The Long Firm

The Long Firm tracks the story of Harry Starks, a brutal London gangster in the 1960s, through five interconnected narratives told by different characters who become entangled in his criminal empire. Each section reveals a new perspective on Starks - a charismatic but violent figure who runs protection rackets and clubs while maintaining connections to celebrities and politicians. The novel moves through the changing landscape of London's underworld from 1964 to 1971, capturing the collision between criminal networks and mainstream society during a transformative era. Through rotating narrators including a sociology lecturer, an actress, and a Conservative MP, the full scope of Starks' influence and activities emerges piece by piece. At its core, the book examines how power operates in both legitimate and illegitimate spheres, and how violence and charm can be equally effective tools for control. The structure allows for an exploration of memory, truth, and the ways different people can experience and interpret the same events and individuals through their own distinct filters.

Readers appreciate the book's detailed portrayal of 1960s London criminal culture and its complex character development of Harry Starks. Many note the effective structure of telling the story through five different narrators, which provides multiple perspectives on the main character. Positive reviews highlight the authentic period atmosphere, sharp dialogue, and the blend of real historical figures with fictional characters. Several readers mention the strong LGBTQ+ representation for its era. Common criticisms include pacing issues, particularly in the middle sections, and some readers found the multiple-narrator format made the story feel disconnected. A few reviews mention difficulty keeping track of the large cast of characters. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,124 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.2/5 (89 ratings) Amazon US: 4.0/5 (42 ratings) Sample reader comment: "Each chapter reads like a complete short story while building a fuller picture of Harry Starks - brilliant structure but can feel fragmented at times." - Goodreads reviewer

Brighton Rock by Graham Greene A criminal narrative set in 1930s Brighton follows a teenage gangster's rise in the British underworld through murder, faith, and manipulation.

The Ryker Jones Story by Ken Bruen A London crime boss's life unravels through violence and betrayal in the gritty streets of 1960s Soho.

Get Carter by Ted Lewis A London gangster returns to his northern hometown to investigate his brother's murder, exposing corruption in 1960s Britain.

Night and the City by Gerald Kersh A small-time hustler navigates London's criminal underground between the wars while trying to establish himself as a wrestling promoter.

The Crust on its Uppers by Derek Raymond A public school-educated criminal details his experiences in London's 1960s underworld through class barriers and criminal enterprises.

📚 Jake Arnott wrote The Long Firm, his debut novel, while working as a hospital porter in London 🎬 The BBC adapted The Long Firm into a critically acclaimed television series in 2004, starring Mark Strong as Harry Starks 🏳️‍🌈 The book broke new ground in crime fiction by featuring a gay gangster as its protagonist, drawing inspiration from real-life London criminals of the 1960s 🔗 The term "long firm" refers to a type of fraud where criminals set up seemingly legitimate businesses, build up credit with suppliers, then vanish with the goods 📖 The novel's structure presents five different narrators telling their stories about Harry Starks, each providing a unique perspective on the notorious gangster's character