best gangster books fiction

'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.

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.

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.

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.

'L.A. Confidential' is a great gangster fiction book. It's set in Los Angeles and weaves together multiple storylines involving corrupt cops, gangsters, and the seedy underbelly of the city. The plot is full of twists and turns, and the characters are well - developed, making it a page - turner for anyone interested in the genre.

Well, 'The Wire' by David Simon is a must - mention. It's not exactly a traditional book but has been turned into one. It shows the complex web of the drug - dealing underworld in Baltimore. Then there's 'Clockers' by Richard Price. It focuses on the lives of small - time drug dealers in an urban environment. And 'Gone, Baby, Gone' by Dennis Lehane is set in a tough urban area and involves elements of gangsters and crime.

A top pick in the best fiction gangster books is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. This noir classic features Sam Spade, a private detective who gets entangled with gangsters while on the hunt for a valuable statue. Then there's 'American Tabloid' by James Ellroy. It weaves together multiple storylines of gangsters, cops, and the seedy underbelly of American society in the 1960s. Also, 'White Jazz' by the same author is a great read for those interested in fictional gangster tales.

One great fiction gangster book is 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo. It delves deep into the Corleone crime family, showing the complex relationships, power struggles, and moral dilemmas within the gangster world. Another is 'Scarface' which follows the rise and fall of a ruthless gangster. 'Goodfellas' is also a notable one, as it's based on a true story and gives a vivid account of life in the mafia, from the perspective of those involved in the criminal activities.