Emile Gaboriau's A Thousand Francs Reward is a classic French detective novel set in the late 19th century. The story follows Monsieur Lecoq, a brilliant detective, as he investigates a series of mysterious murders. The novel begins with the murder of a wealthy banker, Monsieur de Breulh-Faverlay. Lecoq is called in to investigate the case and soon discovers that the banker was killed for a large sum of money. He also discovers that the murderer is a man named Jacques Dollon, who is now on the run. Lecoq is determined to catch Dollon and offers a reward of one thousand francs for anyone who can provide information leading to his capture. This leads to a series of clues and false leads, as Lecoq follows the trail of Dollon across France. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, including a mysterious woman who may be connected to the case. As the story progresses, Lecoq discovers more about Dollon's past and his motivations for the murder. He also discovers that Dollon is not the only one involved in the crime. In the end, Lecoq is able to bring the criminals to justice and the reward is paid out. A Thousand Francs Reward is a classic detective novel that is sure to keep readers guessing until the very end. With its intricate plot and memorable characters, it is a must-read for fans of the genre.
By Emile Gaboriau · First published 1873 · Genre: Mystery, Crime Fiction, Thriller · 5 chapters