Masterful Tale of Murder and Intrigue

A masterful tale of murder and intrigue in a small French town, from the celebrated author of the Maigret series

Atmosphere and Setting

Not only had the rain in the dark streets, with a halo around each light and reflections on the ground, always given him a certain thrill, it also made it easier for him to move around.

It has been raining for twenty days in La Rochelle - ever since the first murder. Since then, five more bodies have been found. In the cafes, over card games, a quiet terror of the killer in their midst spreads through the little town. But unknown to anyone, Kachoudas, a poor, timid tailor, has discovered, quite by accident, who the murderer is. As a twisted cat and mouse game begins, Simenon''s chilling novel takes us into the darkness of the criminal mind.

Critical Acclaim

''Dark, disturbing ... Simenon discovered something fundamental about the soul'' Guardian