'The father of contemporary European detective fiction' Ann Cleeves 'Maigret looked at him in some confusion, wondering if he waas dealing with a skilful actor or, on the contrary, with a sickly little man who found consolation in a subtle sense of humour.' A series of anonymous letters lead Maigret into the wealthy household of an eminent laywer and a curious game of cat and mouse with Paris high society. 'His artistry is supreme' John Banville 'One of the greatest writers of the twentieth century' Guardian