Meet the Kellys: The True Story of Machine Gun Kelly and His Moll Kathryn Thorne

by Chris Enss

Gangsters. Lovers. Legends. Meet the Kellys—the bootlegging, bank-robbing, husband-wife duo known as “Machine Gun” Kelly and Kathyrn Thorne—who masterminded one of the most infamous kidnappings in American crime. . . .

How did a small-time, hip-pocket bootlegger become one of the most notorious gangsters in the country? For George “Machine Gun” Kelly, the answer was a woman. Her name was Kathryn Thorne, a charming, strong-minded beauty who had family connections in the crime world—and big ambitions for the tall, handsome bootlegger. By the time she met Kelly, she was already an experienced criminal herself, divorced twice, and ready to marry a man who could give her the posh life she always dreamed of. With that in mind, she bought Kelly his first machine gun. And the rest is history . . .

George Kelly wasn’t a natural-born gangster and never carried a weapon bigger than a revolver. But Kathryn changed all that. Like a mobbed-up Lady Macbeth, she pushed her husband to commit greater crimes, introducing him to her friends in the underworld and convincing him to join in a series of bank robberies. Soon, the Kellys were living large, with a house in Texas, expensive jewelry, the works. But it wasn’t enough, and eventually the couple hatched a daring plot to kidnap oil tycoon Charles Urschel. Their plan worked. They collected the ransom—and captured the attention of the nation, the world . . . and the FBI.

A shocking story of ambition and greed, crime and punishment, Meet the Kellys offers a fascinating portrait of a reluctant gangster named after a machine gun and a scheming moll as driven as Bonnie Parker and Ma Barker. A must-read for true crime fans.

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

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2025

Reviews

[Jo Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy publication day 🥳🎉🎧

Meet The Kelly’s was an excellent deep dive into the story of Machine Gun Kelly (not the tattooed pearly faced rapper) and his moll Kathryn Thorne,

Somewhere on the outskirts of my mind I knew of Machine Gun Kelly, the name that is, I couldn’t tell you for certain that I knew who he was, what he’d done and I definitely don’t think I knew anything about his wife Kathryn, so for me this biography was excellent, it’s a fairly quick read/listen but it is jam packed full of detail, it gives a brilliant account of both of their early lives and their romance, there’s more than a hint of the Bonnie and Clyde to the tale, we get great insight into how they planned the crimes they committed and the author skilfully takes us right through the court cases and beyond. Moreover there’s a great amount of information on the early days of the FBI and how the bureau played a part in taking the Kelly’s down. I was fascinated at the detail written in the press about members of high society and how they suggested driving by to look in their windows,like social media 100 years ago, they practically made these people targets for criminals.

Well worth a look if you’re interested in true crime or American history. The narration by Wendy Tremont King was great, easy to follow and balanced.

Huge thanks to Highbridge Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read.

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a high quality audio that was a quick listen. This would appeal to true crime lovers as it gives so much background to the kellys that is neglected by main stream media as it is not as dramatic as you might think. it was good to listen to the whole picture for a change and there is defo a gap in the market for this alongside all the rest. For me it was fairly balanced and gave an interesting backstory which took away abit of the notoriousness of the couple. There were sections of the story that seemed too short and not as relevant. Narration was good and engaging This did not felt like a typical true crime reveal. This is a 4 star listen. Thanks to netgallery, publisher, author and narrator.

[TheConnieFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

True crime readers, this book is for you! After reading this, I gained more knowledge on who the Kelly’s were, what all they did and how they got away with everything they did. It is unbelievable how they got away with everything! They will forever be recognized and remembered in the United States for their crimes!

Meet the Kelly’s is about a Husband and Wife who are known for their horrendous crimes. Their crimes included kidnappings, bootlegging and bank robberies during the Prohibition Era in the United States. His name was known as George “Machine Gun” Kelly and his wife’s name was Kathryn Thorne. In my opinion, his wife seems to be the one behind all of these outrageous acts, because she was already a criminal! Reading this book gave me insight to know who they really were and how they impacted our history. You will have to read this book to get all the details of what all happened.

Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. 5/5 star rating!

