Book Description
Amidst the squalor of 1960s East End London, this visceral novel plunges readers into the young life of John Best, a boy whose path leads to a life of crime forged on the poverty-stricken streets. From the bustling docks to derelict council estates, A Kid Out the Flats chronicles Best’s descent into the city’s turbulent criminal underbelly.Stealing to survive alongside his gang of mates, John soon finds himself caught between warring factions of the IRA and Jamaican Yardie drug gangs. The narrative brings an unflinching authenticity to this tale of resilience against deprivation, violence, and familial strife. John’s misadventures unfurl in a close-knit yet volatile community, pulling no punches in depicting his brushes with these murderous organisations and London’s outlandish criminal outfits.Anecdotes of the East End’s most notorious personalities and crimes lend a gritty realism to this immersive journey through the area’s darkest eras and ugly drug trade realities. Yet it remains John Best’s story of triumph – a tenacious battle for survival, friendship, and family loyalties in a world where Irish paramilitaries clash with Jamaican drug lords on London’s unforgiving streets.Raw and uncompromising, A Kid Out the Flats plunges into the abyss of London’s criminal depths and one man’s resolute determination to conquer the demons that breed there, even as he navigates the dangerous waters between opposing criminal forces.
Johnny Stepney, a native of London’s East End, has lived a life as diverse as the city he calls home. Raised on a council estate, he left school at 15 without qualifications, but his passion for football led him to sign with Chelsea FC. This opportunity took him to America, where he spent three years playing and coaching.
Upon returning to London, John discovered his untapped academic potential. He successfully passed his CeMAP exams, becoming a qualified Mortgage Broker, and earned his Knowledge of London green badge, allowing him to drive one of London’s iconic black cabs.
For 19 years, John ran a thriving video business in the East End, adding another chapter to his varied career. Drawing from his rich life experiences, John has now turned his hand to writing. A Kid Out the Flats marks his debut as a novelist, bringing to life the vibrant world of London’s East End through his unique perspective.
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8 reviews
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A great read a must for London readers of crime novels
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Wow,
What a cracking find Johnny Stepney is.
I can tell he has walk the streets he writes about. Could almost smell the pie'n'mash and Watneys Pale Ale.
Really enjoyable read and so many scenarios that will ring bells if you were a sally wag in London in the 70's. Totally recommended
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A good and heartfelt story of crime seen through friendship and trust as well as a desire to better oneself even if by nefarious means. For a first attempt I thought Mr Johnny Stepney did a good job. Well done.
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A captivating and thrilling read. The authors adaption of growing up in the east end in the 1960’s is clear to see. From the moment I read the first page, I couldn’t put it down.
There is only one problem with this book and that is, it isn’t a series!
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I really enjoyed this insight to the East End and underworld of London and beyond of not so long ago. The book, through its story, features interesting characters from varied backgrounds, brutality, snippets of humour and some comeuppance. Johnny Stepney, through his main and likeable character John Best, takes us on an entertaining journey by book away from life as most of us know it...
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Rip Roaring page turner with a twist in every passage. Best I've Read this month...
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that takes you deep into the heart of London's East End. The author masterfully captures the grit and reality of life in the working-class neighbourhoods, where crime is often a means to survive and succeed. The protagonist's journey is raw and real, offering a powerful reflection on the challenges of growing up in a rough environment while striving for a better life. The writing is both engaging and vivid, bringing the setting and characters to life in a way that makes you feel as if you're living the story alongside them.
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Anyone from the area will recognise the places mentioned and probably some characters will ring a bell. Very well written and for me a couldn’t put down book. Good story that draws you in from the beginning . Even if you don’t come from East London you will find it a good read.
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