The Krays: The Final Countdown: The Ultimate Biography of Ron, Reg & Charlie Kray

by Colin Fry

The Krays were a product of their age, nurtured by a doting mother and created by their community, the East End of London. Their name alone conjures up images of power, violence, and greed—and even brother Charlie couldn't steer the twins Ron and Reg clear of murder mayhem as they killed their way to the top of the criminal tree. The three brothers are an indelible part of our history, whether we like it or not. From media-manipulation to control-freak paranoia, the Krays were masters of deception. This biography traces their history from childhood and early adolescence to manhood and death. It explores the brothers' fantasy lives, full as they were of mind games and false memories. Only now can the truth be revealed—without fear of intimidation, retribution, or revenge. The Krays are dead and buried, but the myth lives on.

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2001

About the author

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read and highly recommended for fans of this genre.

[Tosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

One can hardly ignore the mythology of the Krays here in London. Not bad for a pair of very bad brothers. Also there are at least a couple dozen of books on the Devil twins - some are really good (Profession of Violence) and some not that interesting. This one is between good and sort of interesting.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt this was the most truthful book about the Krays and their Firm that I have read to date.
Colin Fry appears to have set out (and at least partially succeeded, in my opinion) to show that the myths surrounding Reg and Ron Kray are not all they're made out to be.
I'm sureabout six or seven years older than them. the Twins could be charmers, but we should remember that they were gangsters through and through, They ran gambling clubs (no law against that) but crimes could be hatched there in an upstairs room. They stole from people, laundered cash and murdered at least two people on their way to notoriety. There are also tales of them being involved in Mafia business.
Their father wasn't round a lot when they were all growing up. Their mother, Violet, idolised her twin sons, almost, it seems, to the point of not paying much attention to her firstborn Charlie. Charlie junior was tasked with trying to keep his twin brothers in line, but that seems unfair, as he was only six or seven years older than them. I don't know if Charlie senior would have had a positive effect on Reg and Ron, we'll never find out.
The Twins had little or no regard for authority of any kind--civil or military. What they wanted, they took, or got others in the Firm to get it for them. Despite being slightly younger, Ron is portrayed is manipulative and Ron went along with him. Charlie was on the edge of their gang, but seemingly not a full member.
I don't think we'll ever know the whole truth about the Krays and their villainy. However, despite being rotten to the core, none of them deserved to die from either heart disease or cancer. I wouldn't have wished that on them.