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Inspector Maigret #63
Maigret in de verdediging
Op een nacht wordt commissaris Maigret thuis opgebeld door een meisje dat hem luid snikkend en totaal in de war vertelt hoe ze bijna het slachtoffer van een aanranding geworden is. Hij gaat naar haar toe, hoort haar verhaal nogmaals aan en brengt haar zolang naar een hotel. Wanneer hij de volgende morgen op de Quai des Orfèvres komt, wacht hem een oproep van de prefect van politie, die een heel andere lezing van het nachtelijk gebeuren blijkt te hebben. En opeens staat Maigret op het punt van ontslagen te worden, drie jaar voordat hij zijn tot nu toe zo geslaagde loopbaan zou hebben verwisseld voor het leven van een rentenier. Hij gaat verplicht met ziekteverlof en mag niet proberen met het meisje in contact te komen, maar dat is voor een man als Maigret een onmogelijke eis waaraan hij zich dan ook beslist niet houdt. Gelukkig maar, want zo weet hij een man die zich al jarenlang schuldig maakt aan het plegen van strafbare feiten, te ontmaskeren vóor er nieuwe slachtoffers gevallen zijn.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1964
70 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
About the author
Georges Simenon
2,733 books2,288 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 100 reviews
December 13, 2024
It's one of the three best Maigrets I've read. This novel is already original because the supposed culprit is the superintendent himself. Significantly affected by the intrigue, because it is one, the investigation takes place quickly in concentrated writing, unlike modern novelists who write ten pages that can fit in five lines. Reading a good Simenon solves the problem of being uninspired for a new book or taking a break.
But here, we enjoy this story in Paris in the 1960s.
But here, we enjoy this story in Paris in the 1960s.
February 10, 2024
Maigret se Défend
Jules Maigret heads the Paris Police “Murder Squad.” He has been a Paris “policeman” for over 30 years coming up through the ranks. He is 52 and 3 years from retirement. He has impressed his particular style on his team, and this means that he doesn’t sit in his office just sending out others to investigate. He is often out of the office for long stretches trying to understand the mind of the criminal he is seeking.
Today he is thinking of his retirement. “He was nearly at Neung-sur-Loire, where the house was ready for them, his wife and him, with a garden he would cultivate just as his neighbors did, with flowers and the vegetables he would water peacefully at sunrise and sunset, with his fishing rods in the shed…” Why?
Because, for the first time in the many Maigret mysteries that I have read, he stands accused by a young woman and the Commissioner believes that there is enough to destroy his reputation and his career. But why? This is the puzzle.
For those who have read some of the (close to 100) Maigret stories, this one is a particular delight, because of his predicament. In fact, one of the best scenes is with a career criminal and the criminal’s young girlfriend in which Maigret as much as asks for his help and the girlfriend offers some important insights after mocking Maigret for several pages.
I can imagine this plot forming in Simenon’s mind and how tickled he became with it. All the things he might include with Maigret “in the block” and “prohibited” from using “his methods” by the “powers that be.” It works so well that the casual reader won’t find the twists intimidating and most Maigret “fans” will, as I was, be very happy that Simenon had some fun.
One of the best! 5*
Jules Maigret heads the Paris Police “Murder Squad.” He has been a Paris “policeman” for over 30 years coming up through the ranks. He is 52 and 3 years from retirement. He has impressed his particular style on his team, and this means that he doesn’t sit in his office just sending out others to investigate. He is often out of the office for long stretches trying to understand the mind of the criminal he is seeking.
Today he is thinking of his retirement. “He was nearly at Neung-sur-Loire, where the house was ready for them, his wife and him, with a garden he would cultivate just as his neighbors did, with flowers and the vegetables he would water peacefully at sunrise and sunset, with his fishing rods in the shed…” Why?
Because, for the first time in the many Maigret mysteries that I have read, he stands accused by a young woman and the Commissioner believes that there is enough to destroy his reputation and his career. But why? This is the puzzle.
For those who have read some of the (close to 100) Maigret stories, this one is a particular delight, because of his predicament. In fact, one of the best scenes is with a career criminal and the criminal’s young girlfriend in which Maigret as much as asks for his help and the girlfriend offers some important insights after mocking Maigret for several pages.
I can imagine this plot forming in Simenon’s mind and how tickled he became with it. All the things he might include with Maigret “in the block” and “prohibited” from using “his methods” by the “powers that be.” It works so well that the casual reader won’t find the twists intimidating and most Maigret “fans” will, as I was, be very happy that Simenon had some fun.
