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Reader Reviews | |
Review by Jessica (200609) Rating (8/10) Review
by Jessica If you lived back in Glasgow in the 1900s or even earlier, a glint from a razor blade held by a gang member would probably scare you. However, nowadays these classic weapons have been replaced by the more sophisticated but equally damaging tools of crime. We learn that while the notorious Arthur Thompson is no longer a threat there have been some bigger and tougher gangsters out there who you simply would not want to mess with. Yet, as ever, it all dates back to history and Thompson’s rank in the gangland of assassination, beatings and deaths. There are lots more crimes detailed inside this chilling read that were committed back in the 70s 60s and even before. We take a look at the times of Penny Mob, an early gang, who slashed and fought their way into the lives of people living in Scotland in the thirties. I also learnt much about the Glasgow slums and how many children got involved in crime and how many didn’t! There is a very poignant photograph inside of a street scene in the sixties. Toddlers are outside playing on the cracked pavements and one little girl has a broken carpet sweeper to use as her toy. These were clearly hard times and made harder by threats of violence, abductions and gangs.
All in all I found this book quite interesting. We are told about
the stinking depression which helped spawn gangs like the Billy
Boys. In each new era new gangs have come and taken their place
as this newly up-dated book shows. You’ll find everything you
need from the very earliest gangs to hit Glasgow to the modern
ones of today. A perfect treat if you love crime books. |
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