Gangsters, Geezers & Mods is a captivating crime fiction novel by Stephen Pennell that explores the lives of three childhood friends from the inner-city of Birmingham in the 1970s.
I found the book to be a captivating read that offers a unique perspective on the fascinating world of football hooliganism and crime. The book is filled with references to Mod fashion, music, and lifestyle, and it is clear that the author has a deep appreciation for the everything mod. The main characters, Steve, Rebecca, and Baggy, are all influenced by the Mod scene, and their interactions around the subculture are an integral part of the story.
What I found particularly engaging about the book was the way it delves into the tensions and conflicts that existed between different subcultures during the period. The fierce rivalry between Aston Villa and Birmingham City fans, for example, is a recurring theme in the book, and it provides an interesting insight into the dynamics of the time. Another aspect of the book that I found fascinating was its exploration of the role of women in the Mod culture. While it is true that the Mod scene was largely male-dominated, the book highlights the important contributions that women made to the movement, both in terms of fashion and music.
The story revolves around Steve, Rebecca, and Baggy, who set out on a life of crime and become embroiled in a fierce conflict between Aston Villa and Birmingham City fans. Pennell does an excellent job of capturing the dynamics between the three friends, especially the rivalry between Steve and Baggy, which stems from a minor incident in their youth. The book is full of comical and chaotic adventures as the trio hustles their way through life and interacts with the Mod culture around them. However, things take a dark turn when a legendary local underworld figure enters their lives, and Steve’s relationship with Rebecca comes to an abrupt end.
The story becomes even more intriguing as Steve meets Kerri during a successful con-trick, leading to a whirlwind romance that adds further tension to the fragile dynamic between the three friends. Meanwhile, Baggy embarks on a relationship that adds even more pressure to his rivalry with Steve. Pennell’s masterful storytelling keeps readers hooked as Steve goes on to great success with the help of his partner-in-crime Hands of Stone. However, a chain of increasingly sinister events leads to the return of a figure from the past and a violent, tense finale.
Overall, Gangsters, Geezers & Mods is an enthralling read that offers a unique blend of humor, chaos, and dark themes. Pennell’s writing is engaging and captivating, and the characters are well-developed, making it easy to get lost in the story. While the book primarily focuses on crime fiction, it also offers an insight into the social and cultural history of the time, making it an engaging and informative read for anyone interested in the subject. The book is a must-read for fans of crime fiction, mod culture, gangster stories and its available for purchase on Amazon or directly from the author.