One of the best! 5*
October 29, 2021
Maigret e' alle prese con un intrigo che mira a screditarlo personalmente e a farlo dimettere dal la polizia, oltretutto l'accusa di cui e' fatto segno e' oltremodo odiosa e infamante. Per questa volta e' lui l'accusato, e' lui che deve rendere conto delle sue azioni e dei suoi spostamenti. Chi c'e' dietro la macchinazione? Anche per un investigatore navigato come lui il colpo al morale non e' da poco. In un'atmosfera che vira dal cupo disinganno del poliziotto che vede a rischio tutta la sua onorata carriera, allo scatto quasi feroce di chi, da braccato decide di tornare ad essere cacciatore, anche l'afa parigina di fine Giugno sembra diradarsi man mano che il commissario decide di uscire dal suo torpore e dare battaglia. Dialoghi perfetti e tesi, che si fanno leggere in apnea.
September 12, 2021
Maigret is accused of a seedy crime.
I’ve only read one previous Georges Simenon book (the non-Maigret ‘Monsieur Monde Vanishes’), which I found rather slow and dull. There’s just enough characterisation and incident here to be able to remove the word dull regarding this book, but nevertheless – even at only 155 pages – I also found it to be a rather slow affair, to the point that in the end I just felt like uttering a tired, “Ah well, there we are then.” A pity, as I felt it started well and has a few key scenes of interest, but overall there was a tired plod to it all. It no doubt reflects where the character of Maigret is in his life (three years from retirement), and no doubt exhibits the lumbering reality of a detective’s job. But still, given the nature of the accusations here, I think I’d have expected a tad more outrage from even the most knackered out of old cops, rather than the disgruntled annoyance displayed here. I'm not quite sure where the tension is supposed to be coming from, the worst possibility Maigret believes he faces is that he'll be forced into retirement three years early! No imprisonment! Maybe the earlier books are better?
I’m not giving up, I think I’ve yet to discover more of the Maigret character and his world, so I’ve ordered a couple more from the library (‘The Headless Corpse’ and ‘The Venice Train’). But I think I’ll be taking an excursion out of Paris to Parker or Block City first…
I’ve only read one previous Georges Simenon book (the non-Maigret ‘Monsieur Monde Vanishes’), which I found rather slow and dull. There’s just enough characterisation and incident here to be able to remove the word dull regarding this book, but nevertheless – even at only 155 pages – I also found it to be a rather slow affair, to the point that in the end I just felt like uttering a tired, “Ah well, there we are then.” A pity, as I felt it started well and has a few key scenes of interest, but overall there was a tired plod to it all. It no doubt reflects where the character of Maigret is in his life (three years from retirement), and no doubt exhibits the lumbering reality of a detective’s job. But still, given the nature of the accusations here, I think I’d have expected a tad more outrage from even the most knackered out of old cops, rather than the disgruntled annoyance displayed here. I'm not quite sure where the tension is supposed to be coming from, the worst possibility Maigret believes he faces is that he'll be forced into retirement three years early! No imprisonment! Maybe the earlier books are better?
I’m not giving up, I think I’ve yet to discover more of the Maigret character and his world, so I’ve ordered a couple more from the library (‘The Headless Corpse’ and ‘The Venice Train’). But I think I’ll be taking an excursion out of Paris to Parker or Block City first…
August 19, 2021
Un Maigret che viene colpito al cuore del suo onore, della sua rispettabilità, del suo lavoro. E che si difende con le unghie e con i denti per far recuperare la verità. Non tanto per gli altri, perchè chi è attorno a lui SA che la tela che si chiude attorno al commissario è fatta solo di una ragnatela impalpabile, ma per se stesso.
Esce fuori l'uomo, con i suoi sentimenti, le sue paure ma la sua grande determinazione.
Esce fuori l'uomo, con i suoi sentimenti, le sue paure ma la sua grande determinazione.
October 31, 2025
Tinham razão, André Gide e John Banville ao louvar os dotes de escrita de Georges Simenon.
É surpreendente como um escritor tão prolífico (segundo a Wikipedia escreveu cerca de 400 livros!) e conhecido principalmente como autor de policiais, um género normalmente considerado menor, produz histórias com tanta qualidade literária, para mais sem se alargar muito no número de páginas.
O caso criminal é mais do que um simples mistério a resolver, dando lugar a reflexões acerca da realidade histórica e social em que se passa a acção e os locais são evocados de forma tão vívida, que consegui imaginar o inspetor Maigret a caminhar pelas ruas de Paris como se estivesse a ver um filme - curiosamente, as imagens ocorriam-me sempre a preto e branco :D
Foram 148 páginas muito bem passadas, que só não levam as 5 estrelas porque teria gostado de uma caracterização psicológica mais aprofundada de alguns personagens secundários, algo que Simenon faz muito bem para os personagens principais.
