So what earned Accardo his palatial spread? The one he bought from an industrialist? Just being a kindly grandfather figure?

And the poster above me is right. Unless you believe the goofy CIA assassin theories advanced primarily by his immediate family, Giancana was not as universally beloved as you would indicate, given his end.

I like Russo's book. While imperfect he gave a vetted journalistic treatment to the whole thing. I'm sure got a lot wrong but chances are he got more right than you know. There is a big difference between an experienced writer trying to seek out the truth through (mostly) legitimate sources and what you heard though your third cousin. Although he dud use some awful sources, like Chuck Giancnas "Double Cross," which was a blatantly stupid book.

Cooley's book was excellent. But my favorite Outit book is Family Secrets."