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A Better Class of Criminal: When you're the good bad guy
“Guy Ritchie meets Elmore Leonard – this is a fast-paced humorous crime thriller with splashes of dark and sinister”
A seemingly foolproof plan to make some quick money turns into a race for their lives…
It’s the mid-nineties and methamphetamine casts its shadow over the Californian city of Santa Lucía. Nathan, happy running a small marijuana grow operation with his two best friends, takes advantage of meth’s rise in popularity and makes a lucrative one-time deal.
Betrayed, beaten, and desperate…
But a devastating betrayal leaves him entangled with the city’s merciless crime boss. Risking everything, Nathan and his friends embark on a wild plan to steal millions of dollars’ worth of diamonds to settle the debt.
Caught in the crosshairs of corrupt cops, a relentless Russian henchman and his temptress partner, they face setbacks at every turn as they pursue the diamonds across the city.
As the death toll rises, can Nathan save them all before the real bad guys find them?
A seemingly foolproof plan to make some quick money turns into a race for their lives…
It’s the mid-nineties and methamphetamine casts its shadow over the Californian city of Santa Lucía. Nathan, happy running a small marijuana grow operation with his two best friends, takes advantage of meth’s rise in popularity and makes a lucrative one-time deal.
Betrayed, beaten, and desperate…
But a devastating betrayal leaves him entangled with the city’s merciless crime boss. Risking everything, Nathan and his friends embark on a wild plan to steal millions of dollars’ worth of diamonds to settle the debt.
Caught in the crosshairs of corrupt cops, a relentless Russian henchman and his temptress partner, they face setbacks at every turn as they pursue the diamonds across the city.
As the death toll rises, can Nathan save them all before the real bad guys find them?
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2023
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Cristian Kelly
1 book5 followersYou may be asking who that handsome fellow is and why that idiot with the beanie is photobombing him.
If you've read A Better Class of Criminal, then you would have guessed I like dogs, especially dogs with big heads. Maybe it's because I can sympathize. Anyway, that's the Guv, a 120lb Mastiff I befriended on a cold night in a warm pub on the west coast of New Zealand. He was a gentle giant who didn't mind the occasional ember landing on his backside as long as he got to sit by the fire.
As for me, I'm ex a lot of things. Ex-builder, ex-detective, ex-owner of the Liquid Lounge. Like I said, a lot of ex's.
A Better Class of Criminal is my first novel. A story born from the ashes of what was to be my first feature film, my Reservoir Dogs, so to speak. Until funding and COVID got in the way.
From Drago's mastery of violence to Nathan tripping on mushrooms, from sex scenes to strip scenes, and all the jokes in between, writing A Better Class of Criminal has been one hell of a ride, and one that I hope you'll enjoy reading as much as I did writing it.
Cristian
If you've read A Better Class of Criminal, then you would have guessed I like dogs, especially dogs with big heads. Maybe it's because I can sympathize. Anyway, that's the Guv, a 120lb Mastiff I befriended on a cold night in a warm pub on the west coast of New Zealand. He was a gentle giant who didn't mind the occasional ember landing on his backside as long as he got to sit by the fire.
As for me, I'm ex a lot of things. Ex-builder, ex-detective, ex-owner of the Liquid Lounge. Like I said, a lot of ex's.
A Better Class of Criminal is my first novel. A story born from the ashes of what was to be my first feature film, my Reservoir Dogs, so to speak. Until funding and COVID got in the way.
From Drago's mastery of violence to Nathan tripping on mushrooms, from sex scenes to strip scenes, and all the jokes in between, writing A Better Class of Criminal has been one hell of a ride, and one that I hope you'll enjoy reading as much as I did writing it.
Cristian
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
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February 21, 2024There's a quote on the blurb for this book which goes:
“Guy Ritchie meets Elmore Leonard – this is a fast-paced humorous crime thriller with splashes of dark and sinister”
Which is where I could leave this review because it sums it up perfectly.
