File No. 113, originally published in 1867 as Le Dossier no 113 by Emile Gaboriau, is a pioneering detective novel that introduces us to the world of Monsieur Lecoq, a brilliant and unconventional detective. Here's a breakdown of the central mystery:
- The Crime: The story revolves around the seemingly impossible theft from a secure bank safe. The bank employs a two-key system, with one key held by the owner and the other by the trusted manager.
- The Suspects: The limited number of suspects creates a baffling situation. Either the bank owner or the manager must be responsible, yet both seem above suspicion.
- Enter Monsieur Lecoq: The police, initially baffled, call upon the unorthodox detective techniques of Monsieur Lecoq. Lecoq is known for his keen observation skills, his ability to see beyond the obvious, and his willingness to employ disguises and cunning tactics.
- Unraveling the Mystery: Lecoq meticulously examines the crime scene, scrutinizes the alibis of the suspects, and delves into the personal lives of those involved. He might notice seemingly insignificant details that hold the key to the case.
- The Twist: As the investigation progresses, a surprising revelation comes to light. The culprit might not be who everyone initially suspects, and the method of the robbery may be more ingenious than anyone imagined.
File No. 113 is considered a landmark detective novel for several reasons:
- Birth of Lecoq: It introduces Monsieur Lecoq, who paves the way for future fictional detectives like Sherlock Holmes.
- Focus on Observation: The story emphasizes the importance of meticulous observation and logical deduction in solving crimes.
- Procedural Elements: It lays the groundwork for some procedural elements we see in modern detective fiction, such as crime scene examination and suspect interviews.
The novel is a thrilling whodunit that keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
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