The Late Monsieur Gallet, Georges Simenon

One of my current audio quests is to go back to the beginning of the Inspector Maigret series and work my way through. THE LATE MONSIEUR GALLET is the third book in the series, so it was particularly interesting to note how firmly the characteristics of Maigret are established already. His tendency for reflection and observation, and his dogged determination are all on display as he works to solve the baffling case of the travelling salesman with a mystery in his background.

That Monsieur Gallet's death came as a shock to his family, and the people of the small town where his body was found, goes without saying. The postcard, sent after he supposedly died, to his wife is not easily explained, as is the location in which he was found, and it turns out, his background as a travelling salesman, and his reputation as a fine, upstanding family man.

Old-fashioned in approach (this was originally published in 1931), Maigret's style of investigation relies on following a victim's pathway in life. He accumulates stories and clues, talking to witnesses, people in the various locations he finds himself, drawing out a timeline, and the facts as he goes. He's one of the "lateral thinking" detectives of that era - relying on a cerebral, rather than physical approach, although he's not above sending colleagues running if deemed necessary.

The reflective nature of the character is perfectly echoed in the narration style - which is gentle, almost mesmeric at times, meaning that the sense of Maigret assessing the consequences of solving the crime is gently delivered and somehow more pointed as a result. He's aware that the repercussions will affect more than the murderer this time around, and his consideration for others is low-key, somewhat formal and stiff, just as you'd expect from a character like him, and all the more touching because of it.