📖 Overview
Jake Arnott is a British novelist best known for crime fiction works that explore London's criminal underworld and gay subculture across different historical periods. His debut novel "The Long Firm" (1999) achieved significant critical success and was later adapted into a BBC television series.
Arnott's writing frequently incorporates real historical figures and events alongside fictional characters, particularly focusing on the intersection of criminality and sexuality in 1960s London. His novels, including "He Kills Coppers" (2004) and "truecrime" (2003), form what is known as the Long Firm Trilogy.
The author's work extends beyond crime fiction into historical novels such as "The Devil's Paintbrush" (2009) and "The Fatal Tree" (2017), both of which maintain his characteristic blend of fact and fiction while exploring different historical periods. His writing style is marked by detailed historical research and complex character development.
Beyond his literary career, Arnott has contributed to various newspapers and magazines, and has worked as a playwright. He studied at the National Film and Television School and has been involved in several television adaptations of his work.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Arnott's detailed research and ability to blend historical fact with fiction. Amazon reviewers highlight his authentic portrayal of 1960s London criminal culture and gay life. His character development receives specific mention, with readers noting how he creates complex, morally ambiguous figures.
Readers respond positively to:
- Rich historical detail and atmosphere
- Integration of real historical figures
- Authentic dialogue and slang
- LGBTQ+ representation in crime fiction
Common criticisms:
- Multiple timeline structure can be confusing
- Some find the pacing slow
- Violence and criminal content too graphic for some readers
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
- The Long Firm: 3.9/5 (2,100+ ratings)
- He Kills Coppers: 3.8/5 (700+ ratings)
- The Devil's Paintbrush: 3.7/5 (300+ ratings)
Amazon UK averages 4.1/5 across his works, with The Long Firm receiving the highest marks at 4.3/5 (150+ reviews)
📚 Books by Jake Arnott
The Long Firm (1999) - Charts the rise of a gay London gangster in the 1960s through five interconnected narratives told by different characters.
He Kills Coppers (2001) - Follows three characters whose lives intersect around a police killing in 1966 London, spanning three decades.
truecrime (2003) - Explores the connections between London's criminal underworld and the film industry in the 1990s.
Johnny Come Home (2006) - Depicts the lives of squatters, activists, and artists in mid-1970s London against the backdrop of a bombing campaign.
The Devil's Paintbrush (2009) - Recounts a meeting between a disgraced British military hero and an occultist in Paris in 1903.
The House of Rumour (2012) - Weaves together multiple narratives involving science fiction writers, occultists, and spies during World War II and the Cold War.
The Fatal Tree (2017) - Tells the story of notorious criminal Elizabeth Cranston in 1720s London using period thieves' cant and street language.
He Kills Coppers (2001) - Follows three characters whose lives intersect around a police killing in 1966 London, spanning three decades.
truecrime (2003) - Explores the connections between London's criminal underworld and the film industry in the 1990s.
Johnny Come Home (2006) - Depicts the lives of squatters, activists, and artists in mid-1970s London against the backdrop of a bombing campaign.
The Devil's Paintbrush (2009) - Recounts a meeting between a disgraced British military hero and an occultist in Paris in 1903.
The House of Rumour (2012) - Weaves together multiple narratives involving science fiction writers, occultists, and spies during World War II and the Cold War.
The Fatal Tree (2017) - Tells the story of notorious criminal Elizabeth Cranston in 1720s London using period thieves' cant and street language.
👥 Similar authors
David Peace writes crime fiction set in Yorkshire during the 1970s-80s, with a focus on police corruption and real historical events. His Red Riding Quartet covers similar territory to Arnott's examination of London's criminal underworld and the intersection of crime with politics.
James Ellroy creates noir fiction centered on mid-20th century Los Angeles crime and police work. His L.A. Quartet series explores the same themes of historical crime, corruption, and power structures that Arnott addresses in his Long Firm trilogy.
Derek Raymond wrote dark crime novels set in London's criminal underground during the 1980s. His Factory series shares Arnott's interest in exploring the psychology of criminals and the seedy aspects of London's history.
John Harvey chronicles crime in British cities through multiple decades, particularly in his Charlie Resnick series. His work, like Arnott's, combines historical detail with crime narratives and examines the social conditions that breed criminal behavior.
Ken Bruen writes crime fiction set in Ireland and London focusing on damaged characters operating in morally ambiguous situations. His Jack Taylor series shares Arnott's interest in outsider perspectives and the examination of sexuality and identity in crime fiction.
James Ellroy creates noir fiction centered on mid-20th century Los Angeles crime and police work. His L.A. Quartet series explores the same themes of historical crime, corruption, and power structures that Arnott addresses in his Long Firm trilogy.
Derek Raymond wrote dark crime novels set in London's criminal underground during the 1980s. His Factory series shares Arnott's interest in exploring the psychology of criminals and the seedy aspects of London's history.
John Harvey chronicles crime in British cities through multiple decades, particularly in his Charlie Resnick series. His work, like Arnott's, combines historical detail with crime narratives and examines the social conditions that breed criminal behavior.
Ken Bruen writes crime fiction set in Ireland and London focusing on damaged characters operating in morally ambiguous situations. His Jack Taylor series shares Arnott's interest in outsider perspectives and the examination of sexuality and identity in crime fiction.