The Secret of Chimneys · Character

M. Lemoine

A French detective with a prim black beard, eyeglasses, and a quiet certainty that he will finally catch the elusive King Victor at Chimneys.

supporting

Also known as Lemoine, the false Lemoine

First appearance: xv the french stranger

As a supporting figure in The Secret of Chimneys, M. Lemoine is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Reveals his true identity as a French detective and tells the story of King Victor and Queen Varaga.

In the storySecret HistoryOpen this moment free

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Lemoine arrives at Chimneys to lay out the case against Anthony Cade with unnerving composure, revealing that Mr. Fish is a Pinkerton's man and that the trap has been long in the setting. His cold confidence and personal animus toward King Victor make him both a useful source of information and a threat to anyone he has decided is guilty. Virginia's flat refusal to believe his accusation sets up the central contest of judgment that drives the middle of the book.

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The fuller portrait of M. Lemoine sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See M. Lemoine in xv the french stranger

Character Web

23 connections

A slice of how M. Lemoine sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Central suspects and investigators
Minor or peripheral characters
Protagonist

+18 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it reveals the full scope of the false Lemoine’s scheme and Anthon…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Anthony Cade
professional · positive
Anthony Cade
professional · positive
Anthony Cade
professional · positive

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See M. Lemoine in xv the french stranger

In the story

M. Lemoine appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Secret History
Reveals his true identity as a French detective and tells the story of King Victor and Queen Varaga.
Mr. Isaacstein’s Suitcase
Deliberately guides Virginia and Bill to intercept the luggage cart; retrieves and opens Isaacstein's suitcase, finding a revolver.
Encounter in the Rose Garden
Obsessed with capturing King Victor, reveals he has noted the Dover address on his cuff.
XXV: Tuesday Night at Chimneys
French detective who reveals his theory that Anthony Cade is King Victor and discloses Hiram Fish's true identity as a Pinkerton detective.
The 13th of October (Continued.)
Accuses Anthony of being King Victor, sends for fingerprint records, and is determined to capture him.
King Victor
The false Lemoine is exposed as an impostor; attempts to escape but is prevented by Hiram Fish.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for M. Lemoine unlock in the free preview.

See M. Lemoine in xv the french stranger

See M. Lemoine in Secret History