# Epigraph explained — The Viaduct Murder

> Chapter companion for The Viaduct Murder by Ronald A. Knox.

## What happens

The chapter opens with a quotation from Gaboriau's Monsieur Lecoq, advising the reader to distrust what appears probable and to begin by believing the incredible, setting a tone of skepticism and the need for careful investigation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Appearance vs. Reality

The epigraph directly warns against trusting what seems probable, highlighting the theme that appearances can be deceiving and that truth often lies in the unexpected.

### Detection and Rationality

The advice to believe the incredible underscores the rational, methodical approach needed in detection, where conventional logic may mislead.

## Key lines

> In the matter of information, above all regard with suspicion that which seems probable. Begin always by believing what seems incredible.

When gathering information, always distrust what appears likely. Instead, start by accepting what seems impossible.

_This sets the investigative philosophy for the story, urging readers to question obvious conclusions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_viaduct_murder_se/chapters/epigraph
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_viaduct_murder_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_viaduct_murder_se/chapters