The Shelton Brothers of Illinois

Set in the early 20th century in the USA, during the era of gambling, prohibition, organised crime and institutionalised corruption, The Shelton Brothers of Illinois details the rise of a gangster family from Illinois, from dirt-farm poverty and backbreaking labour through to petty larceny, racketeering and murder. Familiar themes emerge - inter-gang rivalry, fighting over territory and the 'rights' to particular crime proceeds as syndication develops and the whole business of crime becomes almost as organised as any legitimate business. Corruption among politicians and law-enforcement officials is rife and if the gangs cannot achieve their objectives by bribery they do so by intimidation and even murder. The criminal offshoots of the notorious era of Prohibition are thrown into the mix and the Shelton brothers are in the forefront of bootlegging and any other criminal activity that will add to their reputation and wealth. The Shelton Brothers of Illinois is a poignant and compelling work sure to appeal to anyone interested in the prohibition period.