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: Classics, 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

[Suli Scatchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biased review, I enjoyed these four short stories! They were quick, playful and charming. I kind of fancy Lupin.

However! How dare he wind up my Mr Holmes!

[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!

[Rich Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun and easy. liked how easy it was to get a feel of Lupin even when he wasnt there. thought the inclusion of Holmes in the 4th story was great whimsy and I want to read other stories with them both

[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.

[Jupiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It is all the better if people are never able to say with certainty: “There goes Arsène Lupin”. The great thing is that they should say without fear of being mistaken: “That action was performed by Arsène Lupin.””

A fantastic collection of the adventures of gentleman thief Arsène Lupin. My absolute favourite has to be “Sherlock Holmes Arrives Too Late” - the last and longest tale of this collection. It is the most intriguing, exploring the sundry aspects of our charming thief: the vulnerability around Ms. Underdown; the mutual restraint and recognition during his electric first encounter with Holmes; and his mischievous and audacious pride in full effect when he purloins the detective’s watch and returns it, promising of future collisions.

The mystery and riddles are not too convoluted, as to make readers scratch their heads trying to follow the story; yet not too simple as to make the stories stale and trite. Overall, an enthralling and enjoyable read that can be finished in one sitting, an excellent introduction to the character of Arsène Lupin.

[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

[vidisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

the rose?? oh nelly underdown and arsene lupin you absolute yearners.

[Zuzia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute little book! I really enjoyed it, especially the scenes between him and Nellie, and him and Sherlock at the end 💮

[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