Hell's Angels: Three Can Keep a Secret If Two Are Dead

by Yves Lavigne

This book documents the gang's bumpy ride from its origins as a Stateside club for World War II fighter pilots, to its freewheeling terror tactics of the early sixties, to its absurd flirtation with the hippie scene, to its ultimate search for a legitimate role in the contemporary world of organized crime.

Genres: Crime, True Crime, Nonfiction, History

344 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2000

Reviews

[Cwn_annwn_13 · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some things that I know to be inaccurate in this, and you also only get one side of the story. Another problem is Lavignes writing style reminds me of, like if you have ever met a person thats trying a little too hard to sound streetwise or hip but they come off really corny. Well thats Lavigne.

What you get is a true crime version of a history of the Hells Angels up until the mid 80s, along with chapters with some history on The Outlaws MC, The Bandidos MC and The Pagans MC. The last third of the book covers the fratricidal war between Hells Angels chapters in Quebec and their war with The Outlaws in Canada. Overall this reads like a trashy true crime book more than a unbiased look into so called motorcycle gangs. I give it 3 stars for the entertainment value and not for the quality of the research. Take it with a grain of salt.

[kt Sedat · Rating 1 out of 5]

Usually I enjoy the subject matter but the author tried too hard to be cool and came across as a misogynistic jerk. I only finished because I had to read the next outrageous remark.

[Jeff R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally outdated now but this book does a great job of giving the histories on the major conflicts between the American and Canadian clubs. While I don't consider Lavigne to be a real outlaw motorcycle club expert, I do consider this book mandatory reading for anyone who is going to represent themselves an expert on the culture.

[Geno Jaramillo · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book. I was looking forward to a story of the Hells Angels. The randomness and unorganized facts and story pieces were frustrating and hard to follow. I do not recommend this book.

[Don · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book. The writing style goes well with the subject. The book is a little older, so the incidents detailed are a bit historical. I liked Julian Sher's book "Angels of Death" because the incidents and facts were in-depth compared to this telling which covers a lot of material, without diving to far into the details of each act.

[Lolo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good look at the Hells Angels club (mostly the Canada charters). I've read a few books on the topic & this one has been very informative even if some bikers don't agree with everything. If you're interested in the topic like me, than I would recommend it. It has some great pics too, a few are a little gory but I don't mind.

[Sadsaint · Rating 3 out of 5]

i will say i never actually finished this one...i got to the 1980's and just said to myself enough is enough. these guys are bad and badass. point made. interesting book, for sure, i think i just ran out of steam.

[Tobe Rees]

Yeah not sure really. It reads well, easy read and well written. But I am always in some doubt as to the actual facts behind books about organisations and clubs of this nature.

That said. Yves Lavigne has written a few on the subject... and he is damn good referee.

[David Ward · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hell's Angels: Three Can Keep a Secret If Two Are Dead by Yves Lavigne (Lyle Stuart 1987)(364). This is a combination expose and puff piece that fails to cover any new ground and fails to add anything new to the legacy of stories. My rating: 6/10, finished 7/14/14.

[Josh Buckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Couldn't set it down!