Maigret struggles to crack a victim's uncooperative family to uncover the truth behind his murder in book fifty-three of the series.

Maigret is called to the home of the Lachaume family where the eldest brother has been found shot dead. On Maigret's arrival the family close ranks and claim to have heard nothing at the time of the murder. Maigret must pick his way through the family's web of lies, secrets and deceit as well as handle Angelot, a troublesome new breed of magistrate who has waded into the case. The black sheep of the family, Veronique, finally gives Maigret the break he needs when she reveals the financial woes of the family and the depths to which they have sunk to salvage their reputation.