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Mafia Books

Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Mafia Books - 07/09/04 01:31 PM

If you wish to contribute with a review, please go ahead. Don't worry if a particular synopsis about a book has already been made, if you can add to it or have a difference in opinion I can whack it in. This is to help people with a Mafia interest in choosing what they'd like to read.

So if you wish, post your review in this forum as a seperate thread, people can respond to it there and I will happily add the review to this thread. Full name and credit will be given to you for it.
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Mafia Books - 07/09/04 01:31 PM

A Man of Honor by Joe Bonanno – it's a self serving autobiography, but its fun reading to see his side of the story.
By SC


Black Book and the Mob (The) by Ronald A. Farrell and Carole Case. Definitive history of gambling in Nevada and how the Mob came to dominate it. Makes "Casino" read like a dime novel.
By Turnbull


Bloedsporen: een Reis naar de Mafia (Bloodtracks: a Journey to the Mafia) by Danny Ilegems and Raf Sauviller

This book was written by two Belgian writers, it's in Dutch, I tried to find English translations but couldn't find them.

It deals with Silvio Berlusconi and his Forza Italia (the book was published in '95 so not exactly up to date), the very beginning of the mafia, the 60s and 70s in which Milan would to become Italy's biggest Northern-Italian mafianest, the late 70s and the 80s of Toto Riina and heroin, uptil 1995. Also, the immigration of the Sicilians in the 50s and 60s in the BENELUX who came to recognise that Holland and Belgium are walhalla for criminals.

Very interesting for Dutch and Belgian people who are fairly new to the subject of organised crime (This is only my second book), but not particularly interesting for those who have read more about it.
By Michael Corleone 14.


The Boardwalk Jungle by Demaris - a little long in some spots, but some good insight into the Mob in Atlantic City.
By SC


Bound by Honor: A Mafioso's Story By Bill Bonanno. As with most books written by former mobsters, this book is a bit self-serving. But, it is an interesting read, especially the parts about how the mob got Kennedy elected, and then how and why they took him out.
By Rocky


Boss of Bosses by Joseph F. O'Brien and Andris Kurins. Life and downfall of Paul Castellano, told by the FBI guys who wiretapped his mansion. Pretty good.
By Turnbull


Capone, by John Kobler - a factual, easy-to-read life story of Big Al.
By SC


Capone by Laurence Bergreen. Most recent bio of Snorky has many interesting updates and theories. Kobler's book is the better read, but this is pretty good.
By Turnbull


Casino by Nicholas Pileggi, upon which the fim is based (with all the characters real names) and for which he also wrote the screenplay.
By Plawrence


Complete Idiot's Guide To The Mafia (The) by Jerry Capeci.
Really good book for a starter, it just tells the basic facts, La Cosa Nostra's history, family structure, etcetera. Everything's told by “subject”, so it's not chronologicly like an encyclopedia. Can at times get a little boring, there's a lot of dates, events and info that you have to absorb, but still a really good book for starters. By Michael Corleone 14.
Comrade Criminal by Stephen Handelman details life in modern (published in 1993, so modern minus about twelve years) Russia after to collapse of the Soviet Union. It tells how the different gangs came from, how they've evolved, and what kind of scams they run. It also deals a lot with political corruption but, because it's in Russia and it's twelve years old, those parts aren't really all that interesting.

Overall Comrade Criminal is a pretty good bood, I'd give it a B-.
By Cancerkitty.


Donnie Brasco: My Undercover life in the Mafia by Joe Pistone. If you like your true crime or more specifically Mafia books you're more than likely to enjoy this. Amazingly, Joe Pistone under the alias of Donnie Brasco infiltrated the Bonanno Family in New York posing as a jewel thief for 6 years. Pistone is a hero for the work he has done, his case alone sent away many mobsters to prison and his testimony in later cases such as the Commission case helped in sending some of the top echelon members of the New York Mafia. Some even suffered a fate worse than prison. Sonny 'Black' Napolitano, a Capo, was whacked based on the relationship he had with Donnie because he treated him as a made guy.

From start to finish the book is gripping, much better than the film which is rather inaccurate. But hey, that's Hollywood. From the Colombo's to the Bonanno's to the Wiseguy bosses in Florida and Milwakuee, Pistone gives his account of his undercover life. Not to be missed.
By Turi


For The Sins Of My Father (2002) by Albert DeMeo, son of Roy DeMeo, a notorious hitman in the Gambino family in the 1960s.
By Plawrence


Frank Costello: Prime Minister of the Underworld by George Wolf - some good insights.
By SC


GOTTI: Rise And Fall (1996) by Jerry Capeci and Gene Mustaine. This book is a pretty good read I'm on page 164. It has all the info on Gotti from when he first started out in the mob as a truck highjacker up to the case that put him in prison and all the stuff inbetween based on facts, recorded conversations and personal interviews with Gotti. By scarfacetm.


