Where to start with Georges Simenon
Begin with the first Maigret novel, Le charretier de 'La Providence', published in 1931. This book introduces the detective in his early career and establishes the tone and method that define the series. Read the Maigret series in publication order to follow Simenon’s evolving portrayal of the character and his world. The series spans nearly six decades, with each book reflecting shifts in style and narrative focus. After completing the series, explore Simenon’s standalone novels, which include works such as The Crime at Lock 14, Tropic Moon, and Act of Passion. These offer distinct perspectives on human psychology and social conditions, often set in varied locations and times. The standalone novels are not connected to the Maigret series and can be read in any order.
Series by Georges Simenon
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Buy on Amazon1931 · Georges Simenon
In this novel by Georges Simenon, Maigret has only a faint idea of what he is dealing with when he arrives one May afternoon in Delfzijl, a small…
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Buy on Amazon1931 · Georges Simenon
The Sailors Rendezvous is a 1931 detective novel by Belgian writer Georges Simenon, featuring his character Inspector Jules Maigret. It is one of the…
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Buy on AmazonLe charretier de 'La Providence'
1931 · Georges Simenon
One rainy night, a canal worker discovers the strangled body of Mary Lampson near Lock 14. Her husband is curt and unmoved when Maigret questions him…
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Buy on Amazon1931 · Georges Simenon
Maigret investigates the case of a man sentenced to death for a violent murder. He begins a bold effort to prove the man's innocence. Along the way,…
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1931 · Georges Simenon
M. Gallet décédé (The Late Monsieur Gallet) is a 1931 detective novel by Belgian writer Georges Simenon, and the first novel featuring Detective…
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1931 · Georges Simenon
The Two-Penny Bar is a detective novel by Belgian author Georges Simenon, featuring the character Inspector Jules Maigret. The story centers on…
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Buy on Amazon1931 · Georges Simenon
The Gai-Moulin is a nightclub in Liege with crimson plush seats, wall mirrors, and marble tables. A jazz band plays as a couple dances and Adele…
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Buy on AmazonThe Crime of Inspector Maigret
1931 · Georges Simenon
Le Pendu de St Pholien is an early novel by Georges Simenon that follows Inspector Maigret as he unintentionally leads a man to suicide. Louis…
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Buy on Amazon1931 · Georges Simenon
A classic by Georges Simenon, this story follows Inspector Maigret as he investigates the death of a Jewish diamond-merchant whose body was found at…
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Buy on Amazon1931 · Georges Simenon
Maigret is in Rennes to reorganize the flying squad when he is called to Concarneau after Monsieur Mostaguen, a respected citizen, is shot dead while…
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Standalone books
Frequently asked questions
How many books has Georges Simenon written?
We list 79 books by Georges Simenon across 1 series, published between 1931–1985 — each shown in full reading order.
What order should I read Georges Simenon's books?
Read each series in publication order. A good place to start is “Un Crime en Hollande.” Open any series above for its complete numbered reading order.
Where can I buy Georges Simenon's books?
Every title links to Amazon from its series page — see our affiliate disclosure in the footer for how that supports the site.
Reading order compiled from author/publisher guidance and verified bibliographic data. Spotted a wrong order, a missing book, or any other mistake? and we'll correct it.