É surpreendente como um escritor tão prolífico (segundo a Wikipedia escreveu cerca de 400 livros!) e conhecido principalmente como autor de policiais, um género normalmente considerado menor, produz histórias com tanta qualidade literária, para mais sem se alargar muito no número de páginas.
O caso criminal é mais do que um simples mistério a resolver, dando lugar a reflexões acerca da realidade histórica e social em que se passa a acção e os locais são evocados de forma tão vívida, que consegui imaginar o inspetor Maigret a caminhar pelas ruas de Paris como se estivesse a ver um filme - curiosamente, as imagens ocorriam-me sempre a preto e branco :D
Foram 148 páginas muito bem passadas, que só não levam as 5 estrelas porque teria gostado de uma caracterização psicológica mais aprofundada de alguns personagens secundários, algo que Simenon faz muito bem para os personagens principais.
March 4, 2024
“Maigret prese tempo. Non si era mai sentito così umiliato in vita sua e le dita stringevano talmente la pipa spenta che erano diventate bianche.”
Eh già, perché adesso l’accusato è proprio lui, Maigret, e l’interrogatorio che è costretto a subire a opera di un giovane arrogante pivello, che però si ammanta del titolo di questore, lo offende fino a desiderare di accogliere il non troppo velato invito del suo superiore a dare le dimissioni e ricorrere alla pensione anticipata.
Nessuno dei suoi fedeli collaboratori, né la dolce signora Maigret, e tantomeno gli affezionati lettori possono prestar fede all’accusa paradossale che una giovane di buona famiglia non ha esitato a pronunciare contro il celebre commissario.
Ma quale macchinazione stia dietro a questo assurdo imbroglio sarà suo compito svelare. Vincendo l’amarezza, lo sconforto e pure la rabbia che la sua reputazione sia compromessa e la sua onorevole carriera messa a repentaglio dalla chiacchiera balorda di una giovincella oziosa.
Maigret comincia dunque la sua ricerca aspettando che la rete lanciata apparentemente a caso verso acque infide riesca a intrappolare il grosso pesce che ha ordito l’inganno.
Le inconfondibili atmosfere parigine ci accompagnano, deliziandoci, lungo tutto il percorso.
Eh già, perché adesso l’accusato è proprio lui, Maigret, e l’interrogatorio che è costretto a subire a opera di un giovane arrogante pivello, che però si ammanta del titolo di questore, lo offende fino a desiderare di accogliere il non troppo velato invito del suo superiore a dare le dimissioni e ricorrere alla pensione anticipata.
Nessuno dei suoi fedeli collaboratori, né la dolce signora Maigret, e tantomeno gli affezionati lettori possono prestar fede all’accusa paradossale che una giovane di buona famiglia non ha esitato a pronunciare contro il celebre commissario.
Ma quale macchinazione stia dietro a questo assurdo imbroglio sarà suo compito svelare. Vincendo l’amarezza, lo sconforto e pure la rabbia che la sua reputazione sia compromessa e la sua onorevole carriera messa a repentaglio dalla chiacchiera balorda di una giovincella oziosa.
Maigret comincia dunque la sua ricerca aspettando che la rete lanciata apparentemente a caso verso acque infide riesca a intrappolare il grosso pesce che ha ordito l’inganno.
Le inconfondibili atmosfere parigine ci accompagnano, deliziandoci, lungo tutto il percorso.
January 28, 2019
This is an absorbing read that brings out the humanity of Maigret and demonstrates the genius of Simenon as a writer. It shows the need for and the strength of relationships with Madame Maigret, Lucus and Janvier and that a man’s reputation is worth more than life itself at times.
Not long after dinner with the Pardons when the good doctor asked him searching questions about criminal thinking and the evil they demonstrate. Maigret is faced with a situation which knocks him to the point of resigning as he is faced with someone who hates him so much he wants not only to remove him from a case but destroy his career.
In something akin to a honey trap Maigret has been left defenceless to claims of sexual impropriety which is driven by political considerations over police corruption. He is reduced to a guilty man in the eyes of his senior management and sworn to secrecy about these events to await a disciplinary hearing.
I loved the emotional roller-coaster the author takes Maigret in and its implications for his home life and authority at work.
Where others are quick to belief a whiff of scandal his most loyal inspectors who he confides in have no doubts and want to help. His wife is her ever supportive self but clearly worried by events.
The mystery of why someone has gone to such incredible lengths to discredit him is involved but also a symptom of human nature.
Maigret also keen to understand the motivation and psyche of those he brings to justice so desires that the reasons here are not driven by hatred. That he can clear his name while feeling empathy for his adversary may in the end resolve the case and answer the question Dr Pardon asks at the start of the book.
Not long after dinner with the Pardons when the good doctor asked him searching questions about criminal thinking and the evil they demonstrate. Maigret is faced with a situation which knocks him to the point of resigning as he is faced with someone who hates him so much he wants not only to remove him from a case but destroy his career.
