The Crime of the Boulevard

"The Crime of the Boulevard" by Jules Claretie is a crime novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around the shocking murder of M. Rovère, a reclusive lodger whose body is discovered by his landlady, Mme. Moniche. As the story unfolds, the reader is introduced to M. Bernardet, a police officer who takes a keen interest in unraveling the mystery behind the murder, his determination fueled by both professional curiosity and personal ambition. At the start of the novel, the scene is set with the frantic discovery of M. Rovère's corpse, which has been brutally murdered. M. Moniche rushes to summon M. Bernardet, who arrives and quickly deduces that the case may be more complex than it appears. He is portrayed as a diligent character, balancing his familial obligations with his investigative duties. The narrative introduces elements of suspense and inquiry as Bernardet begins to piece together Rovère's life, the secrets he may have harbored, and the identity of the murderer, all while grappling with innovative theories about crime investigation through photography and its potential to reveal hidden truths.