The Great Train Robbery

by Nick Russell-Pavier
The Great Train Robbery cover
Good Books rating 4.12
True Crime
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Paperback • £12.99
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  • ID: 2816
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780297864400
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2013-01-10
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Great Train Robbery recounts the audacious 1963 heist where £2.6 million was stolen from a Glasgow to London train, a crime that captivated the world and became part of British folklore. The book delves into the lives of the masterminds behind the robbery, including Ronnie Biggs, Buster Edwards, and Bruce Reynolds, and explores the meticulous planning and execution of the 'perfect crime.' The narrative also examines the relentless pursuit by law enforcement, the societal impact, and the eventual downfall of the robbers due to a single critical mistake. This true crime thriller not only chronicles the events but also provides a vivid snapshot of British social history, offering a comprehensive and detailed account of one of the most infamous crimes of the 20th century.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-10-16
engaging 4.10

The book is noted for its extensive research and engaging narrative. It provides a detailed account of the robbery and its aftermath, making it a compelling read.

Goodreads reviewers appreciate the book's extensive research and engaging narrative style. They highlight the detailed account of the robbery and its aftermath, which makes the book a compelling read. The reviewer notes that the book offers a unique perspective on the crime, making it stand out in the true crime genre. The detailed descriptions and the exploration of the consequences of the robbery are particularly praised.

Quick quotes

    This is a really well-researched book about the biggest cash robbery in British history.

    In the early hours of Thursday 8th August 1963 at rural Cheddington in Buckinghamshire, ?2.5 million...

    This is the story of four talented villains who took the criminal world by storm...

Promoting Crime · 2013-08-05
comprehensive 4.25

The book is praised for its thorough research and detailed account of the robbery. It explores unanswered questions and provides a comprehensive narrative of the event.

The reviewer commends the book for its meticulous research and the way it sets out the real story in great detail. They are particularly intrigued by the unanswered questions, such as the identity of the 'mastermind' and the five men who were never caught. The book is seen as a valuable contribution to the true crime genre, offering a comprehensive narrative that keeps the reader engaged.

Quick quotes

    This well-researched book sets out the real story in great detail.

    Was there a 'mastermind?' Who were the five men who were never caught?

    Incredibly, one of the banks...

The Independent · 2013-01-19
informative 4.00

The book balances romantic notions of the robbery with a growing disenchantment with the Establishment. The level of detail is impressive, providing a comprehensive look at the event and its participants.

This review highlights the duality of the book, where romanticized views of the robbery are counterbalanced by a critical look at the Establishment. The reviewer is particularly impressed by the depth of research and the intricate details provided, which offer a well-rounded perspective on the crime. They appreciate how the book sets the scene and delves into the lives of the protagonists, making it a compelling read for those interested in true crime.

Quick quotes

    Romantic notions about the robbery were counterbalanced by increasing disenchantment with the Establishment.

    Incredibly, one of the banks...

    The level of detail in the book is phenomenal, not only digging into the lives of the protagonists and their crimes but in setting the scene in...

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