Books about a thief?

[wadesworld]

Hi all,

I'm interested in finding a book (or preferably a series) that deals with a thief.

I'm looking for the classic "big heist" type book (something like the movie "The Score" with Robert Dinero or the "Thomas Crown Affair"). A guy puts together a plot to steal millions in diamonds, cash, art, whatever.

I particularly enjoy descriptions of all the planning, high-tech subverting of the security system, etc. And of course, the nail-biting actual heist and escape.

Anyone know of a book, series or an author that specializes in this subject?

Thanks,

Wade

 

[dheiner]

Not quite what you describe, but the first thing that popped into my mind when I saw this header was the burgler series by Lawrence Block. More mysteries than heists, but....

Also you may want to check out Donald Westlake's stuff.

 

[letterHead]

Maybe Gerald Browne - 19 Purchase Street. Stone 588 has a heist in it as well, but it's not the focus of the story. Judging by the reviews, 11Harrowhouse and West 47th also seem to involve big jewellery robberies.

There's also Lawrence Block's The Thief who Couldn't Sleep, and Cancelled Chech.

 

[Darren]

I was surprised "The Thomas Crown Affair" was not based on a book (to my knowledge). I bet it would make a good read.

 

[TMC]

Not high-tech, but very enjoyable: The Great Train Robbery by Michael Crichton. It is a very well written book about a gold theft in Victorian England.

 

[Ben Holiday]

The Stainless Steel Rat by Harry Harrison. Though that's sci-fi and probably not what you're looking for.

 

[phil_t]

Damn i love that book I found it in a second hand bookshop in Reading a coupla years ago and i was hooked