Raffles: Further Adventures of the Amateur Cracksman: Hornung's second book of adventures of Raffles, the gentleman burglar. Ernest William Hornung (1866 - 1921) 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.

Arthur J. Raffles is a character created in the 1890s by E. W. Hornung, brother-in-law to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes. Raffles is, in many ways, a deliberate inversion of Holmes - he is a ""gentleman thief,"" living at the Albany, a prestigious address in London, playing cricket for the Gentlemen of England and supporting himself by carrying out ingenious burglaries. He is called the ""Amateur Cracksman,"" and often, at first, differentiates between himself and the ""professors"" - professional criminals from the lower classes. As Holmes has Dr. Watson to chronicle his adventures, Raffles has Harry ""Bunny"" Manders - a former schoolmate saved from disgrace and suicide by Raffles, whom Raffles persuaded to accompany him on a burglary. While Raffles often takes advantage of Manders' relative innocence, and sometimes treats him with a certain amount of contempt, he knows that Manders' bravery and loyalty are to be relied on utterly.

A.J Raffles, a prominent member in London society and well-respected athlete, has a shocking secret identity; he is a notorious thief. Always chasing the thrill of a heist or pickpocketing, Raffles attends test cricket games under the slight guise of interest for the sport. Though he genuinely loves the game, Raffles is more tempted by the long duration of the test matches, granting him plenty of time and opportunity to steal from the wealthy spectators. Well-seasoned in this crime, Raffles eventually initiates a partner to assist him in his transgressions. Having idolized the older man’s athletic career, Bunny is a young man who admires Raffles. As their friendship grows, the size of their crimes follows, stealing diamonds, committing felonies, aiding fugitives, and executing daring heists. However, as they continue to commit crimes, they catch the attention of a Scotland Yard detective. While Inspector Mackenzie begins to suspect that Raffles and Bunny are the notorious robbers tormenting the London elite, he watches their every move, desperate to find evidence that proves his suspicions. With eight stories featuring complex characters, heists, plots, and even murder, The Amateur Cracksman by E.W Hornung is full of suspense and adventure. First published in 1899, The Amateur Cracksman was well-received by its original audience, inspiring film adaptations and literary sequels. Beginning E.W Hornung’s famed crime series, The Amateur Cracksman introduces the complicated and charming characters that audiences grew to love, A.J Raffles and Bunny. With action, intrigue, and even romance, The Amateur Cracksman starts a timeless series that remains to be exciting for contemporary audiences. This edition of author E.W Hornung’s The Amateur Cracksman, features a new, eye-catching cover design and is reprinted in a modern and readable font. With these accommodations, contemporary readers are encouraged to revisit the classic adventures and mishaps of the beloved partners in crime, Raffles and Bunny.

I am still uncertain which surprised me more, the telegram calling my attention to the advertisement, or the advertisement itself. The telegram is before me as I write. It would appear to have been handed in at Vere Street at eight o'clock in the morning of May 11, 1897, and received before half-past at Holloway B.O. And in that drab region it duly found me, unwashen but at work before the day grew hot and my attic insupportable.

The Black Mask is a 1901 short story collection by E. W. Hornung. It was published in the UK by Grant Richards, London, and in the US by Scribner's, New York under the title Raffles: Further Adventures of the Amateur Cracksman. It is the second collection of stories in Hornung's series concerning A. J.