Honor thy Father by Gay Talese. Intimate account of the relationship between Joe Bonanno and his son Salvatore (Bill). Not a Mafia book per se, but a uniquely close perspective on this father/son relationship.
By Turnbull


King of the Mountain: Life and Death of Giuliano the Bandit. (1988) by Billy J Chandler. Readers of the Sicilian will recall Salvatore Guiliano immortalised by Mario Puzo in the fictional novel based on the real life bandit's life. King of the Mountain does a great job of commentating on the bandit's life and the struggle he led to fight the Mafia, award Sicily with independence and even contemplated annexing the Mediterranean island to America. It's the most unbiased account of his life available, whilst he was the Sicilian Robin Hood to some people he was also a terrorist in the eyes of others. The massacre at the Portella Della Ginestre is given exceptional importance in documenting Giuliano and leaves the reader to decide what happened. Overall an outstanding book on an outstanding person. Che Guevara still captures the hearts of many today – why shouldn't Giuliano.

So die all who betray Giuliano
By Turi


The Last Gangster (2004) by George Anastasia, the story of Ron Previte and the recent demise of the Philadelphia mob.
By Plawrence


The Last Testament of Lucky Luciano by Gosch Martin A. Gosch & Richard Hammer - informative, fact filled.
By SC

Little Man: Meyer Lansky and the Gangster Life by Robert Lacey - THE book to read about Lansky.
By SC


Made Men: The True Rise and Fall of a New Jersey Mob Family By Greg B Smith

On it's own it's just non fictional account of the New Jersey Mafia and most of it is based around one of the latest mob informers of that region, associate Ralphie Gaurino. This alone makes it a decent read for the avid Mafia enthusiast. Though it is not too exciting. What did higher my rating of the book were the relevant Sopranos name-dropping and similarities to the real New Jersey wiseguys. It's quite interesting realising that actual plot lines and characters from the Sopranos were stolen from current Mafia members from NJ. Not many shows would be audacious enough to that.

Overall, it's a good book worth reading, like I said, for the avid Mafia fan and made better if you're a fan of the Sopranos. Don't expect anything too exciting or a 'can't put down book'.
By Turi.


Mafia: The First 100 Years - Balsamo & Carpozi
Not a recommended book for a newcomer, due to it reading much like a novel for the first half, and not like non-fiction should do, for me. It gives an overall view of how the heads of the families work, without really giving any info on the specifics. Perhaps starting out on somebody in particular is a better way to go about it, and then broaden out to find other things about it. But if you're a newcomer to the subject, this is not recommended.
By Capo De La Cosa Nostra


Mafia U.S.A. by Nicholas Gage - somewhat outdated now, but some good general stuff here.
By SC


Mob Star: Story of John Gotti. by Gene Mustain, Jerry Capeci. This is probably the best Gotti book available which isn't saying much when the main rival is by the same authors. It's a fairly decent book with plenty of information on Gotti and his crew but a lot of it is questionable.

The main problem with the book is that it's outdated. First printed in 1988 before the Gotti saga had ended or at least semi ended when the once named Teflon Don for his ability to avoid conviction finally was put away. This "updated" version is only updated with a few extra chapters at the end and they very much feel like they've been rushed and just slapped on. Probably because John Gotti had recently died at the time and the authors wanted to cash in on it.

This book could have been a lot better if instead of sticking a few extra chapters at the end, the whole book was reworked. Because up to chapter 28 it is still based on information from 1988. You read it and you think they could have at least updated it with all the information provided now.
By Turi


Mob: Stories of Death and Betrayal from Organized Crime by Clint Willis

This is a great compilation of stories taken from the Mafia's greatest books, both fiction and non fiction. This book is great for beginners because it gives you pretty much a manual to the Mafia in novel form and written by some of the Mafia's greatest writers. It is also just genuinely enjoyable considering that, among books like Underboss, by Peter Maas and The Godfather, by Mario Puzo, there were also stories from other books that I had never even heard of like Defending the Mafia, by Frederic Dannen and The Don is Done, by Jeffery Goldberg. Together this a genuinely good book great for beginners and experts.
By Moscarelli


Murder Machine: A True Story of Murder, Madness and the Mafia. By Jerry Capeci and Gene Mustain. It's an average book at best. The lead character we follow is Dominick Montiglio, nephew to the Gambino Capo, Anthony Gaggi, loyal to the Castellano side of the Family. Montiglio tells his story, seeking pity and then ultimately his decision to rat and plays the victim. He's a very boring guy and most of the book is tiresome to get through.

