This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The Strange Case of Peter the Lett

   A Maigret Mystery

   

   This classic crime novel centers around a man named Peter the Lett, who is suspected of committing a series of murders in Paris. He is a foreigner, a loner, and has a mysterious past, which makes him the perfect suspect for the crimes. However, as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the truth is far more complex. The narrative delves into themes of identity, prejudice, and the nature of guilt and innocence, offering a psychological portrait of a man caught in a web of circumstances beyond his control.

   The 1510th Greatest Book of All Time

2. 2. Maigret And The Headless Corpse

   

   In this gripping detective novel, the discovery of a headless corpse in a Parisian canal sets Inspector Maigret on a complex investigation. Without a head to identify the victim, Maigret must rely on his intuition and methodical approach to uncover the identity of the deceased and the motive behind the murder. His investigation leads him through the bistros and back alleys of Paris, drawing him into the lives of the colorful characters who inhabit them. As Maigret delves deeper, he unravels a web of deceit and secrets, challenging his perceptions of guilt and innocence. The story is a masterful blend of suspense and psychological insight, showcasing the detective's relentless pursuit of truth.

   The 2915th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. The Madman Of Bergerac

   

   In this gripping detective novel, the protagonist, a renowned Parisian detective, finds himself embroiled in a perplexing case while on vacation in the French countryside. After being shot and wounded under mysterious circumstances, he wakes up in a local hospital, only to learn of a series of bizarre murders terrorizing the small town of Bergerac. Determined to solve the case, he delves into the lives of the town's eccentric inhabitants, uncovering dark secrets and motives. His investigation leads him through a labyrinth of deceit, culminating in a tense and unexpected confrontation with the cunning murderer. This story masterfully combines elements of mystery and psychological drama, showcasing the detective's sharp intellect and unwavering dedication to justice.

   The 3014th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Maigret And The Old Lady

   

   In this mystery novel, Inspector Maigret is called to a small coastal village in Normandy to investigate the suspicious death of a wealthy elderly woman. As he delves into the case, Maigret encounters a web of family tensions, secrets, and local gossip. The old lady's relatives, each with their own motives and alibis, complicate the investigation. Maigret's keen intuition and methodical approach gradually unravel the truth, revealing the unexpected dynamics within the family and the true circumstances surrounding the woman's death.

   The 3633rd Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. The Blue Room

   

   This novel delves into the complexities of human emotions and the consequences of illicit love affairs. Set in a small French town, it tells the story of a man who becomes embroiled in a passionate affair with a woman, not his wife. Their secret meetings in the titular "blue room" at a local inn lead to unforeseen tragedy and a subsequent investigation that unravels their lives. The narrative explores themes of guilt, betrayal, and the destructive power of secrets, as the protagonist is forced to confront the consequences of his actions in a society that is unforgiving of moral transgressions. Through a series of flashbacks and courtroom testimonies, the story reveals the dark undercurrents of seemingly ordinary lives, showcasing the author's skill in psychological depth and suspense.

   The 4638th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. The bells of Bicêtre

   

   The novel chronicles the life of a successful newspaper publisher who suffers a stroke and finds himself confined to a hospital bed, unable to communicate with the world around him. As he lies in his hospital bed, he is forced to reassess his life, his relationships and his own identity. The book explores themes of mortality, the meaning of life, and the complex nature of human relationships.

   The 5438th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. The Man Who Watched The Trains Go By

   

   The novel follows Kees Popinga, a respectable Dutch businessman whose life unravels after discovering his employer's financial fraud. As his stable existence collapses, Popinga impulsively flees to Paris, abandoning his family and embracing a life of crime and deception. Throughout his journey, he grapples with his identity and morality, transforming from a law-abiding citizen into a fugitive. The story delves into themes of existential crisis and the thin veneer of societal respectability, exploring how quickly an ordinary life can descend into chaos.

