Well, 'The Firm' by Martina Cole is a top British gangster novel. It delves deep into the world of organized crime, exploring the relationships and power struggles within a gang. Then there's 'Gangsta Granny' by David Walliams, which is a more humorous take on the gangster genre, but still set in the British context. Also, 'Shoot to Kill' by Stephen Leather is quite good. It has a fast - paced plot full of action and intrigue.
Some excellent British gangster novels include 'Dead Men's Whispers' by Rik Stone. This novel is known for its realistic portrayal of the seedy side of gang life. 'Hard Man' by Robbie Morrison is another one. It tells the story of a tough gangster's rise and fall. 'King of Thieves' by Martina Cole is also worth mentioning. It's a gripping story about a gangster's life and the chaos that surrounds him, with well - developed characters and a plot full of twists and turns.
'American Gangster' is a notable gangster novel. It is based on the true story of Frank Lucas, a drug lord in Harlem. The novel shows how he built his empire and his attempts to outwit the law. It gives a good understanding of the drug - trade aspect of gangster life.
Another excellent choice is 'The Firm' by Martina Cole. It follows the story of a family involved in organized crime. Cole is known for her vivid descriptions of the British criminal underworld, and this book is no exception. It shows the power struggles, loyalty, and violence within the gangster families.
Sure. 'The Sopranos' series of novels are quite popular. They follow the life of a mob boss and his family, dealing with various issues within the family as well as in the criminal business. It's really interesting to see how the characters interact and how the story unfolds in the gangster world.
There's 'Gangster's Redemption'. This novel not only shows the brutal side of the gangster world but also delves into the redemption and self - discovery of the main character. It has great character development and a unique narrative style that sets it apart from other novels in the genre. The story unfolds in the backstreets of Korean cities, making it very immersive.
Well, 'Get Carter' by Ted Lewis is a classic in British gangster fiction. It's set in the North of England and gives a raw and unfiltered view of the gangster lifestyle. 'The Firm' by Martina Cole is also very popular. It focuses on a powerful and violent gang, showing the loyalty and betrayal within the group. And then there's 'Gangsta Granny' by David Walliams which, while having a more comical tone compared to the others, still offers a great look into the world of a would - be gangster granny.
For a British gangster novel to be considered the best, it needs to capture the essence of the British criminal underworld. This means showing the unique culture, language, and social hierarchies within it. Take 'The Firm' for instance. It shows how family ties and loyalty play out in the gang world. The pacing is also crucial. A good gangster novel like 'Shoot to Kill' keeps you on the edge of your seat. And of course, the exploration of themes like power, greed, and revenge, which are often central in books like 'King of Thieves' and make them stand out.
Len Deighton's 'The Ipcress File' is also great. It features an unnamed protagonist who gets involved in a web of espionage and international intrigue. The novel has a unique style with a down - to - earth hero and a lot of twists and turns.
There's 'Mrs. Dalloway' by Virginia Woolf. It focuses on a day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway as she prepares for a party, but also delves deep into the characters' thoughts, memories, and the stream of consciousness. And 'The Metamorphosis' by Franz Kafka, although Kafka was Czech, it has been highly influential in British literature. It tells the story of Gregor Samsa who wakes up one day transformed into a giant insect, exploring themes of alienation and family relationships.
Another excellent British short novel is 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson. This story delves into the duality of human nature, with the transformation between the two titular characters being both fascinating and terrifying. It's a classic that has been adapted many times.
One of the great British humor novels is 'Three Men in a Boat' by Jerome K. Jerome. It humorously chronicles the misadventures of three friends on a boating trip. Another is 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams, which is filled with absurd and witty humor. Also, 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen has elements of humor in its character interactions and social commentary.