Mystery and Crime Leblanc, Maurice: Arsène Lupin vs. Holmlock Shears. v1. 28 Oct 2026

[GrannyGrump]

This classic crime fiction collection features a high-stakes duel of wits between French gentleman-thief Arsène Lupin and English detective Herlock Sholmes (a lightly disguised Sherlock Holmes, with his companion Wilson/Watson).

Shears and Wilson are written with affectionate yet mocking caricatures of Conan Doyle’s characters (Holmes as brilliant but arrogant, Wilson as unusually dense). Lupin and Shears prove to be intellectual equals, making the conflict a mirror match rather than a simple good-versus-evil chase.

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Maurice Leblanc (1864–1941) was a hugely popular French writer, best known for creating Arsène Lupin, the charming gentleman thief. His books were translated into many languages, making him one of the most widely read French popular writers of the early 20th century. He was awarded the Légion d’honneur for his contributions to literature.

Lupin’s appeal has lasted well beyond Leblanc’s lifetime. The character continues to inspire adaptations and homages.

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A list of the titles:

Spoiler:

Holmlock Shears Arrives too Late

Number 514, Series 23

The Blue Diamond

Holmlock Shears Opens Hostilities

A Glimmer in the Darkness

Kidnapped

The Second Arrest of Arsène Lupin

The Jewish Lamp

The Shipwreck

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Contents first published 1907/1910. This book is in the public domain where copyright is “Life+80” or less, and in the USA.
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