Vicious, Elegant Bastards

by Jacky Hyams
Vicious, Elegant Bastards cover
Good Books rating 4.23
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Hardback • £20.00
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  • ID: 2912
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780750992480
  • Published: 2022-03-03
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

This book delves into the lives of the Kray twins, infamous figures in British criminal history, offering a detailed and nuanced portrayal of their lives beyond the myths. Written by Jacky Hyams, a renowned biographer of the Kray family, the book provides an in-depth look at their rise to power, their criminal empire, and the personal struggles that shaped their lives. It challenges the popular narratives surrounding the Krays, presenting a more complex and humanizing account of their story.

Reviews
Goodreads · Jacky Hyams · 2022-07-01
informative 4.50

The book offers a critical re-examination of the Kray twins' legacy, debunking myths and presenting a different perspective. The author's deep research and engaging narrative style make it a compelling read for those interested in true crime.

This book doesn't just retell the well-known stories of the Kray twins; it challenges them. Hyams dives deep into the myths and misconceptions surrounding these infamous figures, presenting a more nuanced and often surprising portrait. Their writing is engaging and well-researched, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the true crime genre. However, some readers might find the sheer volume of information a bit overwhelming, but it's a small price to pay for such a thorough examination.

Quick quotes

    Jacky Hyams has carefully re-examined some of the stories, the lies and the myths to reveal a very different portrait of the twins and those around them.

    This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the true crime genre.

    The sheer volume of information can be overwhelming, but it's a small price to pay for such a thorough examination.

World of Books · 2022-03-03
enlightening 4.20

This book is a comprehensive examination of the Kray twins' lives, offering a different perspective on their infamous legacy. It's a well-written and engaging read that challenges many of the myths surrounding these figures.

For those interested in true crime, this book is a must-read. It offers a comprehensive examination of the Kray twins' lives, challenging many of the myths that have been perpetuated over the years. The author's writing style is engaging, and their research is thorough, making it a compelling read. However, some readers might find the sheer volume of information a bit overwhelming, but it's a small price to pay for such a thorough examination.

Quick quotes

    The first book to examine the truth behind the legend of the Krays.

    It offers a comprehensive examination of the Kray twins' lives, challenging many of the myths that have been perpetuated over the years.

    The author's writing style is engaging, and their research is thorough, making it a compelling read.

Tower Hamlets Slice · 2022-03-01
insightful 4.00

The book dispels many myths about the Kray twins, offering a fresh perspective on their infamous legacy. It's a well-researched and engaging read that sheds new light on these notorious figures.

If you thought you knew everything about the Kray twins, think again. This book takes a fresh look at their lives and legacy, debunking many of the myths that have been perpetuated over the years. The author's research is thorough, and their writing style is engaging, making it a compelling read. It's a great choice for anyone looking to understand the true story behind the legends.

Quick quotes

    Jacky Hyams releases her new book, Vicious, Elegant Bastards, dispelling the myths behind the East End's notorious Kray twins.

    This book takes a fresh look at their lives and legacy, debunking many of the myths that have been perpetuated over the years.

    The author's research is thorough, and their writing style is engaging, making it a compelling read.

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