"Derues" by Alexandre Dumas is a chilling exploration of deceit, greed, and murder based on the true story of Antoine François Derues. The narrative follows Derues, a cunning and ambitious man who schemes his way to wealth through fraud and betrayal. His dark ambitions culminate in the infamous poisoning of a noblewoman, Madame de Lamotte, and her family to claim their estate. Dumas delves into the psychology of a criminal mind, examining themes of morality, justice, and the allure of power. Set against 18th-century France, the novel captures the tension between appearance and reality, exposing the fragility of trust. A gripping blend of crime and historical drama, it reflects on the consequences of unchecked ambition and humanity’s capacity for evil.