But there's more at: https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
“Guy Ritchie meets Elmore Leonard – this is a fast-paced humorous crime thriller with splashes of dark and sinister”
Which is where I could leave this review because it sums it up perfectly.
But there's more at: https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
January 24, 2024
This was a great summer read - fast-paced, compelling and comical. The author evokes the 90s perfectly in their debut book - lad culture meets the ultra violence of Brett Easton Ellis.
The plots swings smoothly between the two ends of the 90s spectrum, pulling back from the violence into the bromance between the anti-heroes at the heart of the story, just before the reader disappears down too dark a rabbit hole.
The protagonists are well-rounded characters - recognizable without tipping into cliche and likable enough that the reader’s empathy stays even when they make terrible decisions.
Highly recommended as escapist literature - just don’t let your tweens read it over your shoulder on the beach!
Looking forward to the next book from Cristian Kelly.
The plots swings smoothly between the two ends of the 90s spectrum, pulling back from the violence into the bromance between the anti-heroes at the heart of the story, just before the reader disappears down too dark a rabbit hole.
The protagonists are well-rounded characters - recognizable without tipping into cliche and likable enough that the reader’s empathy stays even when they make terrible decisions.
Highly recommended as escapist literature - just don’t let your tweens read it over your shoulder on the beach!
Looking forward to the next book from Cristian Kelly.
March 11, 2024
Given KELLY’s eclectic mix of life experiences, it should come as no surprise that A Better Class of Criminal contained the vital combination of key ingredients to produce a thrilling first novel.
Each of the characters were introduced with a punch, with their personal back stories continuing to play out throughout the plot as it twisted and turned in several unexpected directions.
Despite the events and storyline being accurately realistic of the dark criminal underbelly taking place in Santa Lucia, KELLY has the uncanny ability to time humor where it is least expected resulting in a fast paced, slick page-turner. Highly recommended!
Each of the characters were introduced with a punch, with their personal back stories continuing to play out throughout the plot as it twisted and turned in several unexpected directions.
Despite the events and storyline being accurately realistic of the dark criminal underbelly taking place in Santa Lucia, KELLY has the uncanny ability to time humor where it is least expected resulting in a fast paced, slick page-turner. Highly recommended!
August 13, 2024
Kellys authentic portrayal gives the reader a thrilling glimpse into the 1990’s Santa Lucia criminal underworld, in which three friends find themselves increasingly entangled and the victims of their own ambition, after a one time drug deal goes wrong.
The balanced pace of the narrative allows the reader time to connect with the well crafted characters, while layers of the plot weave together a gruesome combination of sex, drugs & violence, graphicly depicted by Kelly.
There are enough twists and surprises, along with subtle humor to keep the plot interesting and provide a satisfying conclusion to the storyline.
The balanced pace of the narrative allows the reader time to connect with the well crafted characters, while layers of the plot weave together a gruesome combination of sex, drugs & violence, graphicly depicted by Kelly.
There are enough twists and surprises, along with subtle humor to keep the plot interesting and provide a satisfying conclusion to the storyline.
March 16, 2025
Kelly's debut novel explores life on the fringes of the criminal world, and what happens when a part-time criminal decides to go for "one big job". With the feel of a buddy cop film, but on the other side of the fence, Kelly does a good job of making believable, likeable characters, explaining motivations, and bringing the reader along on a fun journey, with enough twists to keep you engaged for the entire story. While some moments jolt you out of the story slightly, these are few enough to make it an enjoyable experience to read. Would recommend to any readers of the genre looking for something slightly different, and will be looking out for his next novel.
October 30, 2023
A debut novel from Kelly exploring the ups and downs of three friends who transition from dealing cannabis to diving into the murky world of methamphetamine.
I enjoyed the way the book explored the seriousness of being caught up in owing gangsters when the lads lose their product to the laugh out loud way they bumbled through trying to repay the gangsters - from a leg humping guard dog to a sadistic hard man who takes pleasure in the pain he inflicts for his boss.
