Fantômas

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27794

Title

Fantômas

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A gripping tale of terror featuring the enigmatic criminal Fantômas, who spreads fear through impossible crimes. Set in a provincial French château, the story follows a local magistrate and Inspector Juve as they hunt a master of disguise whose identity remains elusive, blending mystery with high-stakes suspense.

Summary up to 500 words

Set against the backdrop of the Chateau de Beaulieu, Pierre Souvestre and Marcel Allain's *Fantômas* opens with a chilling atmosphere as guests discuss the legendary phantom criminal. The tranquility is shattered when the hostess, the Marquise de Langrune, is found brutally murdered in her sealed bedroom. Inspector Juve and local magistrate M. de Presles investigate the inexplicable crime: the door was forced, yet the bolt was not wrenched as expected, and the victim's valuables were left untouched. Initial suspicion falls on the young guest, Charles Rambert, due to circumstantial evidence and his family's history, but Juve's forensic analysis reveals contradictions suggesting a more complex scenario. The investigation expands to include the mysterious disappearance of Lord Beltham, whom Juve also links to Fantômas. As the detectives delve deeper, they uncover a web of secrets involving the guests and servants, exploring themes of justice, the nature of crime, and the psychological toll of hunting a phantom adversary. The narrative highlights the elusive nature of Fantômas, who seems to be everywhere and nowhere at once, defying capture through clever disguises and impossible feats. The story culminates in a race against time to catch a criminal who operates with terrifying impunity, challenging the very foundations of law and order. Through detailed forensic examination, Juve deduces that the murder was a 'crapulous crime' committed by a strong, brutal individual, yet the lack of motive and the sealed room suggest a mastermind of unparalleled cunning. The novel builds tension as the authorities struggle to identify the true culprit, leaving readers to wonder if justice can prevail against such a formidable foe.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/27794.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg27794.epub

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Categories

• Fiction
• Mystery