Crooked: A Crime Novel - Paperback

by Dietrich Kalteis (Author)

A page-turning crime tale based on a true story

Notorious outlaws Alvin Karpis and Fred Barker meet the old-fashioned way: serving time in Kansas State Prison. After their release in 1931, the two reconnect and form the infamous Barker-Karpis Gang and begin a spree of robberies that leave a wake of terror in their path, including two dead cops. Now hunted in several states, the gang settles into hiding in St. Paul, Minnesota, where they thrive under the protection of a crooked police chief, who happily turns a blind eye to their activities -- so long as they commit crimes outside of his jurisdiction. With increased security at banks, the Barker-Karpis Gang switches to kidnapping, catching the attention of J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI and landing them at the top of the most-wanted list. How long can these wily men evade capture? Who can they trust? Where will they run when the entire country is hunting them, dead or alive?

Author Biography

Dietrich Kalteis is a critically acclaimed author of 11 novels, two of which won Independent Publisher Awards. Under an Outlaw Moon won the 2022 Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence for Best Crime Novel. Dietrich's debut was hailed as one of Vancouver's best crime novels, and his second became a bestseller in Germany. He enjoys life with his family in Vancouver, BC.