'The Hollow Needle' was Maurice Leblanc's first novel. Lupin finds himself playing a game of cat and mouse with young, amateur detective Isidore Beautrelet. His nemesis, Detective Ganimard and the famous English detective Sherlock Holmes also make appearances. Lupin is chasing the most valuable object he has ever had the opportunity to steal: the Hollow Needle, which hides unfathomable treasure and a secret that the kings of France have been handing down since the time of Julius Caesar. Lupin's adventures are sheer, unadulterated, entertainment.