In 'A Thief in the Night: Further adventures of A.J. Raffles, Cricketer and Cracksman' by E.W. Hornung, readers are taken on thrilling escapades with the protagonist, a gentleman thief with a penchant for cricket. The book is written in a gripping and suspenseful style, combining elements of mystery and adventure in the late 19th century literary context. Hornung's vivid descriptions and intricate plots keep the reader on the edge of their seat, eagerly following Raffles' daring exploits. The seamless blend of sportsmanship and criminality adds a unique twist to the narrative, making it a standout in the genre. Featuring clever heists and witty banter, this novel is sure to captivate fans of both mystery and sports literature. E.W. Hornung, a contemporary of Arthur Conan Doyle, drew inspiration from his own experiences as a writer and sports enthusiast to craft the character of A.J. Raffles. His background in journalism and familiarity with the English upper class provided him with the perfect backdrop to create the charming yet morally ambiguous protagonist. Hornung's insight into human nature and skillful storytelling make 'A Thief in the Night' a compelling read for those interested in unconventional heroes and intricate plots. I highly recommend 'A Thief in the Night' to readers who enjoy a mix of crime, adventure, and sportsmanship in their literature. Hornung's masterful writing and captivating storyline will surely leave a lasting impression on anyone who delves into the exciting world of A.J. Raffles' escapades.

Ernest William Hornung, commonly known as E. W. Hornung (18661921), was an English author and poet best known for creating the character A. J. Raffles, an English gentleman-thief first introduced in the 1898 collection of short stories 'The Amateur Cracksman.' Hornung was born in Middlesbrough, England, and was educated at Uppingham School and later at the Bradford Grammar School. His literary career began earnestly in the early 1890s after moving to London, where he became close friends with fellow writer Arthur Conan Doyle, his brother-in-law, whose sleuth Sherlock Holmes greatly influenced Hornung's work. Hornung's literary output includes novels and numerous short stories; however, his fame predominantly rests on the Raffles series, which includes 'A Thief in the Night: Further adventures of A. J. Raffles, Cricketer and Cracksman' (1905), a later collection that continued to explore the complexities and contradictions of criminal life through its charismatic protagonist. His delineation of Raffles as both a sportsman and a criminal mastermind exemplifies Hornung's subversion of Victorian respectability, presenting crime with a touch of elegance and moral ambiguity. Despite the success of his antihero, Hornung also wrote works in the adventure and mystery genres, showcasing his versatile command of language and narrative styles. Hornung's contribution to English literature, with his morally ambivalent characters and exploration of the dichotomy between social respectability and the allure of crime, ensures his continuing recognition in the canon of detective fiction.