The Escape of Arsène Lupin

by Maurice Leblanc

'When I decide to escape I shall want nobody’s assistance.’

In this thrilling collection, we meet Arsène Lupin, a brilliant, alluring master of disguise – or, as some would have it, a notorious criminal. We follow him on a series of high-stakes adventures, from ingenious heists of invaluable paintings to daring escapes, each one showcasing his intellect, charm, and extraordinary ability to stay one step ahead of the law.

Genres: France, Fiction

128 pages, Paperback

Published April 17, 2025

About the author

Maurice Leblanc (1864 - 1941) was a French novelist, best known as the creator of gentleman thief (later detective) Arsène Lupin.

Leblanc began as a journalist, until he was asked to write a short story filler, and created, more gallant and dashing than English counterpart Sherlock Holmes.

Reviews

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Archive #27

3.75

Very fun!

The character of Lupin has some strange lore out and about in the world and within my group of friends, so I was quite excited to start this book. His reputation preceded him, but I was pleasantly surprised by him even so. Leblanc writes short little crime stories that are at once engaging and consuming, and yet witty, light, and humorous. Very much enjoyed the meeting between Lupin and Sherlock Holmes. You can definitely spot the differences in our two countries' sensibilities. Sherlock Holmes, the dignified, sardonic, problem solving detective, vs Arsène Lupin, the roguish, charming, attractive thief. They make a great pairing.

A refreshing read!

[Nhan Slevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light, witty, and charming - really fun :)

[zaheerah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm subscribed to a video game "book club" where each month we receive a copy of an indie game to play. One of the games I received earlier this year was Arsene Lupin - Once a Thief I had SO much fun playing the game that I wanted to read the original text. Luckily, there was a Penguin Archive edition so it's a great snippet of Leblanc's work!

[Anna Schreier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this with all my heart; witty, charming and clever! just pure pleasure and joy in one of the most thought through little mysteries.

[Sleepster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This seems to be a much smaller collection than Penguin Previously did and seems to skip a book or two which is a shame but still allows a complete experience of Arsène Lupin.
Lupin is simply a joy to read about, he's fun, extravagant and intelligent in such a calm cool way which makes you root for him. Even if the people he steals from don't seem to be bad people.
It's a fun romp of a few short stories that keep you guessing and wondering what this gentleman will do next.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was really hard to follow, but it was good and fun

[Shaun Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it a great introduction to Arsène Lupin with each story, keeping me hooked till the very end.

[Liam Smyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy, quick read. Pretty fun and translated well.

[Maxwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.7

[Eleonora · Rating 4 out of 5]

four entertaining short stories to devour in one day. loved the crossover of sherlock holmes and arsène lupin

[Emma-Louise Brillouet · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.75 stars
Short but fun

[Frank Dominguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a big fan of the Holmes and Poirot era of Detective fiction I’ve read a few Lupin stories in the past but I’ve never read the famous story contained in this anthology where Lupin outsmarts Sherlock Holmes or “Herlock Sholmes” as he was known in this story until the copyright on Sherlock Holmes was lifted and he became a free use character. I love Lupin but for me Leblanc’s reveals don’t quite live up to Conan Doyle’s or Christie’s hence the 4/5