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

[Rachel Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Meet the Kellys by Chris Enss – A Must-Read for True Crime Junkies**

If you love true crime, history, and power-hungry duos who shake things up (*think Bonnie & Clyde but way more calculated*), *Meet the Kellys* needs to be on your radar. Chris Enss takes us deep into the lives of George "Machine Gun" Kelly and his wife, Kathryn Thorne—two criminals who went from small-time bootleggers to major FBI targets. And let’s be real—Kathryn is the one pulling the strings, proving once again that behind every infamous man, there’s often a mastermind woman.

This book reads like a fast-paced thriller but is *all facts*. Enss uses court records, newspaper clippings, and real-life accounts to bring us a *minute-by-minute* breakdown of their most daring heists—including the high-stakes kidnapping that sealed their fate. It’s immersive, wild, and packed with all the drama of a true crime podcast you’d binge in one sitting.

The 1920s and ’30s setting makes it even more fascinating—this is peak Prohibition-era crime, where gangsters ruled, money was king, and danger lurked around every corner. Whether you’re a die-hard true crime fan or just dipping into the genre, *Meet the Kellys* is gripping, cinematic, and an absolute must-read.

**Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity 💕**

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh.

As excited as I was for this book [as I had no idea who this man and his wife were, what they did, and why they and their shenanigans are important to history], overall, it just didn't fully work for me. I found a lot of it just tedious to listen to [see below], with the minutiae of detail [especially about Kathryn and all that she did, bought, ate etc etc etc] overwhelmingly boring, and for me, not really adding to the story. There ARE good parts of the story [the trial and what we learned from it, and how the system chose to try them together and what happened because of it], but overall, it was not enough to fully engage me [I chose to keep reading because I just hoped that it would get better, as the good parts WERE good], and it ended up just being a meh read for me, which was disappointing.

Wendy Tremont King is a new-to-me narrator, and unfortunately, her narration did not for me. It felt and sounded like she was reading a children's-middle grade book, even when the subject matter was V E R Y adult and ultimately, it was very off-putting, and made an already disappointing read even more so for me, and because of that, I cannot recommend this audiobook.

Thank you to NetGalley, Chris Enss, Wendy Tremont King - Narrator, Kensington Publishing/Citadel, and RB Media for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew that the true MGK was a prohibition era criminal, but no idea of his story. I also didn’t know what a criminal and mastermind his wife was behind him.

This story was so well-researched and well-told. This book makes me want to learn more.

The audiobook was high quality and loved the voice/intonation of the storyteller.


Thank you Highbridge Audio and Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book!

[MKF · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some parts read like a fiction novel while the rest was nonfiction but no matter the styles it was a bit boring.

[Aseel Shihab · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting story, the writing style was a bit boring though

[Abby Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC. Author tried to weave a story around the Kellys historical account but it fell flat for me. Overall it was an interesting read because I really did not know anything about them or about the other parts of criminal history in the 1920s.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an advance copy of this biography and history of two people whose love was strong, partners in crime, one could say in a series of bank robberies and a kidnapping that made history, made them public enemies, and the social media icons of their day.

I've said this a lot recently but for a country that talks about backing the blue in just about everything, America loves its outlaws. For a country that talks about freedom, we seem to give up quite a bit, or allow it to be taken away. What time and color garbage cans can be placed outside, what books a public library can carry, who one can love. In return we love the outlaw, the one who flaunts the laws, in leaders, in tax dodgers, and Internet schemers. That's the American dream it seems like. Every generation seems to have it's own outlaws. People whose legend were much bigger than their deeds. Especially ones with cool nicknames. We look back at the good ole days wondering how we strayed so far, and instead we find people who ran booze when it was illegal, hide gangsters on farmsteads, kidnapped people and children for money. And the people couldn't get enough. Meet the Kellys: The True Story of Machine Gun Kelly and His Moll Kathryn Thorne by Chris Enss is a story of a couple who knew the straight and narrow could never pay for their lifestyles, so to crime they turned, and became for a short time, the social influencers of their day.

