The Mystery of Orcival is a wonderful example of the brilliant methods of deduction which Emile Gaboriau's "Le Coq" inspired in future detective novels. When the body of the Countess de Tremorel is discovered by poachers on the castle grounds and the count is nowhere to be found, M. Lecoq of La Surete is dispatched by the Prefecture of Police to investigate.  An obvious suspect is quickly apprehended but Le Coq discovers that the evidence left behind was meant to mislead him in his search for the murderer. His quick mind and exceptional genius for discovering the minutest detail astound the old justice of the peace, the doctor and others who assist him as he unravels the very complicated plot which led to the murder of the countess and the disappearance of the count. - Summary by Celine Major