A Crime in Holland

by Georges Simenon

ISBN: 978-0-141-39349-0

First published 1931

152 pages

Publisher: Penguin Classics

Translated by Sîan Reynolds

Cover photograph: Harry Gruyaert / Magnum Photos

5 / 5 Stars

Simenon describes Holland in such detail that you want to visit.

To visit the boatyards and the dykes, see the village halls and the footpaths, ride a push-bike to the nearest grocer.

Simenon describes Holland in such a meticulous and concise way, that the murder itself is almost an afterthought, a reason to describe the scene before him.

And the characters are true-to life, and as well drawn as the Dutch landscape. The silent seaman, the Professor, the widow, the lonely sister, the buxom young girl, the naive local Constable.

True Maigret, and every bit as enjoyable.