Cryptic crossword clue
Gang leader doing notorious Jack’s work riveting

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word GRIPPING

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
G
R
I
P
P
I
N
G

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "riveting" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case riveting = gripping.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does GRIPPING mean?

GRIPPING verb
  1. To take hold of, particularly with the hand.
  2. To help or assist, particularly in an emotional sense.
  3. To do something with another that makes you happy/gives you relief.
  4. To trench; to drain.
GRIPPING noun
  1. Pinching and spasmodic pain in the intestines; gripe.
GRIPPING adjective
  1. Which catches someone's attention; exciting

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