Xavier de Montepin is a popular French novelist and the author of numerous bestselling novels in the 19th century. Over many years of literary creativity, Montepin has earned the reputation of a subtle psychologist and an excellent master of words. “The Ventriloquist” is an action-packed detective novel in which dizzying intrigue is combined with an unexpected denouement. A brutal crime has been committed in a castle near the Norman town of Rocheville. The town authorities are confused. The famous detective Jobin arrives from Paris, who has become famous for his instincts. Suspicion falls on a ventriloquist nicknamed Sidi-Koko, who arrived in the city with his traveling troupe. However, during the interrogation, something turns out that puzzles even the brilliant detective...