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Blood In Blood Out: The Violent Empire of the Aryan Brotherhood
From the dead centre of the enormous American penitentiary system, the Aryan Brotherhood was the lion that somehow seized control of the city as well as the zoo, steadily coming to dominate the billion dollar methamphetamine industry that permeates America's urban sprawl. They outsmarted and out-muscled everyone that tried to stand in their way, including the FBI, who have discovered that even solitary confinement is incapable of suffocating the tactical machinations of its cabal of psychopathic leaders.
Bound together by a code of violence and silence, for years the Brotherhood has remained an impenetrable and unstoppable force. Until now. Blood In Blood Out is the first book to give the full inside story of its incredible rise to power. In witty, entertaining prose, ex-convict John Lee Brook draws on his unique access to many of the founding members of the Brotherhood, to tell the full secret story in unflinching, fascinating detail. Thanks to its surprisingly light and memorable writing, Blood In Blood Out breaks the bounds of its genre, opening up the fascinating Brotherhood to any passing interest.
Bound together by a code of violence and silence, for years the Brotherhood has remained an impenetrable and unstoppable force. Until now. Blood In Blood Out is the first book to give the full inside story of its incredible rise to power. In witty, entertaining prose, ex-convict John Lee Brook draws on his unique access to many of the founding members of the Brotherhood, to tell the full secret story in unflinching, fascinating detail. Thanks to its surprisingly light and memorable writing, Blood In Blood Out breaks the bounds of its genre, opening up the fascinating Brotherhood to any passing interest.
368 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 9, 2011
If Machiavelli was Sentenced to Federal Prison …
We are all lead to believe that the justice system is in control of outlaws once they are handed over to serve their time in the penitentiary, that the public is safe after those cell doors slam shut, but au contraire. John Lee Brook delves into the little-known world of the real power behind the towering walls crowned with rolls of razor wire; the insider prison gangs, more specifically, the Aryan Brotherhood.
Once an inmate himself, Brook provides details not privy to the public, having experienced the pecking order set in place by the gangs who establish the rules of inmate etiquette; namely, inspire terror, command respect through violence, and you reign supreme. The author vividly explains how the most notorious gang, the Aryan Brotherhood, came into existence. To compete with the Black, Asian and Hispanic gangs scratching out their patch in the Pens, the Caucasian inmates quickly formed their own faction, adhering to white supremacist ideals. Armed with the knowledge of Machiavelli´s “The Prince”, a notorious Renaissance-era treatise that promoted a ruler had the right to use any means to maintain power, Dale Carnegie's book, “How to Make Friends and Influence People”, together with the firm conviction they belonged to a mystic warrior order, the organizers of the Brotherhood quickly seized control and is now one of the most feared prison gangs in the US Federal prison system, outsmarting the Feds, leaving the Mafia shaking in its boots.
Brook displays in his gripping exposé how their influence spreads far beyond the confinement of the state pens. Piecing together the formation of the Brotherhood, Brook weaves his account through vivid depictions of the trials of the gang's three head leaders: Thomas “Terrible Tom” Silverstein, Tyler “The Hulk” Bingham, and Barry “the Baron” Mills. From eye witness accounts, (including Brotherhood members), legal documents, trial and law enforcement reports, news articles, we learn how they enforce the respect they crave, to the point of cold-blooded murder, not to mention their illegal activities, the gun running, drug rings, the installation and management of their super methamphetamine labs, the tons of cash they rake in, the process is mind-boggling. In fact, the realization that this criminal element can conduct their “business” with effortless efficiency and rake in profits that rival any corporate magnet, would tempt any hard-working Joe to relinquish his day job and embrace the lucrative opportunities offered by the underworld!
