Hell's Angels: Three Can Keep a Secret If Two Are Dead'

By Yves Lavigne

Misunderstood folk heroes? Crafty entrepreneurs? Or just a bunch of decadent criminals? Canadian journalist Yves Lavigne takes you deeper into the world of the modern motorcycle gang than any journalist has dared--or could stand--to go. Not since Hunter Thompson's Hell's Angels: A Strange And Terrible Saga Of The Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs appeared in 1967 has there been such a thorough account. This book documents the gang's bumpy ride, from its origins as a Stateside club for World War II fighter pilots, to its freewheeling terror tactics of the early sixties, to its absurd flirtation with the hippie scene, to its ultimate search for a legitimate role in the contemporary world of organized crime. The Angels' old-boy network has become the most dominant and feared of all biking clubs--and they are trading in their Harleys, switchblades, and leather for Jaguars, Uzis, and business suits. The Hell's Angels are now one of the most powerful underground organizations in North America, rivaling even the Mafia. But the Hell's Angels' new direction has come with no sparing of blood. Territorial wars and retaliatory violence overwhelm club activity as chapters vie for the lucrative profits of drug trafficking and prostitution. Murder within the club has taken its toll on club morale and camaraderie. Chased by fear, some members have traded police protection for testimony against fellow Angels. The image of the long-haired, bearded, tattooed biker astride his Harley is outdated. This is a bold book, with stories that will amuse you, shock you, sometimes turn your stomach--and leave no doubt as to the origin of the Angels' motto: "Three can keep a secret if two are dead."

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0818405147
• ISBN13: 9780818405143
• Release Date: August 2000
• Publisher: Lyle Stuart
• Length: 344 Pages
• Weight: 1.18 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.9" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

3 can keep A Secret ... an outstanding read!!

I thought the book was an outstanding read and in fact have read the book several times. I have no idea why some reviewers want to critique Mr. Lavigne's writing style or "vulgar" word selection so harshly. He is, after all, writing about the Hells Angels. I feel these folks are missing the main point of the book which is to give the reader and insightful look into the bike gang, their rituals, codes etc. To this end, Mr. Lavigne does an outstanding job! I found the book to be a very comprehensive portrait of the most famous of biker gangs. If these readers were so offended by some of Mr. Lavignes language, choice of words whatever then they need not be worried with researching the Hells Angels! Simply put, the book is by far the best and most insightful look into the inner workings of the Hells Angels that I have ever read - and I have read most all of the books on the Hells Angels out there. I strongly recommend it.

Buy It, and Read It Today!

A very good read, and I highly recommend it to anyone researching MC's.Riley G International President Blood Brothers MC

One of the best books written about the modern 1% lifestyle!

If you're interested in outlaw bikers, this is one of the most comprehensive books written since Hunter Thompson's HELLS ANGELS. It provides a clear understanding of what took the outlaw clubs from being about riding, fighting and women to being primarily focused on earning money and fighting the RICO laws. In addition to great background info on the Angels, there's hard to find history on the other three of the "Big Four" clubs. Although a lot of the book focuses on Canada, it's a great read and a must have for anyone interested in the outlaw biker subculture.

How is Yves alive still?

This book names names, dates and explicit crimes committed by the Angels. How the hell he has escaped an assassination is well beyond my understanding! This book will keep you fascinated about the biker lifestyle and wanting to read more about it. Every one of my freinds has read this book and we discuss it frequently! HA RULE!

One Cops Opinion

Every one should read this book. A real eye opener. These are not a bunch of guys who just like to ride motorcycles, drink beer and get in fights. This is the most accurate story and history of the Hells Angels I have seen. Life means little and money means a lot to this bunch.