Gangbuster: One Man's Battle Against Crime, Corruption, and the Klan

by Alan Prendergast

At the height of the roaring 1920s, the ex-frontier town of Denver, Colorado, emerged from the postwar boom as the future of the American city. But the slick façade of progress and opportunity masked a murky stew of organized crime, elaborate swindles, and widespread government corruption.

Rookie district attorney Phillip Van Cise was already making national headlines for a new brand of law enforcement. Employing military intelligence tools he'd developed during the Great War, Van Cise crippled the criminal empire of Lou Blonger, an ex-lawman who had risen from petty scam artist to master of the Big Con. But Van Cise had even darker, more malevolent forces on his radar.

The Ku Klux Klan had emerged as a shockingly mainstream middle-class movement, all while claiming to protect true American values. Utilizing his pioneering surveillance techniques, Van Cise was determined to expose the Invisible Empire from within.

Gripping and exhaustively researched, this prescient chronicle of Phillip Van Cise's spectacular career as a feared gangbuster taking on organized crime, the KKK, and corruption at the highest levels of government is a cautionary tale that mirrors our tumultuous times.

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

Audible Audio

Published March 28, 2023

Reviews

[Kate O'Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly fascinating read. I got the audiobook thanks to Netgalley. Delighted with it although it is pretty uncomfortable listening.

This book gives you a look into part of the life of Philip Van Cise who served as DA in Denver at a time when institutional corruption ran hand in hand with the gangsters. Van Cise made a pledge to clean up his town. He took no prisoners on his way to breaking up a gang who preyed on unsuspecting dupes. Van Cise wasn't just content to put away the criminals either, he wanted to clean up the judiciary and the Police too.

Once this fight was over he set his sights on the Klan. His role in the second part of the book is downplayed but he was not a man to be cowed by threats and he could not be bribed. In fact the threat by the Klan was much more insidious as the town appeared to collude with their racist desires to keep white Christian men in charge whilst making life impossible for blacks, Jews, Catholics and their sympathisers or supporters.

Listening to this I could feel my teeth grinding and my hands curling into fists at the sheer injustice. It certainly seemed that once the "ordinary decent criminals" were gone that the Klan stepped into that power vacuum.

I had to remind myself (as I was laughing at the insane titles bestowed on Klan members : Grand Wizard, Exalted Cyclops, the inability to name anything without using KL at the beginning) that these "people" would kill and maim those who disagreed with them.

As I listened to one section which described a meeting with those supporters of the Klan braying, hooting, disrupting and bullying Van Cise I couldn't help but be reminded of more recent similar tactics taken by certain Republicans. Just saying...

Anyway, as a Yorkshirewoman I found all this history fascinating and horrifying. I'd never heard of Philip Van Cise but we certainly need more people like him in this world.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

So. Much. Corruption. Wow.

Having read "Columbine" by David Cullen and all he went through in finding the truth in the midst of corruption and truth-hiding about the school shooting, I was reminded of his book and all he wrote about over and over while reading this book and coming to the realization that corruption and scandal has always played a part in the government of Colorado, and also makes me wonder just how much the Klan still plays a part in the governing of that state.

A story of corruption and the Klan and the man that tried to curb it, this is a powerful read and amazingly enough, even though this is in the 1920's, it is extremely relevant to today and how many who would LOVE to run the government much like the Klan did back then. This is a really excellent read that taught me so much that I didn't know about the Klan and they way they operated/operates [some of it was just so frustrating to read; I cannot imagine how much more it was for those who were fighting for justice against them] and I would recommend it to anyone who loved good NF.

I was able to also receive an audiobook ARC of this book. This was NOT my favorite narrator, but far from the worst that I have ever had [thankfully]. His pronunciation was off on quite a few words and it would throw off my attention of what I was listening to, but thankfully, it wasn't often and after some time, I settled in well enough. Compared to some that I have had in the past that were virtually unlistenable to, this was pretty decent and I am glad that I was able to receive the ARC for this.

Thank you to NetGalley, Alan Prendergast, Gabriel Vaughan - Narrator, Tantor Audio, and Kensington Books for providing both the ARC and the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of Gangbuster, by Alan Prendergast, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Philip Van Cise was an amazing man, a gangbuster if you will. This book was a bit dark with all the gang dealings, but a well written book, about a very intelligent man.

[Andrew Leeder · Rating 3 out of 5]

322 read. The real world history of the city I live in was fascinating. Learning how the KKK met weekly on Table Mountain in Golden a hike I’ve done multiple times was crazy. Learning I live in the same city as the protagonist DA who fought them also fascinating. Would’ve liked more details and specifics to Denver that would’ve made it even more hyper local to me. However I understand the author probably (rightly) assumed few would care what street address certain things took place on. But alas. Good book enjoyed learning more about my city!