While this is a work of non-fiction, it is not a mere rehash of documents. Brook reveals the machinations of this gang through the interaction of the various characters caught up in this drama between good and evil, namely, the various law enforcement agencies from the Federal marshals to the members of the jury, and the gang members plus their affiliates. The dialogues make for fascinating reading, one of my particular favourites is the introduction of Arturo Colano, a young Mexican genius, an orphan, who after fighting a life of poverty in the Mexican slums decides his main goal in life is to strike it rich, not with a flashy honest career anyone might normally aspire to. . He turns down MIT and many lucrative career offers to fulfil his single-minded obsession to manufacture crystal meth. His introduction to the Arian Brotherhood and their associated members, the Nazi Low Riders, is hilarious. As much as I am tempted to give this detail away, I'll resist the urge and simply advise you to get the book. There are other narrative elements just as fascinating, such as air trips via “Con-Air” with descriptions of its less than comfortable facilities, not to mention the Supermax prisons in which the ringleaders of the Brotherhood are incarcerated. You think “Hannibal the Cannibal´s” cell was a Hollywood exaggeration? Think again.
For all you history buff and fact-finding addicts, the book also contains a time line of the major events in the Brotherhood's nefarious history and a list of sources used. To top it off, for the danger-loving pen pal aficionado, the prison addresses for the three Top Dogs of the Brotherhood are made available. If you are intrigued by criminals and their organizations, this book is a “must have”.
We are all lead to believe that the justice system is in control of outlaws once they are handed over to serve their time in the penitentiary, that the public is safe after those cell doors slam shut, but au contraire. John Lee Brook delves into the little-known world of the real power behind the towering walls crowned with rolls of razor wire; the insider prison gangs, more specifically, the Aryan Brotherhood.
Once an inmate himself, Brook provides details not privy to the public, having experienced the pecking order set in place by the gangs who establish the rules of inmate etiquette; namely, inspire terror, command respect through violence, and you reign supreme. The author vividly explains how the most notorious gang, the Aryan Brotherhood, came into existence. To compete with the Black, Asian and Hispanic gangs scratching out their patch in the Pens, the Caucasian inmates quickly formed their own faction, adhering to white supremacist ideals. Armed with the knowledge of Machiavelli´s “The Prince”, a notorious Renaissance-era treatise that promoted a ruler had the right to use any means to maintain power, Dale Carnegie's book, “How to Make Friends and Influence People”, together with the firm conviction they belonged to a mystic warrior order, the organizers of the Brotherhood quickly seized control and is now one of the most feared prison gangs in the US Federal prison system, outsmarting the Feds, leaving the Mafia shaking in its boots.
Brook displays in his gripping exposé how their influence spreads far beyond the confinement of the state pens. Piecing together the formation of the Brotherhood, Brook weaves his account through vivid depictions of the trials of the gang's three head leaders: Thomas “Terrible Tom” Silverstein, Tyler “The Hulk” Bingham, and Barry “the Baron” Mills. From eye witness accounts, (including Brotherhood members), legal documents, trial and law enforcement reports, news articles, we learn how they enforce the respect they crave, to the point of cold-blooded murder, not to mention their illegal activities, the gun running, drug rings, the installation and management of their super methamphetamine labs, the tons of cash they rake in, the process is mind-boggling. In fact, the realization that this criminal element can conduct their “business” with effortless efficiency and rake in profits that rival any corporate magnet, would tempt any hard-working Joe to relinquish his day job and embrace the lucrative opportunities offered by the underworld!
While this is a work of non-fiction, it is not a mere rehash of documents. Brook reveals the machinations of this gang through the interaction of the various characters caught up in this drama between good and evil, namely, the various law enforcement agencies from the Federal marshals to the members of the jury, and the gang members plus their affiliates. The dialogues make for fascinating reading, one of my particular favourites is the introduction of Arturo Colano, a young Mexican genius, an orphan, who after fighting a life of poverty in the Mexican slums decides his main goal in life is to strike it rich, not with a flashy honest career anyone might normally aspire to. . He turns down MIT and many lucrative career offers to fulfil his single-minded obsession to manufacture crystal meth. His introduction to the Arian Brotherhood and their associated members, the Nazi Low Riders, is hilarious. As much as I am tempted to give this detail away, I'll resist the urge and simply advise you to get the book. There are other narrative elements just as fascinating, such as air trips via “Con-Air” with descriptions of its less than comfortable facilities, not to mention the Supermax prisons in which the ringleaders of the Brotherhood are incarcerated. You think “Hannibal the Cannibal´s” cell was a Hollywood exaggeration? Think again.
