In the dark and melancholic atmosphere of late 1950s Paris, the renowned detective Jules Amedee Francois Maigret faces a mystery that challenges even his astute mind. The story begins when Maigret receives an unexpected call from the village of Saint-Fiacre, where the son of an influential family has returned. Upon arrival, he discovers the shocking death of the Countess of Saint-Fiacre, a woman both revered and feared in equal measure.
As he delves deeper into the investigation, Maigret finds himself navigating the complex web of relationships and secrets surrounding the local nobility. The atmosphere becomes tense as dark pasts and family grudges rise to the surface. The detective is forced to navigate between lies and uncomfortable truths, realizing that the case is not just a simple murder but a reflection of the old resentments that have marked the aristocracy.
Throughout his search, Maigret is aided by the villagers, who, while fearful of speaking out, have much to reveal. The investigation leads the detective to confront his own perceptions of justice and morality, questioning whether all crimes can be solved and if the past can truly be buried. With each revelation, the curtain lifts on human misfortune, leaving Maigret faced with a puzzle that could change everything.