Gangbuster: One Man's Battle Against Crime, Corruption, and the Klan, written by Alan Prendergast, examines the role of District Attorney Philip Van Cise in fighting against the KKK and organized crime in 1920s Denver. Cise utilized surveillance technology and techniques created out of World War I to stope corruption in Colorado. The book feels well-researched and the ties to white supremist movement in today's world were evident. I read the audiobook, which was difficult to get into and there were definitely words that seemed to be mispronounced. Overall a very interesting read.

Not my type of read, to me it was boring and dragged out. For someone that likes these kind of stories it would be great for them.

A great look back at the origins of the development of Denver and the part the mob played. At any given time you didn’t know who you could trust even the police were on the take so you couldn’t even trust your own men. Infiltrated the infrastructure of the city by demanding a fee for certain services. They developed an entire network including judges. Then they started eating away at their own people started laundering their money in Kansas City. Their operation grew exponentially. Police had to come to grips with this organization. Elections were even rigged for mobsters to win, until one man and his trusted men were able to very carefully develop a very detailed plan on how to bring the mob to their knees. Very excellent suspense with an equally excellent history lesson mixed in. I would definitely recommend this for those looking for something different than same old story. Thanks to #NetGalley, #AlanPrendergast, #Gangbuster for allowing me to review.
Go out and pick up you copy or audiobook published March 28, 2023,

1920’s Denver, Colorado was much like the larger cities in America, it had criminal syndicates, political corruption, and the KKK taking over the city. District Attorney Phillip Van Cise found ways to combat major crime and make sure those who committed it were held accountable. This book is the story of one man taking on a system that is growing exponentially.

This is a great book about what was going on in Denver, and America in general, during the 1920’s. It stats with World War 1 and continues to the 2000’s. This is a lot of historical background and context to help place the importance of these events. I’ve already recommended this book to one of our US history faculty. This book is easy to listen to and would be good for general readers interested in history and historians.

I started listening at normal speed to get a sense of their narration style then sped it up to 2.0. The narrator was well chosen for this book.

#NetGalley and Tantor Audio provided an advanced listeners copy

So. Much. Corruption. Wow.

Having read "Columbine" by David Cullen and all he went through in finding the truth in the midst of corruption and truth-hiding about the school shooting, I was reminded of his book and all he wrote about over and over while reading this book and coming to the realization that corruption and scandal has always played a part in the government of Colorado, and also makes me wonder just how much the Klan still plays a part in the governing of that state.

A story of corruption and the Klan and the man that tried to curb it, this is a powerful read and amazingly enough, even though this is in the 1920's, it is extremely relevant to today and how many who would LOVE to run the government much like the Klan did back then. This is a really excellent read that taught me so much that I didn't know about the Klan and they way they operated/operates [some of it was just so frustrating to read; I cannot imagine how much more it was for those who were fighting for justice against them] and I would recommend it to anyone who loved good NF.

I was able to also receive an audiobook ARC of this book. This was NOT my favorite narrator, but far from the worst that I have ever had [thankfully]. His pronunciation was off on quite a few words and it would throw off my attention of what I was listening to, but thankfully, it wasn't often and after some time, I settled in well enough. Compared to some that I have had in the past that were virtually unlistenable to, this was pretty decent and I am glad that I was able to receive the ARC for this.

Thank you to NetGalley, Alan Prendergast, Gabriel Vaughan - Narrator, Tantor Audio, and Kensington Books for providing both the ARC and the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Reading “Gangbuster” was both an inspiring and unsettling experience. It recounts the true story of a Colorado district attorney Phillip Van Cise’s fight against corruption, crime, and the KKK in the 1920s. It was inspiring because it showed how much one, brave, and good person can accomplish against the forces of evil. It was unsettling because I think the 1920s is much more like the 2020s than we would like to believe. As I learn more about government (both local and federal) I am also learning about still thriving corruption. Also, there has been a startling rise of new hate groups (like the reemergence of the Klu Klux Klan in the 1920s).

Alan Prendergast tells the story in a very engaging fashion, especially for a nonfiction book. The book also isn’t too long. Often in the last third of a nonfiction history book, I lose interest and get worn out. “Gangbuster” kept my interest the entire time and did not tire me.

I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator, Gabriel Vaughan, does an excellent job.

Growing up in the northeast, I've always been familiar with Mafia tales - and similarly, living in the South, have become very familiar with tales of the KKK. But I am the first to admit, I had NO idea how they tied together in the early 1900's to have such a profound effect on the city of Denver (and the whole of Colorado).

Pendergrast gives light to an incredibly interesting - and a bit unusual perspective - of historical "true crime" in that he tells the story of DA Philip Van Cise and his battle against the KKK, the mafia, and a whole case of con men in Denver. I loved the way he was able to regale readers (or listeners) with a very dark history, but still make it digestible.

Definitely would recommend for history and non-fiction lovers!

(This was an advanced copy graciously provided by Citadel and NetGalley)

At a time when people loved to dig up those in our history who did the wrong thing it is so refreshing to see someone dig up a person who did the right thing. I am talking about the kernel also known as assistant district attorney Richard Vance ice weather common criminal bootlegger mafia king or is in the KKK he wasn’t afraid to put anyone behind bars in with stand up for the right thing no matter what that thing was. Denver versus town and he made it known early on he would not take bribes or help a handshake deal that came with the wink he was a straight shooter and man who knew what he wanted for his beloved Denver and was courageous enough to steak his life on it. Alan Prendergast has done a fabulous job detailing his life and career in the book Gang Busters and has created a must read for historical True Crime fans in those who love to read about men with integrity. I cannot recommend this book enough to listen to the audiobook and read some of the Kindle Burton in both definitely propel you to keep breathing. This is a fabulous book I received this book from NetGalley and the audio version from Tantore audio but I am leaving this revere voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

A truly fascinating read. I got the audiobook thanks to Netgalley. Delighted with it although it is pretty uncomfortable listening.

This book gives you a look into part of the life of Philip Van Cise who served as DA in Denver at a time when institutional corruption ran hand in hand with the gangsters. Van Cise made a pledge to clean up his town. He took no prisoners on his way to breaking up a gang who preyed on unsuspecting dupes. Van Cise wasn't just content to put away the criminals either, he wanted to clean up the judiciary and the Police too.

Once this fight was over he set his sights on the Klan. His role in the second part of the book is downplayed but he was not a man to be cowed by threats and he could not be bribed. In fact the threat by the Klan was much more insidious as the town appeared to collude with their racist desires to keep white Christian men in charge whilst making life impossible for blacks, Jews, Catholics and their sympathisers or supporters.

Listening to this I could feel my teeth grinding and my hands curling into fists at the sheer injustice. It certainly seemed that once the "ordinary decent criminals" were gone that the Klan stepped into that power vacuum.

I had to remind myself (as I was laughing at the insane titles bestowed on Klan members : Grand Wizard, Exalted Cyclops, the inability to name anything without using KL at the beginning) that these "people" would kill and maim those who disagreed with them.

As I listened to one section which described a meeting with those supporters of the Klan braying, hooting, disrupting and bullying Van Cise I couldn't help but be reminded of more recent similar tactics taken by certain Republicans. Just saying...

Anyway, as a Yorkshirewoman I found all this history fascinating and horrifying. I'd never heard of Philip Van Cise but we certainly need more people like him in this world.