Customer Reviews

Monsieur Lecoq (French Edition)

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Monsieur Lecoq stumbles upon the case that will make his career, if he is able to expose the identity of a murderer whose intelligence and savoir faire exceeds that of his pursuers. A fledgling police officer with high aspirations, Lecoq struggles with rivalry and jealously within the police force as well as his own inexperience. Unlike much early detective fiction, this novel shows its sleuth in his humble beginnings, dramatizing the making of the detective. Lecoq's criminal past and status as policeman make him an interesting detective figure. Although the novel is a little lengthy, the pace is energetic. The twists and turns of the plot and the foibles of Lecoq and his assistant keep the reader engaged. Those who enjoy classic detective fiction and a good plot (and don't mind a lengthy read without closure), and who are interested in the stories that influenced writers such as Arthur Conan Doyle, will appreciate this early work.

I found Gaboriau to be actually superior to Conan Doyle in many ways. He develops characters more deeply and his world comprehensively spans the different social levels of the city of Paris and the French police, prison and court systems in a way the insular Holmes never experienced. The reader can't help but suffer along with the rather manic/depressive ups and downs of fortune of the brilliant Lecoq. This book includes the real first' consulting detective, whom Lecoq goes to for aid toward the end of the novel. And it's not really the end, because, though I haven't read it yet, the novel is continued in the next book, "The Honor Of The Name", which if you can't buy, you can read at gutenberg.com. Incidentally, although Lecoq reminds me of a young Napoleon, the character is said to be based on the story of a real life criminal turned policeman, Francois Vidocq. He wrote an autobiography which would be most interesting, "Les Vrais Mémoires de Vidocq". Once you read "Monsieur Lecoq" you will undoubtedly become entangled in a heated 'Holmes/Lecoq is better' discussion with every bibliophile you meet.

Doyle's immortal detective Sherlock Holmes mentions Lecoq derisively in his first literary appearance, "A Study in Scarlet", but it is evident that Lecoq was one of the major influences of AC Doyle, (along with Poe's Dupin and a certain professor Doyle had) and with good reason. I have long searched for something to compare to Dupin or Holmes, but not until Lecoq have I found it. In my opinion, not even Sayers, Christie, or Chesterton are equal to this great trio.

Monsieur Lecoq is written exceedingly well, and a psychological element makes each character breathe. You almost feel Lecoq's ambition and his hopes as they rise and fall and then rise again. His "Watson" is a drunk, and he faces not only the criminals but also the inner politics and petty jealousies of his colleagues. Somehow placing the story in Paris, and just saying "Rue ___" really gives it as much character as London's fog would have.

This probably would have been my favorite full-length detective novel, except it just doesn't end here. You are strung along and the story is not resolved. Also, there is a character somewhat like Mycroft or Nero Wolfe who strangely only makes his appearances in the final pages. And although he gives some good advice, he also finds one very impractical fault with Lecoq: namely, that he should have checked all the clothing stores in Paris, to match a set of clothes from a chest, which all seems impossible for one or two men to do, epescially in a city as big as Paris.

Despite these glaring flaws, it is still pretty good.