Maigret Sets a Trap

It's not dames, blazing guns, nor exploding fists. It's a battle of wits, stake outs and interrogations that set Inspector Maigret at the top of his profession in a series of 88 books written by Simenon between 1930 and 1972; books that led to movies and a TV series. A good case could be made that Simenon was the Arthur Conan Doyle of his day and Maigret his Sherlock Holmes. Written in 1955, "Trap" presents a Jack The Ripper style serial killer who has evaded police for five months while stabbing and killing a woman per month. Following an after dinner discussion with a psychiatrist, Maigret forms a plan to trap the villain. The plan is put in motion, and seems to work. But did it? There has been another killing and the Inspector is beside himself with guilt. This is a fast paced read of 170 pages that seem to turn themselves. In Maigret, Simenon has created an interesting, consistent character with human traits and foibles that lend a great deal of believability to the story. A good-sized step above pulp fiction, the Maigret books are a pleasant way to spend a few hours.

The suprise ending makes you want to read more!