Besides knowing the name “Machine Gun Kelly” I knew nothing about George Kelly–I didn’t even know why I knew the name beyond it being for something nefarious. Reading this upcoming novel gave me an opportunity to learn more about not only George Kelly and his wife, Kathryn, but the criminal life in the 1930s.

This book dives into the history of Kelly and Kathryn to help readers understand what led to their criminal activities and beliefs all leading up to their capture and conviction on kidnapping charges. I was unaware that theirs was such a landmark event in the relevancy of the FBI and federal laws on crime. The writing was almost narrative non-fiction, but not quite narrative enough for me to be wholly engrossed in their story. Kathryn is a very complex character and Enss did a great job gathering information about her conflicting actions.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advance copy!

A meticulous researched biography that has the reader taken from the crime scene to the courtroom.

This author extracted events as well as words from both primary and secondary sources to craft a readable biography. Having been to Alcatraz and taken a tour in the past has a whole other spin when learning Machine Gun Kelly was a resident. Moreover, the trajectory of his life from bootlegger to kidnapper becomes understandable when you learn of the sudden death of his father in law and father figure. As for his second wife, Kathryn, she is no passive actor and this is shown in her web of crime that entangles innocents and family members.

Clever title along with the striking photo will draw a reader's attention but the writing itself will retain their attention.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Kensington Publishing | Citadel, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


#MeettheKellys #NetGalley

This book was out of my comfort zone as I'm usually a fiction thriller kinda of girl but I fancied challenging myself. I certainly did and I don't regret it at all.

I found it difficult to get into in the beginning though I don't think it was the book more me as had to change my mindset reading it.

The book was a good account of the criminal life's of the Kelly's, It definately educated me on who they were and the crimes they committed. Having watched quite a few documentaries and drama programmes on Al Copone, Bonnie abd Clyde it was interesting to read a book based around that time.

This is the saga of the Kellys, George “Machine Gun” and his wife Kathryn. They lived a life of guns, bank robbery, and living the high life when they were flush. They got greedy and tried out the latest crime fad of kidnapping. I liked the well fleshed out story, including trials and aftermath.

Great book. Lots of good information about the man and those he spent his time with. I have no sympathy for criminals, but they are interesting, and this book is a good study of Mr. Kelly.

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.