Maigret is a fictional character created by Belgian author Georges Simenon. He is a French police detective known for his calm demeanor and intuitive approach to solving crimes. The character first appeared in the novel "Pietr the Latvian" in 1931 and has since featured in over 75 novels and short stories. Set primarily in Paris, the Maigret stories often explore the psychological aspects of crime and the lives of the people involved. The detective's method involves understanding the motives and emotions of suspects, making him a unique figure in the genre of detective fiction.