The Crystal Stopper

Arsène Lupin returns in The Crystal Stopper, Maurice Leblanc's riveting tale of international crime, political conspiracy, and mysterious murder, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century France. When a daring heist goes fatally wrong, Lupin-the world's most brilliant gentleman thief-finds himself entangled in a web of blackmail, state secrets, and judicial corruption that threatens not only his freedom, but the lives of two trusted companions.

At first, it seems like a straightforward robbery: infiltrate the lavish Villa Marie-Thérèse and seize the valuables within. But when a murdered valet is found with a hidden telephone line transmitting a dying message, Lupin is thrust into a battle not just of wits-but of life and death. At the heart of the mystery lies a simple, overlooked object: a crystal stopper. What secret could it possibly hold that makes it worth killing for?

With his loyal allies arrested and accused of a crime they didn't commit, Lupin must outwit both the police and a mysterious adversary known only as Daubrecq the Deputy-a powerful politician hiding explosive secrets. As Lupin's usual confidence begins to crack, he is forced to confront a ruthless enemy, decode cryptic clues ("Eight from nine leaves one"), and uncover a political scandal that could shake the foundations of the Republic.

Full of twists, hidden identities, daring disguises, and high-stakes gambits, The Crystal Stopper showcases Lupin not only as a master thief and escape artist but as a complex anti-hero fighting a system more corrupt than the criminals he robs.

Originally published in 1912 and translated by Alexander Teixeira de Mattos, this classic French mystery combines the charm of a Sherlock Holmes-style detective story with the flair of a cloak-and-dagger adventure. Perfect for fans of:

• Historical crime fiction
• Classic detective mysteries
• Political thrillers
• French noir and Belle Époque Paris
• Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes, and modern mystery dramas like Lupin

Discover why Arsène Lupin, the original gentleman burglar, continues to captivate readers around the world.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Mixtpublish
Published: 09/21/2025
ISBN: 9781803986470
Pages: 278
Weight: 1.19lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.69d