasn't in the mood for some of the intense situations.
May 31, 2013
I have not been a great fan of Maigret novels in the past, but I discovered this book of short stories several years ago and it has made it to my top tier of mystery books. Inspector Maigret, being French, does not provide high action or speed deductions, but instead spends alot of time soaking up atmosphere in cafes having various drinks and nibbles while he contemplates the criminal mind. He is more a student of the human condition, and as such understands a great deal about crime that way. The nearest comparison I might make is that he is a non-clerical version of Chesterton's Father Brown.
These stories all center around mysteries that occur around Christmas. There is a great deal of sweetness and gentleness in the stories, especially in how Maigret treats and cares for the lowest and most vulnerable. I like Madame Maigret very much, and laugh at the gentle back and forth between Madame Maigret and her husband. She tries to take good care of him but he does not think much about taking care of himself. The story "The Evidence of the Altar Boy" is very sweet as Madame Maigret tries to take care of her sick husband. Maigret is anxious for Madame Maigret to leave and oversee the cooking of vegetable broth, because he gets someone to retrieve his pipe (he thinks best smoking his pipe) and to sneak a drink of rum while she is out.
My favorite story in the book is "Seven Little Crosses in a Notebook", which actually does not feature Maigret at all but instead another inspector and a night operator named Lecoeur. Lecoeur has worked for many years as the night operator, watching the map of Paris and taking calls from the different police stations around the city as they report various incidents. He is a man easy to overlook, unmarried and possessing no hobbies other than his meticulous noting of crimes committed in Paris over the past years while he has watched from the operations center of the Police Department. Crimes he has kept track of for years in his little notebook. Lecoeur has often wondered when something will happen that will involve people he knows, and a location that he is familiar with. This story is the story of that time, and is one of the most suspenseful stories I have ever read.
***SPOILERS***
On Christmas Eve, taking an extra duty watch to allow others to spend time with their families, Lecoeur notices a series of call boxes have been "tripped" in fairly rapid succession. These call boxes are usually activated when a person breaks the glass, then picks up the phone and calls for help from the police. The on-call operator then sends help from the closest police station. But the odd thing here is that no one is stopping to speak into the phone but seems to be running quickly to the next call box. Why is this? Why can't the person stop and tell him what kind of help he needs?
Lecoeur then realizes that the call boxes are in a neighborhood he knows, one where his widowed brother and 10 year old nephew live. The tripping of the call boxes almost makes him think that someone he knows is trying to get his attention. In the mean time, a grisly murder is discovered, exactly in the same location as the activated call boxes.
With his intimate knowledge of the neighborhood, his understanding of his brother (who is out of work but does not want to admit that to his son), and his empathy with his 10 year old nephew, Lecoeur is able to deduce and actually prove that his own nephew probably witnessed the grisly murder and was sending a message for help in the only way he knew.... by contacting his uncle, whom he knew always watched the call boxes during the night. He is sending a cry for help! But is he chasing the murderer? Or is the murderer chasing him? What do they do when the call boxes stop being tripped?
At this point I was almost chewing one of the couch cushions in agony as I tried to imagine what would happen to the boy. How will they find him? Will it be too late?
This short story would be FANTASTIC as a film, and I can't understand why it hasn't been snapped up and filmed. I hope that at some point it is, I'd love to see it!!
These stories all center around mysteries that occur around Christmas. There is a great deal of sweetness and gentleness in the stories, especially in how Maigret treats and cares for the lowest and most vulnerable. I like Madame Maigret very much, and laugh at the gentle back and forth between Madame Maigret and her husband. She tries to take good care of him but he does not think much about taking care of himself. The story "The Evidence of the Altar Boy" is very sweet as Madame Maigret tries to take care of her sick husband. Maigret is anxious for Madame Maigret to leave and oversee the cooking of vegetable broth, because he gets someone to retrieve his pipe (he thinks best smoking his pipe) and to sneak a drink of rum while she is out.
My favorite story in the book is "Seven Little Crosses in a Notebook", which actually does not feature Maigret at all but instead another inspector and a night operator named Lecoeur. Lecoeur has worked for many years as the night operator, watching the map of Paris and taking calls from the different police stations around the city as they report various incidents. He is a man easy to overlook, unmarried and possessing no hobbies other than his meticulous noting of crimes committed in Paris over the past years while he has watched from the operations center of the Police Department. Crimes he has kept track of for years in his little notebook. Lecoeur has often wondered when something will happen that will involve people he knows, and a location that he is familiar with. This story is the story of that time, and is one of the most suspenseful stories I have ever read.
