The Krays: A Violent Business

The Krays: A Violent Business cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Technical
  • ID: 2918
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781845968076
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2011-05-05
  • Reviews: 3

Twins Ron and Reg Kray were the most feared gangsters in London, building a criminal empire through protection rackets, clubs, casinos, and fraudulent schemes. Their reign of terror included blackmail, intimidation, and murder, often carried out with impunity due to their connections with powerful figures in the Establishment. The brothers even expanded their operations internationally, collaborating with New York's five main Mafia families. The book reveals new, explosive material about the Kray twins' lives and the scandals surrounding their imprisonment for murder in 1968. It also exposes the secrets and cover-ups involving the British government, shedding light on a dark chapter in London's criminal history.

Reviews
Beacon Films Blog · 2013-10-21
chilling 4.00

The book offers a fascinating insight into the Kray twins' world, with a particular focus on their violent and criminal activities. It's a compelling read that sheds light on their infamous reputation.

This blog post uses an extract from the book to set the scene for the Krays' notoriety. The author of the post highlights the brutal and violent nature of the twins' activities, which are detailed extensively in the book. It's clear that the Krays' legacy is one of fear and intimidation, and the book does an excellent job of capturing that. The post suggests that the book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the true extent of the Krays' influence and the impact they had on London's criminal underworld.


Quick quotes

    Shortly before his death, Ron Kray revealed secrets that shook the very foundations of the criminal underworld.

    The Krays' reign of terror was marked by a series of violent and often brutal crimes.

    The book provides a chilling account of the twins' rise to power and their subsequent fall from grace.

Booktopia · 2011-08-15
compelling 4.50

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the true crime genre, offering a detailed and unflinching look at the Kray twins' criminal empire. It's a gripping narrative that brings the twins' story to life.

Booktopia's description of the book highlights its comprehensive and detailed account of the Kray twins' lives and crimes. The narrative is gripping and well-researched, providing a vivid portrayal of the twins' rise to power and their subsequent downfall. The book is praised for its unflinching look at the brutal and violent nature of their activities, making it a valuable addition to the true crime genre. The level of detail and the engaging storytelling make it a compelling read for anyone interested in the darker side of London's history.


Quick quotes

    Painting a vivid picture of the brothers' world, it exposes how they rose to the top of the criminal tree.

    They became the biggest, the best, the most feared gangsters in London's history.

    The book is a testament to the extensive research and attention to detail that went into its creation.

Penguin Books · 2011-05-05
engrossing 4.50

This book provides a detailed and vivid portrayal of the Kray twins' criminal empire, highlighting their ruthless tactics and the fear they instilled. It offers a comprehensive look into their rise and the impact they had on London's underworld.

The book delves deep into the lives of Ron and Reg Kray, painting a vivid picture of their world. It's clear that the author has done extensive research, providing a comprehensive look at how the twins rose to power and the methods they used to maintain control. The narrative is gripping, and the level of detail is impressive, making it a must-read for anyone interested in true crime history. However, some readers might find the sheer brutality of their crimes hard to stomach, but it's an essential part of understanding their legacy.


Quick quotes

    Twins Ron and Reg Kray were without doubt the most powerful, violent and deadly gangsters that London has ever known.

    They ran protection rackets, extortion and arson operations, and were involved in numerous violent incidents.

    The book exposes how they rose to the top of the criminal tree-how they became the biggest, the best, the most feared.