A good read about Machine Gun Kelly and his woman. Chris Enss is a wonderful author who puts a lot of research in her stories. Great read!

Chris Enss superbly documents George "Machine Gun" Kelly and his wife Kathryn Thorne in his book Meet the Kellys. I appreciate Enss utilizing ephemeral documents, such as newspaper clippings and first-person interviews in addition to court recordings. Enss dedicated research culminates in a fast-paced read, true crime read. I appreciate Enss's narrative structure: 1) Meet the Kellys; 2) Learn about the Kellys's bootleg and bank robber years; 3) See how the Kellys evolved from low criminals to kidnappers; 4) Read the correspondence letters; 5) Observe court room proceedings; 6) Capture the Kellys 7) What happened next. This structure feels like a crime podcast--in the best of ways. Place this on your TBR list for May27, 2025.

Thank you #Netgalley and #Kensington Publishing for my advanced reader copy.

True crime readers, this book is for you! After reading this, I gained more knowledge on who the Kelly’s were, what all they did and how they got away with everything they did. It is unbelievable how they got away with everything! They will forever be recognized and remembered in the United States for their crimes!

Meet the Kelly’s is about a Husband and Wife who are known for their horrendous crimes. Their crimes included kidnappings, bootlegging and bank robberies during the Prohibition Era in the United States. His name was known as George “Machine Gun” Kelly and his wife’s name was Kathryn Thorne. In my opinion, his wife seems to be the one behind all of these outrageous acts, because she was already a criminal! Reading this book gave me insight to know who they really were and how they impacted our history. You will have to read this book to get all the details of what all happened.

Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. 5/5 star rating!

**Meet the Kellys by Chris Enss – A Must-Read for True Crime Junkies**

If you love true crime, history, and power-hungry duos who shake things up (*think Bonnie & Clyde but way more calculated*), *Meet the Kellys* needs to be on your radar. Chris Enss takes us deep into the lives of George "Machine Gun" Kelly and his wife, Kathryn Thorne—two criminals who went from small-time bootleggers to major FBI targets. And let’s be real—Kathryn is the one pulling the strings, proving once again that behind every infamous man, there’s often a mastermind woman.

This book reads like a fast-paced thriller but is *all facts*. Enss uses court records, newspaper clippings, and real-life accounts to bring us a *minute-by-minute* breakdown of their most daring heists—including the high-stakes kidnapping that sealed their fate. It’s immersive, wild, and packed with all the drama of a true crime podcast you’d binge in one sitting.

The 1920s and ’30s setting makes it even more fascinating—this is peak Prohibition-era crime, where gangsters ruled, money was king, and danger lurked around every corner. Whether you’re a die-hard true crime fan or just dipping into the genre, *Meet the Kellys* is gripping, cinematic, and an absolute must-read.

**Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity 💕**

This book told a story I only knew a tiny bit about from stories my father told me growing up in the 70s. He grew up during the time this book was set in and knew a bit about it. I found the book interesting and will be getting it for my shelf.