Pietr the Latvian

Georges Simenon · 1903–1989 · Belgium

Originally Pietr-le-Letton (French)

Why it matters

Inspector Maigret's first case establishes the method that would run through seventy-five novels: patient, humane observation over deduction. The birth of one of crime fiction's most enduring detectives.

At a glance

Brisk, unadorned prose typical of classic detective fiction.