Resumo de O escaravelho do diabo de Lucia Machado de Almeida

Summary

The book *Escaravelho do Diabo* by Lucia Machado de Almeida is a gripping police investigation story set in a small town. It follows Alberto, a young medical student, and Inspector Pimentel as they investigate a series of mysterious deaths connected to a scarab beetle. The victims all share a common feature: they are red-haired. As the investigation unfolds, clues lead them to a web of secrets, including romantic entanglements and strange occurrences. With twists, a final revelation in the UK, and a tragic conclusion, the novel explores crime, obsession, and identity, making it a fascinating police procedural mystery.

Takeaways

• 😀 The novel *Escaravelho do Diabo* is a mystery/detective story set in a small town called Diz Alegre.
• 😀 The plot revolves around a series of murders connected to a mysterious scarab beetle sent to the victims.
• 😀 Alberto, a medical student, and Inspector Pimentel team up to investigate the murders of red-haired individuals.
• 😀 The first murder is that of Alberto's brother, Hugo, who is found dead with a sword wound and a scarab beetle nearby.
• 😀 As the investigation progresses, the team finds other victims, including a woman whose son dies after taking a mysterious medicine.
• 😀 The investigation reveals that the victims are all red-haired, and the murders seem connected to a pattern involving scarab beetles.
• 😀 Alberto becomes romantically involved with several characters, including Veronica and Raquel, which complicates the investigation.
• 😀 The plot includes a mysterious bombing at a church, the death of a priest, and multiple individuals with connections to the murders.
• 😀 The murderer is revealed to be Mister Graves, a former entomologist who kills red-haired people due to his obsession with a missing scarab beetle.
• 😀 The story concludes with Alberto returning to Brazil, uncovering the truth, and reconnecting with Veronica, who has had a child believed to be his.

Q & A

What is the main premise of *Escaravelho do Diabo*?

The main premise of *Escaravelho do Diabo* is a crime investigation revolving around a series of mysterious murders connected to a scarab beetle. The story follows the investigation led by Alberto and Inspector Pimentel to uncover the killer's identity.

Who are the central characters in the book?

The central characters are Alberto, a young medical student, and Inspector Pimentel, a police officer. The investigation also involves several other individuals such as Hugo (Alberto's brother), Raquel Saturnino, and Veronica.

How does the novel begin?

The novel begins with Hugo receiving a mysterious package containing a scarab beetle pin. Soon after, Hugo is found murdered in his room, with a Spanish sword sticking out of his chest, sparking the investigation.

What is the significance of the scarab beetle in the story?

The scarab beetle acts as a symbol linked to each of the murders in the story. It is sent to the victims before their deaths, and its presence points to the connection between the victims and their red hair.

What role does the antique shop play in the investigation?

The antique shop, owned by Saturnino, becomes a key location in the investigation. Alberto and Inspector Pimentel visit the shop to trace the origins of a sword used in the murders, which leads them to important discoveries.

How does Alberto’s romantic relationship with Veronica impact the investigation?

Alberto's relationship with Veronica complicates the investigation as their romantic involvement causes tension and emotional strain. Veronica becomes another potential target, and her relationship with Alberto creates personal challenges for him during the investigation.

What happens during the theatrical performance in the story?

During a theatrical performance, an actress named Maria Fernanda is killed in front of an audience by a dart. This murder further intensifies the investigation and reveals the growing danger to individuals in the town.

How does the connection between red-haired people and the murders unfold?

As the investigation progresses, it is revealed that all the victims share the common trait of being red-haired. This pattern leads Alberto and Inspector Pimentel to suspect that the murders are targeted specifically at red-haired individuals.

What is the significance of the explosion at the church?

The explosion at the church is a pivotal moment in the story. It reveals that the murders are not isolated incidents but part of a larger, more sinister plan. It is later uncovered that the explosion was caused by a bomb, further implicating the mastermind behind the killings.

What is the final revelation about the murderer?

The final revelation uncovers that the murderer is an entomologist who became obsessed with a rare scarab beetle. His obsession led him to murder red-haired people, believing them to be related to the loss of the beetle. He eventually escapes from a psychiatric hospital, and his motive is revealed in the final chapters.