Comments & Testimonials 

I happened to acquire Amanda Parr’s book recently, ‘The True and Complete Story of ‘Machine Gun’ Jack McGurn’.  I have to say it was a fabulous read, full of facts and fascinating information. I was delighted therefore when she contacted me with a view to writing two books and a television screenplay about my life. She is a wonderful writer and her work truly speaks for itself, so good luck with the books girl. I’m sure they’ll be even better than your first one.

All the best… Charlie Richardson 

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Hi Amanda,

Great book, wonderful job... worth every cent. I really enjoyed it and the detail was fabulous. You really get a feel for the way you bring the relationship between Capone and McGurn to life. Really Great, Thanks !

Anonymous.

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Dear Amanda Parr,

I have just finished reading your book and I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it.
Having researched Jack McGurn for near on 25 years (I actually wrote my thesis on him) I was delighted to finally see a book on the market about this too often overlooked character. Too many authors go straight for Capone, so much in fact that the poor guy has been done to death!
As far as I can ascertain my dear, you are spot on with everything, and I'm glad that someone has finally explained (in Layman's terms) the confusion surrounding both his names and his father/step-father. I also enjoyed your little snippets of extra information, such as the 'Real McCoy' etc. Overall, very well done. You are part of history now my dear. Many others will follow, but you are the trail blazer! Congratulations!

Sincerely,

Gus Peterson B.A. M.A

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Hi Amanda.  The book arrived today safe and sound, and all I can say is I cannot put it down.  Awesome!!   Though I have not read it all yet, it is obvious your book is wonderful, and will be the "final word" in my opinion about McGurn.  No one will do any better, and I salute you and commend you. I like your treatment of the discrimination and prejudice faced by the immigrants at the time.  I hope your book does well.  Bravo!!! 

My warmest wishes to you on the success of your wonderful and fascinating book!  It was fated that I obtain a copy, of that I have no doubt!!    Cordially, Bob Cinabro

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Book review of:

The Complete And True Story Of 'Machine Gun' Jack Mcgurn. 

By Ev Williams.

When you think of Prohibition Era gangsters the names Al Capone, Johnny Torrio, and even Dion O'Bannion are usually the names that people recognize. Volumes of books have been written about these colourful characters of yesterday. One name though, up until Amanda J Parr's book, has been overlooked. That person is "Machine Gun" Jack McGurn. Usually Jack McGurn has been relegated to a paragraph or a page in these many books. Thankfully Mrs.Parr has rectified this miscarriage of justice.

In the many books I have read about this fascinating time in Chicago history, the little bit I have read about Jack McGurn has always led me to believe that his life had everything you would need for a great book. As sure as "Machine Gun" lived up to his colorful nickname "The True and Complete story of "Machine Gun" Jack McGurn" answers every question I ever had. This is the first book I have read where the Mafia killer is shown to have normal human emotions. Jack was Al Capone's confidante, right hand man and would carry out any order given to him without question. Nevertheless, to learn about his youth and the loss of his father from a Black Hand hit, brought him to a human level I had not known.  The rage and sadness he felt over his father's murder set Jack on the road to becoming  "Machine Gun" Jack. His treatment by Capone's successor, Frank Nitti confused and enraged Jack. Jack's family values are shown in his love for his "Blonde Alibi", who was his wife, Louise Rolf, is a perfect illustration of his paradical nature. Mrs. Parr's obvious interest in her subject shows in her writing. Every page held a new revelation for me, which kept the pages anxiously turning. I not only learned many facts about Jack McGurn but I also learned about early 20th century Chicago, as well as many revelations about Capone's adversaries from the North side. Each character in this book is more than just a passing name. You feel as though you are there and learned what drove them. There was never a dull moment in this wonderful book! If you want to read about a flamboyant, contradictory hit man from a colorful time in Chicago's history, then this is the book for you! If you want to read the true story behind the St. Valentine's day massacre, as I believed it happened, then the answers are waiting for you in Amanda J. Parr's book. If you are a fan of Mafia books, then buy "The True and Complete Story of "Machine Gun", Jack McGurn". I did and it will now have a prominent place on my bookshelf.

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Dear Ms Parr, I received the book last week, thanks for signing it. I found it fascinating and full of color. It's very well written if I might say so and I would highly recommend it to any reader of gangster books. I really found it very informative and precise. 

 Thanks once again.  G.Adelsberg

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Hello Amanda, 

                              I was so please to get the book last Friday. I read it over the weekend and I think it's great, full of facts and detail. I didn't realize that Jack Mcgurn had such an amazing life, even before he met Capone. Anyway I really enjoyed it, thanks a million.

Yours.  P.Smith

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