The Grand Banks Café

by Georges Simenon
The Grand Banks Café cover
Good Books rating 3.92
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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  • ID: 10989
  • Added: 2026-02-15
  • Updated: 2026-02-15
  • ISBN: 9780141976754
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2014-06-05
  • Reviews: 3

In 'The Grand Banks Café,' a photograph of a woman with her face obscured by red ink sets the stage for a complex mystery. The image, featuring a torso in a tight silk dress, hints at a story of anger and obsession. When Captain Fallut's body is found near his trawler, the sailors' whispers of the 'Evil Eye' add a layer of intrigue to the investigation. This novel is part of the Maigret series, reimagined with new translations, offering a fresh look at the beloved detective's cases. The story delves into the tight-lipped world of sailors and the superstitions that bind them, providing a rich backdrop for Maigret's sleuthing.

Reviews
Lady Book Dragon · 2022-05-19
enjoyable 3.50

The book starts with a humorous note, but the mystery is not very mysterious. The reviewer enjoys Simenon's character drawings.

The reviewer starts by mentioning how the beginning of the book had them giggling, with Maigret about to go on holiday and Mrs. Maigret finishing the packing. However, they found the mystery itself not very mysterious, relatively speaking. Despite this, they really like how Simenon draws characters and creates a vivid atmosphere. The reviewer appreciates the way Simenon builds his stories, even if the plot twists are somewhat predictable. They also note that the book is a quick read, making it enjoyable despite its shortcomings.

Quick quotes

    The start of the book had me giggling straight away.

    This mystery, however, was not very mysterious, relatively speaking.

    I really like how Simenon draws characters and creates a vivid atmosphere.

Criminal Element · 2018-01-24
gripping 4.00

The novel is gripping and set in an insular fishing community. The plot is engaging and keeps the reader hooked.

This review highlights how 'The Grand Banks Café' is a gripping novel set in a tight-knit fishing community. The atmosphere is richly depicted, and the plot is engaging, keeping the reader hooked throughout. The reviewer appreciates the way Simenon builds tension and suspense, making it a compelling read. They also note that the character development is strong, particularly in how Maigret navigates the complexities of the case. Overall, it's a well-crafted mystery that showcases Simenon's skill in creating immersive and thrilling stories.

Quick quotes

    The Grand Banks Café by Georges Simenon is the eighth book in the Inspector Maigret series, a gripping novel set in an insular fishing community.

    The story is compellingly done in under 160 pages.

    Simenon was unequalled at making us look inside ourselves.

Crime Review · 2015-05-08
compelling 4.25

Maigret is asked to investigate a murder in a fishing port, leading to a compelling case. The reviewer praises the atmospheric setting and character development.

In this review, Maigret is asked by an old friend to look into a murder case in the fishing port of Fécamp. The reviewer praises the atmospheric setting and the way Simenon develops his characters, particularly Maigret. They note that the case is compelling and keeps the reader engaged. The reviewer also appreciates the way Simenon builds tension and suspense, making it a thrilling read. Overall, they find the book to be a strong entry in the Inspector Maigret series, with a well-crafted mystery and rich character development.

Quick quotes

    Maigret is asked by an old friend to look into the case of a former pupil of his who has been arrested for murder in the fishing port of Fécamp.

    The story is compelling and keeps the reader engaged.

    Simenon was unequalled at making us look inside ourselves.

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