Bringing Down the Krays

by Bobby Teale

The author and his brothers, David and Alfie, were the three men the Kray twins trusted. But then things changed. Witnessing Ronnie and Reggie become increasingly psychotic - taking murder, torture and rape to sickening. Unknown to his brothers, he became a police informer; risking not just his life but those of the people dearest to him too.

Genres: True Crime, History, Nonfiction, Crime, Biography

320 pages, Paperback

First published May 24, 2012

Reviews

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn't well written. I've given it 4 stars because I couldn't put it down. Rather than focus on the authors style, I thought of it as a guy down the pub, telling his story. From then on, it was gripping.
I was a toddler when the Krays ruled London, but I heard plenty of tales via the papers and the news of their ruthlessness and total dominance of their turf.
For the author to do what he did took great strength and determination to see justice done, at immense cost to himself and his family. This book is an insight as to what it's like to be an inform on possibly the most notorious British criminals in recent history - well worth the read

[Matthew Wilkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extremely detailed on the inner workings of The Krays, particularly when it comes to them being sent down. Some of the early sections drag a little, but once it gets going it’s very interesting.

Wish the whole book had stories from all three brothers though, rather than just the final third.

[David Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I read to research this post was Bringing Down The Krays by Bobby Teale which is an excellent book which I bought from a local secondhand bookstore. This is the story of how the author helped the police prosecute The Kray twins by informing and his subsequent exile in America which only ended when both twins had died. His life was in danger and those of his family if he stayed in Britain. The story is told from the perspective of his autobiography and how the Krays demanded protection money from businesses and then took them over. He was good friends with the Krays but they tried to frame him for a murder they had committed although admittedly he let them stop in his house until things cooled off. One of the Krays even tried to take his brother who was just a child in the bedroom for sex and he had to threaten to shoot him to stop him from doing so. Whilst he was in prison Charlie Kray who was their brother raped his wife and used to regularly do that to any prisoner's wives. He used to take some money around for them to try and get them off their guard and in the hope they would invite him inside and then he would do it. This is a very disturbing book which depicts the Krays as being absolutely despicable. This is an interesting read but you need a strong stomach, Apparently if the police hadn't got their breakthrough with Bobby turning informant it would have probably taken years before they got another opportunity to prosecute them. I think these people who praise the Krays and there are quite a few should be shot. I think the Krays were active in the East End of London in the 60's.

[Cristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book because I know the Author. He actually lives in my neighborhood here in Utah. Knowing who he is today makes the story really neat to read, the fact that he has become a completely different and successful person than the Bobby protrayed in the Novel as a young man. The reason I am giving it only 2 stars is because I lost interest at certain parts in the book and it was a little bit confusing at times. That being said it is a good read!

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating insight into the person who helped to bring down the Krays. It is well written, engrossing at times and arguably the most accurate account of what actually happened. It does help to dispel the myth of the Kray twins being loveable villains. Nothing could be further from the truth. It would be great for this side of the story to be turned into a film. For anyone interested in real crime, this is a must.

[Jack Pyke · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good to see an unromanticised account of the Krays. This one takes away all of the glitter and shows just a real brutal and psychotic hold on London streets. Narrative style isn't spectacular, but when compared to getting a look at insider knowledge like this, it doesn't have to be, not in my eyes.

[Adrian]

Reads well and tells a good yarn. The Teale brother do not seem to appear in other books about the Kray's that I have read so far. Not that I am doubting the author but they appear to have been written out of history, then again I have only read a small number of the books on the Kray's.

[Dignan107 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, atmospheric & brutal. Another Kray story told from a first hand perspective, this time from the persons perspective who provided sufficient evidence to gain a conviction. Interesting, believable & sad. Recommended

[Sarah Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took me a while to read as it didn't really grip me. The author is slightly narcissistic, so I struggled to get into it as it was very biased although the story writing was good.
I learned some interesting things that I never knew about the Krays but can't say I'll recommend.

[angie harkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Read !

Could not put it down a real inside story of The Krays . So much sadness for the brothers and their familys

[Jevron McCrory · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a hard book to review.

I live in the East End of London (a few relatives of mine knew the Krays - doesn't everyone say that? Lol!), so I know a fair bit about the twins. This book definitely shattered a few of the myths that had been built up around the notorious pair, IF it's true!

As with all of these kinds of books, I guess it depends on how much you believe the author. I found Bobby Teale remarkably easy to believe.

Though some of the events in the book are downright SHOCKING, the book lacks a polished and dramatic edge and it's this, perhaps, that aids it's authenticity.

Definitely a recommended read for all those curious about the Krays - but I can see those who regard the twins as 'heroes' and 'gents' of the old time East End taking serious affront to what is portrayed here.

[Wilde Sky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man recounts his (and his brothers) role in bringing two notorious London criminals to justice.

The writing style wasn’t very good and the narrative meandered but this was still a gripping read about the terror caused by two ruthless criminals. I found the real life (rather than glamorised) view of the villains refreshing and also revealing, in terms of the haphazard nature of their crimes.

[Sandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and I love the way it was written. It reads exactly as it should...an old Londoner telling his story in his own words. I think if this had been "well written" as some people like to say, it would have been very flat and dull.

[Leslie Lewis · Rating 1 out of 5]

A very inttersting and informative history of the notorious 60s

People around in the 60z will remember well all of these infamous and frightening times . A well written account.

[Heather turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Know the guy who wrote this.... Very interesting read.

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extraordinary story looking into gangland culture, police corruption, brutal, murders, torture, rape and the loss of innocence. I found it gripping from the first page.

[Mireille · Rating 4 out of 5]

A shocking story