In something akin to a honey trap Maigret has been left defenceless to claims of sexual impropriety which is driven by political considerations over police corruption. He is reduced to a guilty man in the eyes of his senior management and sworn to secrecy about these events to await a disciplinary hearing.
I loved the emotional roller-coaster the author takes Maigret in and its implications for his home life and authority at work.
Where others are quick to belief a whiff of scandal his most loyal inspectors who he confides in have no doubts and want to help. His wife is her ever supportive self but clearly worried by events.
The mystery of why someone has gone to such incredible lengths to discredit him is involved but also a symptom of human nature.
Maigret also keen to understand the motivation and psyche of those he brings to justice so desires that the reasons here are not driven by hatred. That he can clear his name while feeling empathy for his adversary may in the end resolve the case and answer the question Dr Pardon asks at the start of the book.
October 3, 2021
Amo tutti i libri di Simenon con protagonista l'ispettore Maigret, che ormai considero quasi un mio caro amico :-)
Questo l'ho trovato particolarmente bello ed interessante perché ci fa vedere un Maigret in difficoltà, in quanto ingiustamente accusato di un comportamento scorretto... che chi ben lo conosce sa che non avrebbe mai commesso!
Questo l'ho trovato particolarmente bello ed interessante perché ci fa vedere un Maigret in difficoltà, in quanto ingiustamente accusato di un comportamento scorretto... che chi ben lo conosce sa che non avrebbe mai commesso!
June 19, 2024
Strepitoso!!!
Per la prima volta Maigret è al centro di una indagine come sospettato!
Per la prima volta Maigret è al centro di una indagine come sospettato!
January 27, 2014
Viraggio L'unico appunto che posso fare a questo libro � che per apprezzarlo come merita bisogna leggersi prima i Maigret (se non tutti, almeno una buona parte) precedenti. Un piacere indubbiamente, ma sono una sessantina. Il passaggio del mondo, del milieu dalla delinquenza comprensibile all'anomica modernit� del male. Tutto cambia, il contesto, le regole, i moventi, tutto e cos� tanto da mettere Maigret fra le vittime collaterali. L'imbecillit� burocratica polimerizza, l'ignoranza ministeriale cristallizza, l'ignavia carrierista germoglia e in questo profluvio di disastri moderni in sviluppo la classe, l'onest� e pure la forza si trovano schernite e in minoranza. Sorgono seri indizi sul fatto che alla radice della criminalit� moderna ci sia eventualmente anche un himalayano errore. L'illusione conteporanea che la direzione sia un'abilit� a se stante e che non abbisogni di conoscenza del settore, in particolare nell'anticrimine. Qui avviene l'inizio del viraggio, dal giallo si intravede l'arrivo del noir. Si intravede perch� Maigret non sar� mai veramente solo, i pochi amici veri, la moglie e i colleghi sono sempre al loro posto ma si capisce che il serbatoio � quello: robusto ma al massimo con una ventina di litri, quello di una moto. Non di certo capiente come una diga religiosa, una cisterna positivista o un venturo monsone socialista e che "i nostri" non arriveranno pi�, non in massa perlomeno e mai gratis.
July 9, 2020
Egymás után két Maigret történetet olvastam most, és mindkettőben szerepet játszott a véletlenek furcsa összejátszása, valamint egy fogorvos is. :) Véletlen lenne?
Valaki csapdát állít Maigret számára, meggyanúsítják, szinte kihallgatják, sőt, még szeliden el is küldik némi betegszabadságra, amíg az ügy zajlik. Maigret persze makacs, és nem hagyja abba az ügy gombolyítását, saját szakállára tovább nyomoz a lány után, aki miatt ilyen slamasztikába került... De ennél jóval bonyolultabb a megoldás maga. Maiget-nek talán még a foga is megfájdul, ha a helyzet úgy kívánja, sőt, előkelő, modern táncklubba sem lenne rest beiratkozni a feleségével. Kiderül az is, néha veszélyes lehet az ablakban merengeni...
Remek kötet, nagyon élveztem Maigret-vel kutakodni, és összerakni a kirakós darabkáit. Sokszor meg is sajnáltam, amikor tehetetlennek, sőt feleslegesnek érezte magát, idegennek a saját irodájában.
Lapointe ebben pont szabin van! ... :D A sztori egyébként 2-3 nap alatt zajlik le, nagyon feszes tempójú, izgalmas és mozgalmas. :) Persze folyik benne a rengeteg alkohol is: sörök, fehérbor, ánizslikőr, szilvapálinka és még egy különleges mandarin-curacao likőr is előkerül. :)
Bővebben: https://pupillaolvas.blogspot.com/202...