There's plenty of good books on the Mafia I'd choose before reading this.
By Turi


My Life in the Mafia by Vincent Teresa. Absorbing account of day-to-day life in the New England Mob. Very good details of fascinating scams. Many interesting asides on other Mob families.
By Turnbull


Outfit (The) by Gus Russo
This is a very informative book, about 400 pages, I believe, of the Chicago Outfit history. This is pretty much everything you need to know about the outfit and its stretch to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Washington. And of course, its untimely fall, head first into the ground. It is a story of a rebel among rebels, one of the most powerful criminal organizations and widely outcast by most of the underworld. The Outfit is your manual to the Chicago Underworld.
By Don Genco


Playboy's Illustrated History of Organized Crime by Hammer - a truly wonderful general book (the stories are overly simple, but the pics and drawings are superb).
By SC


Red Mafiya by Robert I. Friedman deals with Russian organized crime in the Non-Russian world, mostly in the United States. I liked this one a lot better than Comrade Criminal because it focused more on the United States. The book profiles several different Russian gangsters and goes into detail on their different crimes. It's a pretty scary subject considering the nuclear situation.

I'd give this on a B+.
By Cancerkitty


Unless you have major interest in Atlantic City, stay away from this one. Not only is it long in some spots, it can also be extremely boring.
By Plawrence


Rise and Fall of the Jewish Gangster in America (The) by Albert Fried. Well researched account of Jewish gangsters, who were often bigger than Italian gangsters.
By Turnbull


Underboss: Sammy the Bull. By Peter Maas. For the avid Mafia reader this is a must. Sammy does blow his own trumpet a bit, but rightly so. He was a Wiseguy held with a lot of respect and power. Peter Maas does a great job keeping it balanced and fair throughout with his commentary. But most of it is written straight from Gravano's mouth and that's why it's so good to read.

Some points are controversial. Like in Boss of Bosses, the book on Castellano that was written by the FBI going after him, they claim to have implanted the bug in his Todt Hill mansion by a covert break in operation. In Underboss, the Bull refutes this. I guess it's up to us to decide what really happened.

Sadly the book only covers upto the Bull going into witness protection and then a slight update of him leaving it. But haters of him will be pleased to know Gravano, is now back in jail on drugs charges. He's unlikely to see freedom again. He ruined the fresh opportunity open to him to begin a new life. With the extraordinary deal the government gave him for his ratting, maybe this latest chapter on Sammy's life is well deserved.
By Turi


Valachi Papers. By Peter Maas. Usually whilst reading accounts of Wiseguys straight from their own mouths can be perturbing, you want to believe what they say is true, but their whole life revolves around scheming, lying, cheating and the whole "respect' thing etc. So you usually take what's said with a pinch of salt, conversations and events may not have gone like the Wiesguy wants you to believe. The Valachi Papers is different. For Joe Valachi has an amazing recall and sharpness of memory as both Maas and law enforcement officials will attest to. Everything is confirmed and it leaves you with piece of mind and even a little trust for Valachi.

It's an excellent book into the "rats' life, from his earliest burglary days, through the Castellamarese War, Vito Genovese ascension to power and finally the brutal act in prison in which he bludgeoned an innocent man whom he mistook for another inmate, a Mafia hitman was actually out to kill him because they wrongly believed he was an informer.

In the confinement of prison where their was no escape, he had two options, die by the hands of the Mafia and be forever branded a rat in his death, or actually become a rat and live. The rest is history.
By Turi


Way of the Wiseguy The by Joe Pistone. Flyweight addition to "Donnie Brasco" is still a quick and lively read.
By Turnbull


Wiseguy By Nicholas Pileggi, is the book that paved the way for the hit movie 'Goodfellas' to be made. We listen to the story of gangster Henry Hill as he tells us of his glorious days in the Mafia starting with when he was a kid in the 50's to when he became a major player in the 70's. The book shows you the rise and fall of a real gangster.
By Patrick
Posted By: Patrick

Re: Mafia Books - 07/10/04 08:51 PM

Monster: The Autobiography of an LA Gang Member By Sanyika Shakur AKA Monster Kody Scott, is a great gangsta book. It hasn't been made into a movie, but I think it definetly should be. We follow the life of Crip Kody Scott from his days as a kid to becoming one of the biggest gangstas in South Central LA. It's definetly one of the greatest books I've ever read.
By Patrick

