813

What It's About

Widely considered the magnum opus of the Lupin series, 813 finds Arsène Lupin in a desperate struggle to clear his name. After a wealthy diamond merchant is found murdered in a locked room, Lupin is framed for the crime. To prove his innocence, he must assume multiple identities—including that of the Chief of Police—to hunt down a shadowy, ruthless killer known as "L.M." while deciphering the significance of the mysterious number 813.

Key Concepts

The novel explores the duality of identity, as Lupin operates on both sides of the law simultaneously. It shifts the series from lighthearted capers to high-stakes international espionage, involving secret treaties and the geopolitical tensions of pre-WWI Europe.

Why It Matters

813 is a turning point in the Lupin canon. It departs from the playful tone of earlier stories, introducing a darker, more vulnerable side of the protagonist. Its blend of classic "locked-room" mystery with a grand political conspiracy influenced decades of subsequent thriller writing.

About the Author

Maurice Leblanc (1864–1941) was a French novelist who achieved worldwide fame as the creator of Arsène Lupin. Originally a writer of psychological fiction, Leblanc found his greatest success when he introduced the gentleman thief in 1905, eventually writing over twenty Lupin novels and short story collections.

About This Edition

This is a 1915 translation by Alexander Teixeira de Mattos.