Valaki csapdát állít Maigret számára, meggyanúsítják, szinte kihallgatják, sőt, még szeliden el is küldik némi betegszabadságra, amíg az ügy zajlik. Maigret persze makacs, és nem hagyja abba az ügy gombolyítását, saját szakállára tovább nyomoz a lány után, aki miatt ilyen slamasztikába került... De ennél jóval bonyolultabb a megoldás maga. Maiget-nek talán még a foga is megfájdul, ha a helyzet úgy kívánja, sőt, előkelő, modern táncklubba sem lenne rest beiratkozni a feleségével. Kiderül az is, néha veszélyes lehet az ablakban merengeni...
Remek kötet, nagyon élveztem Maigret-vel kutakodni, és összerakni a kirakós darabkáit. Sokszor meg is sajnáltam, amikor tehetetlennek, sőt feleslegesnek érezte magát, idegennek a saját irodájában.
Lapointe ebben pont szabin van! ... :D A sztori egyébként 2-3 nap alatt zajlik le, nagyon feszes tempójú, izgalmas és mozgalmas. :) Persze folyik benne a rengeteg alkohol is: sörök, fehérbor, ánizslikőr, szilvapálinka és még egy különleges mandarin-curacao likőr is előkerül. :)
Bővebben: https://pupillaolvas.blogspot.com/202...
February 14, 2025
این سیزدهمین کتاب از سری کتابهای مگره بود که خواندم، حالا مگره برای من تبدیل به یک دوست قدیمی شده، دوستی که به لطف سیمنون حتی همذات پنداری هم با او دارم. دردی که مگره توی این کتاب میکشید من را عذاب میداد. سیمنون تبحر عجیبی برای بررسی شرایط روحی-اجتماعی دارد. اینجا تمرکز روی خود مگره بود.
نکته مهم اینکه اگر دنبال کتاب پلیسی یا جنایی هستید، مگره از این جنس نیست، اگر دنبال این نوع کتابها هستید مگره شما را ناامید میکند یا در بهترین حالت این کتابها را ضعیف میدانید. اما اگر لایههای عمیقیتر روابط اجتماعی-انسانی را دوست دارید، حتما لذت میبرید
نکته مهم اینکه اگر دنبال کتاب پلیسی یا جنایی هستید، مگره از این جنس نیست، اگر دنبال این نوع کتابها هستید مگره شما را ناامید میکند یا در بهترین حالت این کتابها را ضعیف میدانید. اما اگر لایههای عمیقیتر روابط اجتماعی-انسانی را دوست دارید، حتما لذت میبرید
September 22, 2018
Em número de dias, este deve ser o livro de Simenon que mais tempo levei a ler - somente porque de segunda a quarta não consegui ler nadita do livro, e nos outros dias foi um pouco em "velocidade de cruzeiro". Porque fora isso é mais uma bela e fulminante aventura de Maigret, daquelas em que a escrita é realmente criativa, na descrição das personagens e dos ambientes, e que não tem um enredo feito às três pancadas.
August 12, 2016
Maigret, vicino alla pensione, si trova "incastrato" in uno strano caso in cui sembra lui il colpevole!
Un finale a sorpresa, risolto grazie all'intuito del nostro eroe, chiude in bellezza questa ennesima puntata che ho letto con molto piacere.
Da leggere! ;-)
Un finale a sorpresa, risolto grazie all'intuito del nostro eroe, chiude in bellezza questa ennesima puntata che ho letto con molto piacere.
Da leggere! ;-)
February 17, 2022
A different kind of Miagret in which Maigret has to investigate his own defence when framed for an abuse of his position, which results in an interesting case within a case, to go with a jewel gang needing to be apprehended.
Very fun and enjoyed this different take on the series.
Very fun and enjoyed this different take on the series.
March 4, 2016
One of the best Maigrets I've read. Sustained tension and a poignant ending.
June 13, 2017
هر آدمی مستعد آدمکش شدن هست، اگه برای این کار انگیزه کافی داشته باشد.
November 27, 2021
Another way to translate Simenon’s Maigret se défend is ‘Maigret on the defensive’: as a title it’s slightly more indicative of the Detective Chief Inspector’s state of mind, I think, than the more legalistic or pugilistic stance suggested by the version offered in Howard Curtis’s new translation. Because this policier is about two related psychologies — Maigret’s, and that of the unknown person who is trying to tarnish Maigret’s reputation and career — the resulting conflict does rather put him on the defensive.
When Maigret and his physician friend Dr Pardon discuss whether the policeman has ever come across a ‘truly wicked’ and spiteful criminal they are not to know that Maigret will soon feel such a person could exist when Maigret is deliberately placed in a compromising position, threatening to lead to his enforced early retirement.