It’s the genre I like so I urge you to give it a go and see what you think.
I enjoyed the way the book explored the seriousness of being caught up in owing gangsters when the lads lose their product to the laugh out loud way they bumbled through trying to repay the gangsters - from a leg humping guard dog to a sadistic hard man who takes pleasure in the pain he inflicts for his boss.
It’s the genre I like so I urge you to give it a go and see what you think.
August 5, 2024
I worked with Cris many moons ago and it’s clear he’s as handy with a pen as he was with some ‘cuffs or behind the wheel. This is a fast-paced, violent, and frequently hilarious tale - everything you want in a crime thriller. There are heavy nods to Pulp Fiction, Heat, the Godfather … there are large doses of nostalgia here in this great ‘one last job’ yarn. Top marks for pulling off what is always impressive - making what some would consider bad guys, the good guys. And Cris does it with ease. Hopefully the next is on the way
October 2, 2024
Great action packed book! Reads like a movie (but definitely an R18 one)! Believable characters with such great banter at times between them that you literally feel like you're in the room too laughing along at their jokes! Well thought out plot and awesome descriptive writing takes your mind easily to each scene. You won't get bored reading this one, trust me! Plenty of exciting stuff going on from chapter to chapter to keep you engaged in the story. Well worth a read (and this coming from someone who isn't exactly a reader) so am confident any who pick this book up will love it!
December 5, 2023
Camaraderie, weed, gold-diggers, crocked cops, Cold-blooded murder, reckless murder, torture, burglary, drugs, strip clubs, gangsters, drug-addicts, diamonds, dildos, and explosive diarrhoea, all come together in this fantastic first novel, written by a person who lived the dark details, and has experienced the dark humour. It was likened by a previous reviewer to Guy Ritchie: a very fair comparison.
March 25, 2024
With likeable "bad" guys, and ruthless drug lords, throw in some action, sex, a touch of romance, some laugh out loud moments with plans going awry to give you an enjoyable ride. As a bonus there are some clever insights inspired by the authors experience as former law enforcement to give this a real world touch . This tale is well paced and builds nicely to the finish with a surprising twist and you wont be disappointed.
July 22, 2025
Set in Auckland, although perhaps not the Auckland most of us know, as the plot centres in the underbelly of the city. Nathan, likeable enough, strangely, and his mates, are slowly drawn from their casual weed dealing into those whose fortunes are linked to much harder drugs.
Almost everyone in the novel has some criminality, whether of intent or actions, and that includes the police.
There is humour, mostly black, which is needed to alleviate the tension.
Almost everyone in the novel has some criminality, whether of intent or actions, and that includes the police.
There is humour, mostly black, which is needed to alleviate the tension.
December 14, 2025
Not being a reader and sad to say I've never read a book from start to finish unless it was an instruction manual I picked this up and within the first few pages I started to enjoy it, intrigued to find out what twist was going to happen next. It continued to hold my interest to the very end. Kelly got me hooked. Have to admit sometimes I had to be discrete while reading some explicit pages sat on the bus :) Its got me reading A+
November 1, 2023
A perspective rarely seen in this type of novel, from the inside. A troublesome story line, but all too true in today's society about making a quick buck and trying not to get killed. It has some humor but its dark, but rings true with the central character trying to stay alive and using his imagination in various ways to outwit the real bad guys. Worthy of a weekend read
December 18, 2023
The best book I’ve read all year! Cristian Kelly’s debut novel had me hooked from the very start. The likeable bad guys, out of their depth in a one-time deal that doesn’t quite go to plan. Cristian Kelly is a brilliant writer; the novel is cleverly written and I really enjoyed the dark humour mixed into the story. Can’t wait for the next book!
May 21, 2024
Great debut
Well rounded characters without the normal good/bad black and white themes we normally see in this genre. The authors own background in law enforcement clearly shows which makes it all the more credible and readable. In short a great debut for this author and looking forward to the next one.
