Well, in organized crime fiction, the use of violence is quite prominent. It's not just random violence but often strategic, used to gain control or send a message. There's also a lot of focus on the psychology of the criminals. Why do they get involved in organized crime? What drives them? Some may be in it for power, some for money. And then there are the relationships within the criminal organizations. There can be loyalty, betrayal, and competition among the members, which all add to the drama and complexity of the story.
The settings in organized crime fiction can be very diverse. It could be in a big city like New York or Chicago, with seedy underworld areas and high - rise offices where the illegal business is run. The characters are often tough and street - smart. There's a sense of danger and secrecy. For example, in many stories, there are secret meetings, coded language, and a constant threat of violence. And the plots usually involve a lot of twists and turns as the criminals try to outwit the authorities and vice versa.
One characteristic is the portrayal of loyalty and betrayal. In organized crime, loyalty is crucial but also easily broken. In books like 'The Sopranos', we see how characters struggle with this. They also tend to have a lot of political and social context. 'American Tabloid' shows how organized crime is intertwined with politics. And they often feature a protagonist who is either part of the crime world or trying to take it down, like in 'The Kill Artist' where the main character is up against organized crime.
Typically, they have a dangerous and often shadowy backdrop of organized crime. There are usually strong, alpha - male characters who are part of the criminal underworld. The romance aspect often involves a forbidden love, like a good girl falling for a bad boy from the crime world.
One characteristic is complex characters. In true organized crime novels, the characters are often multi - faceted. For example, the mob bosses might have a sense of loyalty to their own families or crews while being ruthless in business. Another is a detailed portrayal of the criminal underworld. This includes the hierarchy, the code of conduct within the criminal groups, and how they interact with the outside world, like bribing law enforcement or infiltrating legitimate businesses. Also, there's usually a high - stakes plot, such as a power struggle within the organization or a battle against the law that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Another great one is 'Gomorrah' by Roberto Saviano. This book gives a very realistic and in - depth look at the Neapolitan mafia, the Camorra. It exposes the inner workings, the violence, and the far - reaching influence of this criminal organization, which is eye - opening.
Another great one is 'Gangs of New York' by Herbert Asbury. It delves into the underworld of New York City in the 19th century, showing the different gangs and their rivalries. It's full of historical details and vivid descriptions of the seedy side of the city at that time.
In contemporary London organized crime fiction, the theme of identity is quite common. Criminals often have to hide their true identities or create false ones to operate. Also, the idea of the city as a maze or a playground for the criminals is a theme. London's complex layout, with its many neighborhoods and hidden alleys, provides a perfect backdrop for the criminals to carry out their illegal activities. Additionally, the theme of redemption sometimes pops up, where a criminal might try to turn their life around or at least make amends in some way.
Another great one is 'Gangs of New York' by Herbert Asbury. It gives a historical look at the gangs that ruled the streets of New York in the 19th century. It's filled with tales of violence, rivalry, and the social and political context that allowed these gangs to thrive. It's a fascinating read for those interested in organized crime from a historical perspective.
Thomas Harris's 'Red Dragon' has elements of organized crime as well. The focus is on the hunt for a serial killer, but there are connections to an underworld of crime. The psychological depth of the characters, especially the villain, makes it a great read in this regard.
One popular organized crime novel is 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo. It vividly depicts the Corleone crime family, exploring themes of power, loyalty, and family within the context of organized crime.
One of the great ones is 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo. It's not a traditional romance novel, but the relationship between Michael Corleone and his wife Kay Adams has elements of romance within the context of the organized crime family. The story is a classic that delves deep into the mafia world and the complex relationships within it.