***SPOILERS***
On Christmas Eve, taking an extra duty watch to allow others to spend time with their families, Lecoeur notices a series of call boxes have been "tripped" in fairly rapid succession. These call boxes are usually activated when a person breaks the glass, then picks up the phone and calls for help from the police. The on-call operator then sends help from the closest police station. But the odd thing here is that no one is stopping to speak into the phone but seems to be running quickly to the next call box. Why is this? Why can't the person stop and tell him what kind of help he needs?
Lecoeur then realizes that the call boxes are in a neighborhood he knows, one where his widowed brother and 10 year old nephew live. The tripping of the call boxes almost makes him think that someone he knows is trying to get his attention. In the mean time, a grisly murder is discovered, exactly in the same location as the activated call boxes.
With his intimate knowledge of the neighborhood, his understanding of his brother (who is out of work but does not want to admit that to his son), and his empathy with his 10 year old nephew, Lecoeur is able to deduce and actually prove that his own nephew probably witnessed the grisly murder and was sending a message for help in the only way he knew.... by contacting his uncle, whom he knew always watched the call boxes during the night. He is sending a cry for help! But is he chasing the murderer? Or is the murderer chasing him? What do they do when the call boxes stop being tripped?
At this point I was almost chewing one of the couch cushions in agony as I tried to imagine what would happen to the boy. How will they find him? Will it be too late?
This short story would be FANTASTIC as a film, and I can't understand why it hasn't been snapped up and filmed. I hope that at some point it is, I'd love to see it!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2021
Disappointing book. Some of the stories were incomplete as well.
June 24, 2016
I only read "Maigret's Christmas", included in another short-story anthology.
Inspector Maigret is approached by some neighbors when a little girl says that Santa Claus visited her room.
Maigret figures out who the man might be and arrests the woman who is the aunt of the little girl.
Inspector Maigret is approached by some neighbors when a little girl says that Santa Claus visited her room.
Maigret figures out who the man might be and arrests the woman who is the aunt of the little girl.
January 15, 2015
This is a volume of eight longish short stories and one shortish novel well described by other reviewers. I enjoyed this one much more than the other short story book: Maigret's Pipe. The novel: Maigret in Retirement is absolutely superb. The short stories are also excellent, particularly Seven Little Crosses In A Notebook which actually doesn't feature Maigret at all but is set in his world.
What a genius this man Simenon was!
What a genius this man Simenon was!
December 6, 2016
Great collection of Maigret stories, not all are Christmas related. Simenon is one of those rare birds, an author who writes intelligently, who creates interesting characters, writes great plots and the writing flows easily, making his books a joy to read.
December 7, 2024
Read this with my book club on a Christmas theme. The version I read had three stories - Maigret's Christmas, Seven Crosses in a Notebook, and The Little Restaurant in Les Ternes. I have read one previous Maigret novel - Pietr the Latvian - so I knew a bit what to expect.
The first story (the only one with Maigret in it has the detective contacted by his neighbours about a girl getting a visit from Father Christmas who was tried to take up the floorboards, the second is about a man working in the police HQ tracking a murderer and his nephew as they pursue each other across Paris and the last one is about a prostitute who witnesses a suicide and then tries to prevent a younger girl like her from falling into the life she has. These aren't really heartwarming Christmas stories but they are set at Christmas and do actually touch on Christmas type themes of family, love and giving etc.
As with the other Simenon book I read the style is sparse, the author rarely really gets into the character's heads and there is a grim reality of working class Paris, crime, and poverty. That sparing style can be quite beautiful at times but the focus is much more on the plot, the crime and how it is solved (with the exception of the last story). I think my favourite was the middle story as it felt more dramatic and had a plot that really sped to a dramatic conclusion but I also enjoyed the other two tales as well. We had an interesting chat as to whether it might be better to read some longer Maigret novels to get a better sense of Simenon's work and allow him to develop the crime solving nature of his detective stories in a bit more depth.
Nonetheless, this was still a good read, with some interesting parts to it, and we all agreed (which is unusual) that we thought it was a solid three out of five rating as far as we were concerned.
The first story (the only one with Maigret in it has the detective contacted by his neighbours about a girl getting a visit from Father Christmas who was tried to take up the floorboards, the second is about a man working in the police HQ tracking a murderer and his nephew as they pursue each other across Paris and the last one is about a prostitute who witnesses a suicide and then tries to prevent a younger girl like her from falling into the life she has. These aren't really heartwarming Christmas stories but they are set at Christmas and do actually touch on Christmas type themes of family, love and giving etc.