For all you history buff and fact-finding addicts, the book also contains a time line of the major events in the Brotherhood's nefarious history and a list of sources used. To top it off, for the danger-loving pen pal aficionado, the prison addresses for the three Top Dogs of the Brotherhood are made available. If you are intrigued by criminals and their organizations, this book is a “must have”.
August 1, 2020
Entertaining but this reads like a corny movie script that was based on real life. There are facts mixed with questionable information and a lot of complete bullshit (NLR are referred to as a Biker Gang for instance) in this. I give it 3 out of 5 stars for entertainment value.
December 4, 2013
Had Potential …
Of the myriad of street, biker and prison gangs in the United States, a few seem to separate them themselves from the group out of sheer notoriety; the Aryan Brotherhood’s lust for violence and power behind bars is one of those groups. A rather selective and secretive group, the Aryan Brotherhood (AB) is often the subject of both myth and reality. While I was hoping BLOOD IN BLOOD OUT would provide a deeper look at the history, structure and reach of the AB, I found myself reading a story that never provided the details I was expecting.
A National Geographic documentary stated the AB only represented something like one tenth of one percent of the prison population but accounted for twenty percent of prison murders … a staggering statistic. It also portrayed the group as having a dynamic reach throughout the US prison system (state and federal) and outside the prison system as a major player in the drug trade, despite its leadership being housed in SuperMax facilities. Brutally violent and angry men heavily inked with Nazi insignia hiding a cerebral side that includes business savvy, competent leadership and even a secret language. One would assume that the combination of these traits would provide the backdrop for a revealing, shocking, edge-of-your seat read, but, unfortunately, John Lee Brook’ s BLOOD IN BLOOD OUT didn’t deliver.
John Lee Brook starts with the backgrounds of the three leaders of the AB that led to lives in prison, membership to the AB, ascension to the AB hierarchy and an eventual fight against the federal government. The recap of the trial against the AB (and the three leaders) comprises the majority of the book and provides readers with some insight of the gang’s ruthlessness thanks to the testimony of several AB defectors. I was hoping this would set the stage for a comprehensive history of the organization (especially considering BLOOD IN BLOOD OUT is the only book available on the subject), but rather than bringing readers back to the roots of the organization and giving us a tangible history, we are instead offered a somewhat “sketchy” story of the AB’s eventual meth empire. “Sketchy” in the sense that that story is told using pseudonyms, seems embellished at times and incorrectly represents a major part of the story (the Nazi Low Riders are stated to be a motorcycle gang, not a prison gang). While the details behind the story may be factual, the manner in which it is written reads like fiction (especially the interaction between the young Mexican chemist and the Nazi Low Riders) and this had me questioning the story’s credibility. Sure there are moments throughout the book that drive home the ruthless nature of the AB members (often toward one another) and eerily drives home the fact that under the Nazi-tattooed skin, these men are not simpletons, but highly intelligent and unscrupulous. There are several accounts of how violence, money and drugs allow the AB to thrive both inside and outside prison walls. Pieces here and there, however, don’t provide a clear history of the organization and I found it to be a glaring problem throughout. A brief timeline of “major events” is offered, but it mainly centers on those involved with the federal case. By the book’s finish, I had a better understanding about the federal case against the AB, but little gained knowledge of the AB has a whole.
Of the myriad of street, biker and prison gangs in the United States, a few seem to separate them themselves from the group out of sheer notoriety; the Aryan Brotherhood’s lust for violence and power behind bars is one of those groups. A rather selective and secretive group, the Aryan Brotherhood (AB) is often the subject of both myth and reality. While I was hoping BLOOD IN BLOOD OUT would provide a deeper look at the history, structure and reach of the AB, I found myself reading a story that never provided the details I was expecting.
A National Geographic documentary stated the AB only represented something like one tenth of one percent of the prison population but accounted for twenty percent of prison murders … a staggering statistic. It also portrayed the group as having a dynamic reach throughout the US prison system (state and federal) and outside the prison system as a major player in the drug trade, despite its leadership being housed in SuperMax facilities. Brutally violent and angry men heavily inked with Nazi insignia hiding a cerebral side that includes business savvy, competent leadership and even a secret language. One would assume that the combination of these traits would provide the backdrop for a revealing, shocking, edge-of-your seat read, but, unfortunately, John Lee Brook’ s BLOOD IN BLOOD OUT didn’t deliver.
