The story revolves around a wealthy businessman, Monsieur Lerouge, who disappears mysteriously. His wife reports him missing to the police, and an investigation ensues. The case becomes complex when a decomposed body is found in a forest, which is later identified as Lerouge's. Suspicion falls on his wife and her lover, but they have solid alibis. The detective, Monsieur Leco, takes over the case and uncovers a web of deceit, revealing that Lerouge was murdered by his nephew, who had been embezzling funds from his uncle's business.
By Emile Gaboriau · First published 1866 · Genre: Detective Fiction, Mystery, Crime Fiction · 20 chapters