Lord Lister No. 0119: Het Genootschap der Droomers

by Theo von Blankensee

"Lord Lister No. 0119: Het Genootschap der Droomers" by Blankensee and Matull is a fictional work likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the enigmatic character John C. Raffles, known as "de Groote Onbekende," a gentleman-thief residing in Amsterdam, who is approached by various individuals seeking his clever insights into a mysterious theft. As he becomes embroiled in the secrets of his acquaintances, the narrative hints at intrigue and adventure tied to both stolen artifacts and enigmatic characters. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Lord Lister engaging with Richard Mollen (referred to as Pim) and Jonker Van Leeuwen, whose discussion leads to the revelation of a significant theft involving a valuable ancestral skull presented to a wealthy family by a Rajah from India. Willy Harringa, the one telling the story, explains that this skull was not only of monetary value but also held a personal significance, being tied to a belief in bad luck should it be lost. As the tension builds around the unsolved thefts, Raffles expresses interest and a desire to help uncover the truth, establishing the tone for a thrilling mystery that promises layers of complexity and unexpected turns as he delves deeper into the enigma surrounding the Harringa family.