House of Thieves

House of Thieves by Charles Belfoure

John Cross married into the upper crust of New York Society of 1885 and yet he must support his family with his modest income as an architect. To maintain his status in this elite moneyed group, he and his family must always be on guard so that they stay in the good graces of their fickle Aunt Caroline, who not only has the money to help them fit in, but her opinion determines who is accepted into this tight circle and who is not.

When James Kent, the leader of New York's most notorious gang, approaches Cross about his son's extensive gambling debts, John thinks it is a practical joke, until things get a little violent. With a fear of the scandal that would ensue if his son's debts were discovered, John agrees to provide the inside architectural knowledge that will help Kent rob a few of his past wealthy clients.

Although the story got a little redundant and far-fetched at times, it was a quick read, and fairly entertaining.