The Love-struck Villain

The truth always lies in the details. Justice takes time...
Investigator for particularly important cases Ivan Fyodorovich Volovtsov is heading to Nizhny Novgorod to investigate the crimes of retired lieutenant Skarabev. He is accused of attempting to murder Yulia Borkovskaya, the daughter of the director of the cadet corps. Unable to win her affections with persistent letters, the scoundrel stealthily entered her room one night and inflicted multiple knife wounds on the girl. The evidence, witness testimonies, and the victim's own account—all point against Skarabev. The lieutenant is dismissed from service and taken into custody.
However, the materials presented in the case seem to Volovtsov too... theatrical. He is convinced that this 'drama' has another ending, where a much more subtle and sophisticated performer claims the role of the villain...
A historical detective about a crime from the early twentieth century. The author immerses readers so captivatingly into the atmosphere of that time that we can literally hear the rumble of the pavement, the noise of the city market, the ringing of bells, and the piercing whistles of the city guards…