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Rating: 
Summary: Great Narrative
Review: Stan Hamilton has written a great narrative history in which there are surprises, odd twists and unexpected heroes. It is a fine well-written book in which neither Kelly nor his foil, J. Edgar Hoover, are the most fascinating charcters' but rather that role is reserved for the smartest of victims, Charles Urchel, and the powerful, conniving Kathryn Kelly. I will not give this one away, but will tell you that this book delivers one first rate couple of evenings of reading which not only tells a strong story but gives an insight into the world of 1933 --gangsters and bootleg gin. You will love this book!!!!
Rating: 
Summary: Last word on Machine Gun Kelly
Review: Having read many books on gangsters you come across some real turkeys but Stanley Hamilton's account of Machine Gun Kelly's crimes was very well written without the usual padding out that some writers tend to use. It is a very informative account of the kidnapping and aftermath which kept me gripped until the end. The book's ending was, for once, a surprise and I would recommend this title to readers who like True Crime to be based on facts and not the fiction.
Rating:
Summary: Crimes' Paradise Revisited
Review: This is a great introduction to the case that made J. Edgar Hoover's "G-men" (even though, contrary to FBI lore, as Hamilton points out, that nickname wasn't coined by George "Machine Gun" Kelly). While not an actual biography of Kelly--it does provide more background info on him than previous accounts--it is the most detailed account of the Urschel kidnapping to date. Somewhat revisionist and updated to follow the fates of the principals, it is both a great read and an excellent followup to E.E. Kirkpatrick's 1933 inside account "Crimes' Paradise".
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