Meet the Kellys captivated me with its vivid storytelling and focus on the complex relationship between George “Machine Gun” Kelly and his wife, Kathryn. Kathryn’s ambition and influence over George added a fascinating layer to the true crime story. Enss’s use of real records and detailed 1930s settings made the story feel authentic and gripping. Beyond the crimes, the book explores ambition, loyalty, and downfall, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in true crime with rich character depth.

I did enjoy the information that was in this book. I could tell that it was very well researched. I also enjoyed the way the information was delivered. The writing style was perfect for this kind of non-fiction book. I just did not find the Kellys interesting. I was surprised by this. I think that instead of the whole book being dedicated to them, perhaps it could have been just a part of a bigger project involving more "characters".

I'd like to thank NetGalley for allowing me the honor of reading this book in advance of publication. This is my first submission for them, but hope it won't be the last.

I don't read a lot of biographies, but the title of this one drew me in. I think the name Machine Gun Kelly is well-known, but mostly by my generation (GenX) and before. Now, it's the stage name of a popular musician. There was a lot I didn't know about this ne'er-do-well from the early 1900s.

It took me awhile to warm up to this book. At first it seemed to be a lot of facts and figures, feeling almost encyclopedic, but I soon realized that the level of research the author had done made this a more compelling read. Chris Enss found tons of reporting, personal letters, and first-hand witness acounts, which made the later chapters feel almost as though they had been there to hear the exchanges.

I learned a lot about the gangster scene of the early 1900's, the tumultuous early lives of Kathryn and George Kelly, and their ill-conceived ransom plan. This book reminds us that there was a time when, if you could keep your mouth shut, you could truly get away with murder. The propensity of these people to involve so many others in their plans was their downfall.

My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an advance copy of this biography and history of two people whose love was strong, partners in crime, one could say in a series of bank robberies and a kidnapping that made history, made them public enemies, and the social media icons of their day.

I've said this a lot recently but for a country that talks about backing the blue in just about everything, America loves its outlaws. For a country that talks about freedom, we seem to give up quite a bit, or allow it to be taken away. What time and color garbage cans can be placed outside, what books a public library can carry, who one can love. In return we love the outlaw, the one who flaunts the laws, in leaders, in tax dodgers, and Internet schemers. That's the American dream it seems like. Every generation seems to have it's own outlaws. People whose legend were much bigger than their deeds. Especially ones with cool nicknames. We look back at the good ole days wondering how we strayed so far, and instead we find people who ran booze when it was illegal, hide gangsters on farmsteads, kidnapped people and children for money. And the people couldn't get enough. Meet the Kellys: The True Story of Machine Gun Kelly and His Moll Kathryn Thorne by Chris Enss is a story of a couple who knew the straight and narrow could never pay for their lifestyles, so to crime they turned, and became for a short time, the social influencers of their day.

George Kelly Barnes was born to a well-off middle class family, with their own particular set of troubles. George's father was quick to blame his wife and kids for problems, quick with his hands, and quick to find someone else, when his wife's mental health began to go south. George was a good student, but found at an early age that living in a state that made alcohol illegal, was a good way to make money. A fight with his father made George drop the Barnes, and George Kelly was born. George tried to go right, even marrying into family that gave him a chance at acceptability. However life got in the way, and so did the law, leading to a divorce, prison time, and a life of crime as the only option. Kathryn Thorne was a young woman who wanted the best in life, and wanted it now. Kathryn's stepfather was a noted bootlegger, and also allowed his ranch in Oklahoma to be used as a sanctuary for people on the lam. Kathryn's had married three times, her last ending in a questionable suicide, when she crossed paths with George Kelly for the first time. Neither could stop thinking about the other, and a match made in heck was begun. Bank robbers, soon followed, but the money they knew was in kidnapping, currently the it crime in the United States. The the Kellys had a plan. One that would net them the largest ransom ever asked, and one that destroyed everybody they knew.

A mix of biography, true crime and social history of the United States in the 30's. And as the song went it pretty much was "Anything Goes". There are moments that people just throw themselves into crime. So many people were willing to help in this kidnapping, one wonders what was in the water. Enss is a very good writer, capturing the characters and voices of this duo, along with the media interest and fascination. Considering that Kelly was never that big a villain, I feel it was the woman at his side, and the cool nickname that made him so famous. Enss does a wonderful job of explaining the big crime, and the strange people that were sucked into it. There was a lot of strange, which made for fascinating reading. A very good mix of true crime, media circus, bad people, strange people, and people who just left their morals at the door.

History and true crime fans will enjoy this. The media circus alone makes this seem like a case from today. Fashion hints from Kathryn, the trial being recorded for media. The craziness, and also the famous criminals being so easily replaces by the next gang of outlaws. I enjoyed the writing and the style the author Chris Enss brought to the work, and look forward to reading more.

I learned a lot from this look into the private life of Machine Gun Kelly and his wife Kathryn Thorne. Prior to reading this one I didn't know he was actually married

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.