#fictional detective

Detective Partners Moodboard by @lobster-graphics

The pictures of Mike and Vicki in black and white were done by @delorita

She is the aesthetic for a vampire

In this one, only the top option will be taken literally, unless "a combination" is the 1st to 3rd most popular choice. The percentages of other options will not affect their literal role but might affect how they treat their crime-solving. (For example, if they're a private eye but cop is the second most popular, they could have a very criminal justice mindset, be super lawful, or be pro-cop. I on purpose chose an example I don't think will happen.)

Links to positive traits and flaws polls for context

Arsène Lupin, penned by Maurice Leblanc and skillfully translated by Edgar Jepson, emerges as a captivating tale that weaves together elements of mystery, adventure, and wit. This classic work introduces readers to the enigmatic character of Arsène Lupin, a masterful and charming thief with a penchant for outsmarting both the law and his adversaries. Leblanc's narrative prowess shines through as he meticulously crafts a series of short stories, each unraveling Lupin's audacious exploits and ingenious schemes.

At the heart of the narrative is Lupin's charismatic personality, which transcends the conventional boundaries of a mere antihero. Leblanc successfully portrays Lupin as a multifaceted character, eliciting both admiration and curiosity from readers. The clever interplay between Lupin and the dogged detective attempting to bring him to justice adds an extra layer of suspense, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

Jepson's translation preserves the essence of Leblanc's original work, allowing English-speaking readers to savor the nuances of Lupin's escapades. The prose is elegant and fluid, capturing the vivid imagery of the settings and characters. The translation seamlessly transports readers into the world of early 20th-century France, where the allure of hidden treasures and daring heists unfolds against a backdrop of societal intrigue.

Arsène Lupin stands as a testament to Leblanc's narrative ingenuity, creating a timeless character whose charisma has endured through the ages. The stories within this collection not only showcase Lupin's cunning intellect but also explore themes of justice, morality, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. As readers embark on this literary journey, they find themselves irresistibly drawn into Lupin's web of deception, eagerly anticipating each twist and turn.

In conclusion, Maurice Leblanc's Arsène Lupin, skillfully brought to the English-speaking audience by Edgar Jepson, is a literary gem that transcends its genre. The charismatic antihero, coupled with the expertly crafted narratives, ensures that Lupin's legacy endures as a symbol of literary brilliance. This collection is a must-read for those who appreciate the art of storytelling and the timeless allure of a captivating rogue.

Arsène Lupin by Maurice Leblanc is available in Amazon in paperback 12.99$ and hardcover 20.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 305

Language: English

Rating: 8/10                                           

Link of the book!

Today Henry will be traveling to Toronto, but not just any Toronto. Toronto in the 90s.

And who will be hosting him this time?

One Nicolas Knight AKA Sir Knight Nicolas de Brabant

Just a bit of background on Nicolas. He was born in France at around 1200. Life happened and he ended up fighting in the Crusades. The war roughed up his mentals, got him questioning God and all that. This lead him to being seduced into becoming a vampire. He was turned in 1228. Things were going ok for a hot minute, but there's only so much killing (accidental or on purpose) one can do before something's gotta change. He goes through the centuries trying to get right, but then slips, but hey at least he is trying. Finally, by the time of the show, he is in Toronto living his life as a police detective. He aims to not only to pay back humanity for his past actions, he also wants to become human again.

He got vampire married for about a century to the woman who seduced him into vampire life, Janette (She brought him into the fold but didn't turn him.)

But in present day he is working with a doctor in the coroner's office to get back to humanity, even though it pisses off his vampire family.

The doctors name is Natalie. She is in the gif below.

So yeah that's the background on who Henry is going to be hanging around with for the week. Oh by the way...Nicolas is the type of vampire that can't really be around crosses like that...so yeah...

Ok Let's Begin

So to set the stage, Nicolas gets a series of dreams that tell him if an important visitor that will be coming. Nick doesn't doubt that there is something sending him visions. He's been around. The vibes aren't sinister, just an information dump. He gets a visual if Henry.

He even gets a date and time, shown to him via a clock and calendar.

Nick takes the appropriate action to prepare for the arrival. He uses his paid time off for the dates the vision gave him and he even hangs around Janette to get her used to him being around. He isnt going to be drinking from anyone at Janette's club, but he must make sure his guest is provided for.

The date comes and the time approaches. Nick is kinda pissed because he was given damn near every bit of information, but not the where.

He paces his livingroom, wondering about what to do about that as the minutes tick by. He actually got so lost in his pacing that the time came. He stopped his pacing once he heard someone clear their throat.

He turns toward the noise and sees the visitor from his dreams, right there standing in his apartment. It's lucky for Nick that Henry was not wearing his cross around his neck, because that would have been awkward.

They introduce themselves by name. Nick is older by 300 years, but Henry is pretty much royalty and so Nick acts accordingly.

He was going to give Henry the couch, but offers him the bed instead, and Henry happily accepts.

They do the thing where they show each other their vampire faces.

It's cool, they put them away just as quickly as they took them out. Both just wanted to see what's what.

Nick has to lay down the rules. He doesn't know Henry, but again he can read vibes and Henry is pretty chill, but you never know.

He takes Henry to go to the food spot, AKA The Raven.

He sees to it that Janette hooks Henry up with dinner. They hit it off, but Henry is still a little wary. He isn't used to the idea of multiple vampires coexisting in the same territory. And add on top of that, that they are in an alternate Toronto and it takes a moment to get used to. There is no hostility so he goes with the flow, but he is trying to be prepared for anything.

Everything goes well. Henry basically eats and goes. Nick let Janette know they will be back tomorrow. She is super intrigued but will wait for Nicolas to tell her what's going on. Henry is glad that Nick wanted to get out of there because his haunches were up being around so many vampires at once.

The night is still young so they go driving around. Henry tells Nick about 2007 Toronto and they just go to places that Henry hangs around to see what's different and what's the same. Mist of the street names are the same, but all the stores and buildings are different. That's just how they spend their first night. It's pretty easy breezy and entertaining for them both.

Over the course of the week they swap stories. They laugh. They speak full conversations in French, other times in English.

Henry talks about Vicki, her eye problems that took her off the force, and her new life as a Private Investigator.

Nick asks the natural question after seeing Henry all heart eyes while talking about Vicki.

"Are you going to turn her?"

"It would only end in disaster."

Henry just tells Nick everything. First about his turning and the one year time limit. Turning Vicki will not give him a life with her forever.

Nick is shocked. He looks at Henry with a new level of respect, because he can not imagine NOT being able to interact with other vampires. Sure he is trying to become mortal, but that is a choice. He is humbled by the idea of the sheer loneliness Henry must feel.

Yeah there was tense awkward silence for about an hour, but they just went out cruising again after Henry got something to eat, free range. Nick trusted him to not kill, even though he watched him closely.