Maigret and the Headless Corpse by Georges Simenon

Maigret and the Headless Corpse plunges readers into the grimy underbelly of Paris, where a decapitated body is discovered in a grimy hotel room. Inspector Maigret, the renowned detective, is called in to solve this baffling case. The victim is identified as a wealthy industrialist, but the motive for his murder remains elusive. As Maigret delves deeper into the victim's life, he uncovers a web of secrets and deceit that leads him to the truth./n/nThe novel is a classic example of Georges Simenon's mastery of the crime genre. Simenon's vivid descriptions and intricate plotting make this a compelling read for fans of mystery and suspense. The story is not just about solving a crime but also about understanding the human psyche and the darker aspects of society.

Reviews

Goodreads · 2026-02-15

worthwhile 3.80

The story is slow and repetitive, but the clever deductions and character development make it worth reading.

This review points out that the story can be slow and repetitive at times, but the clever deductions and character development make it a worthwhile read. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the characters and the intricate details that Simenon includes, which add layers to the narrative. Despite the pacing issues, the reviewer finds the book engaging and enjoyable, particularly for fans of the Maigret series. The use of dialogue and the telegraphic style are also noted as strengths.

Quick quotes

This makes for a slow, repetitive, pensive story despite Simenon's characteristic telegraphic style and heavy use of dialogue.

There are some clever deductions and a gradual development of the plot.

The story is slow and repetitive, but the clever deductions and character development make it worth reading.

BookerTalk · 2020-08-27

straightforward 3.50

The storyline is straightforward, focusing on Maigret's investigative process and the gradual unraveling of the mystery.

This review emphasizes the simplicity and clarity of the storyline, which allows the reader to focus on Maigret's investigative process. The gradual unraveling of the mystery is particularly praised, as it keeps the reader engaged without relying on complex or twisty plots. The reviewer appreciates the straightforward approach, which makes the book accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience. The character of Maigret is highlighted for his thoughtful and methodical approach to solving the case.

Quick quotes

As in so many of these books, the storyline of Maigret And The Headless Corpse is quite straightforward.

There are none of the twisty plots or convoluted storylines that can sometimes make crime fiction difficult to follow.

The storyline is straightforward, focusing on Maigret's investigative process and the gradual unraveling of the mystery.

Criminal Element · 2018-04-27

engaging 4.00

The book combines hard realities with gentle charms, making it a compelling read that is not overly cozy or rough.

This review highlights how the book manages to blend the harsh realities of crime with a certain charm that makes it engaging. It's not a typical cozy mystery, nor is it too gritty, striking a balance that appeals to a wide range of readers. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the story, which keeps the reader invested throughout. The pacing and character development are particularly noted for their effectiveness in driving the narrative forward.

Quick quotes

Like the best Maigret mysteries, it is a book that somehow manages to combine hard realities with gentle charms.

It's not a cozy. It's too rough for that.

It's a book that somehow manages to combine hard realities with gentle charms.

Appears in Lists

Georges Simenon and the Top 6 Maigret Mystery Novels