George Kelly Barnes was born to a well-off middle class family, with their own particular set of troubles. George's father was quick to blame his wife and kids for problems, quick with his hands, and quick to find someone else, when his wife's mental health began to go south. George was a good student, but found at an early age that living in a state that made alcohol illegal, was a good way to make money. A fight with his father made George drop the Barnes, and George Kelly was born. George tried to go right, even marrying into family that gave him a chance at acceptability. However life got in the way, and so did the law, leading to a divorce, prison time, and a life of crime as the only option. Kathryn Thorne was a young woman who wanted the best in life, and wanted it now. Kathryn's stepfather was a noted bootlegger, and also allowed his ranch in Oklahoma to be used as a sanctuary for people on the lam. Kathryn's had married three times, her last ending in a questionable suicide, when she crossed paths with George Kelly for the first time. Neither could stop thinking about the other, and a match made in heck was begun. Bank robbers, soon followed, but the money they knew was in kidnapping, currently the it crime in the United States. The the Kellys had a plan. One that would net them the largest ransom ever asked, and one that destroyed everybody they knew.

A mix of biography, true crime and social history of the United States in the 30's. And as the song went it pretty much was "Anything Goes". There are moments that people just throw themselves into crime. So many people were willing to help in this kidnapping, one wonders what was in the water. Enss is a very good writer, capturing the characters and voices of this duo, along with the media interest and fascination. Considering that Kelly was never that big a villain, I feel it was the woman at his side, and the cool nickname that made him so famous. Enss does a wonderful job of explaining the big crime, and the strange people that were sucked into it. There was a lot of strange, which made for fascinating reading. A very good mix of true crime, media circus, bad people, strange people, and people who just left their morals at the door.

History and true crime fans will enjoy this. The media circus alone makes this seem like a case from today. Fashion hints from Kathryn, the trial being recorded for media. The craziness, and also the famous criminals being so easily replaces by the next gang of outlaws. I enjoyed the writing and the style the author Chris Enss brought to the work, and look forward to reading more.

[Richard Jaffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book for true crime fans.

Meet the Kellys provides insight into Public Enemy No. 1, "Machine Gun" Kelly and his gangster Moll ( and later wife ) Kathryn Thorne. Although one of the first Gangsters in the 30's to come up against the G-Men of the recently reformed Bureau of Investigations led by J. Edgar Hoover, I must admit I didnt know nearly as much about Kelly as some of the other gangsters of that era, Bonnie and Clyde and John Dillinger.

Although originally a bootlegger and then a bank robber, Thorne pushed Kelly into kidnapping as a way to pay for her lavish lifestyle of furs, jewelry and expensive hotels and nights on the town. She even purchased the "used" Tommy Gun for Kelly that led to his moniker.

The book concentrates on the plot to kidnap millionaire oil tycoon Charles Urschel, the kidnap itself, the nationwide manhunt first for Urschel and then the perpetrators and ultimately their joint Trial. Being in love with his wife, Kelly tried to take to blame in the hopes of setting Thorne free, but the Judge and Jury would have none of her theatrics on the stand, and they both were sentenced to life imprisonment along with most of their co-conspirators, including Thornes family.

Ultimately Kelly was separated from his partner in crime and became one of the first residents of the newly refurbished Alcatraz island prison.

An entertaining read, which would also serve as a primer for any wannabe criminal on how not to perpetrate a stick up or kidnapping.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd like to thank NetGalley for allowing me the honor of reading this book in advance of publication. This is my first submission for them, but hope it won't be the last.

I don't read a lot of biographies, but the title of this one drew me in. I think the name Machine Gun Kelly is well-known, but mostly by my generation (GenX) and before. Now, it's the stage name of a popular musician. There was a lot I didn't know about this ne'er-do-well from the early 1900s.

It took me awhile to warm up to this book. At first it seemed to be a lot of facts and figures, feeling almost encyclopedic, but I soon realized that the level of research the author had done made this a more compelling read. Chris Enss found tons of reporting, personal letters, and first-hand witness acounts, which made the later chapters feel almost as though they had been there to hear the exchanges.

I learned a lot about the gangster scene of the early 1900's, the tumultuous early lives of Kathryn and George Kelly, and their ill-conceived ransom plan. This book reminds us that there was a time when, if you could keep your mouth shut, you could truly get away with murder. The propensity of these people to involve so many others in their plans was their downfall.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️½ – An Informative but Uneven Glimpse into a Notorious Family

Meet the Kellys by Chris Enss offers an intriguing look into the infamous Kelly family of the American Old West, focusing on their lives, crimes, and legacy. Enss’s research is clear, and the book delivers a lot of fascinating historical detail that fans of true crime or Western history will appreciate.

