I picked up 'Derues' expecting another Dumas adventure, but what I got was something completely different and utterly gripping.

The Story

This isn't fiction. It's Dumas recounting the real case of Antoine François Derues, a shopkeeper in 18th-century France. On the surface, Derues was a devoted family man and a pious churchgoer. In reality, he was a compulsive liar, a forger, and a serial poisoner. The book follows his calculated plot to swindle a wealthy couple out of their estate, a scheme that ends in brutal murder. We watch as he weaves a web of deceit so convincing that his neighbors refuse to believe the truth, even as the evidence piles up.

Why You Should Read It

This book fascinated me because it strips away the romance of the past. Dumas presents Derues not as a cartoon villain, but as a disturbingly ordinary man whose greed simply had no limit. You keep reading because you can't believe how brazen he is, or how easily people are fooled by his gentle demeanor. It's a stark look at how trust can be weaponized. Dumas acts as both historian and storyteller, building tension like a courtroom drama even though we know the ending.

Final Verdict

Perfect for true-crime fans who want to go back to the genre's roots, or for anyone who enjoys historical narratives that feel urgent and human. If you only know Dumas for d'Artagnan, this is a brilliant, darker side of his talent. Be warned: it’s a slow, detailed burn, not a swashbuckling romp. But for the right reader, it’s absolutely unforgettable.