If you're new to British gangster fiction, 'Layer Cake' is a good starting point. It's relatively easy to read and has a fast - paced plot that will draw you in right away.
For a beginner, 'Get Carter' could be the best place to start. It's a classic that has influenced many other works in the genre. You'll get a feel for the tough, no - nonsense world of British gangsters in the 1970s and see how the genre has evolved from there.
Well, 'Get Carter' by Ted Lewis is a classic in British gangster fiction. It's set in the North of England and gives a raw and unfiltered view of the gangster lifestyle. 'The Firm' by Martina Cole is also very popular. It focuses on a powerful and violent gang, showing the loyalty and betrayal within the group. And then there's 'Gangsta Granny' by David Walliams which, while having a more comical tone compared to the others, still offers a great look into the world of a would - be gangster granny.
The characters in British gangster fiction books are typically complex. They may have a sense of loyalty to their 'crew' but also be driven by personal greed and ambition. Take the main character in 'Layer Cake' for instance, he is constantly weighing his loyalty to his associates against his own self - interest. And the dialogue is often filled with British slang, which adds to the authenticity of the underworld setting.
'American Gangster' by Mark Jacobson is also highly regarded. It tells the story of Frank Lucas, a real - life drug lord. The book not only focuses on his criminal activities but also on the social and cultural environment that allowed his rise to power and his subsequent fall.
Another excellent choice is 'The Firm' by Martina Cole. It follows the story of a family involved in organized crime. Cole is known for her vivid descriptions of the British criminal underworld, and this book is no exception. It shows the power struggles, loyalty, and violence within the gangster families.
For a British gangster novel to be considered the best, it needs to capture the essence of the British criminal underworld. This means showing the unique culture, language, and social hierarchies within it. Take 'The Firm' for instance. It shows how family ties and loyalty play out in the gang world. The pacing is also crucial. A good gangster novel like 'Shoot to Kill' keeps you on the edge of your seat. And of course, the exploration of themes like power, greed, and revenge, which are often central in books like 'King of Thieves' and make them stand out.
One of the best fiction gangster books is 'A Rage in Harlem' by Chester Himes. It has a great blend of humor and the dark world of gangsters in Harlem. 'True Grit' by Charles Portis also has elements of the old - west gangster - like outlaws. And 'The Getaway' by Jim Thompson is a tense and exciting read about a criminal couple on the run from the law and their gangster associates.
Well, 'The Godfather' is often at the top of the list. It has been adapted into an iconic movie, but the book itself is a masterpiece. It shows how family and business intertwine in the world of the mafia.
Another great one is 'Goodfellas' by Nicholas Pileggi. It gives a vivid and true - to - life account of the gangster lifestyle. It shows how these guys operate, their relationships, and the consequences of their actions. It's really engaging.
One of the best is 'The Eagle Has Landed' by Jack Higgins. It's a thrilling story about a German plot to kidnap Winston Churchill. The plot is full of twists and turns, and the characters are well - drawn.
One of the best is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that explores themes of love, class, and marriage in a witty and engaging way. The characters are vividly drawn, like the independent Elizabeth Bennet and the proud Mr. Darcy. Another great one is '1984' by George Orwell. It presents a dystopian future where the government has extreme control over people's lives. It makes you think about freedom and privacy. And 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling is also among the best. It takes readers to a magical world full of adventure, friendship, and the battle between good and evil.