John Lee Brook starts with the backgrounds of the three leaders of the AB that led to lives in prison, membership to the AB, ascension to the AB hierarchy and an eventual fight against the federal government. The recap of the trial against the AB (and the three leaders) comprises the majority of the book and provides readers with some insight of the gang’s ruthlessness thanks to the testimony of several AB defectors. I was hoping this would set the stage for a comprehensive history of the organization (especially considering BLOOD IN BLOOD OUT is the only book available on the subject), but rather than bringing readers back to the roots of the organization and giving us a tangible history, we are instead offered a somewhat “sketchy” story of the AB’s eventual meth empire. “Sketchy” in the sense that that story is told using pseudonyms, seems embellished at times and incorrectly represents a major part of the story (the Nazi Low Riders are stated to be a motorcycle gang, not a prison gang). While the details behind the story may be factual, the manner in which it is written reads like fiction (especially the interaction between the young Mexican chemist and the Nazi Low Riders) and this had me questioning the story’s credibility. Sure there are moments throughout the book that drive home the ruthless nature of the AB members (often toward one another) and eerily drives home the fact that under the Nazi-tattooed skin, these men are not simpletons, but highly intelligent and unscrupulous. There are several accounts of how violence, money and drugs allow the AB to thrive both inside and outside prison walls. Pieces here and there, however, don’t provide a clear history of the organization and I found it to be a glaring problem throughout. A brief timeline of “major events” is offered, but it mainly centers on those involved with the federal case. By the book’s finish, I had a better understanding about the federal case against the AB, but little gained knowledge of the AB has a whole.
July 29, 2011
Let’s face it. When a nonfiction author has characters with nicknames like the Hulk, the Baron and Terrible Tom, how can he miss? But John Lee Brook (that has to be a nom de plume, eh?) does much more than just hit the target with his infiltration of the mythical Aryan Brotherhood prison gang, BLOOD IN, BLOOD OUT. He’s sitting dead red in the center of the bloody bull’s eye here, offering a work that blends true crime with sociological study, business strategy review, psychotherapy, legal thriller, snappy dialogue and outrageous action sequences to make your hair stand on end.
The result is a travelogue to an alternate universe where the cliché “survival of the fittest” means exactly what it says in the rawest terms of the jungle law, writ by fang and claw. That’s life inside the prison system where the AB has been a fundamental piece of the organizational hierarchy for several decades. Brook shares what he has learned about how its leaders reached that pinnacle, maintained control and turned their power into a black market business so prosperous they had to store their cash in a warehouse.
Much of BLOOD IN, BLOOD OUT has been revealed before piecemeal in newspaper articles, public documents and trial transcripts. But Brook adds some apparent AB insider interviews to his roundup of available data to assemble the full story and craft the most readable detailed expose yet of the whole sorry history of the Brotherhood.
His method of telling the story primarily through personality profiles of the key participants is reminiscent of Hunter Thompson’s pre-gonzo-era classic HELL’S ANGELS or William Queen’s more recent memoir of his police work infiltrating the Mongols motorcycle club in UNDER AND ALONE. All three are prime examples of gangland storytelling at their finest with the academic touch left in the dust.
Anyone fearful that Brook has glamorized the AB with this book can rest easy. It’s clear the Hulk, the Baron and Terrible Tom probably enjoy having their underworld achievements on display in BLOOD IN, BLOOD OUT. For the rest of us, however, what emerges is a sad depiction of the fate that awaits life’s losers. One telling moment, for example, involves Brook’s contrast of the demeanors of Hulk and the Baron with that of the solid citizens deliberating their death penalty case as jurors. “They looked as if they had just heard the judge read off the departure times of cargo ships leaving the Port of San Francisco,” writes Brook of the AB brain trust sitting in court. He continues: “On their part, the twelve jurors looked as if they had just received word their favorite pets had been run over by a truck.”
And if there still were any doubt about the simple final message of BLOOD IN, BLOOD OUT, Brook goes ahead and makes it crystal clear, when he concludes: “The simple and terrible lesson of the Aryan Brotherhood was this: Crime did not pay.”
