I haven't read many books on the Krays but I do find myself fascinated with them. In this book we meet the right hand man of the more volatile of the twins - Ronnie. John Dickson became embroiled in the skullduggery of the Krays when he arrived from Scotland and joined 'The Firm' almost by accident having met their uncle in a bar.
Dickson soon becomes Ronnie's full time driver and is the one who actually drives Ronnie to the infamous Blind Beggar pup on the night he killed George Cornell.
We learn how those in The Firm really lost their lives whilst working for the Krays. Their time was not their own and due to the extreme paranoia of the brothers, they pitted everyone against eachother so they wouldn't know who to trust. They certainly learned that no one ever really leaves the employ of the Krays...
I was startled to learn that those who worked for them never really had much money. My impression was that they would be rolling in it. This wasn't the case. Although the twins were always impeccably dressed and always had cash to flash, it seems like their employees were kept on promises and the odd handout when things were desperate.
Althought the writing isn't the most fluid to read, it's incredibly blunt and to the point which I loved (and it made a great quick read). I would have loved to have found out more about the time after the Krays were arrested and what happened to their flock.
A great 4 star read for me.
I would like to thank Readers First for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Dickson soon becomes Ronnie's full time driver and is the one who actually drives Ronnie to the infamous Blind Beggar pup on the night he killed George Cornell.
We learn how those in The Firm really lost their lives whilst working for the Krays. Their time was not their own and due to the extreme paranoia of the brothers, they pitted everyone against eachother so they wouldn't know who to trust. They certainly learned that no one ever really leaves the employ of the Krays...
I was startled to learn that those who worked for them never really had much money. My impression was that they would be rolling in it. This wasn't the case. Although the twins were always impeccably dressed and always had cash to flash, it seems like their employees were kept on promises and the odd handout when things were desperate.
Althought the writing isn't the most fluid to read, it's incredibly blunt and to the point which I loved (and it made a great quick read). I would have loved to have found out more about the time after the Krays were arrested and what happened to their flock.
A great 4 star read for me.
I would like to thank Readers First for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.