Mystery of Orcival

In this pioneering detective novel, the murder of a wealthy countess in the small village of Orcival sets off an intricate investigation led by the sharp-witted detective Lecoq. As secrets unravel, motives are revealed, and unexpected twists arise, Lecoq must navigate through a web of lies, betrayal, and hidden connections to uncover the truth. Gaboriau's novel is a masterful blend of suspense and early forensic science, laying the groundwork for modern detective fiction.
Émile Gaboriau (1832-1873) was a French novelist, journalist, and a pioneer of modern detective fiction. The Mystery of Orcival is set in 1860s France.