One of the best gangster novels is 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo. It gives a detailed look into the Corleone crime family, with complex characters like Vito and Michael Corleone. The story shows the power dynamics, loyalty, and family ties within the world of organized crime.
'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.
Goodfellas is another top - notch gangster story. It gives a more insider's view of the mafia life. Henry Hill's journey from being a young kid enamored with the gangster lifestyle to his realization of the emptiness and danger of it all is a great narrative. The film shows the day - to - day operations of the mob, from heists to the social hierarchy within the gang.
Another popular one is 'Goodfellas' by Nicholas Pileggi. This novel, which was also made into a great movie, gives an insider's look at the life of a gangster, full of action, drama, and the code of the underworld.
One of the great ones is 'On Dublin Street' by Samantha Young. It has a bit of a bad - boy element in the male lead which gives it a gangster - like allure in terms of his edgy personality. Another is 'Motorcycle Man' by Kristen Ashley. The hero has a tough, almost gangster - ish charm and the romance is really passionate. Also, 'The Professional' by Kresley Cole features a hero who has a rather dangerous and mysterious air that is similar to what you'd expect from a gangster in a romance setting.
The answer to the best modern Chinese gangster novel might vary from person to person because different people had different standards and preferences for gangster novels. However, if one had to choose a classic gangster novel, Black Gold would probably be favored by many readers. This novel was hailed as a classic in the history of modern Chinese novels. It narrated the rise and fall of a Huang Zhong family, full of thrilling plots and profound character creation. In addition, Black Gold had also won many literary awards, including the highest award from the China Fictional Association, the Jin Yucheng Award.
Well, 'The Sopranos' novel (based on the TV series) is a great gangster crime read. It has all the elements of the show like Tony Soprano's family issues while running his criminal empire. 'Gangs of New York' by Herbert Asbury is another. It gives a historical look at the gangs in New York City in the 19th century. Also, 'Donnie Brasco' by Joseph D. Pistone is a good one as it tells the true story of an FBI agent who infiltrates the mafia.
Well, 'White Heat' is great gangster fiction. It has a memorable protagonist in Cody Jarrett. Then there's 'The Public Enemy' which was quite revolutionary in showing the darker side of the gangster life. And 'Once Upon a Time in America' is also among the best. It tells a long - spanning story of friendship and crime in the gangster world, exploring themes like loyalty and betrayal over the years.
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.