The result is a travelogue to an alternate universe where the cliché “survival of the fittest” means exactly what it says in the rawest terms of the jungle law, writ by fang and claw. That’s life inside the prison system where the AB has been a fundamental piece of the organizational hierarchy for several decades. Brook shares what he has learned about how its leaders reached that pinnacle, maintained control and turned their power into a black market business so prosperous they had to store their cash in a warehouse.
Much of BLOOD IN, BLOOD OUT has been revealed before piecemeal in newspaper articles, public documents and trial transcripts. But Brook adds some apparent AB insider interviews to his roundup of available data to assemble the full story and craft the most readable detailed expose yet of the whole sorry history of the Brotherhood.
His method of telling the story primarily through personality profiles of the key participants is reminiscent of Hunter Thompson’s pre-gonzo-era classic HELL’S ANGELS or William Queen’s more recent memoir of his police work infiltrating the Mongols motorcycle club in UNDER AND ALONE. All three are prime examples of gangland storytelling at their finest with the academic touch left in the dust.
Anyone fearful that Brook has glamorized the AB with this book can rest easy. It’s clear the Hulk, the Baron and Terrible Tom probably enjoy having their underworld achievements on display in BLOOD IN, BLOOD OUT. For the rest of us, however, what emerges is a sad depiction of the fate that awaits life’s losers. One telling moment, for example, involves Brook’s contrast of the demeanors of Hulk and the Baron with that of the solid citizens deliberating their death penalty case as jurors. “They looked as if they had just heard the judge read off the departure times of cargo ships leaving the Port of San Francisco,” writes Brook of the AB brain trust sitting in court. He continues: “On their part, the twelve jurors looked as if they had just received word their favorite pets had been run over by a truck.”
And if there still were any doubt about the simple final message of BLOOD IN, BLOOD OUT, Brook goes ahead and makes it crystal clear, when he concludes: “The simple and terrible lesson of the Aryan Brotherhood was this: Crime did not pay.”
June 6, 2019
Picked this up for research into a book I'm considering writing about my career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The Aryan Brotherhood security threat group always fascinated me. A very, very small percentage of the total prisoner population, it was amazing to see the "respect" (or maybe fear would be a better word), they commanded in the prison. NO ONE messed with them. Ever. They kept to themselves, did not preen or puff up like other inmates, and did not interact with the staff (neither with contempt or by kissing our asses). The only other group that I witnessed carrying that aura was some of the older Mafia inmates.
Brook covered a lot of ground that I was already aware of, the "shot callers", the structure of the gang, the propensity for almost unfathomable violence. It was interesting to get a little more information on the "big trial". And on some of the background of the "commission". I have to wonder how he knew some of this, it's not like Barry Mills or god forbid, Thomas Silverstein, were ever to sit down and discuss their childhood trauma's with anyone. I suspect there was quite a bit of artistic license going on. Same with some of the prison communications listed.
But, considering what I already knew, the gist of the book was accurate. America is lucky that the Aryan Brotherhood is a small group. God forbid they would ever reach the membership levels of, say, MS-13. THAT WOULD BE A FRIGHTENING SIGHT!
The Aryan Brotherhood security threat group always fascinated me. A very, very small percentage of the total prisoner population, it was amazing to see the "respect" (or maybe fear would be a better word), they commanded in the prison. NO ONE messed with them. Ever. They kept to themselves, did not preen or puff up like other inmates, and did not interact with the staff (neither with contempt or by kissing our asses). The only other group that I witnessed carrying that aura was some of the older Mafia inmates.
Brook covered a lot of ground that I was already aware of, the "shot callers", the structure of the gang, the propensity for almost unfathomable violence. It was interesting to get a little more information on the "big trial". And on some of the background of the "commission". I have to wonder how he knew some of this, it's not like Barry Mills or god forbid, Thomas Silverstein, were ever to sit down and discuss their childhood trauma's with anyone. I suspect there was quite a bit of artistic license going on. Same with some of the prison communications listed.
But, considering what I already knew, the gist of the book was accurate. America is lucky that the Aryan Brotherhood is a small group. God forbid they would ever reach the membership levels of, say, MS-13. THAT WOULD BE A FRIGHTENING SIGHT!
