A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking and Entering
“A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking and Entering” by Andrew Hunter Murray is a witty and fast-paced caper that flips the traditional crime novel on its head. The story follows Al (not his real name), a career “interloper” who breaks into wealthy second homes,not to steal, but to live undetected while the owners are away. He’s careful, discreet, and prides himself on leaving no trace. But when a job goes wrong and a murder takes place, Al is forced into a chaotic and dangerous mission that threatens to unravel his quiet, carefully managed existence.
To stay ahead of both the law and the real killer, Al teams up with a misfit crew of fellow interlopers: Jonny, a tech-savvy recluse, and sisters Em and Elle, who bring grit and energy to the operation. Together, they navigate the dark corners of London’s elite neighborhoods, infiltrating luxury properties and dodging everyone from the police to private security to shadowy intelligence figures. Their mission: clear their names and expose a crime much bigger than they imagined.
Murray’s writing is razor-sharp and refreshingly self-aware, combining dark humor, social commentary, and high-stakes plotting. Al’s narrative voice is both hilarious and insightful, pulling readers into his morally gray world with a wink and a smirk. The novel satirizes class privilege, modern surveillance, and the absurdities of contemporary urban life, all while delivering clever twists and compelling action.
At its core, “A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking and Entering” is more than a heist story, it’s about survival, identity, and the blurry line between right and wrong in a world built on inequality. It’s a clever, gripping read for anyone who likes their thrillers with brains, heart, and a rebellious streak.