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.
I would recommend 'L.A. Confidential'. It has a great story with lots of twists and turns. 'The Wire' is also good as it gives a detailed look at the drug trade. And 'Scarface' is a classic that shows the rise and fall of a gangster.
A top pick in the best fiction gangster books is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. This noir classic features Sam Spade, a private detective who gets entangled with gangsters while on the hunt for a valuable statue. Then there's 'American Tabloid' by James Ellroy. It weaves together multiple storylines of gangsters, cops, and the seedy underbelly of American society in the 1960s. Also, 'White Jazz' by the same author is a great read for those interested in fictional gangster tales.
One of the best fiction gangster books is 'A Rage in Harlem' by Chester Himes. It has a great blend of humor and the dark world of gangsters in Harlem. 'True Grit' by Charles Portis also has elements of the old - west gangster - like outlaws. And 'The Getaway' by Jim Thompson is a tense and exciting read about a criminal couple on the run from the law and their gangster associates.
The recommended gangster novel was Goodfellas. The book was written by Pilagi and told the life of the gangster Henry Hill. Later, the novel was adapted into a movie by Martin Scorsese. Goodfellas was considered the starting point of modern works depicting gangsters, and it had a profound influence on similar works later.
One of the best is 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo. It's a classic that delves deep into the world of the mafia, with complex characters like Vito Corleone. Another great one is 'Goodfellas' by Nicholas Pileggi. It gives a gritty and realistic look at the life of a gangster. And 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis is also notable, though it's a bit more extreme in its portrayal of a deranged yuppie with a violent, gangster - like side.
Well, 'Road to Perdition' is a remarkable gangster graphic novel. It tells a poignant story of a hitman and his son in a world of crime. The art beautifully captures the desolate landscapes and the seedy underworld of gangsters. 'Scalped' is also a great pick. It delves deep into the lives of gangsters on a Native American reservation, exploring themes like power, corruption, and identity. Then there's 'A History of Violence', which is not only a great movie but also a great graphic novel with a gangster - centric story that makes you question the nature of violence and those involved in it.
One of the best true crime novels is 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote. It's a classic that delves into the brutal murders of a Kansas family. Another great one is 'Helter Skelter' which details the Manson Family murders. And 'The Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson is also highly regarded as it combines the story of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with the serial killings of H. H. Holmes.
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.
One of the 2016 best crime novels could be 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins. It has a great mystery around the main character's observations and the disappearance she witnesses. Another might be 'Before the Fall' by Noah Hawley which has an interesting take on a plane crash and the secrets that unfold from it. And 'IQ' by Joe Ide is also great. It features a modern - day Sherlock - like character solving crimes in the tough neighborhoods of Los Angeles.
One of the best crime novels is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It has a chilling and complex plot with the character of Hannibal Lecter being both fascinating and terrifying. Another great one is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It keeps you guessing throughout with its twists and turns regarding a missing woman and her husband's possible involvement. Also, 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is a top pick. It combines a dark mystery with a strong, unique female lead.