Prince of Thieves

Chuck Hogan

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forbidden love

heists in boston

character development

complex relationships

gritty realism

internal struggles

charlestown setting

clean and smart writing style

narrative introspection

swift action

crime thriller elements

deeper commentary

working class neighborhood

Who Would Like This Book:

If gritty Boston settings, nerve-racking heists, and nuanced, flawed characters grab your attention, "Prince of Thieves" is a gem. Hogan delivers more than crime capers - he digs deep into identity, loyalty, and the pull of home. Fans of authentic atmospheres (think Dennis Lehane), those who enjoyed "The Town" film, or readers who love action with unexpected heart, will eat this up.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you’re not a fan of strong language, sometimes heavy-handed romantic subplots, or find yourself wanting pure thriller without introspective detours, this might not be your cup of tea. Some readers found the focus on atmosphere slowed the pace, while the gritty realism and tough characters weren’t for everyone.

A tense, soulful blend of crime, love, and identity set in blue-collar Boston - ideal for fans of adrenaline and atmosphere with a touch of melancholy.

About:

Prince of Thieves by Chuck Hogan is a character-driven novel set in Charlestown, Boston, following the life of Doug, an ex-convict and bank robber, as he navigates his forbidden love for Claire, a bank manager. The book delves into Doug's internal struggles, growth, and his complex relationships with his crew members, the town of Charlestown, and the FBI agent pursuing them. The writing style is described as clean, smart, and insightful, with a focus on character development and the gritty atmosphere of the working-class neighborhood.

Characters:

Doug is portrayed with complexity, while Claire and others serve to highlight both the romantic and gritty aspects of the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing blends gritty realism with character introspection, capturing the essence of both the crime-driven plot and the characters' emotional journeys.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on heists in Boston's Charlestown, reflecting deeper themes of personal struggle and forbidden love involving Doug and Claire.

Setting:

The setting of Charlestown is vividly depicted, contributing significantly to the novel's atmosphere and themes.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with swift action during heists contrasted by slower, introspective segments.

Charlestown, Massachusetts's reputation as a breeding ground for bank and armored-car robbers is authentic. Although faithful to the Town's geography and its landmarks, this novel all but ignores the ...

Notes:

The book is set in Charlestown, a blue collar neighborhood in Boston known for its high rate of bank robberies.

Doug MacRay, the main character, was a hockey phenom drafted by the Boston Bruins before his life spiraled due to drugs and violence.

The opening scene involves a meticulously planned bank heist that doesn't go as expected.

Doug takes the bank manager, Claire, hostage during the heist but later develops a relationship with her.

The story explores themes of love, redemption, and the struggle to escape one's past.

The novel has been adapted into a film called 'The Town' directed by Ben Affleck, although the book offers deeper character development.

Hogan's writing is described as gritty and smart, capturing the essence of life in Charlestown.

The book is a mix of heist thriller and a character study of Doug, making it more than just a crime story.

Readers appreciate the depth of the characters and the unique portrayal of their struggles.

Though some readers found it uneven, many enjoyed the fast pace and engaging storyline.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include violence, criminal activity, substance abuse, and profanity.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance that interweaves with the thriller elements, particularly through Doug's relationship with Claire.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

In a blue-collar Boston neighbourhood a planned robbery takes place. The men wear masks. Their guns are drawn on the pretty bank manager, Claire Keesey, who nervously recites the alarm code, and the tumblers within the huge vault fall. The timing and execution are brilliant. It could be the perfect job. A huge sum of cash is stolen, but so too is one man's heart, as Doug MacRay, the brains behind the tough, tight-knit crew of thieves, falls for Claire. But she has another admirer: FBI agent Adam Frawley, who is beginning to zero in on the gang, and for Doug, pursuing Claire may be his most dangerous act of all.

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About the Author:

Chuck Hogan is the author of several acclaimed novels, including Devils in Exile and The Killing Moon. The Town was awarded the Hammett Prize for excellence in crime writing, and named one of the ten best novels of the year by Stephen King. He is also the co-author, with Guillermo del Toro, of the international bestseller The Strain. He lives with his family outside Boston.

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