Monsieur Lecoq — Volume 1: L'enquête

A detective novel likely written during the late 19th century. The story revolves around the initial investigation of a brutal triple murder that occurs in a notorious Parisian bar and focuses on the experiences of the principal detective, Lecoq, who is a young and aspiring member of the police force, navigating the complexities of crime and his own duties. The opening of the book sets a dark and suspenseful tone as we are introduced to a group of police officers led by the experienced inspector Gévrol, who patrols the bleak, dangerous streets of Paris on a cold night. They respond to screams coming from a bar called La Poivrière, only to discover a chaotic scene filled with carnage and confusion. Several suspects are immediately scrutinized, including a battered and bloodied man claiming innocence, as well as the elusive women who were present at the scene. The young agent Lecoq, seeking to prove himself, develops a keen interest in the details of the case and begins to piece together clues that point to deeper ties between the various characters involved, prompting a thorough investigation that promises intrigue and complexity as the plot unfolds.