Maigret, both victim and hero

The cover of the most recent paperback edition of Georges Simenon's Maigret's Pickpocket (1967) shows the interior of a small Parisian restaurant. This is a good choice, for much of the novel takes place in such a restaurant. Most of the witnesses in this murder case, as well as all of the suspects, eat and drink here most evenings.

The story begins when a young man picks Inspector Maigret's pocket on a bus. The stolen wallet includes his police badge. Yet the wallet is soon returned with nothing missing. The thief reveals himself and pleads with Maigret for his help.

Ricain is an impoverished, but apparently talented, man trying to break into the film industry. He tells Maigret that while he was out searching for someone to loan him some money, his wife, an aspiring actress, was murdered in their apartment. Although the husband is the most likely suspect, Maigret does not arrest him and, after the first day, does not even keep him under surveillance. He considers everyone a suspect — those men with whom Sophie had shared her sexual favors, jealous women, those who have loaned Ricain money.

As usual in Simenon novels, Maigret gathers information bit by bit, processes it silently and reveals all only after he has worked everything out in his mind. Readers hear the same clues but have no idea what is going in Maigret's head. Cases seem to be solved suddenly, rather than gradually, surprising all including the inspector himself.

This novel, which has a twist you won't find in many mysteries, is another winner for one of the most prolific of all mystery writers.