[Brendan (History Nerds United) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Denver was quite a mess in the early 1900s! Graft and scams were rampant and then those American grown idiots the KKK showed up. Into the fray steps Philip Van Cise and Alan Prendergast is here to tell us all about him.

Gangbuster is a very fun book. It is basically a tale of two books. The first covers Van Cise and his epic take-down of the criminal elements of Denver in mostly one fell swoop. The other is the story of the KKK rising and falling in Colorado. My sole quibble with the book is that Van Cise is mostly absent from the second half of the book and the KKK takes center stage. That being said, Prendergast has a skill for making the whole thing so interesting that I didn't enjoy the book any less when Van Cise took a backseat.

Prendergast is especially adept at chronicling the ins and outs of swindles in this time period. There are a lot of names and terms which most people would never recognize but I really loved this portion of the book because it remained well paced while educating the reader. I highly recommend giving this book a read.

(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Kensington/Citadel Books.)

[Ezra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Tantor Audio through Net Galley who allowed me to listen to the audio version of this book.

Reading “Gangbuster” was both an inspiring and unsettling experience. It recounts the true story of a Colorado district attorney Phillip Van Cise’s fight against corruption, crime, and the KKK in the 1920s. It was inspiring because it showed how much one, brave, and good person can accomplish against the forces of evil. It was unsettling because I think the 1920s is much more like the 2020s than we would like to believe. As I learn more about government (both local and federal) I am also learning about still thriving corruption. Also, there has been a startling rise of new hate groups (like the reemergence of the Klu Klux Klan in the 1920s).

Alan Prendergast tells the story in a very engaging fashion, especially for a nonfiction book. The book also isn’t too long. Often in the last third of a nonfiction history book, I lose interest and get worn out. “Gangbuster” kept my interest the entire time and did not tire me.

I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator, Gabriel Vaughan, does an excellent job.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating look at the political and social climate of the 1920s in Denver. DA Van Cise is dismayed by organized crime’s hold on so many of Denver’s policemen, judges, lawyers, and political job holders that he sets out to bring the corruption to the attention of its citizens. Just as his work against the swindlers is winding up, the KKK bursts on the scene and corruption reaches a whole new level. Van Cise is honorable, creative, and persistent in his efforts to uphold the promise of what America should be. Reading about the climate in our country 100 years ago has helped me understand and not despair about the current situations threatening that same American promise of equality and opportunity inclusive of all faiths, races, and heritages.

Thanks to NetGalley and Citadel Press for the ARC to read and review.

[Ini · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting but hard to follow at times

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

1920s Denver was still the Wild West in many ways. Maybe there weren't shootouts, gangs robbing banks and trains, cattle rustlers, and horse thieves, but it was wild nevertheless. Government officials and police officers were corrupt, and it seemed that most were on the take. The real power in the city was in the hands of a few men who controlled illegal gambling and gift operations and took huge sums of money from naive visitors to the city. There were grifters and con-men everywhere. One is quoted in the book saying that all the greatest swindlers in America summered in Denver and wintered in Florida (There goes history, echoing again.) Scams ranged from rigged shell and card games on the street to elaborate sting operations, like those in my favorite old western TV series, Maverick.

Then along came Phillip Van Cise. He shocked the Denver establishment by winning the office of District Attorney and making good on his promise to clean up the city. When the Klan moved in, he targeted it as well. (Many don't realize that three of the strongest states for the 1920s KKK were Indiana, Colorado, and Oregon.)

Gangbuster is not an action-packed, shoot-em-up book about the Old West. A lot of the "action" is in the courtroom and D.A.'s office, but it was a good read, and it was refreshing to learn about an upstanding white man in the 1920s. Sometimes, it seems there were far too few.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

At a time when people loved to dig up those in our history who did the wrong thing it is so refreshing to see someone dig up a person who did the right thing. I am talking about the kernel also known as assistant district attorney Richard Vanceice, wheather common criminal, bootlegger, mafia king or the KKK he wasn’t afraid to put anyone behind bars and would stand up for the right thing no matter what that thing was. He made it known early on he would not take bribes or do a handshake deal that came with the wink, wink. He was a straight shooter and man who knew what he wanted for his beloved Denver and was courageous enough to steak his life on it. Allan Prendergast, has done a fabulous job detailing his life and career in the book Gang Busters. He has created a must read for historical True Crime fans and those who love to read about men with integrity. I cannot recommend this book enough. Wheather you listen to the audiobook or read the Kindle version, both definitely propel you to keep reading. This is a fabulous book I received this book from NetGalley and the audio version from Tantore audio but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

1920’s Denver, Colorado was much like the larger cities in America, it had criminal syndicates, political corruption, and the KKK taking over the city. District Attorney Phillip Van Cise found ways to combat major crime and make sure those who committed it were held accountable. This book is the story of one man taking on a system that is growing exponentially.