As with the other Simenon book I read the style is sparse, the author rarely really gets into the character's heads and there is a grim reality of working class Paris, crime, and poverty. That sparing style can be quite beautiful at times but the focus is much more on the plot, the crime and how it is solved (with the exception of the last story). I think my favourite was the middle story as it felt more dramatic and had a plot that really sped to a dramatic conclusion but I also enjoyed the other two tales as well. We had an interesting chat as to whether it might be better to read some longer Maigret novels to get a better sense of Simenon's work and allow him to develop the crime solving nature of his detective stories in a bit more depth.
Nonetheless, this was still a good read, with some interesting parts to it, and we all agreed (which is unusual) that we thought it was a solid three out of five rating as far as we were concerned.
January 22, 2018
A short story for Simenon fans
This is a novella and a quick read, being only five chapters long, but it is good to welcome back familiar characters, and particularly in this story that of Maigret’s wife.
It starts early morning on Christmas Day. Maigret and his wife are visited by two women who are their neighbours. What they have to say starts an immediate investigation and one that unusually is conducted from the famous detective’s Paris apartment.
This is a rather bleak insight into the home life of Maigret. The couple is childless and this has left an emptiness in their existence, particularly in Madame Maigret’s. For the detective, there is always his work and he is restless without it, so when a case falls into his lap over the Christmas holiday he is only too happy to plunge straight in. What follows is a complicated and unexpected crime in need of solving fast because he learns that a small child is in danger. As always Simenon keeps the reader in suspense and in this story there is a moving twist at the end.
Reading a Maigret is rather like putting on your favourite coat. It is a familiar world and this one does not disappoint, even if it does have a sentimental side to it which I found a little unsettling. However, it is a must for all Simenon fans - although readers new to him might find this detective a bit dated. It is very much the Paris of the Fifties.
Recommended.
Jane
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
This is a novella and a quick read, being only five chapters long, but it is good to welcome back familiar characters, and particularly in this story that of Maigret’s wife.
It starts early morning on Christmas Day. Maigret and his wife are visited by two women who are their neighbours. What they have to say starts an immediate investigation and one that unusually is conducted from the famous detective’s Paris apartment.
This is a rather bleak insight into the home life of Maigret. The couple is childless and this has left an emptiness in their existence, particularly in Madame Maigret’s. For the detective, there is always his work and he is restless without it, so when a case falls into his lap over the Christmas holiday he is only too happy to plunge straight in. What follows is a complicated and unexpected crime in need of solving fast because he learns that a small child is in danger. As always Simenon keeps the reader in suspense and in this story there is a moving twist at the end.
Reading a Maigret is rather like putting on your favourite coat. It is a familiar world and this one does not disappoint, even if it does have a sentimental side to it which I found a little unsettling. However, it is a must for all Simenon fans - although readers new to him might find this detective a bit dated. It is very much the Paris of the Fifties.
Recommended.
Jane
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
August 4, 2019
Maigret's Christmas, at least the copy that I have, is a shorter novel and not a collection of short stories.
Maigret is surprised on Christmas Day with a visit from two women who live across the street from him. One of them has a daughter who has had a strange visitor during the night, someone dressed as Father Christmas. This visitor has given the child a doll and apparently also attempted find something hidden under the floor boards. Who was it? What were they looking for? Maigret is impelled to resolve the mystery.
Maigret is surprised on Christmas Day with a visit from two women who live across the street from him. One of them has a daughter who has had a strange visitor during the night, someone dressed as Father Christmas. This visitor has given the child a doll and apparently also attempted find something hidden under the floor boards. Who was it? What were they looking for? Maigret is impelled to resolve the mystery.
February 9, 2021
9 short stories featuring Chief Inspector Maigret.
This book included some of my favourite works of Simenon so far. Delightful tidbits - long enough to immerse yourself in but short enough to finish a story wanting more. These 9 stories really capture the world that Maigret inhabits and makes me wish I was able to travel to France right now. While I enjoy reading about this enigmatic, shrugging Inspector, he's not my favourite detective, but the scene Simenon sets is so strong and rich that I can't put this series down.
This book included some of my favourite works of Simenon so far. Delightful tidbits - long enough to immerse yourself in but short enough to finish a story wanting more. These 9 stories really capture the world that Maigret inhabits and makes me wish I was able to travel to France right now. While I enjoy reading about this enigmatic, shrugging Inspector, he's not my favourite detective, but the scene Simenon sets is so strong and rich that I can't put this series down.
