What are the best Simenon novels?

One of the best is 'Maigret Sets a Trap'. It's a classic in the Maigret series, with great character development and an engaging mystery.

Well, 'The Snow Was Black' is among the best. It has a noir - like atmosphere that grips the reader from the start. The story unfolds in a rather bleak setting, and the characters are full of contradictions. 'The Heart of a Man' is also a great Simenon hard novel. It shows his ability to dig deep into the human psyche. And don't forget 'Maigret in New York', which takes the beloved detective to an exciting new location and presents a challenging case for him to solve.

Some of his best novels include 'Maigret Sets a Trap'. It's a great example of his detective fiction skills with Inspector Maigret being the central character. The plot is full of twists and turns that keep the readers engaged.

Simenon's best novels often have complex characters. For example, in many of his detective stories, the suspects are not one - dimensional but have deep - seated motives and troubled pasts.

I think 'The Man Who Watched Trains Go By' is among the best. It delves deep into the psyche of its main character. Simenon's writing is so evocative that you can really feel the character's sense of alienation and his slow descent into a world of moral ambiguity. It's a novel that makes you think long after you've finished reading it.

A very good one is 'The Heart of a Man'. In this novel, Simenon really gets to the heart of male insecurities and desires. He tells a story that is both relatable and thought - provoking. His use of language is simple yet powerful, which makes the reading experience really enjoyable.

The characters are a key factor. His characters are complex and multi - dimensional. Take Inspector Maigret again. He's not just a detective solving crimes. He has his own quirks, his own way of thinking, and his relationships with other characters are nuanced. This makes the story more than just a simple mystery.

They typically have a strong sense of place. Simenon was very good at creating vivid settings that almost become characters in themselves. Whether it's a small French village or a big city, the location plays an important role in the story.

Another one is 'Pedigree'. This novel explores different themes like family secrets and human nature. Simenon has a unique way of delving into the characters' psyches. His writing often gives a very detailed and nuanced view of the people in his stories, making his novels both engaging and thought - provoking.

For beginners, 'Maigret and the Pickpocket' is a good start. It's easy to follow and gives a good introduction to Maigret's character and his investigative style. Another one is 'The Strange Case of Peter the Lett'. It has an interesting plot that will draw you in without being too complex. 'The Bells of Bicêtre' is also a great choice. It has a bit of mystery and shows Simenon's talent for creating an engaging story.