The Hollow Needle

The Hollow Needle is one of the most celebrated novels in Maurice Leblanc’s Arsène Lupin series, originally published in 1909. The story pits the brilliant gentleman thief Arsène Lupin against the youthful detective Isidore Beautrelet, a schoolboy prodigy determined to uncover the truth behind a series of mysterious thefts and disappearances. Central to the mystery is the “Hollow Needle,” a secret hidden in French history that could unlock immense wealth and power. As Beautrelet races to solve riddles and follow clues, he finds himself in a high-stakes game with Lupin, who remains as cunning and charismatic as ever. Leblanc masterfully combines historical intrigue, cryptic puzzles, and fast-paced action in this richly plotted adventure. The novel deepens Lupin’s legend while introducing a formidable opponent in Beautrelet. The Hollow Needle exemplifies the wit and sophistication that made the Lupin series a cornerstone of French detective fiction.