The Crystal Stopper

"The Crystal Stopper" by Maurice Leblanc is an early 20th-century novel that follows the escapades of Arsène Lupin, a charming and intelligent thief. As the story unfolds, Lupin becomes entangled in a dangerous game of lies, death, and a significant crystal stopper that shapes the fates of those around him, including Gilbert and Vaucheray. The story begins with a high-stakes break-in at the Villa Marie-Thérèse, immediately complicated by the unfortunate death of Léonard, setting a tone of suspense. Lupin's wisdom and adaptability are tested as he confronts double-crosses and discovers that the prize he seeks may be more trouble than it's worth, propelling both Lupin and the people in his orbit into uncertainty.