Reviews: 1853 Los Angeles Gangs

Midwest Book Review: " 1853 Los Angeles Gangs by Steven W. Knight is an impressively written, historical novel of the lawless gangs of Los Angeles, and the determined Rangers who stood against them. The superbly drawn story of a turbulent "yesteryear" city is populated with such memorable characters as Juan Flores who intends for his gang to dominate a rapidly expanding and ethnically diverse city by first killing off the Chinese, and then the Americans; Don Thomas Sanchez struggling to preserve political power in the face of American land grabs; and Horace Bell with his implacable dedication to the law. Drama, action, bloodshed, love and great courage fill the pages of this exciting and entertaining saga from cover to cover. FIVE STARS ***** "

Marv Dixon - Chief, L.A. Sheriff's Dept., Historian and Author, "Having conducted extensive research on the book characters, it was a true pleasure to read your story that brought them to life. The love stories were fully developed in your excellent book. As an author knowing how difficult it is to bring research and experience together into an interesting story, I can only congratulate you for a job very well done."

Keith D. Bushey - Chief, San Bernardino Sheriff's Dept., Commander LAPD (ret.), Historian and Author, "I found it to be just as informative as it was enjoyable. As a L.A.P.H.S. board member I can attest to the spirit, tone, and characterizations in your outstanding book. This is a 'must read' for those interested in Los Angeles history and a darn good novel!"

Steve Willard - Senior Agent, San Diego Police Dept., Author and Historian, "Imagine living in a city where in one year more than a quarter of the population is murdered. If you like western novels, true crime, or California history this is an excellent book for you."

Leroy D. Baca - Sheriff of Los Angeles County, "It details memorable pieces of history, I truly enjoyed reading it. You and your family obviously live colorful lives"

Michael S. Carona - Sheriff of Orange County, "The colorful characters enable the reader to juxtapose the public safety and social concerns confronting modern law enforcement and those presented to the early communities."

Jack J. Anderson - Sergeant, Orange County Sheriff's Dept., Historian, "Like an artist's brush on canvas you have skillfully penned a wonderfully intriguing story depicting the rough brutality of criminals in those early California years. It is amazing how only 100 Rangers overcame the odds by using brute force, skillful marksmanship, sharp wits, and the law to succeed against so many outlaws in such a vast area."

Raymond Sherrard - I.R.S. Investigator (ret.), Author and Technical Advisor to Movies, "You are very fortunate for you write so the reader can visualize the action taking place on the page as if were on a movie screen. I am impressed with the depth of your research and with the thought and effort you put into it."

Max Hurlbut - Marshal of Tombstone, Lt. LAPD, Chief of Police Whittier and Kodiak, Alaska, Army Special Forces Colonel (ret.), "Well-written, fast moving, and with humor. You've captured the heart of the old Pueblo. Little-known but authentic L.A. history in novel format. Los Angeles was more violent than Tombstone, Arizona."


Editor - Hard Shell Word Factory Book Publishers, "This book was high on realistic details and descriptions. The action and dialogue fit the time period like a glove. It is obviously well-researched. When the protagonist wasn't pursuing women, he was pursuing the bad guys, and doing a damn fine job of it."