What are the characteristics of London gangster books in fiction?

London gangster fiction books often feature a seedy and gritty underworld. They typically have complex characters who are involved in illegal activities like drug dealing, robbery, and extortion. For example, in 'The Long Firm', the characters are deeply immersed in the criminal world of 1960s London.

Well, they often have a strong sense of place. London's unique neighborhoods, from the posh areas to the seedy alleys, are vividly described. For example, in many books, the foggy streets add to the mystery.

One characteristic is the exploration of the criminal underworld. These books often show the inner workings of gangs, drug cartels or organized crime. Another is the use of a gritty urban setting, like the back alleys and slums of big cities. For example, in 'The Godfather', the streets of New York are an important part of the story. Also, themes of power, loyalty and betrayal are common. Characters in these books are constantly jockeying for power and sometimes have to choose between loyalty to their gang and their own self - interest.

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.

These books often have a strong sense of place. They'll describe the narrow streets and crowded buildings of London before the fire, and then the devastation left in its wake. They also tend to focus on the social hierarchy. You can see how different classes of people were affected, from the poor who lost their meager homes to the wealthy who had more resources but still faced great losses.

One great London gangster fiction book is 'The Long Firm' by Jake Arnott. It delves into the seedy underworld of London in the 1960s. Another is 'Layer Cake' by J. J. Connolly, which offers a gritty look at the drug - trading and gangster lifestyle in the city. Also, 'Gangster No. 1' by Jake Arnott is a fascinating read about a London gangster's rise to power.

There's also 'Gangster No. 1'. This book offers a dark and gritty portrayal of a London gangster's rise to power. It shows the brutal nature of the criminal underworld in London in a very engaging way.

Characteristics include a focus on urban landscapes as a backdrop for the action. These cities are often portrayed as places where anything can happen. There are often themes of loyalty and betrayal within the gangster groups. The language used is often rough and street - like to match the environment. The pacing is usually fast - paced, with lots of action scenes. For instance, in books like 'American Gangster' - related fiction, you'll see how the characters navigate a world full of danger and opportunity in the city.

Gangster fiction often features complex and morally ambiguous characters. These characters are usually involved in illegal activities like organized crime, such as drug dealing or extortion. The settings are typically gritty urban environments, full of seedy alleys and dark corners. There is often a lot of violence and power struggles within the gangster world depicted.

In best London crime fiction, the mystery is key. There are always puzzles to be solved, whether it's a missing person or a series of murders. The city itself becomes a character. The dark alleys, the big mansions, the bustling markets all contribute to the mood of the story. And there's often a sense of danger lurking around every corner. The stories also reflect the changing times in London. From the Victorian era to modern - day London, the crime fictions show how the city has evolved and how crime has changed with it.