The Mystery of Orcival

Name: The Mystery of Orcival
Author: Emile Gaboriau

The story revolves around a mysterious crime committed in the countryside of France. A wealthy farmer named Toussaint Hochelieu is found dead near his farm, and the main suspect is his nephew, Hector de Colvet. However, the investigation reveals that Hector has an alibi, and the case becomes more complex. The detective, Monsieur Lecoq, is tasked with solving the crime. Through a series of clues and deductions, Lecoq uncovers a web of deceit and hidden relationships among the characters, ultimately revealing the true culprit behind Toussaint's murder.

By Emile Gaboriau · First published 1872 · Genre: Detective Fiction, Mystery, Crime Fiction · 28 chapters · 129,301 words

First lines

On Thursday, the 9th of July, 186-, Jean Bertaud and his son, well known at Orcival as living by poaching and marauding, rose at three o'clock in the morning, just at daybreak, to go fishing.

Taking their tackle, they descended the charming pathway, shaded by acacias, which you see from the station at Evry, and which leads from the burg of Orcival to the Seine.

What this Textopian page supports

The Mystery of Orcival is listed on Textopian as a novel by Emile Gaboriau, dated 1872 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Emile Gaboriau
Date: 1872 CE
Language: English
Genres: Detective Fiction, Mystery, Crime Fiction, Thriller, French Literature
Length: 129,301 words
Structure: 28 chapters, 3,210 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Detective Fiction — The plot revolves around a murder investigation led by a detective.
Mystery — The story is centered on solving a mysterious crime.
Crime Fiction — The narrative involves criminal activities and their resolution.
Thriller — The book contains suspenseful and thrilling elements.