Maigret in Vichy

Maigret is fifty-three years old and overworked, with no sensational cases to alleviate the oppression of paperwork. He shows symptoms of mild malaise, so his doctor prescribes a holiday at Vichy, where he will do as others do and take the cure. The Chief Superintendent submits meekly to three weeks of a strict diet, lots of walking, no wine or beer - and glass after glass of mineral water. Nor does he vary his healthy regime and touching companionship with Madame Maigret when a murder occurs. Nonetheless, Maigret does consent to consult a bit with the local police. The victim is a woman he and Madame Maigret have seen several times on their strolls: a woman who was always alone, always dressed in lilac, and who never spoke to, or looked, at anyone. The extreme isolation of Hélène Lange intrigues Maigret. She had no visitors or friends, and there are no photos in her parlor, except of herself! She does, however, have a sister, although they appear not to be in touch. When Francine Lange shows up for the funeral, she turns out to be a flashy type. But Maigret notes the same cold eyes that he saw in the victim. It's wonderful to see Maigret keeping in the background, yet nonetheless nudging the investigation in the right direction. And the solution of the mystery is quite poignant.

Maigret has been ordered to take the healing mineral waters at a famous city, giving him the opportunity to observe the investigation of a local crime and, naturally, solve it. Simenon's strong points are characterization and a vivid sense of locale, rather than a bang-up, surprise ending, but he gives us a neat little mystery here that unfolds at the end almost like a Christie. We also get to see much more of the pleasant, gentle Madame Maigret, and the sweet relationship of the Maigrets. My favorite of the series, even without Lucas, "fat" Torrence, and the whole gang back at Quai des Orfevres.