Maigret's Boyhood Friend

On a calm day in mid-summer, Maigret receives a visit from a former schoolmate whose detailed account of a murder he has witnessed leaves Maigret curiously puzzled.

As the Superintendent reflects on the story his friend has told him, he compares the mature man with his memories of the boy. While some clues point to his friend as the murderer, Maigret remains doubtful.

"As usual, while other writers flail away at huge lumps of story and end up with rhinestones, Georges Siminon works small and produces a diamond." (Saturday Review)