MAIGRET AND THE FORTUNETELLER

by Georges Simenon ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 7, 1989

Inspector Maigret of the Paris police is confronted here with the murder of fortuneteller Marie Picard--a death mysteriously foretold by timid real-estate clerk Joseph Mascouvin, who has since attempted suicide. Strangest aspect of the case is the presence in the murdered woman's apartment, behind a locked kitchen door, of Octave Le Cloaguen, a retired ship-doctor, now seemingly feeble-minded and barely articulate, His shabby clothes and hangdog fear of a cold, miserly wife arouse Maigret's sympathy--especially after it's disclosed that the doctor has a very substantial lifetime pension bestowed by a grateful patron. The enigma of the old man, however, is but one of many involved in the ease. Where does Mascouvin's pretty young sister Berthe fit in? Is there a connection to the Pretty Pigeon--a country inn on the Seine that's owned by Marie's friend Madame Roy, who discovered her body? All Maigret's intuition, experience, and patience are challenged to produce, eventually, an expos‚ of old wrongs, and the unmasking of a clever villain. A model of brevity, atmosphere, and suspense, this newly translated 1944 story can only enhance its author's formidable reputation.

Pub Date: July 7, 1989

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1989

Categories: FICTION