The Hollow Needle

The Hollow Needle is a novel by Maurice Leblanc, first published in 1909. The third book in the Arsène Lupin series, this classic French mystery follows a tense intellectual duel between the brilliant gentleman thief Arsène Lupin and an unexpectedly formidable opponent: a young schoolboy detective named Isidore Beautrelet. When a murder at a château uncovers clues pointing toward an ancient royal secret known as “the Hollow Needle,” Beautrelet begins unraveling a trail that leads through coded messages, hidden histories, and the shadowy exploits of Lupin himself.

As the investigation deepens, Beautrelet becomes convinced that Lupin has discovered the location of a legendary treasure connected to the kings of France. Determined to outthink the master criminal, the young sleuth pieces together riddles tied to medieval history, lost royal archives, and the dramatic coastal landscapes of Normandy. The story blends classic detective fiction with historical intrigue, building suspense through clever puzzles, disguises, and dramatic reversals as the two minds race toward the same secret.

Maurice Leblanc’s Arsène Lupin stories were hugely popular in early twentieth-century Europe, helping establish the charismatic “gentleman thief” archetype in crime fiction. Readers at the time were captivated by Lupin’s charm, intelligence, and moral ambiguity, and this particular adventure stands out for introducing one of his most memorable adversaries. Combining mystery, adventure, and clever deduction, The Hollow Needle remains a beloved example of classic detective storytelling and French literary suspense.

This is a translation by Alexander Teixeira De Mattos.