This is a great book about what was going on in Denver, and America in general, during the 1920’s. It stats with World War 1 and continues to the 2000’s. This is a lot of historical background and context to help place the importance of these events. I’ve already recommended this book to one of our US history faculty. This book is easy to listen to and would be good for general readers interested in history and historians.

I started listening at normal speed to get a sense of their narration style then sped it up to 2.0. The narrator was well chosen for this book.

#NetGalley and Tantor Audio provided an advanced listeners copy

[Jeff Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Longtime Westword scribe and Denver-chronicler Alan Prendergast has gifted locals (and others) an engaging book with “Gangbuster: One Man’s Battle Against Crime, Corruption, and the Klan.”

Prendergast examines 1910s/1920s Denver Colorado through the career of District Attorney Philip Van Cise. After preambles about the Ludlow Massacre and Tramway Strike, Prendergast shows how Denver became an epicenter for the Ku Klux Klan (reflecting a national trend at the time), and just how Van Cise pushed back.

Despite the marquee attraction of the KKK, though, I was most intrigued by Denver as a nationwide magnet for swindlers and confidence men. The nature of their cons was both disarmingly simple and mind-blowingly elaborate. Yet again, though, Van Cise wasn’t gonna take it!

Prendergast is wise not to focus on every minute detail of Van Cise’s life, but rather the imprint he made on the times in which he reigned. Lucky for us that it also makes for a quick, very worthwhile read.

[Madalene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this was an in depth book about the elected executive branch positions in Denver in the first part of the 20th century. That sounds very dry on the surface - but in reality, it is a useful framing for both how con men really thrived and grew in Denver (which is also covered in several other books, this tells the story from the perspective of the DA who pushed to end the lucrative practice as much as possible); and more importantly, how the KKK had both Denver and the country in its pocket in 1924.

Specifically, those in Denver know that the NE neighborhood previously known as Stapleton went through a name change to Central Park, and this book will give the backstory as to why Stapleton was a gross and white supremacist leader carrying out asks by the head of the local KKK. So if local Denver history, and particularly how a few people stood up to the KKK even in the face of broad, loud and raucous support for their aims is something you are interested in, do read this book.

[Dallas Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up in the northeast, I've always been familiar with Mafia tales - and similarly, living in the South, have become very familiar with tales of the KKK. But I am the first to admit, I had NO idea how they tied together in the early 1900's to have such a profound effect on the city of Denver (and the whole of Colorado).

Pendergrast gives light to an incredibly interesting - and a bit unusual perspective - of historical "true crime" in that he tells the story of DA Philip Van Cise and his battle against the KKK, the mafia, and a whole case of con men in Denver. I loved the way he was able to regale readers (or listeners) with a very dark history, but still make it digestible.

Definitely would recommend for history and non-fiction lovers!

(This was an advanced copy graciously provided by Citadel and NetGalley)

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as a goodreads giveaway. The book essentially discusses Philip Van Cise's one term as District Attorney in Denver and his crusade against the Klan and the "bunco ring". While the topic is interesting, the work is presented in two sections devoted to the foci of his two targets. The section on the bunco ring is somewhat jumbled and when the book moves to the campaign against the Klan, Van Cise becomes an ancillary figure to the story. I think the book would have been better had it not divided the district attorneys work against the bunco ring and Klan. Also, the work may have been better to just focus on the infiltration of fraternal organizations in 1920s politics. The disorganization and choppiness of the prose really did not help this work

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gangbuster is a fascinating read about a man virtually no one outside of Colorado has probably ever heard of. Philip Van Cise was a true hero in that he stood up for justice and took down some of the most corruptible people in Denver. Van Cise simply could not be bought and oh did they try.

Alan Prendergast has written a history that keeps your attention all throughout his book. He brings all the conmen to life and tells the story of the emergence of the Klan all the way to their downfall. Even the Klan was corrupt within their own organization!

