A Thief in the Night: Further adventures of A. J. Raffles, Cricketer and Cracksman

"A Thief in the Night: Further Adventures of A. J. Raffles" by E. W. Hornung is a novel written in the early 20th century. This intriguing tale follows A. J. Raffles, a charming cricketer with a double life as a skilled cracksman, along with his friend Bunny, as they engage in audacious heists. The narrative blends elements of crime, adventure, and themes of friendship, showcasing Raffles' cunning and criminal escapades. The opening of the novel introduces the reader to the complexities of the protagonist's nature and his relationship with Bunny, who is both enthralled and troubled by Raffles' villainy. As Bunny recounts their shared history, he reflects on personal struggles, particularly concerning his engagement with a woman named Helen and the influence Raffles has on his life choices. On one fateful evening, the two find themselves planning a burglary at a newly occupied house, which unfolds amidst Bunny's conflicting emotions regarding his loved one. As the plot unfolds with tension and excitement, the stage is set for both raucous adventure and deep emotional turmoil, all the while hinting at the intricacies of Raffles' dual identity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Ernest William Hornung was an English author and poet known for writing the A. J. Raffles series of stories about a gentleman thief in late 19th-century London. Hornung was educated at Uppingham School; as a result of poor health he left the school in December 1883 to travel to Sydney, where he stayed for two years. He drew on his Australian experiences as a background when he began writing, initially short stories and later novels.