Maigret's Dead Man

by Georges Simenon
Maigret's Dead Man cover
Good Books rating 3.92
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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  • ID: 10990
  • Added: 2026-02-15
  • Updated: 2026-02-15
  • ISBN: 9780141981291
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2016-03-03
  • Reviews: 3

Maigret's Dead Man plunges readers into the gritty streets of Paris, where Inspector Maigret is drawn into a complex web of crime and deceit. The discovery of a dead man with one shoe missing sets the stage for a gripping investigation that leads Maigret through the city's underbelly. The novel is part of the renowned Penguin Maigret series, praised for its compelling storytelling and vivid characterizations. /n/n This book is the twenty-ninth in the series, showcasing Georges Simenon's masterful ability to craft intricate mysteries. The story is notable for its atmospheric setting and the psychological depth of its characters, making it a standout in the crime fiction genre. The novel was previously published under the title Maigret's Special Murder.

Reviews
windowthroughtime - WordPress.com · 2025-10-29
good 3.50

The book is a solid entry in the Maigret series, though it doesn't quite reach the heights of Simenon's best work. The plot is engaging but somewhat predictable.

This review highlights that while 'Maigret's Dead Man' is a good addition to the series, it lacks the depth and originality of some of Simenon's other works. The mystery is well-constructed, but the resolution feels somewhat formulaic. The reviewer appreciates the character study of the shiftless man, which adds a layer of complexity to the story. Overall, it's a satisfying read for fans of the series, but it doesn't stand out as a must-read.

Quick quotes

    By Simenon's standards this book, the twenty-ninth in his Maigret series, is a solid entry.

    The plot is engaging but somewhat predictable.

    The character study of the shiftless man adds a layer of complexity to the story.

Waterstones · 2025-03-20
brilliant 4.50

The book is a masterful psychological crime novel that delivers a pulsating character study of a man in over his head.

This review highlights the book as a masterful psychological crime novel, praising its pulsating character study of a man who is dangerously out of his depth. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the character development and the way Simenon explores the psychological aspects of crime. The story is engaging and keeps the reader hooked until the very end. The reviewer also notes that the book is a great addition to the Maigret series, showcasing Simenon's skill in crafting compelling narratives.

Quick quotes

    The master of the psychological crime novel delivers a pulsating character study of a shiftless man drifting dangerously out of his depth.

    The depth of the character development is impressive.

    The story is engaging and keeps the reader hooked until the very end.

Winstonsdad's Blog · 2017-01-01
great 3.75

The book is praised for its vivid portrayal of a man's descent into crime, though the pacing feels uneven at times.

This review commends the book for its vivid portrayal of a man's descent into crime, which is both compelling and tragic. The reviewer notes that the pacing can be uneven, with some parts feeling rushed while others drag. Despite this, the character development is strong, and the psychological depth of the story is impressive. The reviewer appreciates the way Simenon explores the motivations and inner turmoil of the characters, making it a thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    A chance find leads to a violent crime a Man with no real luck runs out of luck just as he has found the clue he wanted to give the Great.

    The pacing can be uneven, with some parts feeling rushed while others drag.

    The psychological depth of the story is impressive.

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