August 20, 2011
I almost want to explain how it was that I picked this up, but ...
Then writing is not very good, but the story is fascinating like a train wreck.
Then writing is not very good, but the story is fascinating like a train wreck.
May 25, 2017
Great story. I enjoyed every chapter
October 10, 2025
I would like to begin with the cover of this book. There is a noticeable swastika on the cover. I would advise readers to be careful with this book. It does draw questionable attention; I did have to explain on one occasion to a person what I was reading. The Aryan Brotherhood along with the Mexican Mafia and I believe Nation of Islam run the prisons for their respective races.
To anyone who is against the death penalty, this book is essentially the cause for capital punishment and justifies state executions whole heartedly. The A.B is an organization that is exceptionally dangerous and the ease how they gather information and infiltrate government entities is mind blowing. Their analytical powers and attention to detail gives law enforcement an extreme match for their services.
most ex-cons who writes a book usually don't do a good job at it, for Mr. Brook I was impressed and very informed with this story. This book will take about a week to read. I just didn't find a lot of time for it. Something I also got out of this book, I'm a resident of Ventura County, CA and I'm no longer in denial, it's kind of a shady county in its own way as it's a location that is mentioned in the story. I would definitely give this book a chance as you will be educated on a vast criminal underworld.
To anyone who is against the death penalty, this book is essentially the cause for capital punishment and justifies state executions whole heartedly. The A.B is an organization that is exceptionally dangerous and the ease how they gather information and infiltrate government entities is mind blowing. Their analytical powers and attention to detail gives law enforcement an extreme match for their services.
most ex-cons who writes a book usually don't do a good job at it, for Mr. Brook I was impressed and very informed with this story. This book will take about a week to read. I just didn't find a lot of time for it. Something I also got out of this book, I'm a resident of Ventura County, CA and I'm no longer in denial, it's kind of a shady county in its own way as it's a location that is mentioned in the story. I would definitely give this book a chance as you will be educated on a vast criminal underworld.
February 4, 2021
I always wondered how Walter White in Breaking Bad was able to kill 10 guys in a prison with such accuracy. This book gave me great insight into the question.
However, this book isn't without its flaws. Firstly, the title makes one believe that the book would deal with the complete history of the Aryan Brotherhood and their working philosophy. Now I might be wrong in assuming there is one coherent and accepted narrative. But this book only focuses on the trial of the three shotcallers and presents us with a patchwork of some other stories which do give us major insight into the functioning of the brotherhood, but doesn't really tie them all together properly.
However, this book isn't without its flaws. Firstly, the title makes one believe that the book would deal with the complete history of the Aryan Brotherhood and their working philosophy. Now I might be wrong in assuming there is one coherent and accepted narrative. But this book only focuses on the trial of the three shotcallers and presents us with a patchwork of some other stories which do give us major insight into the functioning of the brotherhood, but doesn't really tie them all together properly.
January 17, 2019
I'm glad i went to college.
Law enforcement in this country is a joke. It is amazing how a group of bottom feeders were allowed have so much power inside and outside of prison. Due to the coddling of criminals like the AB, America now has a serious drug problem, which it created. It is funny to me that white supremacists gangs deal drugs to their own race. Now people are whining that the war on drugs is too hard on the degenerate junkies.
Law enforcement in this country is a joke. It is amazing how a group of bottom feeders were allowed have so much power inside and outside of prison. Due to the coddling of criminals like the AB, America now has a serious drug problem, which it created. It is funny to me that white supremacists gangs deal drugs to their own race. Now people are whining that the war on drugs is too hard on the degenerate junkies.
October 7, 2021
Passionnant. L'auteur raconte l'histoire du gang Aryan Brotherhood et couvre plusieurs champs importants : l'organisation hiérarchique, les procès et arsenaux judiciaires déployés, les différents domaines d'activité (trafic de drogue, blanchiment d'argent, exécutions etc), l'histoire de certains membres en particulier etc. Le tout est très bien agencé et légèrement romancé et rend donc la lecture très agréable (si on exclut certaines histoires assez ignobles).
