Mob Books
Mob books are so much fun to read. While most of the books I have on this list are historical fiction from the golden era of mobs, I have a few fiction books on this list as well.
Books about the mob, con artists, and thieves are a very niche subgenre of books. But Kirsten and I are all for it. These books are complex and thrilling. I hope you love them as much as I do
The Best Mob Books
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Historical Fiction Mob Novel
The Family by Noami Krupitsky- Jump to Section
The Best Fiction Mob Novel
Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings- Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Historical Fiction Mob Novels
The Family
Author: Naomi Krupitsky
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: November 2021 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Set in the 30s and 40s in Red Hook, NY, this family drama story is about two girls born into the Italian Mafia. Sophia and Antonia are the best of friends, neighbors, and daughters of local mob members. The story spans their childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood as they navigate their relationships with each other and “The Family.”
Why Kirsten loves it
It was captivating and wonderful to learn about the lives of the women in a crime family. It’s a must-read mob novel because it’s so unique.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Friendship Books / Family Drama Books / Best Read With Jenna Books / Read With Jenna Book Club List 2021 / Beach Reads 2022 / Popular Mob Books
Queens of London
Author: Heather Webb
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This historical fiction book takes place in London in 1925. Alice Diamond is the head of an all-female gang, The Forty Elephants, and she has big plans for the group. Unfortunately for her, Lillian Wyles, the first female detective at Scotland Yard has her eye on the gang and she is looking for a way to bring them down.
Two other females are also central to the story – Dorothy, a naive shopgirl, and Hira, a young girl who runs away from her cruel uncle only to end up in Alice’s care.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse, Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
Initially, the four narrators were hard to keep track of, but eventually this mob story came together with all the stories weaving into one. I couldn’t help but root for Hira, my favorite protagonist. #gifted by Sourcebooks
Find this book in: 1920s Novels / Mob Novels
Queen of Thieves
Author: Beezy Marsh
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Queen of Thieves #1
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Set in 1946, this gritty novel is about Alice, her band of female thieves, and Nell, the newest member of the gang. Nell is pregnant and trying to survive after her parents kick her out, but after Alice gets her locked up and she’s forced to give away her baby, she vows revenge on Alice. Nell needs to keep her enemy close, so soon she’s back doing Alice’s bidding as she plots her revenge.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual Assault
Why Kirsten likes it
The story was fun – the perfect reprieve for the stressful last week of school. This is a fun historical fiction mob novel.
Find this book in: Books About Con Artists and Thieves / Books Inspired by The Life of A Showgirl / Popular Mob Books
Fiction Mob Novels
Magnolia Parks
Author: Jessa Hastings
Year: 2023
Genre: Romance
More info: Book 1 of 5
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This book is basically Gossip Girl set in London High Society featuring a bunch of 20-somethings as they party, date, and globe-trot. Magnolia Parks and BJ Balletine’s relationship is at the heart of this toxic romance book, but there are tons of secondary characters with equally dramatic lives. It’s the first in what will be a 7-book series – they are the perfect summer reads!
Trigger Warnings
toxic relationships
Why Kirsten loves it
This #booktok sensation is full of toxic relationships, high fashion, and DRAMA. Is it the best-written book? No. Did I read all 430+ pages in one day? Hell yeah.
Find this book in: Books With Flowers in the Title / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Billionaire Romance Books / Popular Mob Books
The Takedown
Author: Carlie Walker
Year: 2023
Genre: Rom-Com Thriller
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Sydney Swift is a CIA agent who has not been home for Christmas in three years. Now, Syney’s sister is engaged to Johnny Jones who happens to be part of an organized crime family and Sydney is the perfect choice to go undercover.
Only this time, she is going to work with the FBI! Now Sydney has to brave family and the holidays while taking Johnny down before her sister is lost forever into a crime family. The fact that his bodyguard and best friend is an insanely good-looking guy is just a complication to the situation.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a hilarious new Christmas book sure to make you laugh out loud.
Find this book in: Christmas Books of 2023Â / Books about Con Artists and Thieves / Popular Mob Books
Kirsten and I have read all of these books. If you are looking for a book on this list that you will love, here are a few things to consider.
- Have a look at the descriptions, trigger warnings, and the “Why I love it” section. This will give you a great idea of what the book is about and if you will like it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between mob books and mafia books?
A mob is an organized crime group, while the Mafia refers to a crime group from Italy (usually Sicily).
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Epilogue
What is your favorite mob novel?
