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