Reading the Detectives discussion

Welcome to our July/August 23 buddy read of The Shadow Puppet aka Maigret Mystified / The Shadow in the Courtyard. This is the 12th in the Inspector Maigret series, first pusblished in 1932.

A gripping domestic tragedy starring Inspector Maigret and set in Simenon’s very own neighborhood

“One by one the lighted windows went dark. The silhouette of the dead man could still be seen through the frosted glass like a Chinese shadow puppet. A taxi pulled up. It wasn't the public prosecutor yet. A young woman crossed the courtyard with hurried steps, leaving a whiff of perfume in her wake.”

Summoned to the dimly-lit Place des Vosges one night, where he sees shadowy figures at apartment windows, Maigret uncovers a tragic story of desperate lives, unhappy families, addiction and a terrible, fatal greed.

Please do not post spoilers in this thread. Thank you.

There was nothing available in my library systems and 'had' to use one of my audible credits!

Just curious. I have read Simenon before but never this series. Is it necessary to have read previous books in the series before reading this one?

Franky wrote: "Just curious. I have read Simenon before but never this series. Is it necessary to have read previous books in the series before reading this one?"

Not in my opinion; I see no connection and Simenon wrote them so quickly it is hard to tell the 'correct' sequence.

I would say every one so far was a standalone. That may be part of the attraction.

I've just finished the first Maigret, Pietr the Latvian. I find the style very choppy although I appreciate this may also be increased by translation. I am a bit unresolved as to whether to continue with Maigret. I see that the general opinion is that they do not need to be read in order. Which are peoples favourite Maigrets?

Craftyhj wrote: "I've just finished the first Maigret, Pietr the Latvian. I find the style very choppy although I appreciate this may also be increased by translation. I am a bit unresolved as to wh..."

I only read some of Pietr the Latvian and didn't care for it, so I have not read another Georges Simenon. But I am still intrigued by the author's popularity, so I'd be interested to know what others think too.

My favourite Maigret is Rupert Davies ;)

But it's true in the sense that the old BBC series seems to be a lot more fun than the books. I've read a few of them with the Group, but don't usually enjoy them - there isn't usually much 'mystery' and the characters don't leap off the page - and when they do, I wouldn't like them to leap off the page into my house.

I like the Maigret's, mostly for the author's style, Maigret's moral character, and their concise length. In my opinion, the books don't vary much so choosing a favorite isn't easy.

I have dropped many authors others love.

I thoroughly enjoy the Maigret books. I agree with Sandy, they are short, concise, and have believable characters.

Sandy wrote: "There was nothing available in my library systems and 'had' to use one of my audible credits!"

I found the same, and decided to use an audible credit as well. I'm not very far in as yet but found it a gripping start.

I also really enjoy the books for their concise length and characters, and I think the plots are varied even though the slightly noir mood tends to be similar in those I've read so far. I'd also struggle to pick a favourite - I did like The Late Monsieur Gallet but that may just be the one that has stuck in my mind the most.

Craftyhj wrote: "I've just finished the first Maigret, Pietr the Latvian. I find the style very choppy although I appreciate this may also be increased by translation. I am a bit unresolved as to wh..."

Pietr the Latvian was the first Maigret novel. Simenon was finding his way with the Maigret character and the organization and operating procedures of the French police system. Things settle down a few novels into the series. I would suggest, if you are at all attracted to the Maigret character, that you stick with it for a while.