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Cover of The Hollow Needle; Further adventures of Arsène Lupin

The Hollow Needle; Further adventures of Arsène Lupin

Written by Maurice Leblanc

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BurglarsLupin, Arsène (Fictitious character)

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About this book

"The Hollow Needle; Further Adventures of Arsène Lupin" by Maurice Leblanc is a detective novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the clever gentleman thief, Arsène Lupin, as well as a young amateur detective named Isidore Beautrelet, who becomes embroiled in a complex case involving a robbery, a murder, and a series of clever deceptions. The opening of the novel introduces a tense scene at the Château d'Ambrumésy, where two young women, Raymonde and Suzanne, are awakened by strange noises in the night. Their fears are confirmed when they encounter a mysterious man carrying something and witness a violent struggle that results in a murder. As the plot unfolds, the local gendarmes investigate the crime but find themselves led astray, while Beautrelet eagerly follows his own deductions, keen to solve the case before the famed Arsène Lupin can escape detection. The initial chapters hint at a web of intrigue involving stolen art, treachery, and a chase against time, all set against the backdrop of the hunt for one of literature's most celebrated thieves.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Hollow Needle; Further adventures of Arsène Lupin, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 7 hours
  • intermediate
  • mysterious
  • adventurous
  • ingenious

Maurice Leblanc's "The Hollow Needle" plunges readers into another thrilling cat-and-mouse game between the gentleman-thief Arsène Lupin and his brilliant young adversary, Isidore Beautrelet. The narrative revolves around the legendary secret of the 'Hollow Needle,' a hidden repository of the French kings' treasure, and Lupin's personal connection to this national heritage. As Beautrelet, a precocious schoolboy detective, relentlessly pursues Lupin, he unearths layers of mystery, deception, and a grand patriotic scheme orchestrated by Lupin himself. The book masterfully blends intricate puzzles, daring escapes, and a deep dive into French history, culminating in a surprising revelation about Lupin's true motives and identity.

“"Arsène Lupin, the gentleman-burglar, only works on the most original lines. He is a man of culture and of taste; he never takes anything that is not worth taking, and he only takes it from those who are able to afford the loss."”

Key themes

Identity and Deception
This theme is central to the Arsène Lupin mythos, but it reaches new heights in "The Hollow Needle." Lupin's mastery of disguise and his ability to assume countless identities are not merely tools for crime but expressions of a fluid, almost philosophical approach to selfhood. The 'Hollow Needle' itself, a hidden treasure, symbolizes the hidden truths and identities that lie beneath the surface.
Justice vs. Law
Lupin consistently operates outside the strictures of the law, yet in "The Hollow Needle," his actions are revealed to be driven by a personal code of justice and a patriotic duty. This theme questions whether adherence to legal statutes always aligns with moral righteousness or national interest.
The Nature of Genius
The novel is an homage to intellectual brilliance, showcasing the extraordinary deductive and strategic capabilities of both Lupin and Beautrelet. It explores how genius manifests in different forms – the criminal mastermind versus the investigative prodigy – and the thrill of their intellectual combat.

Worth discussing

How does Leblanc challenge traditional notions of heroism and villainy through the character of Arsène Lupin in this novel?

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