Murder mysteries are, or should be, full of deception. And The Lerouge Case, published in 1866 by Emile Gaboriau, definitely qualifies. Well-crafted in the omniscient POV style of the time, it’s a clean read, but does deal with adult themes.
The character development is excellent, but the story is darker than I prefer because of its realistic, seamy characters. And the story didn’t give me a reprieve from the traumatic and dreary events life can throw at us. I want at least some lightheartedness and a bit of comedy or humor in what I read, even if the subject matter is realistic.
But the most compelling part of this book is its portrayal of how humans can be deceived so easily by circumstantial evidence and not knowing the full story. And it’s even easier to not realize if and how our biases taint our judgment and opinions.
In life, it’s difficult to give people the benefit of the doubt when there’s evidence they’re guilty of something. But it’s super easy to want others to give us the benefit of the doubt no matter what.
“Do unto others” comes to mind.
At times, someone is clearly guilty of a wrong, and no confession is necessary.
But I don’t want to be deceived by circumstantial evidence or a bias I might not recognize. Here’s what helps me:
— Pause and check the facts with reliable, ethical sources.
— Pray and ponder before deciding what to think or act.
— Even if someone is guilty of wrong, pray for them.
— Pray that everyone affected will let go of the pain the guilty person caused.
What helps you overcome deception and bias?
The Mystery of Deception – What helps you overcome deception and bias? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
Reading how Jesus handled Judas Iscariot in John 13:21-30 has helped me overcome deception in others. Jesus always treated Judas like any one of His other disciples, even with the foreknowledge that Judas would betray Him.
Thanks for the insight, Jane. Yes, Jesus still loved and prayed for everyone, even in their faults and even when He knew they would act against Him. I’m grateful for God’s protection and pray that all of us love others as we can, but set boundaries so we aren’t misused.
Great reminders, Joni! Remembering that God is the sovereign and righteous Judge (and not myself!!) helps me give conflicting situations to Him. Blessings, my friend!
Thanks for reading and commenting, Kim. I’m glad my post was helpful. Praying blessings for you as well. 🙂
I used to read a great number of the classics, perhaps set in the same time period of this book (which I haven’t read). As I’ve grown older, I choose books with a lighter, happier theme. I want to feel better after reading a book, not depressed. However, I’m aware that we learn valuable lessons from books that focus on the hard choices and the consequences people suffer from human shortcomings. Thank you, Joni.
Thanks for your comments, Katherine. I understand wanting to read something uplifting. What goes in my head stays there, and as I’ve grown wiser, I’ve tried to be more discerning about what I read and see and hear.
Pray for discernment and trust God to show us when something isn’t right.
Thanks for commenting, Phyllis. Yes, asking God for discernment and trusting Him to show us is the only way I feel is certain.
Thank you for sharing this, Joni.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Tim. I appreciate your support.
Great reminders, Joni.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Tim. I’m glad my post was helpful.