Superintendent Maigret isn't always in charge of a case. Sometimes cases are interesting but not truly in his jurisdiction. Sometimes he has to follow the protocols of a large and multi-levelled police department. And sometimes he has to deal with others in the department who are jealous of his distinction. In "Surly Inspector" he faces all three. A diamond dealer has been shot dead in the 18th arrondissement. While speaking to the emergency centre! Rushing to the scene, Maigret finds that the officer in charge of the case is Inspector Lognon - with a well known reputation for resentfulness when dealing with superiors. Can Maigret deal with Lognon and the murderer too?