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dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Truthfully, I did not expect this to be as good as it was. I hadn’t liked Chuck Hogan’s last book and while I enjoyed the movie version of “The Town,” I’m assuming the book version is chock full of stereotyped Bostonians doing One More Job. Maybe that’s unfair and I’m more inclined to give it a shot because this historical crime book was so well done. Hogan made the characters—real and fictional—come alive in an authentic Chicago setting with a gangster tale that hummed with verve and verisimilitude. I was drawn into Nicky’s story in ways I didn’t expect (and ways you probably won’t expect either). Great book. One of my favorite crime reads of the year.
As far as I can tell, this book is massively underrated. Or rather, underread, because the few people who have read this have rated it very high. I highly recommend.
Reading 2022
Book 150: Gangland by Chuck Hogan
Borrowed this book from a friend and paired it with the audio.
Synopsis: From the acclaimed author of The Town, an epic thriller about the secret right hand man of one of the most infamous unprosecuted mob bosses in American history, and the hidden crime that will bring down an empire.
Review: This book was okay, not an EPIC thriller like the synopsis claims. I do enjoy a good mob book every now and again, but this book did not blow me away the way some others have. I enjoyed The Family, my other mob read this year, more than this selection. My rating 3⭐️.
Book 150: Gangland by Chuck Hogan
Borrowed this book from a friend and paired it with the audio.
Synopsis: From the acclaimed author of The Town, an epic thriller about the secret right hand man of one of the most infamous unprosecuted mob bosses in American history, and the hidden crime that will bring down an empire.
Review: This book was okay, not an EPIC thriller like the synopsis claims. I do enjoy a good mob book every now and again, but this book did not blow me away the way some others have. I enjoyed The Family, my other mob read this year, more than this selection. My rating 3⭐️.
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A decent era crime novel, set in the Chicago syndicate in the late 70s and early 80s. The novel lacks some of the familiar feel of fictionalised real events / people, but the era chosen is very accurately depicted and told with the intimacy of a writer who lived in the era and partook in the event. The story is interesting enough but a little too familiar. 3.5/5
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book to review.
"Gangland" by Chuck Hogan is a riveting and gritty exploration of the criminal underworld that captivates readers from the very first page. Hogan's masterful storytelling and in-depth research into the world of organized crime create a narrative that is both authentic and captivating.
The novel follows a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and backgrounds, as they navigate the complex and dangerous landscape of gangs and criminal enterprises. Hogan's character development is superb, allowing readers to become deeply invested in the lives of these individuals, whether they are law enforcement officers trying to bring down the criminal syndicates or members of the gangs themselves.
Hogan's writing style is both vivid and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the settings and situations the characters find themselves in. The action scenes are intense and well-paced, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the story unfolds. Additionally, Hogan's attention to detail and his ability to depict the intricacies of criminal operations lend an air of authenticity to the narrative.
One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of the moral ambiguity that often accompanies life in the criminal underworld. Hogan delves into the motivations and conflicts that drive individuals to make choices that blur the lines between right and wrong, adding depth and complexity to the storyline. This thematic exploration elevates "Gangland" beyond a mere crime thriller, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read.
While "Gangland" excels in many aspects, some readers might find the novel's intricate web of characters and organizations slightly overwhelming. Keeping track of the various alliances and rivalries can be challenging at times, but the payoff is well worth the effort as the storylines converge in a satisfying and explosive climax.
In conclusion, "Gangland" by Chuck Hogan is a gripping and well-crafted novel that offers an immersive and authentic look into the world of organized crime. With its rich character development, evocative writing, and exploration of moral complexity, this book is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone seeking a compelling and immersive narrative.
"Gangland" by Chuck Hogan is a riveting and gritty exploration of the criminal underworld that captivates readers from the very first page. Hogan's masterful storytelling and in-depth research into the world of organized crime create a narrative that is both authentic and captivating.
The novel follows a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and backgrounds, as they navigate the complex and dangerous landscape of gangs and criminal enterprises. Hogan's character development is superb, allowing readers to become deeply invested in the lives of these individuals, whether they are law enforcement officers trying to bring down the criminal syndicates or members of the gangs themselves.
Hogan's writing style is both vivid and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the settings and situations the characters find themselves in. The action scenes are intense and well-paced, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the story unfolds. Additionally, Hogan's attention to detail and his ability to depict the intricacies of criminal operations lend an air of authenticity to the narrative.
One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of the moral ambiguity that often accompanies life in the criminal underworld. Hogan delves into the motivations and conflicts that drive individuals to make choices that blur the lines between right and wrong, adding depth and complexity to the storyline. This thematic exploration elevates "Gangland" beyond a mere crime thriller, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read.
While "Gangland" excels in many aspects, some readers might find the novel's intricate web of characters and organizations slightly overwhelming. Keeping track of the various alliances and rivalries can be challenging at times, but the payoff is well worth the effort as the storylines converge in a satisfying and explosive climax.
In conclusion, "Gangland" by Chuck Hogan is a gripping and well-crafted novel that offers an immersive and authentic look into the world of organized crime. With its rich character development, evocative writing, and exploration of moral complexity, this book is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone seeking a compelling and immersive narrative.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Most interesting if you like Chicago mob
Culture. A true historical fiction.
Culture. A true historical fiction.
Fantastic historical fiction account of the Outfit in Chicago during the reign of Antonino Lenonardo Accardo, aka Anthony Accardo, Aka Joe Batters, aka Big Tuna. Fast paced, edge of you seat action. Best mob book I have read to date- think Goodfellas style writing. So we’ll written that I felt like I was watching a film. (The audio version is highly recommended and well read).