This is part of my Summer Reads series where I’ll be sharing book recommendations – a series of “not just cookbooks”.
This week’s Summer Reads choice is a nostalgic one for me – I read many of the Maigret series when I was in university studying French because they were easy-ish to read! Now, some 30 years later, here I am sharing lovely new editions of some favourites! For those of you who don’t know Maigret is a fictional character – a French police detective – created by Georges Simenon in 1931. Between 1931 and 1972, Simenon wrote 75 novels and 28 short stories featuring Maigret and his works have been translated into over 50 languages. Simenon’s writing is evocative and compelling. Compared to today’s mysteries and thrillers, Maigret books move a little more slowly but are no less enthralling!
From the publisher about The Maigret Capsule Collection:
A tasting menu of twelve hand-picked Maigret mysteries to delight and transport, from the busy boulevards of mid-century Paris to the misty canals of Vitry Le Francois, and the sumptuous chateaus of Saint-Fiacre, each one rich in suspense and atmosphere.
In the Maigret novels, place becomes a living presence – especially Paris, with its sophisticated bistros and echoing stairwells, where lives seamlessly intersect in smoke filled cafes, police stations and mysterious backstreets. Whether Paris, the eerie stillness of Vichy or the faded grandeur of a provincial town, Simenon draws each setting with such intimacy and texture, it becomes inseparable from the mystery itself.
(I couldn’t have said it better myself!)
These new editions of the 12 mysteries have modern, updated covers and new illustrations by Maria Picassó i Piquer and are the perfect way to dip your toes into the world of Maigret without needing to invest in 75 books (or the time to read all 75!). These are hand-picked as a tasting menu to give you an overview of Maigret’s world.
To get in the mood for the release of the Collection, I re-read Maigret’s Holiday this month!
From the publisher:
Inspector Maigret’s wife has fallen ill during their seaside holiday at Les Sables-d’Olonne. When he visits her in the hospital, he receives a strange note instructing him to see a patient in another ward. Soon he finds himself unexpectedly drawn into a quest to find justice for a young girl – and confronting an evil that is hidden in plain sight.
I mean, of course, Maigret cannot just go on holiday and relax – this is very much a busman’s holiday as nearly immediately Maigret gets caught up in a web of mystery. An enjoyable summer read (which will leave you wanting that crisp glass of white wine that Maigret is often indulging in!).
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Disclosure: I received a selection of the Maigret Capsule Collection in exchange for an honest review. I am not receiving any compensation for reviewing the book. Neither the publicist nor the publisher reviewed this post prior to publication. All opinions are my own.
Buy Maigret’s Holiday on Amazon (this affiliate link should bring you to the Amazon store in, or closest to, your country).
For free worldwide shipping, find Maigret’s Holiday on Blackwell’s.
Support your local Indie bookstore and purchase Maigret’s Holiday on Bookshop.org.
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Buy my books! In the French kitchen with kids and French Food for Everyone: le goûter (after school snacks), le dîner (dinner) and le petit déjeuner (breakfast) are out now! Click here for details and how to order!
Maigret was a popular TV series back in the day too … can’t remember the actor’s name but the Maigret character was a constant pipe smoker.