THE CRYSTAL STOPPER

<p>Arsène Lupin returns in <strong>The Crystal Stopper</strong> Maurice Leblanc's riveting tale of <strong>international crime political conspiracy and mysterious murder</strong> set against the backdrop of <strong>early 20th-century France</strong>. When a daring heist goes fatally wrong Lupin-the world's most brilliant gentleman thief-finds himself entangled in a web of <strong>blackmail state secrets and judicial corruption</strong> that threatens not only his freedom but the lives of two trusted companions.</p><p>At first it seems like a straightforward robbery: infiltrate the lavish Villa Marie-Thérèse and seize the valuables within. But when a <strong>murdered valet</strong> is found with a <strong>hidden telephone line transmitting a dying message</strong> Lupin is thrust into a battle not just of wits-but of life and death. At the heart of the mystery lies a simple overlooked object: <strong>a crystal stopper</strong>. What secret could it possibly hold that makes it worth killing for?</p><p>With his loyal allies arrested and accused of a crime they didn't commit Lupin must outwit both the police and a mysterious adversary known only as <strong>Daubrecq the Deputy</strong>-a powerful politician hiding explosive secrets. As Lupin's usual confidence begins to crack he is forced to confront a <strong>ruthless enemy</strong> decode <strong>cryptic clues</strong> (Eight from nine leaves one) and uncover a political scandal that could shake the foundations of the Republic.</p><p>Full of <strong>twists hidden identities daring disguises</strong> and high-stakes gambits <em>The Crystal Stopper</em> showcases Lupin not only as a master thief and escape artist but as a complex anti-hero fighting a system more corrupt than the criminals he robs.</p><p>Originally published in 1912 and translated by Alexander Teixeira de Mattos this <strong>classic French mystery</strong> combines the charm of a <strong>Sherlock Holmes-style detective story</strong> with the flair of a <strong>cloak-and-dagger adventure</strong>. Perfect for fans of:</p><ul><li><strong>Historical crime fiction</strong></li><li><strong>Classic detective mysteries</strong></li><li><strong>Political thrillers</strong></li><li><strong>French noir and Belle Époque Paris</strong></li><li><strong>Agatha Christie Sherlock Holmes and modern mystery dramas like Lupin</strong></li><li></li></ul><p>Discover why <strong>Arsène Lupin</strong> the original gentleman burglar continues to captivate readers around the world.</p>