Member Reviews
Always love reading about the twins. This book is a walk through of the twins life, their hangouts and basically anywhere they left a mark. Well written and researched. I enjoyed it
Whether you're a fan of true crime, 60s pop culture, or an all around Anglophile, you'll dig this fresh take on the story of the notorious Kray's from Caroline Allen's virtual guided tour of East End London. as you settle in your seat in "The Kray's London." You get the feel of the homes, the church, restaurants, pubs, and the people as they were then and how they are now.
Allen does a spectacular job of providing the history of the neighborhood including the effects of wartime on the middle and lower classes sociologically, economically, and emotionally, even though depression wasn't a topic acknowledged as it is today. Her research is legit including interviews with people who knew gangsters Ronnie and Reggie, plus - bonus time! - her great grandfather cut their hair and shared stories and conversations.
While some writers tend to mock the Krays as wanna be Al Capones, the swath of terror and violence they created in their determination to rule was bloody and ruthless.
An excellent book from extraordinary writer!
I love true crime books. It fascinates me knowing what has happened in Britain! Was a great read 5*****
Thank you to Netgalley and Pen and Sword for the ARc.
The Krays London by Caroline Allen is a walk though guide of the areas where the notorious gangsters Reggie and Ronnie Kray were known to have vacated.It covers everything from where they went to school, the places they lived, the gym they boxed in while growing up, to all pubs they used and their favourite pie and eel shop
Each of the sections give the reader some of the background information and the history of each place and it's association with the Krays at the time of there ruin.The book also includes photos of these places and information on how to get there.
Overall the book has been well researched and is written well and is interesting read if you enjoy true crime it is one not to miss.
Ronnie and Reggie Kray terrorised London in the 1950's. The book gives some background information to the areas where the crimes were committed. There is also some photographs of the places so this give the reader more of an insight. The book is well written and researched. Fans of true crime will love this book.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Pen & Sword and the author Caroline Allen for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book very interesting. It details lots that I didn’t know about their life
It’s well written and worth a read
I only know little bits about the Krays so this book was a great introduction , lots of details, history and locations. Pictures that go with well together with the material, well researched and executed. I thought it was a great book and good introduction for someone like me who didn’t know lots about the Krays.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
The Krays London by Caroline Allen is a walk though London in the areas where the Notorious Kray Twins were located.
It gives some background with each place as to the history of the Krays at the time they were in the areas noted. There are photos of the places as well so this brings the book to life. The book has been well researched and is written well.
An interesting read and if you enjoy true crime it is one not to miss.
Thanks to Netgalley and Pen and Sword for the ARc. My review is my own opinion.
This is a guide to all places Kray involved when it comes to London for anyone who is a fan or interested in them. It covers everything from where they went to school, the places they lived and the gym they boxed in growing up, to all of their favorite haunts, whether for pie and eel, or other delicacies and where they liked to go on a night out. They opened their first club at age 20, The Regal in 1954. Other clubs would follow. They used them as a place to hang out with their cronies and discuss their criminal dealings.
I found it quite interesting, the background and the anecdotes on the twins themselves that are weaved throughout. If you have an interest in the Krays or East End crime in this period, you might want to check this out then. Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, author Caroline Allen, and the publisher.
Sadly this was archived before I could download it. It looks like an interesting read but obviously, my rating is not accurate and only given because I can't post this without it.
Great read- I’ve always been interested in the life and times of the Krays. There isn’t any new material within this book that is didn’t already know but to me it didn’t matter.
Well written, liked the photos. All round good read.
Thank you to both NetGalley and publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest unbiased review
If you are interested in the Kray twins or crime in East London then this book is for you. If you are interested in this aspect of British or London history during the 1950s and 1960s it might also be of interest. Not that this book is designed for the reader who would want to use it as a guide to actually visit the locations mentioned in the book. Specific instructions are provided on how to get to each location (in some cases the building is no longer there but the instructions will lead you to where it was located).
This exploration of London locations frequented by the infamous Kray twins has an interesting premise, but the execution is lacking. The book bogs down in the details of the history and location of these places. Lost is the intensity and horror of Ronnie and Reggie Kray who terrorized London in the 50’s with their thuggish reign. Disappointing.
I am a massive true crime fan and a book on the infamous Kray twin was always going to be right up my street!
I thought that this book was excellent and such a good way to use the different locations in the book as a way to tell their story. I liked that the author has given the locations should you want to visit them and also added in photos where possible too which helps bring it to life.
I thought that the length of the chapters was great too, there was plenty of relevant detail and it allowed me to find out more if I wanted to outside of the book, there are a lot of books out there on the Krays but this one I found to be unique in the author’s approach taken.
It is 4 stars from me for this one, I really enjoyed the layout and the length of the book was perfect for me! Highly recommended!!