L'affaire Lerouge

''L'Affaire Lerouge'' by Émile Gaboriau is a detective novel written in the mid-19th century. The story centers around the mysterious death of the widow Lerouge, who is found murdered in her home, prompting a police investigation led by a diligent magistrate and his aides as they seek to uncover the truth behind her tragic demise. The narrative unfolds through the initial gathering of witnesses and detectives, establishing a gripping atmosphere that hints at complex interpersonal dynamics and societal themes. At the start of the novel, a group of concerned villagers approaches the police after the widow Lerouge goes missing, culminating in the discovery of her lifeless body in a disordered home. As the investigating officers arrive, they encounter a scene marked by violence, with signs of a struggle and theft, leading to the implication of foul play rather than a mere robbery. The police begin to piece together the widow's life, revealing scant information about her past and potential motives for her murder, indicating this case may be entwined with broader secrets and possibly implicating notable figures from her past. Through the perspective of various characters, the narrative expertly builds suspense while exploring the themes of crime, perception, and justice.