But his usual patient detecting methods which eventually lead to criminal perpetrators being identified may have met their match when he comes up against entrenched privilege and influence; are he and Mme Maigret facing an uneventful sequestered life in Meung-sur-Loire in place of the metropolitan bustle they’ve become used to? Or will he go against his superiors’ express orders to get to the bottom of matter?
This 1964 novella has Maigret in his habitual haunts in the seedy underbelly of France’s capital, rubbing up against the likes of pimps and prostitutes, jewel thieves, backstreet abortionists and dishonest bartenders. But it also has him entering posh restaurants and investigating the private clubs of powerful influencers and nouveaux riches. These latter groups, seemingly untouchable by the law, lead Maigret to wonder whether he is facing the truly wicked or simply those closing ranks to defend their privileged status from prying eyes.
As always the inspector displays his sterling qualities in the face of obfuscation and dishonesty. He knows when to turn a blind eye, but also when to doggedly pursue a lead; above all he is interested in people and what makes them tick, often trying to imagine himself in their position to understand their motivations. And, because he is aware that little in life is either black or white, he is himself prepared to operate in the grey areas to help obtain a just, more equitable result.
In his personal life he prizes loyalty where his wife, his friends and his long term colleagues are concerned, and often extends that loyalty to the petty criminals he has known over the years. So it must seem unfair when his idiosyncratic procedures which customarily yield results are doubted, and his integrity and his immediate future targeted.
To say much more would be to risk massive spoilers, so I shall conclude by saying that this is a policier that satisfies on many levels, as a narrative, as a period piece and as a psychological puzzle. Whether it operates in a particular chronological period is unclear — Maigret, now three years off officially retiring at 45, is variously estimated as having been born anytime in the 1880s to the first decade of the 20th century — but such uncertainty only adds to its noirish quality. To give one example of that uncertainty: though cigarettes were recognised as the cause of the lung cancer epidemic in the 1940s and 1950s and those concerns are expressed here right at the start, the controversies raged around the habit well into the sixties (when this tale appeared) and of course well beyond. Curtis’s unobtrusive rendering nevertheless manages to keep up a suitable semblance of timelessness so such calculations.
When Maigret and his physician friend Dr Pardon discuss whether the policeman has ever come across a ‘truly wicked’ and spiteful criminal they are not to know that Maigret will soon feel such a person could exist when Maigret is deliberately placed in a compromising position, threatening to lead to his enforced early retirement.
But his usual patient detecting methods which eventually lead to criminal perpetrators being identified may have met their match when he comes up against entrenched privilege and influence; are he and Mme Maigret facing an uneventful sequestered life in Meung-sur-Loire in place of the metropolitan bustle they’ve become used to? Or will he go against his superiors’ express orders to get to the bottom of matter?
This 1964 novella has Maigret in his habitual haunts in the seedy underbelly of France’s capital, rubbing up against the likes of pimps and prostitutes, jewel thieves, backstreet abortionists and dishonest bartenders. But it also has him entering posh restaurants and investigating the private clubs of powerful influencers and nouveaux riches. These latter groups, seemingly untouchable by the law, lead Maigret to wonder whether he is facing the truly wicked or simply those closing ranks to defend their privileged status from prying eyes.
As always the inspector displays his sterling qualities in the face of obfuscation and dishonesty. He knows when to turn a blind eye, but also when to doggedly pursue a lead; above all he is interested in people and what makes them tick, often trying to imagine himself in their position to understand their motivations. And, because he is aware that little in life is either black or white, he is himself prepared to operate in the grey areas to help obtain a just, more equitable result.
In his personal life he prizes loyalty where his wife, his friends and his long term colleagues are concerned, and often extends that loyalty to the petty criminals he has known over the years. So it must seem unfair when his idiosyncratic procedures which customarily yield results are doubted, and his integrity and his immediate future targeted.
To say much more would be to risk massive spoilers, so I shall conclude by saying that this is a policier that satisfies on many levels, as a narrative, as a period piece and as a psychological puzzle. Whether it operates in a particular chronological period is unclear — Maigret, now three years off officially retiring at 45, is variously estimated as having been born anytime in the 1880s to the first decade of the 20th century — but such uncertainty only adds to its noirish quality. To give one example of that uncertainty: though cigarettes were recognised as the cause of the lung cancer epidemic in the 1940s and 1950s and those concerns are expressed here right at the start, the controversies raged around the habit well into the sixties (when this tale appeared) and of course well beyond. Curtis’s unobtrusive rendering nevertheless manages to keep up a suitable semblance of timelessness so such calculations.
