South-east England, 1740s: war and heated politics bring the old practice of smuggling to new and dangerous heights. Violent gangs of smugglers terrorise communities and confound government attempts to stop them. The most famous of these, the Hawkhurst Gang, operate like a modern drug cartel fuelled by illegal tea. They threaten witnesses and authorities, brandish weapons in public, and fight battles in the streets, murdering and kidnapping those who get in their way.
Enter a world filled with gangsters, corrupt politicians, crooked law enforcement, and vigilantes, brought to the brink by Britain's most notorious smuggling gang.
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New book talks about the Hawkhurst Gang, the original British Mafia.
" - Daily Express
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A fun, easy to read and sometimes horrific account - I would recommed this to anyone who likes any two out of the three of: British tea, English history or smuggling.
" - Popular history books blog
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The most comprehensive account yet of Britain’s most notorious smuggling gang
" - Sussex Life
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'Joseph Dragovich has done an outstanding job of unearthing a gem of a subject for true crime fans and history buffs alike. Meticulously researched with a brisk writing style that does not allow you to put the book down. It should be made into a television series.'
" - Bestselling crime author and broadcaster
