Let's talk about a book that time almost forgot. 'Lord Lister No. 0009: Om goud en liefde' is a pulpy, thrilling ride from 1920s Germany, written by Kurt Matull and Theo von Blankensee. It stars John Lord Lister, a character who was wildly popular in his day—a brilliant master thief who steals from the corrupt rich and often helps the good guys, all while maintaining his impeccable manners.

The Story

The heart of the story is a locked-room mystery, but with way higher stakes than a missing necklace. A legendary golden relic, important to both history and a powerful secret society, vanishes from a heavily guarded vault. There are no broken locks, no forced entries. The only thing left behind is a strange, poetic love letter that seems to taunt the owners. Lord Lister is drawn into the hunt, not just for the gold, but for the truth behind the letter. His investigation pulls him into a world of shady auctions, hidden agendas in high society, and a dangerous game where the lines between ally and enemy, and between theft and justice, get very blurry.

Why You Should Read It

Don't go in expecting deep philosophical prose. Read this for the pure, energetic fun of it. Lord Lister is a fantastic character—he's clever, witty, and has a moral code that makes you root for him even when he's breaking the law. The plot moves at a breakneck speed, bouncing from tense confrontations to clever deductions. What surprised me was how the 'love' part of the title isn't just a side plot; it's woven into the mystery itself, making the stakes feel personal. It’s a snapshot of a bygone era of adventure storytelling, full of confidence and swagger.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for fans of classic adventure series like The Saint or Arsène Lupin, or for anyone who enjoys a fast-paced, old-fashioned mystery with a charismatic lead. It's also a neat find for readers curious about early 20th-century popular fiction. Think of it as a perfectly paced weekend read—a chance to step into a world of tailored suits, secret codes, and daring heists, all wrapped up in one stylish, compact package.