Arsene Lupin in The Crystal Stopper

by Maurice Leblanc

[Cameron Trost]

I'm a fan of Maurice Leblanc's "gentleman cambrioleur" and consider him one of my favourite French authors. This one, unfortunately, was a let-down. There's plenty (too much) dialogue for most of the book and episodes of over-the-top action, but what I love most about Arsène Lupin are the puzzles and the mystery, and all that was missing here. Each to his own, but if you haven't joined Lupin on an escapade yet, don't start with The Crystal Stopper.
Note: Two stars might seem a little harsh but I gave The Hollow Needle three and it's easily worth a star more than this one.