Originally published in 1906, this book collects eight cases from the casebook of Monsieur Eugene Valmont. He's a former chief of the French police who now runs a private detective agency in London, often feeling his genius is wasted on the English. The stories are told from Valmont's own, wonderfully self-important perspective as he recounts his greatest successes.

The Story

Each chapter is a standalone mystery. Valmont takes on a wild variety of cases: recovering a purloined necklace with a secret political purpose, exposing a sophisticated literary forgery ring, and even solving a murder that happens inside a locked and guarded room. The puzzles are clever, but the real joy is watching Valmont's mind work—he's observant, logical, and hilariously full of himself.

Why You Should Read It

Valmont is a gem of a character. He's brilliant, yes, but his vanity and constant frustration with Scotland Yard's methods are incredibly entertaining. Robert Barr writes with a light, satirical touch that pokes fun at the detective genre even while delivering solid mysteries. It's less about dark alleys and more about intellectual games played in drawing rooms. You're not just solving a crime; you're getting a front-row seat to a master showman at work.

Final Verdict

Perfect for fans of classic whodunits who want something with a lighter, funnier touch than Conan Doyle. If you enjoy detectives with big personalities—think a French, early-1900s version of TV's Monk or Psych—you'll adore Valmont. It's a charming and clever series that deserves to be rediscovered.