The Story

In a quiet Parisian neighborhood, a kind old man named Monsieur Mechinet is found murdered in his locked apartment. The door was bolted from the inside, the windows shut tight. The police, led by the baffled Inspector Gévrol, can't figure out how the killer got in or out. The case seems unsolvable.

Enter Tabaret, a cranky, elderly bachelor who lives nearby. He's not a detective; he's just a man with a sharp mind and nothing better to do. He starts poking around, noticing tiny details the police overlooked: a misplaced chair, the state of the victim's slippers, the strange behavior of a neighbor. Piece by piece, he reconstructs the crime, leading to a chase across Paris and a solution that's both clever and deeply human.

Why You Should Read It

Forget the infallible genius detective. Tabaret is my favorite kind of hero—he's irritable, he complains, and he solves crimes mostly out of spite for the official police's incompetence. Gaboriau writes a tight, fast-paced mystery that's really about observation. You feel like you're solving the puzzle alongside Tabaret, looking for the one clue that doesn't fit. The setting of old Paris is vivid without being overwhelming, full of gossipy neighbors and smoky cafes.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves a good, classic mystery. It's a must-read if you enjoy Sherlock Holmes or Agatha Christie, as this book helped pave the way for them. It's also great for readers who prefer clever plots over gore or action. At its heart, it's a story about an ordinary person using their wits to do something extraordinary, and that's always a satisfying read.