Customer Reviews

1853 Los Angeles Gangs

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First of all, I really have to give kudos to the writer who spent a great deal of time researching the obscure subjects and happenings of this book, then putting it together in a linear and relatively interesting tale. Nevertheless, the style of writing is so lacking that it was difficult to finish. A lot of the problems are things that could have been caught easily by a good editor: redundancy abounds, a French character starts every sentence with "oui" to remind us that she's French, and the bad guy makes repeated mental notes to kill everyone he meets. All of the characters have the same mellow personality and never get really annoyed by any of their circumstances. In addition to the homogenous characters, the author has a way of describing events in a staccato style that removes all suspense or emotion. "Flores twitched his neck. He knew he was in trouble. He quickly pulled his revolver. An indian jumped from a tree. He quickly fired. The indian fell dead. Thank God his weapon was out." Whew! What a nail biter! Or witness this steamy love scene: "He kissed her. She kissed him. They kissed one another." Wow. I don't know how they managed to get THAT past the censors, although I did enjoy his description of the woman in question as "a young, raving beauty". Nothing like an inadvertent portrayal of flailing delirium to brighten up a love scene.

Again I state that the underlying story is a good one. The characterizations, though not vivid, are enough to tell all the players apart and the book can be an entertaining read if you don't mind the sort of flaws mentioned above. I don't HATE this book, but the sad fact is that it was only as adequate and professional as its computer-illustrated cover. This may be the only case in history where yes, you really CAN judge a book by its cover.

1853 Los Angeles Gangs by Steven W. Knight is an impressively written, historical novel of the lawless gangs of Los Angeles, and the determined Rangers who stood against them. The superbly drawn story of a turbulent "yesteryear" city is populated with such memorable characters as Juan Flores who intends for his gant to dominant a rapidly expanding and ethnically diverse city by first killing off the Chinese, and then the Americans; Don Thomas Sanchez struggling to preserve political power in the face of American landgrabs; and Horace Bell with his implacable dedication to the law. Drama, action, bloodshed, love and great courage fill the pages of this exciting and entertaining saga from cover to cover.

Marv Dixon - Chief, L.A. Sheriff's Dept., Historian and Author, "Having conducted extensive research on the book characters, it was a true pleasure to read your story that brought them to life. The love stories were fully developed in your excellent book. As an author knowing how difficult it is to bring research and experience together into an interesting story, I can only congratulate you for a job very well done."

Keith D. Bushey - Chief, San Bernardino Sheriff's Dept., Commander LAPD (ret), Historian and Author, "I found it to be just as informative as it was enjoyable. As a L.A.P.H.S. board member I can attest to the spirit, tone, and characterizations in your outstanding book. This is a `must read' for those interested in Los Angeles history and a darn good novel!"

Steve Willard - Senior Agent, San Diego Police Dept., Author and Historian, "Imagine living in a city where in one year more than a quarter of the population is murdered. If you like western novels, true crime, or California history this is an excellent book for you."

Leroy D. Baca - Sheriff of Los Angeles County, "It details memorable pieces of history, I truly enjoyed reading it. You and your family obviously live colorful lives"

Michael S. Carona - Sheriff of Orange County, "The colorful characters enable the reader to juxtapose the public safety and social concerns confronting modern law enforcement and those presented to the early communities."

Jack J. Anderson - Sergeant, Orange County Sheriff's Dept., Historian, "Like an artist's brush on canvas you have skillfully penned a wonderfully intriguing story depicting the rough brutality of criminals in those early California years. It is amazing how only 100 Rangers overcame the odds by using brute force, skillful marksmanship, sharp wits, and the law to succeed against so many outlaws in such a vast area."

Raymond Sherrard - I.R.S. Investigator (retired), Author and Technical Advisor to Movies, "You are very fortunate for you write so the reader can visualize the action taking place on the page as if were on a movie screen. I am impressed with the depth of your research and with the thought and effort you put into it."

Max Hurlbut - Marshal of Tombstone, Lt. LAPD, Chief of Police Whittier and Kodiak, Alaska, Army Special Forces Colonel ( retired), "Well-written, fast moving, and with humor. You've captured the heart of the old Pueblo. Little-known but authentic L.A. history in novel format. Los Angeles was more violent than Tombstone, Arizona."

Jim Hawks - Carlsbad Chief of Police, "I am finding it to be informative as well as an enjoyable, exciting read."

Editor - Hard Shell Word Factory Book Publishers, "This book was high on realistic details and descriptions. The action and dialogue fit the time period like a glove. It is obviously well-researched. When the protagonist wasn't pursuing women, he was pursuing the bad guys, and doing a damn fine job of it."