What makes a Simenon novel the best?

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.

One of the best is 'Maigret Sets a Trap'. It showcases Simenon's ability to create a vivid detective story. The character of Maigret is so well - drawn, and the atmosphere of the Parisian streets is palpable.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One of his well - known novels is 'Maigret Sets a Trap'. It showcases the detective Maigret's brilliant mind in solving a complex case.

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.

You can't go wrong with 'My Friend Maigret'. It gives more insights into the character of Maigret himself. It's not just about solving a crime, but also about the relationships and the world Maigret inhabits. The writing is engaging and makes you feel like you're right there in the story.