December 8, 2025
I grabbed this at a thrift story excited to find it as a seasonal read given the name.
Sadly, it is not an Xmas collection -- only one is set in the season.
Secondly among the stories 2 are good, most not.
I had read Maigret books were on par with Sherlock Holmes -- but for me -- NOT even close.
Definitely disappointed.
Sadly, it is not an Xmas collection -- only one is set in the season.
Secondly among the stories 2 are good, most not.
I had read Maigret books were on par with Sherlock Holmes -- but for me -- NOT even close.
Definitely disappointed.
December 9, 2025
Nine not quite unsentimental stories that, at best, have a incidental relationship to Christmas. Inspector Maigret immerses himself in the day-to-day doings of the characters in these human dramas as he doggedly moves from clue-to-clue in his inexorable search for the truth. Great mysteries, if lacking in Yuletide spirit.
December 29, 2022
Short stories featuring Maigret. Like any grouping of stories; there are some that are better than others. The only thing I was struck by was Maigret didn't seem to treat his wife as kindly or lovingly as he does in the longer stories, and she seemed more dithery in these.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2024
I have discovered an addiction to Maigret, sadly as I've come to the last available for me to read (for the time being). Gently mysterious, usually concerning a body (or two) and absorbing and familiar. I must say, I didn't like the idea of Maigret being retired.
August 27, 2017
great suspense, nice twist
December 13, 2018
Nine great mysteries centered in and around Paris.
January 8, 2021
Simenon never disappoints--especially with Maigret. You just have to be in the right mood, however. He specializes in character and atmosphere. 1940s-50s Paris and its environs. Slower moving than stories of today. Still enjoyable. Not all of the stories are Christmas related, and one story isn't a Maigret story, he never appears. Still a very good story though.
This was my second reading of this book. Every few years I like to revisit it. So, I guess that says something . . .
I can't find it now, but one reviewer mentioned the story with the napkins kept in cubbyholes for regular customers of a restaurant. She said something like "gross, but cool, or quaint" or something like that. It struck me as odd (not the comment--that was dead on) about the napkins. My thoughts exactly. And then I thought, maybe the regulars do take the napkins home and wash them periodically. I hope. It's one of those little known, surprising and inexplicable nuggets of history that gets lost in time and forgotten. Loved it. Surprised me when I read it. And the reviewer's response was hilarious!
This was my second reading of this book. Every few years I like to revisit it. So, I guess that says something . . .
I can't find it now, but one reviewer mentioned the story with the napkins kept in cubbyholes for regular customers of a restaurant. She said something like "gross, but cool, or quaint" or something like that. It struck me as odd (not the comment--that was dead on) about the napkins. My thoughts exactly. And then I thought, maybe the regulars do take the napkins home and wash them periodically. I hope. It's one of those little known, surprising and inexplicable nuggets of history that gets lost in time and forgotten. Loved it. Surprised me when I read it. And the reviewer's response was hilarious!
Read
August 26, 2022Summer Reading Bingo Square: Book in Translation.
Library copy has 405 pages so not sure what story is on the last 15 pages.
Library copy has 405 pages so not sure what story is on the last 15 pages.
March 22, 2023
I completely love these detective stories! More on: Bookwinked at:https://bookwinked.wordpress.com/2023...
December 26, 2024
Very pleasant. Much more of a cosy sort of crime than Maigret can get involved in.
I’ve read these before, but listened to them in the hills with the dog this time round.
I’ve read these before, but listened to them in the hills with the dog this time round.
January 17, 2019
tread-read. well played. (some stories evoked Pogo's turtle friend's name)
November 19, 2025
1. Maigret's Christmas --3⭐
2. Seven Little Crosses in a Notebook --4⭐
3. Maigret and the Surly Inspector --3⭐
4. The Evidence of the Altar Boy --4⭐
5. The Most Obstinate Customer in the World --4⭐
6. Death of a Nobody --3⭐
7. Sale by Auction --2´5⭐
8. The Man in the Street --5⭐
9. Maigret in Retirement--4⭐
2. Seven Little Crosses in a Notebook --4⭐
3. Maigret and the Surly Inspector --3⭐
4. The Evidence of the Altar Boy --4⭐
5. The Most Obstinate Customer in the World --4⭐
6. Death of a Nobody --3⭐
7. Sale by Auction --2´5⭐
8. The Man in the Street --5⭐
9. Maigret in Retirement--4⭐
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