CRIME AND PUNISHMENT by GF Newman

Quercus, £18.99

SET in the dark, criminal underworld of post war 1950s to 1970s London, we follow the lives of Brian Oldman and his uncle, Jack Braden.

Emotionally burdened with unrealised ambition, these two men become dragged into a shadowy underworld where the Kray twins are building power, the black market is growing in strength, the coppers and politicians are corrupt.

This is a true gangster novel. Full of sex, violence and intrigue, it’s a good read.

Characters are established well, although, told by a narrator, it lacks the immediacy of a first person perspective.

But if you like crime thrillers then this book will not disappoint.