A gripping new translation of the first novel in the famous Inspector Maigret series What he sought, what he waited and watched out for was the crack in the wall. In other words, the instant when the human being comes out from behind the opponent . . . Who is Pietr the Latvian? Is he a gentleman thief? A Russian drinking absinthe in a grimy bar? A married Norwegian sea captain? A twisted corpse in a train bathroom? Or is he all of these men? Inspector Maigret, tracking a mysterious adversary and a trail of bodies, must bide his time before the answer comes into focus. The first book in the brand new Penguin Simenon series featuring brilliant renderings by some of today"s best translators from French, Pietr the Latvian introduces the intrepid Inspector to a new audience.