Penguin Classics The first Maigret novel in a gripping new translation by David Bellos launches the brand new Penguin Simenon 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 Peter the Latvian? Is he a gentleman thief? A Russian drinking absinthe in a grimy bar? A Norwegian sea captain with a wife and children? A twisted corpse in a train toilet? Or is he all of these men? In Simenon"s first novel featuring Inspector Maigret, the laconic detective is taken from grimy dive bars to luxury hotels, as he solves the strange enigma of Pietr the Latvian.