The strength of the book lies in its ability to shine a light on lesser-known aspects of the Kellys’ story, including the roles of the women in the family and how their actions shaped public perception. Enss has a talent for making history accessible and occasionally even vivid.

However, the narrative sometimes feels disjointed, as if trying to cover too much ground in a short span. Some parts read more like summaries than a cohesive story, and a deeper emotional connection to the figures portrayed would have made the book more engaging.

Overall, this is a solid, informative read that history buffs will enjoy, especially those interested in the more shadowy figures of the Wild West. While it may not be a page-turner, it offers a unique perspective that makes it worth picking up.

[Faithe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet the Kelly's by Chris Enss is an excellent deep dive into the Story of Machine gun Kelly and his muse, Kathryn Thorne. This book is a quick easy read that is jammed packed with interesting details.

When they kidnapped Charles Urschel in July 1933 they made history. The Kelly's were the first to be tried for federal kidnapping since the law was created, the first lawbreakers to get transported by plane to stand trial and the first to have their trial filmed.

Kelly was born in Memphis. Was a bootlegger and a bank robber. Kathryn was a vivacious divorcee. Neither exceptional on their own however they celebrated their 3rd anniversary by abducting a prominent oil tycoon in his home and demanding $200,000 for his release. This resulted in the Kelly's arrest in sept 26 1933.

I love how this book gave a lot of details that the media usually leaves out. It also takes the reader through the court trials in a way that was fascinating and made sense with the story.

If you are a fan of true crime then this book is definitely for you. Thank you to Chris for partnering with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the true story of George "Machine Gun" Kelly and his wife Kathryn Thorne. After the two were married, they worked together committing mostly bank robberies. When the bank robberies weren't producing enough money to maintain their lifestyle, they decided to turn to kidnapping. Their first kidnapping attempt was of oil tycoon Charles Urschel. After collecting the ransom and letting Urschel go, the husband and wife find themselves on the run from the law.

This book covers the story of the Kelly's, from their checkered pasts before meeting through their marriage and crime spree together. It also covers their time on the run, their capture and trial, and what ultimately happened to both criminals.

I found this book and the Kelly's story very interesting. At times it read a bit too much like a newspaper article and not a book, but overall I thought the author did a very thorough job while still keeping a good pace in the book.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Besides knowing the name “Machine Gun Kelly” I knew nothing about George Kelly–I didn’t even know why I knew the name beyond it being for something nefarious. Reading this upcoming novel gave me an opportunity to learn more about not only George Kelly and his wife, Kathryn, but the criminal life in the 1930s.

This book dives into the history of Kelly and Kathryn to help readers understand what led to their criminal activities and beliefs all leading up to their capture and conviction on kidnapping charges. I was unaware that theirs was such a landmark event in the relevancy of the FBI and federal laws on crime. The writing was almost narrative non-fiction, but not quite narrative enough for me to be wholly engrossed in their story. Kathryn is a very complex character and Enss did a great job gathering information about her conflicting actions.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advance copy!

[Angelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Enss has written a fascinating dual biography of Depression Era gangster Machine Gun Kelly and his wife/moll, Kathryn Thorne. It's an entertaining book that's meticulously researched and full of period details that take you right into the heart of the Depression in the midwest.

In the book, we see how Kathryn was the mastermind behind their criminal activities. She loved money and pretty things, and Kelly loved her. So he was willing to do anything to make her happy, from bank robbing to kidnapping. You almost feel kind of sorry for the poor sap because he's so besotted with her.

Meet the Kellys is a fast-paced, page-turning story that reads more like a novel than history. I highly recommend it.

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Luv2TrvlLuvBks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A meticulous researched biography that has the reader taken from the crime scene to the courtroom.

This author crafted a readable biography. Knew he was a resident of Alcatraz but reading about it is different. Moreover, the trajectory of his life from bootlegger to kidnapper becomes understandable when you learn of the sudden death of his father in law and father figure. As for his second wife, Kathryn, she is no passive actor and this is shown in her web of crime that entangles innocents and family members.

