Maurice Leblanc
1909
4/5 stars
The cunning, highly skilled master thief, Arsène Lupin, matches wits with a preternaturally intelligent young man to be the first to solve the puzzle of the Hollow Needle -- a secret that has been passed down by royalty throughout generations.
This adventure focuses more on the boy, Isidore Beautrelet, and his efforts at detection than it does on the charismatic Lupin or any crime he has committed. Beautrelet is a likable character and his observations make interesting reading. There are a few twists to keep the reader engaged, and over all, with it's satisfying conclusion, the Hollow Needle is an entertaining read.
