The Home Invaders: Confessions of a Cat Burglar

by Frank Hohimer

True confession of a CAT BURGLAR. Dressed in black shining a light in your face at 3:00 AM in your bedroom !!!!! It's just a burglar the mob sent to you to pay you a visit ???

Genres: Nonfiction, Crime, Autobiography, Media Tie In, Biography, True Crime

180 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Craig Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very worthwhile read. It’s available through the British Library catalogue, otherwise very difficult to get a hold of.

This book was very loosely adapted into the Michael Mann movie “Thief”. It is essentially the story of a very successful burglar, who draws the attention of the Mafia, who recognise his unique skill set and put him on the payroll. There are very detailed technical descriptions of how he undertook his work, though security systems in the modern era are far more sophisticated than those Hohimer encountered. He also details some senior mafia figures and the atrocities they are involved in, alongside his own efforts for money laundering. All written in very plain, basic language almost like the spoken word throughout.

The authenticity of the work is confirmed by the foreword, provided by Hohimers prosecutor, who oddly enough has a strange respect for him. If you are looking for an almost voyeuristic experience of watching someone doing bad (though not evil) things with the thrill of wondering when he’ll be caught then look no further

[Billiam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally tracked down a copy. Frank Hohimer's accounting is tense and incredibly thorough in regard to his entry and mastery of burglary in the Chicago underworld.

Towards the end of the 60s, his criminal career and the final third of this book, his writings become more of a blurb. It's hard to say if it was simply because his then-present situation at the time of writing wasn't exactly glamorous, or nostalgic as his start.

All the same, this is one of the most unique and direct accounts of something like this I've ever dived into. Michael Mann picked a great source material for Thief (1981).

5 ⭐️s

[Frank Consalvo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The movie "Thief" with James Caan is supposedly based on this book. Nothing like it at all. It was just ok. Movie is awesome.

[Michael Bartholomew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanted to read ever since discovering Michael Mann's thief. The book did not disappoint. I've read that this story was plagiarized and that's why it's been hard to find. I've searched for the original story with no luck. Despite the possibility it is plagiarized, this is a fast paced glimpse into the life of a professional thief that has a feel that other works in the crime genre haven't had. I love crime movies and novels so finding this and reading it was something I didn't think I'd do with its hefty price tag. Very interesting and scary read at the same time. Makes you appreciate technology such as smart phones much more.

[Marty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting for it's connection to the movie Thief and it's location in the annals of Chicago crime history, but it's a book written by a barely literate psychopath. It's not good and frankly, I think Hohimer is a liar.

[Herve Nzeyimana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty good. Nice quick read. He’s an asshole but the mafia and other burglars are way worse than him so by contrast he looks like a good guy in this book. Whatever he is, he’s one hell of a jewel thief.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I could rob a house but Hohimer told me it’s better to have the love of your family so...