Subject
Burglars -- Fiction Books
Best books
Maurice Leblanc
The Extraordinary Adventures of Arsène Lupin, Gentleman-Burglar
"The Extraordinary Adventures of Arsène Lupin, Gentleman-Burglar" by Maurice Leblanc is a collection of stories published in 1907. This debut collection introduces the charming and cunning Arsène Lupin, a master thief who outsmarts police and high society alike. Through nine tales of daring heists, clever disguises, and audacious escapes, Lupin proves himself an unmatched criminal genius. From shipboard robberies to prison breaks, he taunts authorities—including a famous English detective—while stealing priceless treasures with impeccable style and wit.
Maurice Leblanc
Arsène Lupin, gentleman-cambrioleur
"Arsène Lupin, gentleman-cambrioleur" by Maurice Leblanc is a collection of nine detective stories published in 1907. The work chronicles the first adventures of Arsène Lupin, a charming gentleman-thief who outwits police and high society alike. From his dramatic arrest aboard a transatlantic liner to daring prison escapes and elaborate heists, Lupin proves himself a master of disguise and deception. These tales introduce one of literature's most beloved anti-heroes, whose cunning and audacity captivated readers seeking a French counterpart to Sherlock Holmes.
Maurice Leblanc
Arsène Lupin
"Arsène Lupin" by Maurice Leblanc is a collection of stories published in 1907. This debut collection introduces the charming gentleman thief Arsène Lupin through nine tales of audacious crimes and clever escapes. From evading capture aboard an ocean liner to orchestrating thefts while imprisoned, Lupin outwits police and victims alike with masterful disguises and ingenious schemes. The stories follow detective Ganimard's futile attempts to catch the elusive criminal, who always seems one step ahead. One adventure even features a famous English detective, later renamed to avoid legal complications.
Maurice Leblanc
Arsène Lupin versus Herlock Sholmes
"Arsène Lupin versus Herlock Sholmes" by Maurice Leblanc is a collection of stories published in 1908. This work pits France's gentleman thief Arsène Lupin against the brilliant detective Herlock Sholmes, a thinly veiled version of Sherlock Holmes. Through two adventures involving stolen lottery tickets, precious diamonds, and mysterious lamps, the master criminal and the detective engage in an elaborate game of cat-and-mouse across Paris. Their encounters feature daring escapes, clever traps, and unexpected twists as each man attempts to outwit the other.
Maurice Leblanc
The Crystal Stopper
"The Crystal Stopper" by Maurice Leblanc is a novel likely written during the early 20th century. The story centers around Arsène Lupin, a clever and audacious thief known for his charismatic personality and clever heists. In this installment, Lupin navigates a web of intrigue involving treachery, murder, and a mysterious crystal stopper that holds great importance, intertwined with the lives of other characters, including Gilbert and Vaucheray, who face grave consequences. At the start of the book, the atmosphere is tense as Lupin and his accomplices prepare for a break-in at the Villa Marie-Thérèse. The chapter quickly escalates with the unexpected arrival of Léonard, the deputy's valet, who becomes a casualty in the ensuing chaos. The narrative showcases Lupin's quick thinking and resourcefulness as he faces internal betrayals, particularly when he learns that the treasures he sought may not be what they seem. The opening sets the stage for a complex plot, introducing elements of deception and the weight of choices that lead both Lupin and his associates down a perilous path.
Maurice Leblanc
The Hollow Needle; Further adventures of Arsène Lupin
"The Hollow Needle; Further adventures of Arsène Lupin" by Maurice Leblanc is a novel serialized between November 1908 and May 1909. The gentleman thief Arsène Lupin faces his most formidable opponent yet: Isidore Beautrelet, a gifted high school student turned amateur detective. At stake is an ancient secret passed down by French kings since Julius Caesar—the location of a legendary treasure containing queens' dowries and priceless jewels. Can the young detective outsmart the master thief and uncover the mystery of the Hollow Needle?
Maurice Leblanc
The Confessions of Arsène Lupin
"The Confessions of Arsène Lupin" by Maurice Leblanc is a collection of adventure stories written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around Arsène Lupin, a suave gentleman thief who combines charm and cunning to outsmart the law and other adversaries. This work showcases his escapades, detailing his participation in various crimes, his interactions with law enforcement, and his clever methods of infiltration and theft, all while maintaining his morality in some cases. The opening portion introduces the reader to Lupin's character through an engaging interplay between him and a narrative voice seeking to learn more about his exploits. Lupin is depicted lounging in a study, playfully dismissing inquiries about his legendary exploits, yet eventually indulging in providing snippets of insight by giving clues in a cryptic manner concerning a significant case involving a missing baroness and a hefty reward for her discovery. As the first chapter unfolds, Lupin demonstrates his talent for deduction and disguising his true intentions while he seems casually embroiled in a deeper mystery tied to the murder of a man linked to the baroness's disappearance, hinting at the thrilling adventures that await as his story progresses.