Wiseguy By Nicholas Pileggi, is the book that paved the way for the hit movie 'Goodfellas' to be made. We listen to the story of gangster Henry Hill as he tells us of his glorious days in the Mafia starting with when he was a kid in the 50's to when he became a major player in the 70's. The book shows you the rise and fall of a real gangster.
By Patrick
Posted By: plawrence

Re: Mafia Books - 07/12/04 04:20 PM

The Boardwalk Jungle by Demaris - a little long in some spots, but some good insight into the Mob in Atlantic City.
By SC


Unless you have major interest in Atlantic City, stay away from this one. Not only is it long in some spots, it can slo be extremely boring.

There's another book by Demaris (with Ed Reid), called Green Felt Jungle, written in 1964.

It tells the story of Las Vegas, from the days of Bugsy Siegal through the early 60's (when it was stilled pretty much Mafia-controlled).

I'd heard of it, but never read it. I just looked it up on the Web, though, and one review stated that it had an index of all the 250 names of the individuals who were shareholders in the 15 major Las Vegas casinos at the time.

A couple of sites offered it for sale. Maybe I'll buy it.
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Mafia Books - 08/11/04 07:00 PM

Mmm, why doesn't somebody mention some books about the Sicilian Mob. It's all about American Mafia.

I'm more interested in Sicilian. So when somebody has some good books post them here or start another tread.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 08/11/04 10:23 PM

Try "Excellent Cadavers: The Mafia and the Death of the First Italian Republic," by Alexander Stille and Sarah Burnes. I don't know if it is available in the Dutch language.
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Mafia Books - 08/13/04 05:25 PM

Yes it is, and I already read it. It's a perfect book. I still want to buy it, but no one has it. I got the book from the library, but as you maybe know: in the Netherlands you can't buy books from the library.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 09/23/04 09:04 PM

Meyer Lansky Mogul Of The Mob

by : Dennis Eisenberg
Uri Dan
Eli Landau

While this book covers the relationship of The Bug and Meyer gang with Luciano and Co. It gives a very good insight into the personal life of Meyer Lansky from a young age right up until his old age. It touches also on the wars with Waxy Gordan and The Kennedy's. While the HBO movie Lansky was based on this book, the book itself is way better. A definate read for the Mafia buff.


Don Cardi
Posted By: Cancerkitty

Re: Mafia Books - 09/24/04 07:05 PM

Takedown: The Fall of the Last Mafia Empire by Rick Cowan

It was a really interesting story about the an FBI infiltrating the Mob's garbage industry, however it was poorly written and got pretty boring in spots.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 10/03/04 01:03 PM

The The Sixth Family

by Peter Diapoulos & Steven Linakas


The story of The Gallo Family's struggle for power. Peter Diapoulos was Joe Gallo's bodyguard and right hand man.

For those who may be unfamiliar with The Gallo brothers, this was the real life family that The Rosatto Brothers in GFII were based on. Also the bar scene where Pentangelli is strangled is based on a real life attempt on Larry Gallo's life which is told in this book. A very quick and interesting read.


Don Cardi
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 10/07/04 05:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Cardi:
Meyer Lansky Mogul Of The Mob

by : Dennis Eisenberg
Uri Dan
Eli Landau

While this book covers the relationship of The Bug and Meyer gang with Luciano and Co. It gives a very good insight into the personal life of Meyer Lansky from a young age right up until his old age. It touches also on the wars with Waxy Gordan and The Kennedy's. While the HBO movie Lansky was based on this book, the book itself is way better. A definate read for the Mafia buff.


