Strangers in the House- Georges Simenon

This book centers on Loursat, a middle aged 'loser' who has become more reclusive and lonely since his wife abandoned him and their infant daughter eighteen years ago. Although he is a successful lawyer, his life essentially revolves around lounging in a chair and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
One evening he hears a gunshot in his house and discovers a man dead. As he becomes involved in the ensuing investigation, first as a witness of sorts, then as the defendent of the accused, he uncovers what has been going on right under his nose (events that also involve his reserved, distant daughter Nicole). The novel is set in mid 20th century France (when it was published originally) and the writing in this book is wonderful. It truly evokes a sense of the small(ish) town, complete with it's own politics, familial relationships and town characters.
Overall, I truly liked-loved this book; Simenon does a particularly good job of creating and fleshing out the character of Loursat- who even though he is a pathetic kind of guy, also has a deep character to him with many layers. I also liked the fact that there is not a necessarily happy ending; even though Loursat is able to refelct on his life and his vices and gain a sense of perspective, he does not completely change or become reformed in his habits, a choice that in the end makes him that much more human and realistic. A great book- 4.5/5 stars.