The Story

This book tells the almost unbelievable true story of a young woman named Marie. After her much older husband dies, she inherits his entire fortune. This doesn't sit well with her husband's two brothers, the Chevalier and the Abbé de Ganges. They want that money, and they decide the fastest way to get it is to remove Marie from the picture.

What starts as pressure to sign over her wealth quickly escalates into something much darker. The brothers' plot moves from intimidation to outright violence, leading to one of the most infamous poisoning attempts in French history. The story follows Marie's terrifying ordeal and her desperate fight to survive the people who should have been her protectors.

Why You Should Read It

Dumas is famous for his big adventure novels, but here he shows he's just as good at true crime. He doesn't just list facts; he makes you feel the claustrophobic fear Marie must have felt, trapped in a chateau with her enemies. The brothers are villains you'll love to hate—their greed is so naked and their plans so cruel.

But the real heart of the story is Marie. She’s not a passive victim. Her will to live and outsmart her tormentors is what keeps you turning the pages. It’s a powerful, if grim, look at how far people will go for money and how one person can fight back.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves historical true crime or a dark, psychological story. If you enjoyed Dumas's bigger novels but want something you can read in one sitting, this is a great choice. It’s also a fascinating pick for readers interested in stories about women fighting against impossible odds in history. Just be warned: it's a compelling read, but not a cheerful one.