February 7, 2020
Compelling and Well Written: Recomended
There isn’t much information available about the Ayrian Brotherhood. I recently heard them mentioned on Shaun Attwood’s podcast when he was talking about the time he spent in prison in Arizona. This piqued my interest which led me to this book. The story reminds me of part ‘Con Air’, part American History X and part ‘Breaking Bad’.
There isn’t much information available about the Ayrian Brotherhood. I recently heard them mentioned on Shaun Attwood’s podcast when he was talking about the time he spent in prison in Arizona. This piqued my interest which led me to this book. The story reminds me of part ‘Con Air’, part American History X and part ‘Breaking Bad’.
September 29, 2017
Tediously long
This is not an inside look on the AB. It is a tedious unnecessarily long piece about two players and a public trial. Very misleading write up and lead in. Read some other book.
This is not an inside look on the AB. It is a tedious unnecessarily long piece about two players and a public trial. Very misleading write up and lead in. Read some other book.
April 29, 2018
A very enjoyable, fast read. The major players were humanized without being put forward as something to emulate.
The story of small time thuggery and psychosis working its way to high finance is appealing and appalling at the same time.
The story of small time thuggery and psychosis working its way to high finance is appealing and appalling at the same time.
July 10, 2024
A cold and true story that I personally lived for 31 years inside and every year since my release, a true, Blood In Aryan Brother for over 50 years now. And still counting. No remorse, no penitence. Only resistance. ABFFAB 1488 AZ. AB BOOGER MOTHER FUCKING RED
March 11, 2025
I purchased the book hoping to gain an understanding of the Ayrian Brotherhood and it accomplishes that. A dangerous world of prison violence and death. It extends its tentacles into society sponsoring all manner of evil. Blood In, Blood Out is just that: Bloodshed.
October 4, 2019
Superb read .
a fantastic book well written and researched giving an in-depth account of this secretive brotherhood . no rambling court transcripts or hearsay ..
a fantastic book well written and researched giving an in-depth account of this secretive brotherhood . no rambling court transcripts or hearsay ..
June 24, 2021
Scary but gripping non-fiction about the American Prison system and it's ruthless gang rule. Prepare to be disturbed!
September 30, 2021
Great book
Very detailed. I would definitely recommend reading if your into gangs & prison literature. The biography of the 3 main characters is very well narrated.
Very detailed. I would definitely recommend reading if your into gangs & prison literature. The biography of the 3 main characters is very well narrated.
January 11, 2023
Interesting if somewhat shallow history.
November 12, 2024
Great, if disturbing, book, hope to write a full review shortly.
October 13, 2013
Author John Brook Lee, takes the reader into the maniacal world of the organization know as the Aryan Brotherhood, "the AB"! In his book, "Blood In Blood Out: The Violent Empire of the Aryan Brotherhood"; the reader gets a history lesson about "the AB"! Previously unreported information regarding this underworld force; who's who, the "shot callers" and the activities which earned them their respect in both the state/federal prison sytem and "in the free world"! Learn about the current powers that be and how they became the men of importance that they are presently; even though most are locked down in the ADX, Florence, Colorado or "the SHU" in Pelican Bay where they are serving out their life sentences in isolation, 24 hrs. a day by themselves. Very well written and worth every cent!
January 3, 2013
The book toggles back from history to courtroom scenes for the first half of the book. Then the courtroom scenes finish and we are caught up with the current comings and goings of the group. This organization was strange at first, it would have been nice to give a bit more heads up because it just looks sloppy. Like he turned it in and they told him to add 100 pages. But, the writing is good, not great but readable. He tells an interesting tale without completely glorifying the criminals or the organization.
November 8, 2012
A first-time ex-offender/author writes this exposé into the Aryan Brotherhood. I was interested in this book because of my interest in the criminal justice system and gangs. This book was painful to read as these "shot callers" were made out to be heroes. There are inaccuracies with regard to correctional settings (CO's w/guns in cells, etc). If you want an informative, unbiased look at one of America's prison gangs this isn't the book for you.
February 11, 2024
There are a number of negative reviews of this book which criticise its accuracy. Whilst I'm not qualified to address the accuracy issue, I can say it's highly entertaining, absorbing, and makes effective use of humour. For the most part the prose is quite good, with moments of genuine brilliance. Recommended for anyone who enjoys true crime.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews