"The Almost True Memoirs of a Quirky Cat Burglar" follows the adventures of Henry Sears O'Connor, a quick-witted and resourceful protagonist, and his accomplice, Antonio Rossi, during the Great Depression era. Henry, a skilled cat burglar with a conscience, teams up with Antonio, a handsome Italian getaway man, to pull off daring heists targeting the wealthy elite in upstate New York.
Henry, born into a struggling family in Baltimore, turns to crime to support his loved ones. His upbringing and friendship with Antonio, the son of a mafia member, shape his path. Despite their mischievous past as altar boys, Henry and Antonio embark on a new journey, meticulously planning and executing heists while leaving behind acts of kindness for their victims.
After each successful job, Henry performs altruistic deeds, earning him the moniker "Thief with a Conscience" or the "Quirky Cat Burglar of New York." Their final caper involves impersonating police officers to raid a high-stakes poker game, leading to a lucrative haul.
The duo eventually leaves their life of crime behind, opening a nightclub in Baltimore called "The Ship You Sailed In On." Antonio's talent as a singer catches the attention of a record scout, propelling him to stardom as Tony Valentine.
As Henry settles down with his childhood sweetheart, Peggy, Antonio remains a loyal friend, serving as Henry's best man at their wedding. The story concludes with Henry and Peggy living happily ever after, while Tony Valentine rises to fame as a renowned singer and movie star.
"The Almost True Memoirs of a Quirky Cat Burglar" combines elements of adventure, friendship, and redemption, showcasing the transformative power of love and loyalty amidst a backdrop of crime and intrigue.
What's more, these escapades were handed down in the author's family folklore. Most were embellished for the pleasure of the reader, who will, hopefully, enjoy these humorous capers!