Incredible real-life tales of London's criminal past

Step into the rich history of London's underworld with one of the capital's best true crime authors - Brian McDonald.

Brian's story

Brian McDonald is a South London historian. His field of interest is the social history of the colourful characters who lived on the edge of the law and some that went far beyond it.

McDonald mainly writes true‑crime and historical crime nonfiction, often with a focus on British or Anglo‑American contexts. His narrations are factual, well‑researched, and tend to walk the line between crime history and biography.

The books

Learn about each of Brian's major works.

Elephant Boys, Gangs of London, and the latest title: Alice Diamond and the Forty Elephants.

Lifts the lid on London gangs of the last two centuries

— The Weekly News

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Photos

Elephant Boys and guests gathered for peace talks. Pity it didn’t last. Taken at Hammersmith Broadway 1919, probably on their way to the races at Epsom, Sandown or Hurst Park.

Brian and some of his mates at Tobies’ Club. Alan Ford (Brick Top) with head on a large beer.

Wag McDonald Los Angeles. He owned his own garage and other enterprises.

Contact

Brian is represented by Milo Books. Please direct all rights or media enquiries to them.