The book introduces one of the most enduring figures in crime fiction: A.J. Raffles. Raffles is an "amateur cracksman" (a gentleman burglar). By day, he is the ultimate English gentleman: a famous cricketer, a member of the elite Albany club, and a man of high society. By night, he uses his social standing and status as a sportsman as the perfect cover to commit daring high-stakes robberies.
A weary and jaded Raffles becomes increasingly disillusioned with the ethics of high society. His moral compass is tested when he encounters Dan Levy, an unscrupulous moneylender who predatory targets the sons of wealthy families with crushing loans.