A Maigret Trio: Maigret's Failure, Maigret in Society, Maigret and the Lazy Burglar

Many years ago when I first encountered Simenon's Maigret, I was unimpressed. Now after reading and sometimes rereading the Maigret novels, I am a devoted fan. The Maigret novels are consistently good and do not get into a formula routine. I would say Maigret's strengths are his understanding (even sympathy) for the criminal and his ability to listen. The 3 novels in this book illustrate these talents. "Maigret's Failure" - Maigret is assigned to protect a wealthy businessman who claims his life is in danger. This man is from Maigret's childhood village. Maigret didn't like him as a boy and likes him less as an obnoxious arrogant tycoon. Maigret fears his dislike is affecting his ability. "Maigret in Society" - Maigret is assigned to a case where the victim and the most likely suspects are all in the highest levels of French society. Maigret and he feels ill in this new world with different rules. "Maigret and the Lazy Burglar" - Due to a reorganization of the police, Maigret cannot officially work on a murder case where the victim is a burglar he has known for years. Needless to say, he does indeed 'solve' the murder.