October 3, 2022
Georges Simenon's Maigret Defends Himself is a particularly delightful Inspector Maigret novel. Someone is out to get Maigret, someone who is highly placed politically and who complains to the prefect of the Police Judiciaire that perhaps the Inspector has been on the force too long and should perhaps be put out to pasture. The book begins with Maigret being asked to met the prefect in his office. The young politico, a graduate of the Ecole Normal Superieur, criticizes his detective inspector for being too reliant on informers and doing by himself what he should be assigning to subordinates.
In essence, the complaint hints that Maigret took sexual advantage of the niece of the Master of Requests of the Council of State. The prefect hints that he would accept Maigret's offer to retire, as he is too old-fashioned anyway. (Old fashioned, perhaps, but highly effective.)
The Inspector decides he must defend himself, so he insubordinately attempts to find out who has it in for him. The news of this reaches the prefect, who instructs the commissioner of police to force Maigret to take a leave of absence until an investigation has taken place.
Does Maigret comply? No way. By keeping his eyes and ears open, Maigret suspects who it is that has it in for him and goes after the party.
This 1964 novel is one of my favorite Simenons, and there are many!
In essence, the complaint hints that Maigret took sexual advantage of the niece of the Master of Requests of the Council of State. The prefect hints that he would accept Maigret's offer to retire, as he is too old-fashioned anyway. (Old fashioned, perhaps, but highly effective.)
The Inspector decides he must defend himself, so he insubordinately attempts to find out who has it in for him. The news of this reaches the prefect, who instructs the commissioner of police to force Maigret to take a leave of absence until an investigation has taken place.
Does Maigret comply? No way. By keeping his eyes and ears open, Maigret suspects who it is that has it in for him and goes after the party.
This 1964 novel is one of my favorite Simenons, and there are many!
March 7, 2017
Rövidke kis történet, de hozza a hamisítatlan Maigret hangulatot. A párizsi füstös kiskocsmák és nagy bérházak lépcsőfolyosói mind megjelennek, ahogy azt Simenontól el is várjuk. Csavaros, kiszámíthatatlan, de nagyon jól felépített cselekmény. Élvezet volt olvasni! Kár hogy ilyen rövid...
November 27, 2019
La generosità di Maigret questa volta gli si ritorce contro:
per rispondere alla richiesta di aiuto di una giovane donna
esce di casa in piena notte e si infila in una trappola,
che si concluderà con una denuncia di moleste sessuali
da parte della ragazza.
A complicare ulteriormente la situazione,
la ragazza risulta essere figlia di un altro magistrato,
per cui il Commissario viene immediatamente
messo sotto inchiesta ed isolato, non potrà più
svolgere indagini finché non verra conclusa quella a suo carico.
Unica alternativa, le dimissioni.
Un Maigret umiliato accarezza l'idea di arrendersi,
ma il sostegno della moglie e l'appoggio dei suoi
più stretti collaboratori
lo inducono a resistere e a disobbedire.
Ma non riesce a capire chi possa essere tanto spaventato da una sua indagine
da concepire un meccanismo
così complesso e tortuoso per toglierselo dei piedi,
nessuna delle inchieste che ha in corso sembrano così importanti.
Non resta purtroppo che prendere in considerazione
la casualità.
Ci vorrà un po' di fortuna per capire
che la sua unica 'colpa'
è stata di essersi affacciato troppe volte alla stessa finestra.
per rispondere alla richiesta di aiuto di una giovane donna
esce di casa in piena notte e si infila in una trappola,
che si concluderà con una denuncia di moleste sessuali
da parte della ragazza.
A complicare ulteriormente la situazione,
la ragazza risulta essere figlia di un altro magistrato,
per cui il Commissario viene immediatamente
messo sotto inchiesta ed isolato, non potrà più
svolgere indagini finché non verra conclusa quella a suo carico.
Unica alternativa, le dimissioni.
Un Maigret umiliato accarezza l'idea di arrendersi,
ma il sostegno della moglie e l'appoggio dei suoi
più stretti collaboratori
lo inducono a resistere e a disobbedire.
Ma non riesce a capire chi possa essere tanto spaventato da una sua indagine
da concepire un meccanismo
così complesso e tortuoso per toglierselo dei piedi,
nessuna delle inchieste che ha in corso sembrano così importanti.
Non resta purtroppo che prendere in considerazione
la casualità.
Ci vorrà un po' di fortuna per capire
che la sua unica 'colpa'
è stata di essersi affacciato troppe volte alla stessa finestra.
May 13, 2014
Another excellent story from this master storyteller.
Maigret is accused of inappropriate behaviour with a young woman. Pressure from his superiors is being applied to try and force him to resign.
The reader is with Maigret all the way as he tries to find out who has it in for him.
As always, Simenon's ability to convey Maigret's emotions and thought processes and his descriptions of the people and places is just pure genius.
I finished this in one sitting but then it is rather short, only 128 pages.
Top notch and highly recommended.
