Paris comes under siege when someone starts killing women on the streets one summer - and Maigret must hatch a plan to lure the murderer out.

'It was 4 August. The windows were wide open but brought no relief, since they allowed in even more warm air, which seemed to be rising from the melting tarmac, the burning hot stonework, and even the Seine itself: one could imagine the river steaming like a pan of water on a stove.'

Penguin is publishing the entire series of Maigret novels in new translations.

'His artistry is supreme' John Banville

'The most addictive of writers' Observer