Clever title along with the striking photo will draw a reader's attention but the writing itself will retain their attention.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Kensington Publishing | Citadel, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


#MeettheKellys #NetGalley

[Ron Baumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-told biography of an infamous gangster. The author does a great job of weaving first-hand accounts of individuals into the story to give you a better perception of who these two individuals were, and the evil they inflicted on innocent people. I found most disturbing was how manipulative the wife was and how she attempted after capture to portray herself as an innocent victim who was forced to do what she did. The story is a fast-paced and action filled ride that provides a great amount of information to the reader. Highly recommend.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before reading this book I only knew that machine gun Kelly was a prohibition era criminal ( not the current musician). I was not aware he had a wife who was also involved in his criminal activities. I enjoyed this book. It’s relatively short for a non fiction book at 184 pages. Despite being short the author had all the pertinent information in it. The author shows us who MGK and Katherine were. She gives enough background information on the two before they came together wit
Hour weighing the book down with non relevant information. The book moved fast but again captured all the relevant material. I recommend it. I won a copy of the book from the publisher.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Meet The Kellys," Chris Enss delivers a brisk, engaging narrative that earns 4 out of 5 stars. The novel's strength lies in its intricate backstories for Katherine and George "Machine Gun" Kelly, establishing solid emotional foundations. Enss's attention to detail shines, particularly in blending historical context with character development. The pacing keeps readers invested, while the infamous couple's portrayal remains nuanced. Though not flawless, the book's strengths in storytelling, tempo, and historical fiction elements make it a compelling read for those interested in accounts of notorious figures.

[Bekah Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating! I was so interested to learn how much the laws and justice system have changed over the last 92 years. Newspapers were a combination of news, gossip rag, soap opera and regularly published personal and private information about people and their comings and goings etc. The beginning of the FBI as we know it, the start of Alcatraz as a government penitentiary. The way the Kellys were captured stood trial (together) , convicted and imprisoned within THREE months!” And Kathryn, her AUDACITY!!! What an interesting book! Thank you to Kensington Publishing for this ARC.

[Crimson Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Netgalley, for an advanced audiobook & book of this novel for an honest review

This is the Non-Fiction true crime story being told of George Kelley known as "Machine Gun Kelly" & his wife Kathryn Throne, we are taken on an adventure through their time together and what they did which has been drawn from court transcripts, newspapers etc.

The information is a lot to take in but if you love learning about true crime then this is the book for you, I highly enjoyed the deep dive into one of the most well-known couples in true crime & as someone who likes to know as much as she can on these topics I could see that a lot went into this book.

[Kitai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pub date: May 27, 2025

Meet the Kellys is a fairly straightforward account of George “Machine Gun”Kelly and Kathryn Kelly’s historic rise from bootlegging to infamy.

While this is written to be more informative than thrilling it was an easy audiobook to finish while doing my errands. The bulk of the book primarily focuses on the timespan of the Urschel case and serves to highlight Katheryn’s involvement + encouragement in the crimes as well as the founding of the FBI and the Lindbergh Act.


Advance listening copy provided by HighBridge Audio

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet the Kellys: The True Story of Machine Gun Kelly and His Moll Kathryn Thorne by Christopher Enss was an interesting read. I’d heard of Machine Gun Kelly, but didn’t know much about him and I’d never heard of Kathryn Moll. I enjoy books that both entertain and inform me and this book did it.

Thank you to the author, Kensington Publishing, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Linda Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entertaining biography, full of detail, of the life and crimes of the infamous gangster George Kelly and his wife Kathryn. A good read for those interested in true crime and “criminal thinking”. There’s information about the early days of the FBI, and how the bureau played a part in the Kelly’s capture. A slow start, but the pace picks up and it’s an engaging read.
The narrator was easy to listen to and she read at a good pace.

[Laura Newsholme · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an entertaining look at Machine Gun Kelly and his wife, Kathryn that was well researched and well structured. I felt like a lot of the focus was on Kathryn, which I appreciated but it did make the narrative a little unbalanced in places. Overall, for anyone with an interest in the era, I would definitely recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Previously knowing nothing about Machine Gun Kelly nor Kathryn Thorne, "Meet the Kellys" was a nice introduction to their lives and history. It opened the door for further research and is an enjoyable piece of historical nonfiction. 


**Thank you Net Galley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.**