Ever wonder what people read before Sherlock Holmes? Meet Emile Gaboriau, a French writer who was a master of the mystery genre in the 1860s. Les amours d'une empoisonneuse (which translates to The Loves of a Poisoner) is a fantastic example of his work, full of the kind of twists and social drama that still feel fresh today.

The Story

The story kicks off with a shocking death in high-society Paris. The wealthy and recently widowed Madame de Trémorel is found poisoned. All eyes turn to her beautiful and enigmatic live-in companion, Hortense. She had the means, the opportunity, and—according to the vicious Parisian rumor mill—a motive. But as the dogged police investigator, Monsieur Lecoq, starts digging, he finds a tangled web of debts, hidden pasts, and dangerous liaisons. The real question becomes: who in this glittering circle of suspects is actually telling the truth?

Why You Should Read It

Forget the infallible genius detective for a moment. What I love about this book is watching Lecoq piece the case together through old-fashioned legwork, witness interviews, and forensic details of the time. It feels real. Gaboriau also has a sharp eye for how society works—how gossip can condemn someone as quickly as evidence, and how money and status can create the perfect mask for a criminal. Hortense is a fascinating character, not just a suspect; you're constantly wondering if she's a victim, a villain, or something in between.

Final Verdict

This book is a must for any mystery fan who wants to visit the roots of the genre. It's perfect for readers who enjoy historical settings with real grit, complicated characters, and a puzzle that keeps you guessing. If you like Wilkie Collins or Arthur Conan Doyle, you'll see where they got some of their best ideas. Just be ready for some deliciously dramatic 19th-century flair!