Maurice Leblanc
813
"813" by Maurice Leblanc is a suspenseful detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the enigmatic character Arsène Lupin, a gentleman burglar, as he engages in a thrilling game of cat and mouse with the authorities after committing a series of crimes, including a shocking murder. The novel introduces readers to a high-stakes world of intrigue, where Kesselbach, a wealthy man, becomes embroiled in a plot that threatens not only his life but also his ambitions. The opening of "813" sets a tense atmosphere with Mr. Kesselbach discovering that someone has invaded his hotel suite while he was away. Anxious and paranoid, he discusses strange occurrences with his secretary, Chapman, pointing out the peculiarities in their situation. When the mysterious Arsène Lupin makes his dramatic entrance, the tension escalates to a confrontation filled with twists and a daring heist, leaving readers breathless and eager to uncover the secrets surrounding Kesselbach's wealth and ambitions, as well as Lupin's true motives.
Maurice Leblanc
The Golden Triangle: The Return of Arsène Lupin
"The Golden Triangle: The Return of Arsène Lupin" by Maurice Leblanc is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Captain Patrice Belval, who, despite being wounded in the war, bravely confronts a plot to kidnap a nurse named Coralie while defending her from the attackers. As the narrative unfolds, themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the aftermath of war emerge, entangled within a thrilling plot featuring the cunning character of Arsène Lupin. At the start of the book, we are introduced to a dark and tense scene where wounded soldiers anxiously await the arrival of Coralie, a young nurse, whom abductors are planning to capture. Captain Belval, who has recently been discharged from a hospital, overhears a plot against her and assembles the soldiers to thwart the kidnapping. The situation escalates when Belval and his men intervene just as the attackers attempt to seize Coralie, leading to a confrontation that reveals deeper connections and conspiracies involving her potential abductor and her husband. With suspense gripping the opening chapters, the stage is set for a cat-and-mouse game that draws the reader into a web of intrigue surrounding Coralie's past and her enigmatic protector.
Maurice Leblanc
The Eight Strokes of the Clock
"The Eight Strokes of the Clock" by Maurice Leblanc is a novel written during the early 20th century. This work centers around the enigmatic figure of Prince Rénine and his thrilling encounters with mystery and adventure, often involving themes of love, justice, and the intricacies of human emotion. The narrative unfolds through intriguing situations and complex characters, setting the stage for a series of thrilling escapades. The opening of the novel introduces Hortense Daniel, who contemplates eloping with a man named Rossigny, while navigating complex family dynamics and societal expectations. As she plans to escape her stifling life with Rossigny, an encounter with Prince Rénine adds layers of tension and intrigue. Following a near-assassination attempt on her, Hortense embarks on a journey with Rénine, leading to the mysterious Château de Halingre. Here, the discovery of two skeletons and a hidden telescope unfolds a storyline steeped in crime and deception. This inciting incident hints at the broader mysteries that will challenge both Rénine's skills and Hortense's heart as the plot develops.
Maurice Leblanc
Memoirs of Arsène Lupin
"Memoirs of Arsène Lupin" by Maurice Leblanc is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book introduces the character of Arsène Lupin, a master thief and gentleman adventurer known for his cunning and charm. The story kicks off with a thrilling blend of romance, intrigue, and a mysterious plot involving a secret society, setting the stage for Lupin's audacious escapades. The opening of the book presents Ralph d’Andresy, who is secretly observing clandestine activities connected to the Baron d’Etigues and his guests, revealing a conspiracy against a woman named Josephine Balsamo. As Ralph navigates through his emotions for Clarice d’Etigues, the baron's daughter, he uncovers plans that hint at abduction and even murder of Josephine, presented as a dangerous adversary. The narrative entwines elements of romance and intrigue, showcasing Ralph's determination to comprehend the situation while also revealing his connections to Lupin, who is yet to emerge prominently in this opening chapter.
L. T. Meade
A Son of Ishmael: A Novel
"A Son of Ishmael: A Novel" by L.T. Meade is a work of fiction likely written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Nancy Follett, a young woman living in isolation with her father, Dr. Follett, in a gloomy house known as the Grange. As her father's health declines, a mysterious romance develops between Nancy and Adrian Rowton, a man who appears in her life at a time of great emotional turmoil, bringing both hope and underlying secrets that shape their relationship. The opening portion introduces us to the dismal life of Nancy and her father, revealing their reclusive nature and hinting at a tragic past, including the murder of Nancy's brother. The narrative builds tension as Adrian Rowton becomes a pivotal figure in Nancy's life, offering affection and support as her father's condition worsens. The old man's obsession with avenging his son's death looms over Nancy, complicating her burgeoning romance and setting the stage for conflicts of loyalty, love, and the quest for vengeance. The emotional depth and sense of foreboding establish a compelling atmosphere, drawing readers into Nancy's complex world filled with love, sorrow, and the weight of family secrets.
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