Mr. Predergast's book is well researched using as many primary sources as he could find and he had the support and assistance of Van Cise's family as well. Well worth the read.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a history book that acknowledges that someone can accomplish a lot of really great, difficult things but might've also been kind of an asshole. That man is Denver based District Attorney, Philip Van Cise, and his work busting Lou Blonger's "Million Dollar Bunco Ring" as well as the grip the KKK had over police, politics, and the legal system in the 1920s, headed by Gov. Morley, Mayor Stapleton and leader of the CO chapter of the KKK, John Galen Locke, who had the governor and mayor in his pocket.

[Molly and Finn Book Club · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tantor Audio and Net Galley provided a great opportunity to experience the audio version of "Gangbuster." The true story of Phillip Van Cise's fight against corruption and the KKK in the 1920s was both inspiring and unsettling, showing the power of one person against evil forces. Alan Prendergast's engaging narration, combined with Gabriel Vaughan's excellent performance as the narrator, made this nonfiction book a captivating listen. The parallels between the 1920s and 2020s are thought-provoking, and the book's length was just right to maintain interest throughout.

[Rika Mead · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a long-time Denver resident, I found the locations to be thrilling in their familiarity & historical accuracy. The characters who have struggled on all points of the legal spectrum in their time become the foundation of our own time & reality (with some startling present-day parallels). It's good to know that composition, with the assurance that the river continues to flow. We're all a part of the river, too.

[Bruce Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possibly of interest to Denverites (among others), this relatively new book tracks the career of lawyer Philip Van Cise who as district attorney took on vice in a thoroughly corrupt Denver. I’d known Denver had a sordid KKK-tainted past, but I did not know that at one point KKK-endorsed supporters controlled the state House, Senate, and Governorship all at once. A great primer on early Colorado politics.

[Sam Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very entertaining and readable look into a little known hero of the law! The first act, which focused on the dissolution of the Big Con in Denver, was extremely interesting. The second act, which detailed the powerful Colorado Klan, was equally as interesting (but more unsettling). I was left thinking that Van Cise didn’t so much beat the Klan as outlast them. Still, he and his allies tried as hard as they could. As I said, very readable and accessible to a wider audience.

[Karen Ashmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating true account of Denver District Attorney Phillip Van Cise and his battle against organized crime and the KKK in the 1920’s. While I am glad he dismantled the Klan, it saddens me that many of their issues flourish 100 years later, especially anti-immigrant sentiment, voting rights erosion, racism, campaign corruption, fake news, bribes and payoffs.

I am glad my friend Cindy Van Cise pushed for this book that applauds the heroic efforts of her Grandfather.

[Vada Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

What was Denver Colorado like in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s? There was a gold rush and lots of people moving to the mile high city, which included gangsters, con men and women, grifters and all sorts of people looking to make a buck. There were elaborate groups, and among them, the KuKluxKlan. A story of a man who was willing to fight crime and clean up the city. A great true story of taking on corruption in spite of the odds, A great read!

[Jessica Dickenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

On one hand, it is hard to believe that the series of events that inspired Gangbuster happened, but on the other, I can imagine each scene very clearly. Although Gangbuster is history, the book reads like a work of fiction. Alan Prendergast makes the history of one man's battle against the mob and the KKK accessible and a quick read, even for someone who doesn't usually read historical books.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rookie district attorney Philip Van Cise is making a name for himself with a new type of law enforcement. He is trying to do things a different way, and is using military tactics in a new way, to help catch criminals. He has taken down 1 kingpin, but he has his eye on an evil that is darker and more troublesome...... the KKK. Can he use the new tools at his disposal to put them in jail?

[Dewehrer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting stuff about corruptions and the Klan in Colorado. I had, over the holidays, rewatched The Sting (what a great movie) and as I read the book I noted the similarity of the con in the movie and one in the book. Not a coincidence. Pendergast sued the studio over copyright infringement and the studio paid him a $600,000 out of court settlement. Who knew?

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating look at Denver’s history in the 1920s. The book focuses on district attorney Van Cise and his challenges in cleaning up the grifters and con men. It then details his fight against the ku klux klan. I was completely unaware of how prevalent the kkk was in Denver politics and life. I was struck by how similar things seem today, not much has changed.

[Tiffany Silverberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating true account of how a young district attorney, Philip Van Cise, took down organized crime, a corrupt police force, and the KKK in Denver during the 1920s. He was an intelligent and noble man.

[Daniel Farabaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a enjoyable book that does a nice job painting a picture of its era. Unfortunately, the second half of the title is not really accurate as the main protagonist does not really bring down the Klan in his area. The first half of the title remains true and this is where the book shines.

[Peter Stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, easy read. Learned a lot of fun Denver history of the 20s. It felt at times that the author was straining to make the events of the book seem important enough to be written about but that’s okay.