The Hanged Man of Saint-Pholien is the third Maigret mystery by prodigiously prolific golden age author Georges Simenon. Originally published in 1931, selected books in the series are being reformatted and re-released by Macmillan on their Picador imprint. It's 144 pages and is available in this edition in paperback and ebook formats. (Other editions are available in other formats). It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
This series, and indeed Simenon's oeuvre are classic and deeply readable. It's certainly redolent of its time period (1930s, the golden age of detective fiction) and there are some dated references here, for example the inflexibly rigid class and social structures of the time period, deeply rooted sexism, racism, and classism.
That being said, the central mysteries still work and are subtly written and plotted, and the characterizations and settings are still as nuanced as when they were written. This is a classic series and it's nice to see it being reformatted in a new edition for collectors and a new audience.
The translation work by Dr. Linda Coverdale is precise, nuanced, and more or less seamless. The book, whilst redolent of the European cities/countries of the time, nevertheless doesn't read like literature in translation and happily doesn't joggle the reader out of their suspension of disbelief.
The books in general are melancholy and sometimes tragic, and this one is no exception. The clues, denouement, and resolution are fair play and satisfying (although quite sad). There's a strong sense of desolation, futility, and pervasive sadness. It's very well written, though.
Four stars. Wears its age quite well. Recommended for public library acquisition, home library, or a long binge/buddy read or book club selection.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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