Customer Reviews

The Hollow Needle

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The text of this book often refers to images that were likely printed with the original story when it was first published, but are omitted in this volume. The images are an integral part of the story and their absence makes it difficult to follow the story at times. The brief descriptions that turn up where images should appear are inadequate to a reader looking to collect the same visual clues as the characters in the novel. This makes it difficult for a reader to pursue his or her own conclusions or even keep up with the characters as they come to theirs.

It's an annoyance to anyone who likes to keep on top of facts as they read, but the story is still comprehensible with the missing images.

As Holmes had Moriarty, Lupin had Inspector Ganimard, who contrary to what I have read in other reviews here, was NOT the cleverest man.

Chief Inspector Lenormand was more intelligent but then... Sorry, I cannot say more without spoiling the fun of reading Leblanc.

The best adversary Lupin ever had was none of them, not even Herlock Sholmes (as spelled by author), who Leblanc displaces in time to make the legendary English detective meet Lupin. No, the cleverest adversary he ever had was Isidore Beautrelet, a 19 year old student of philosophy. Two great minds in singular combat and strangely enough, they both win!. Together with 813 (which reaches the pinnacle) these are probably the best 2 Lupin novels Leblanc wrote, and if I were a young reader I would place the Hollow Needle as number one.