The Amateur Cracksman

Written by:
E.W. Hornung
Narrated by:
Kristin Hughes

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
17
Narrator
9
Release Date
January 2011
Duration
5 hours 27 minutes
Summary
"I'd tasted blood, and it was all over with me. Why should I work when I could steal? Why settle down to some humdrum uncongenial billet, when excitement, romance, danger and a decent living were all going begging together?"- A. J. Raffles, The Ides of March.

The Amateur Cracksman is the first collection of stories about A. J. Raffles, gentleman, cricketer, and thief. After stopping his old school friend, Bunny Manders, from a desperate attempt at suicide, Raffles introduces the unsuspecting Bunny to a new way of earning a living, burglary. Though frequently horrified by Raffles's actions, the conscience-stricken Bunny stands by him through all their adventures, firm to his promise, "When you want me, I'm your man!" (Summary by Kristin Hughes)
Reviews
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Anonymous

Fascinating tale of the exploits of a gentleman cricketer who lived a completely different life after dark. Told by his accomplice ‘Bunny’, who finds himself getting involved, whether he really wanted to or not, by the reason of his hero worship for Raffles. Often Bunny ended up being the one who suffered at these adventures; either by extreme worry, putting his foot in it, or taking a physical blow now and then. The book could be somewhat compared to the tales of Rob Roy or Dick Turpin - when does a thief or doer of wrongs become a hero? After how many exploits told? Who can tell? I gave the book four stars... as I didn’t really like the ending. The reader was brilliant. Very good at the characters.

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jesse faryniasz

a fantasic story with memorable characters & great narration

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Jacquelyn Larson

I definitely see why these are compared to Sherlock Holmes, but they are just not as good. The Watson-like narrator, the ingenuity and reserve of the main character, and fun little tricks and turns along the way make this definitely worth the read/listen. However, following a gentleman thief is just not as much fun as tracking down a bad guy, and solving a mystery. Definitely a fun way to while away a few hours though! The narrator was fantastic.

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Elizabeth Pedersen

Much fun, akin to Sherlock Holmes but told from the thieves' point of view.

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Adrian Nalwalker

These are little know short stories by the real-life brother in law of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I truly cherished these stories when I discovered them. A rare gem. If you enjoy crime or mystery and the Sherlock Holmes series, then you'll enjoy these tales. They are quite different than Holmes and Watson so don't worry about plagiarism. Also, I must say that the narrator Kristen Hughes is INCREDIBLY good. (Also listen to her reading of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyl and Mr Hyde. It is sublime!)

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