Maigret takes over as author and gives a rare glimpse into the legendary character’s psyche

I can still see Simenon coming into my office the next day, pleased with himself, displaying even more self-confidence, if possible, than before, but nevertheless with a touch of anxiety in his eyes … He trumpeted these last words as if they were a sensational discovery. ‘Making it seem truer than life, that’s the crux of it. Well, I’ve made you truer than life.