Le spectre de M. Imberger

Retired Paris police inspector Barfin revisits the most perplexing case of his career: the sudden disappearance of Monsieur Imberger, a wealthy collector obsessed with antique door knockers. He lived in a quiet Passy hôtel with his striking, much‑younger wife Andrée and a wayward nephew, Maxence, who had just been taken in after years of reckless travel. The night Imberger vanished, he had reluctantly attended a masked ball, a setting that seemed to unnervingly clash with his temperament. Barfin’s account blends procedural detail with personal obsession, inviting listeners into the fog‑laden streets of 1920s Paris.

Through Barfin’s seasoned eyes we glimpse the fragile bonds inside the household: Andrée’s beauty hides insecurity, while Maxence’s flamboyant past adds tension. The investigation soon hints at hidden debts, jealous dealers, and secrets tied to Imberger’s prized collection. Yet even after decades of reflection, Barfin admits the mystery still resists a clear answer, leaving an unsettling sense of unfinished business. Listeners are drawn into a moody portrait of obsession, class, and the lingering shadows of a disappearance.