The Classic Tales Podcasts and Audiobooks

Arsène Lupin is a Master of Disguise, Art  Aficionado, Antique Expert, Gentleman and Burglar. He also mops the floor with Sherlock Holmes from time to time. Created by Maurice Leblanc, Lupin was inspired by several other similar fictional characters of his day who were often a force for good, but usually on the wrong side of the law. He has been the inspiration for many books, films and television programs, including The Pink Panther films and the popular television show White Collar .  They are mystery stories, where impossible crimes occur, and Lupin is famous for leaving no clues behind. With his swagger and gallic panache, Lupin sticks it to the man, usually a bovine millionaire or clueless aristocrat.  Lupin was featured in 20 novels and 28 short stories by Leblanc, with the short stories collected into book form for a total of 24 books. The first story, "L'Arrestation d'Arsène Lupin", was published in the magazine  Je sais tout   on 15 Ju...

During the month of November, we have all been enjoying stories from The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle .  These are the first three stories in the series, Silver Blaze , The Yellow Face , and The Stockbroker's Clerk .  B.J. knew we hadn't had mysteries in a while, and we needed a break from all the horror stories.  I am delighted, as I truly enjoy following Holmes and Watson on their adventures.  All of these stories are masterfully written.  They are complex, witty and often break the pattern of a basic mystery. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born in 1859 in Scotland.  He was a multi-faceted man.  After a rough childhood dealing with an alcoholic and insane father, he was educated at a Jesuit school in England, where he had trouble adjusting to the rigid lifestyle. About these experiences, he wrote, "Perhaps it was good for me that the times were hard, for I was wild, full blooded and a trifle reckless. But the situation c...