Vendetta: Turning Your Back on Crime Can be Deadly

by ferris-paul-mckay-reg, Reg McKay

Book by Ferris, Paul, McKay, Reg

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

375 pages, Paperback

First published October 14, 2005

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This true story is a cracker, as the authors seem to tell it as it was, not only about Paul’s criminal background, but also his efforts to become a legitimate businessman with ultimately a happy family, against the odds. The narrative features ramifications within the Law Enforcement hierarchy, where the fat brown envelopes bought not only ‘blind eye’ favours, but also engineered innocent men to be imprisoned for the crimes of others.

It is a true saying that “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely". This seems to apply across the whole spectrum of world society, including Law Enforcement, Government Organisations and Multinational Companies. I had personal experience of this with a minor motoring issue in a car park, where photographic evidence was suppressed and replaced with a false statement by the police, so I can appreciate the determination by Paul to pursue this topic from his vast experience in the criminal world.

Paul’s career from crime to successful Businessman and Author is remarkable, when viewed in the light of his birth and young background in Blackhill, Glasgow, arguably the worst housing estate in Scotland. I often drove through Blackhill on my way to work in Carntyne many years ago, so can appreciate the deprivation. Also, with Paul’s father and older brother both criminals with Prison records, what chance did he have in his youth?

Once I started reading Vendetta, I had to keep going, as the style adopted by Paul & Reg was captivating and permeated with humour. The two that made me laugh most were “ I smiled at the [prison] dog, but it didn’t smile back and “A small man [Rab], he carried the authority of a lion with toothache”.

I found the vivid descriptions of Paul’s time in various prisons of particular interest, as this explained a lot about the Prison Service and the difficulties experienced by inmates and their various interaction problems.

Overall, the book was a real eye opener and I look forward to reading more about the subject. Highly recommended.

[Darren English · Rating 5 out of 5]

You won't put it down much

Having already read the first book, I knew I would have to come back and read Vendetta. Much like the previous book I found it gripping reading. Paul has had to battle all his life, once he chose to stand up to bullies, it changed his whole way of living and mindset. He sounds like he's enjoying the results of learning form his past and his past is a remarkable story. Great read.

[Denise Clayton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could not believe this was happening in the UK! Crazy it is a different world.

[Darren High · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really really good book. It's so detailed and very interesting with a few chuckles along the way. The best book I have ever read on real life crime. I couldn't put it down. Very well written.

[Alan Galli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and certainly liked reading about the different faces, and although Paul seems genuine in his words, i cant help but think that some are a bit fake, such as his criticisms of Arthur 'Godfather' Thompson, if Paul did have such a big problem with Arthur why did he not take him on at the time, until now when he insinuates that Thompson was a super grass, putting Pauls problem with The Godfather to one side, all in all a very good read and enjoyed knowing info on faces we do not hear as much about.

[anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mugs game

This is 2nd book I've read by Paul and Reg and I have to say I'm left wondering why anyone in their right mind would want to live \ work in a life of crime I will prob never have the same riches these guys have but I have what they can't buy ...peace of mind I can sleep easy at night and unlike Paul don't need to be alert at all times its a very high price to pay

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I kept saying to myself "of course you'd say that", every time the authors gave an opinion on a person's guilt or otherwise, but overall I thought it was well written.

[Adrian Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real insight.

Paul Ferris comes across as a straight up and down bloke, who'd take no nonsense but is a man of honour! Old School!

[James]

ok

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book