Well rounded characters without the normal good/bad black and white themes we normally see in this genre. The authors own background in law enforcement clearly shows which makes it all the more credible and readable. In short a great debut for this author and looking forward to the next one.
September 16, 2025
A Captivating debut - heaps of fun.
A tale of close friends (and one happy dog) finding out how bad things can get in a world made by those hungry for drugs, money and sex.
A special mention for the authors clever use of perspective change, you feel like you’re along for the ride.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and look forward to see what’s coming next.
A tale of close friends (and one happy dog) finding out how bad things can get in a world made by those hungry for drugs, money and sex.
A special mention for the authors clever use of perspective change, you feel like you’re along for the ride.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and look forward to see what’s coming next.
January 7, 2026
Fast paced page turner! This book is huge fun and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you are a fan of Tarantino, or movies like Den of Thieves then you’ll love this book. Graphic violence, profanity, sharp wit and good old fashioned action. An awesome debut from Cristian Kelly, I’m excited for the next one!
January 1, 2024
A great read.
Very Guy Richie/ Tarantino/ Elmore Leonard in style and hit all the right marks.
Characters that are interesting, a plot line that is gagging to me a movie and possibly my favourite heist scene ever.
Stop reading reviews and get the book.
Very Guy Richie/ Tarantino/ Elmore Leonard in style and hit all the right marks.
Characters that are interesting, a plot line that is gagging to me a movie and possibly my favourite heist scene ever.
Stop reading reviews and get the book.
March 17, 2024
Really enjoyed A Better Class of Criminal. It's a great bit of character-driven crime fiction. It doesn't romanticise criminals but does take you on a pretty wild ride with them. Would be keen to see a sequel to read the stories of some of the less prominent characters.
April 4, 2024
Authors first novel - pretty good easy read. Like the character development, got me liking the characters even though we’re criminals :-)
Has some skill in building a story and keeping the audience guessing. Will buy his next book for sure.
Has some skill in building a story and keeping the audience guessing. Will buy his next book for sure.
June 14, 2024
The author uses his experience and knowledge to write an authentic story that makes it hard to put down
The twists, turns and humor makes this fast paced book a must read.
Can't wait to read the next one from this talented individual
The twists, turns and humor makes this fast paced book a must read.
Can't wait to read the next one from this talented individual
June 24, 2024
This book was fun, featuring well-developed characters and a satisfying conclusion that brought the story full circle.
I found myself rooting for Drago!
Look forward to the next instalment from Kelly.
I found myself rooting for Drago!
Look forward to the next instalment from Kelly.
September 5, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I like how the author built the characters and how the graphic and explicit content contrasted with the humoristic and romantic parts, the end also surprised me, I highly recommend this book!
July 2, 2025
I really enjoyed this book from start to finish.
A Better Class of Criminal is a fun read with great characters and sharp writing. It pulled me in straight away and kept me hooked the whole way through.
A Better Class of Criminal is a fun read with great characters and sharp writing. It pulled me in straight away and kept me hooked the whole way through.
November 10, 2023
This book has a great mix of everything you want - drugs, sex, violence, and laughs! Cristian Kelly's witing style paints a perfect picture while reading. A highly recommended read!
December 11, 2023
A good read and one that I kept wanting to get back to. A good twist at the end… nice one Christian Kelly, I’ll look forward to your next book.
December 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, in the days of phones and internet it’s reignited my passion for reading books. Highly recommended.
January 22, 2024
A great read. First book I have read cover to cover in a very long time 👍
February 13, 2024
A funny, chaotic and crazy story that I couldn't put down!
An amazing effort for this author's first crack at writing a book.
An amazing effort for this author's first crack at writing a book.
June 17, 2024
A Better Class of Criminal is entertaining and moves at pace. Easy reading, it's an ideal read while sitting on a beach or simply relaxing at your favourite holiday destination.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews