Gambling debts, robbery rings, and high society? and?? ?thugs? blending together? for a marvelous read.

HOUSE OF THIEVES takes us back to the late 1800's when women needed escorts and ?when ?men were their protectors. The men definitely? protected their wives and families and? kept secrets from them as they carried out their days.

The secret John Cross kept from his wife?, though,? was one he couldn't keep for long. When he returned home one evening with bruises and cuts, John had to tell his wife about his "deal" with Kent. The secret he kept was that their son, George, had racked up a gambling debt that he couldn't pay, and Kent came to John with ?a ?deal John wasn't able to pass up.

John wasn't able to pass it up because it was a good deal. John wasn't able to pass it up because ?it was a deal that he had to ?accept to ?keep his family safe. If he didn't go along with Kent, John saw what? Kent was capable of.

The deal took every waking minute of John's time and was something he would never dream of doing or being a part of.? If he got caught, he would ruin his family, but better to be ruined than dead.

The characters ?seemed quite authentic. John Cross made me afraid for him, Kent was despicable and ruthless, George made me angry that he would continue to ?do what he did to ?put his family? in this situation even? after his father told him he knew? of his dangerous obsession?.? Kent seemed as if he were just playing John Cross and his son's debt would never be settled, but John Cross had to keep finding homes and banks to rob so his family was safe.

You will get pulled into the time period and the storyline as you wonder how someone could be as evil and cunning as Kent and ?as your ?fear for John Cross? and his family mounts.?
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Mr. Belfoure has authored another intriguing, well-?written, captivating? book. Mr. Belfoure? pulls you in with his marvelous research and storyline about the life styles of the wealthy as well as the poor during this era.

?If you enjoy being treated to history, an alluring storyline, and an "oh my goodness" ending, HOUSE OF THIEVES will take you there.

One chapter after another keeps you mesmerized as unbelievable, possible events happen. 5/5

This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review. ?

The author gave good insight into the world of New York City in the 1880's and architecture in particular. The gambling theme was deemed to be very realistic, but many thought the plot was too contrived to be believable.

probably 3.5 stars
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 take better include some cash too —the bigger the payout, the faster this will be over.
With a newfound talent for sniffing out vulnerable and lucrative targets, Cross becomes invaluable to the gang. But Cross’s entire life has become a balancing act, and it will only take one mistake for it all to come crashing down —and for his family to go down too.

i thought this was a good book but to the nail biter, can't put it down some reviewers called it.
I did find it hard to believe some of the premises. Not sure in that day and age the 10 year old son would have had the freedom of movement that Charlie had.
But still a good read