House of Thieves: A Novel
"The world of old New York comes alive in this beguiling tale of mystery and intrigue... Charles Belfoure definitely has the touch."--Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author of The Patriot Threat and The Lincoln Myth
Gangs of New York meets The Age of Innocence as a society architect in 1880s Manhattan is forced to join a gritty crime ring in this historical thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Architect!
In 1886 New York, a respectable architect shouldn't have any connection to the notorious gang of thieves and killers that rules the underbelly of the city. But when John Cross's son racks up an unfathomable gambling debt to Kent's Gents, Cross must pay it back himself. All he has to do is use his inside knowledge of high society mansions and museums to craft a robbery even the smartest detectives won't solve--the bigger the payout, the faster this will be over.
As he hones his talent for sniffing out vulnerable and lucrative targets, Cross becomes invaluable to the gang. But his entire life has become a balancing act, and it will only take one mistake for it all to come crashing down.
A fast-paced historical mystery, House of Thieves is perfect for the book club that loved A Gentleman in Moscow and The Art Forger, blending fine society with a brilliant cast of dubious characters.
Also by Charles Belfoure:
The Paris Architect
The Fallen Architect
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
House of Thieves by Charles Belfoure
376 pages
What’s it about?
Charles Belfoure is an architect by profession. He uses this knowledge to add a layer of depth to this suspenseful work of historical fiction. John Cross is an architect working in New York City in 1886 when he unwittingly gets drawn into a gang of thieves. The story follows Cross as he struggles to find a way out of his predicament.
What did it make me think about?
To enjoy this novel one must suspend disbelief and just go along for the ride.
Should I read it?
This was a good, quick, light read. If you liked Mr. Belfoure's previous novel, "The Paris Architect", then you will probably enjoy this one as well. I liked it, but must say that it is one of those stories that is highly improbable and in the end it all fits together with a big bow. If you are okay with that- then settle in for a few hours and enjoy the ride.
Quote-
“Our prim and proper society family isn’t what it seems, is it? We’re all just hiding in secret worlds where we escaped to be happy, away from that harsh knickerbocker code.”
If you like this try-
The Loney by Andrew Michael Hurley
House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
Norwegian by Night by Derek B. Miller
See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.