When the young, pregnant Germaine disappears, it doesn't take long for the suspects to be found: a Flemish family is accused because... Yes, why exactly? Because the Flemish merchants in the French town of Givet are outsiders and wealthier than the rest of the village community? Or is it because the son of the family had an affair with the young woman but has a better match in sight? Maigret is tasked with restoring the family's reputation. Maigret's 14th case takes place in Givet, a small town in the Ardennes, on the French-Belgian border.