Maigret is accused of inappropriate behaviour with a young woman. Pressure from his superiors is being applied to try and force him to resign.
The reader is with Maigret all the way as he tries to find out who has it in for him.
As always, Simenon's ability to convey Maigret's emotions and thought processes and his descriptions of the people and places is just pure genius.
I finished this in one sitting but then it is rather short, only 128 pages.
Top notch and highly recommended.
May 24, 2022
An engaging crime fiction novel where Maigret is under investigation for inappropriate behaviour. He is accused of being drunk and taking a drunk young rich girl to a hotel bedroom in the middle of the night. It was a set up and Maigret, unable to interview the young rich girl, must discover the truth by other means.
This Maigret novel is a little different in that there is no murder investigation.
This book was first published in France in 1964 and is the 63rd novel in the Maigret series.
This Maigret novel is a little different in that there is no murder investigation.
This book was first published in France in 1964 and is the 63rd novel in the Maigret series.
November 14, 2010
Davvero un bel Maigret, diverso dal solito.
Questa volta il commissario mentre sta indagando su una serie di furti di gioielli, si trova invischiato in tutt'altra faccenda.
Una faccenda che rischia di mandarlo in pensione prima del previsto...
In sostanza, un Maigret come al solito molto "psicologico".
Personaggi favolosi, ideati dalla straordinaria mente di George Simenon.
Questa volta il commissario mentre sta indagando su una serie di furti di gioielli, si trova invischiato in tutt'altra faccenda.
Una faccenda che rischia di mandarlo in pensione prima del previsto...
In sostanza, un Maigret come al solito molto "psicologico".
Personaggi favolosi, ideati dalla straordinaria mente di George Simenon.
August 17, 2025
This is the book that won me over to Georges Simenon's Inspector Maigret series. I really didn't like the first one I read (The Madman of Bergerac), and I probably underrated it because I did enjoy the writing — and I didn't understand the author like I do now after much more research. These are like Agatha Christie books: short, tightly constructed detective mysteries from a bygone era but grittier.
In this one from 1964, Maigret is framed by a young woman who accuses him of taking her to a cheap hotel room while she was drunk and being inappropriate with her.
The mystery itself — why it happened — is complex and makes perfect sense, but the book is really about the people and the time and a specific moral issue that I won't name because it's a spoiler.
This is a 4 star book, but I rate series titles against each other, and I have a feeling this one will be the benchmark against which I compare all others. That said, these books are not for a general audience but for fans of crime detective serials from all eras and perhaps French literature.
In this one from 1964, Maigret is framed by a young woman who accuses him of taking her to a cheap hotel room while she was drunk and being inappropriate with her.
The mystery itself — why it happened — is complex and makes perfect sense, but the book is really about the people and the time and a specific moral issue that I won't name because it's a spoiler.
This is a 4 star book, but I rate series titles against each other, and I have a feeling this one will be the benchmark against which I compare all others. That said, these books are not for a general audience but for fans of crime detective serials from all eras and perhaps French literature.
June 10, 2021
بگيد ببينم، مگره... سربازرس بعدها، اغلب، اين جمله ناتمام را به ياد مي آورد، ولي لحظه اي كه آن را شنيده بود، توجهي به آن نكرده بود. همه چيز برايش آشنا بود؛ دكوراسيون، چهره ها و حتي حركات اشخاص، آن قدر آشنا كه معمولا به آن توجهي نمي كرد. صحنه، در كوچه پوپنكور، حدود صد متري بلوار ريشار لونوار، در آپارتمان خانواده پاردون مي گذشت و مگره و همسرش چند سالي مي شد كه عادت داشتند ماهي يك بار براي شام به آن جا بروند.
May 27, 2021
Azok a furcsa véletlenek eszméletlen, hogy mit tudnak produkálni! Az egyik legizgalmasabb Maigret regény volt.
Valaki el akarja lehetetleníteni kedvenc nyomozómat, ráadásul úgy tűnik, hogy az a valaki a felsőbb körökben mozog. Maigret-nek még védekezni sincs esélye az ellene felhozott vádakkal szemben, nemhogy nyomozni. Persze, nem kell őt félteni.
Valaki el akarja lehetetleníteni kedvenc nyomozómat, ráadásul úgy tűnik, hogy az a valaki a felsőbb körökben mozog. Maigret-nek még védekezni sincs esélye az ellene felhozott vádakkal szemben, nemhogy nyomozni. Persze, nem kell őt félteni.
March 4, 2020
Having read books 1-63, sadly this has to be 63 in my list of favourites. I was tempted to give it 2 but felt that a little unfair, so a reluctant 3.
March 21, 2021
Simenon never fails to entertain and Maigret always impresses me with his acumen. And I enjoy all the Parisien references.
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