L'ami d'enfance de Maigret (Maigret's Boyhood Friend) Book

My monthly fix of Maigret.
Similar to a recent case; this time Maigret delays arresting his Childhood Friend, Florentin because although the circumstances point to his guilt there is no telling evidence.
The seasoned policeman is also struggling because of his loose connection with the suspect and that he is a pathological liar. A school boy clown, weak, never able to make a success of his life he has become something of a pathetic character.
He was the live-in 'lover' of the murdered victim. He was a kept man, but she was more of a character and had a series of lovers who gave her money for a relationship and sexual favours.
He claims a man called on Josée; he hid in the wardrobe and heard a gun shot. When he ventured out he found her dead. He panicked, interfered with the crime scene and when coming to his senses sought out his childhood friend and through himself on Maigret's mercy.
Looking at the case after the fact; presented with lies, half-truths and deliberate silence Maigret has to interview all the dead woman's "lovers" for one of them must have killed her.
Great story as Maigret is conflicted by his association with the prime suspect who he knows is being less than truthful. Yet in his heart he knows he did not kill her. He may be guilty of many things but he doubts he is a killer.
The case gets under his skin and much of the deduction goes round in his head with the probably truth always seemingly out of reach.
Instructive and wonderful insights into the relationship he has with his wife. Not without humour.
I loved one Sunday escape into the country which did little to clarify his thinking.
The Maigret series; the benchmark for police procedurals and that ace detective. So much pleasure reading each and everyone, like time spent with family and friends.