   The 5961st Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. Red Lights

   

   "Red Lights" is a psychological thriller that delves into the unraveling of an American couple's marriage against the backdrop of a road trip from New York to Maine. As they set out to pick up their children from camp, the husband's penchant for alcohol and the couple's underlying tensions escalate. After a series of bar stops and a fateful decision to pick up an escaped convict, the journey spirals into a nightmarish ordeal. The narrative explores themes of existential dread, personal responsibility, and the search for redemption, as the characters confront their inner demons and the consequences of their choices under the strain of extraordinary circumstances.

   The 9302nd Greatest Book of All Time

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9. 9. Dirty Snow

   

   Set in an unnamed, occupied city during wartime, the story follows Frank Friedmaier, a young man living in a morally decaying environment. He commits a senseless murder, which sets off a chain of events that lead him deeper into a world of crime and betrayal. As Frank navigates through his bleak existence, he becomes increasingly entangled in the oppressive atmosphere of occupation, reflecting on his own identity and the nature of evil. The narrative explores themes of alienation, guilt, and the loss of innocence in a society stripped of moral compass.

   The 11552nd Greatest Book of All Time

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10. 10. My Friend Maigret

    

    In this detective novel, the protagonist, a renowned French police inspector, finds himself under the watchful eye of a Scotland Yard official who has come to observe his methods. The story unfolds on the sun-drenched island of Porquerolles, where a small-time crook who claimed to be a friend of the inspector has been murdered. As the inspector delves into the case, he navigates through a colorful cast of characters and local intrigue, all while grappling with the pressure of being scrutinized by his English counterpart. The investigation leads him through a web of lies and secrets, challenging him to solve the crime while maintaining his professional composure under the unaccustomed scrutiny.

    The 14685th Greatest Book of All Time

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11. 11. Maigret And The Man On The Boulevard

    

    In this detective novel, the famed French inspector investigates the murder of a seemingly ordinary man found stabbed on a Paris boulevard. As the inspector delves deeper, he uncovers a life filled with secrets, including a double life involving a mysterious woman and a hidden apartment. The case challenges the inspector to navigate through layers of deception to uncover the truth about the man's life and death, revealing the complexities of human nature and the unexpected connections between people in the bustling city of Paris.

    The 15786th Greatest Book of All Time

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12. 12. The Engagement

    

    In this gripping psychological thriller, the story unfolds around a reclusive and enigmatic man named Mr. Hire, who becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation. Living in a small, tightly-knit community, Mr. Hire is an outsider, both feared and misunderstood by his neighbors. As the police close in, the narrative delves into the complexities of human nature, exploring themes of isolation, prejudice, and the thin line between guilt and innocence. With an atmosphere thick with tension and suspicion, the tale masterfully captures the essence of a man caught in a web of societal judgment and his own mysterious past.

    The 15786th Greatest Book of All Time

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13. 13. Maigret In Court

    

    In this gripping detective novel, Inspector Maigret finds himself in the courtroom, reflecting on his role in the investigation of a complex murder case. The story unfolds as Maigret testifies against Gaston Meurant, a seemingly ordinary man accused of brutally murdering his aunt and a young girl. As the trial progresses, Maigret grapples with the nuances of justice and the moral implications of his work, questioning the certainty of Meurant's guilt. The narrative delves into themes of truth, doubt, and the human psyche, showcasing Maigret's introspective nature and his commitment to uncovering the deeper layers of human behavior.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time

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14. 14. The Patience Of Maigret

    

    In this gripping detective novel, the seasoned and astute Inspector Maigret finds himself embroiled in a complex investigation that tests his legendary patience and intuition. Set against the backdrop of Paris, the story unfolds as Maigret delves into the mysterious world of a notorious crime family, unraveling secrets and piecing together clues with his trademark methodical approach. As he navigates through a web of deceit and betrayal, Maigret's unwavering determination and deep understanding of human nature lead him to uncover the truth, proving once again that patience is a virtue in the art of detection.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time

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