Don Cardi
I read this book, but it's not very authentic:
In the early '70's, Lansky moved to Israel and applied for citizenship--partly to get away from the Justice Department, partly because he had always been a strong supporter of Israel. Under Israel's Law of Return, any Jew of "good character" can become a citizen upon application. But Lansky was notorious, and he had served a short (three-month) jail term for a gambling offense. So his case had to be reviewed by the government.
To help his cause, Lansky cultivated Uri Dan, one of Israel's most respected journalists. He gave Dan "exclusive" interviews on his "life story"--something Lansky had never done before. Dan was so gaga about his "exclusives" that he swallowed everything Lansky told him--including some fictions that are so outrageous that I can only conclude that Lansky was having fun with the guy. For example:
--Lansky said that Abner (Longy) Zwillman, one of the biggest rumrunners during Prohibition and the major gambling czar afterward, "was a member of my gang when we were kids." That's a pretty good trick, considering that Zwillman lived in Newark, NJ, and it would have taken him more than two hours of commuting each way to run with Lansky's gang on the Lower East Side of NYC before the Hudson River tunnels and bridges were opened.
--Lansky said that Bugsy Siegel "sheltered Al Capone in his [Siegel's] house on 14th Street" when Capone was on the run from an Irish gang called the White Handers, and arranged for Capone's passage to Chicago. "So we always had Capone as our ally," Lansky told Dan. Yeah, right. Siegel was born on February 28th, 1906. Capone left Brooklyn for Chicago in 1919--when Siegel was all of 13 years old. Pretty good stunt for an adolescent. Probably Lansky and Siegel met Capone for the first time at the famous Atlantic City gangsters' convention in 1929.
The denouement of Lansky's Israel quest: The Justice Department leaned on the Israeli Government, which denied Lansky's application for citizenship and made him leave when his visa expired. He tried to emigrate to Paraguay, but was turned away, and was arrested when he returned to Miami International Airport (shades of GFII). But, unlike Roth, he wasn't gunned down. The government tried him on trumped up charges of "drug smuggling" (he had gone through customers with an ulcer medication for which he didn't have a prescription) and tax evasion. Lansky was acquitted of all charges. He died peacefully at 81.
The definitive Lansky bio is "Little Man--Meyer Lansky and the Gangster Life," by Robert Lacey. SC posted on it in this thread.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 10/07/04 08:01 PM

Yes Turnbull, there definately are several inconsistancies throughout the book. The Capone thing always bugged me too. But all in all I still enjoyed it. I'll have to put the other Lansky book on my list. Turnbull, have you ever read "JOEY" about Joe Gallo? I just got the book and it is next to read on my list.


Don Cardi
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 10/07/04 10:46 PM

No, "Joey" is one I'll have to look for.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Mafia Books - 10/13/04 08:13 PM

Has anybody read Cosa Nostra: A History of the Sicilian Mafia by John Dickie? I just got it bought for me as a birthday present; seems a pretty good read.

Mick
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Mafia Books - 10/14/04 10:03 AM

I've got it but I haven't read it yet Mick. It's quite expensive but for the size of it (I've got the HB version) it certainly looks like you get your moneys worth.

I'm currently enjoying Made Men about New Jersey but unfortunately other priorities are keeping this from being a short read. This is going to be a good recomendation and especially for Sopranos fans as you'll see where characters and plot lines have been directly stolen.
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Mafia Books - 10/19/04 09:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Has anybody read [b]Cosa Nostra: A History of the Sicilian Mafia by John Dickie? I just got it bought for me as a birthday present; seems a pretty good read.

Mick [/b]
Yes, just finished it. It's more my terrain of the Mafia because it's mainly about the Sicilian Mafia. It gives a great insight in the history and how the mafia got integrated in the Italian Government. It has a few pages with info about the American Mafia (Cosa Nostra). But this is mainly when Dickie talks about the movement of Sicilian mafia bosses to America. It's also a very big book. 400 pages if I'm correct. It's a lot of info but when you read this you know a lot more about the Sicilian mafia.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Mafia Books - 10/30/04 11:17 PM

Hey, MM! Haven't seen you for a while, mate! Thanks for that short review. I shall let you all know what I think once I've read it (have a few books before this one though).

Mick
Posted By: Michael Corleone 14

Re: Mafia Books - 11/14/04 11:28 PM

The Complete Idiot’s Guide To The Mafia by Jerry Capeci
Really good book for a starter, it just tells the basic facts, La Cosa Nostra’s history, family structure, etcetera. Everything’s told by “subject”, so it’s not chronologicly like an encyclopedia. Can at times get a little boring, there’s a lot of dates, events and info that you have to absorb, but still a really good book for starters.
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Mafia Books - 11/19/04 06:11 PM

Does anyone read the book: Organized Crime from Howard Abadinsky? It's a college book for university but it contains a lot of info. I just bought it for my 20th birthday. It was expensive but I've read 10 pages and I don't want to stop anymore.
Posted By: scarfacetm

Re: Mafia Books - 11/19/04 07:51 PM

GOTTI: Rise And Fall this book is a pretty good read im on page 164. it has all the info on gotti from when he first started out in the mob as a truck highjacker up to the case that put him in prison and all the stuff inbetween based on facts, recorded conversations and personal interviews with gotti
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 11/19/04 11:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by M.M. Floors:
Does anyone read the book: Organized Crime from Howard Abadinsky? It's a college book for university but it contains a lot of info. I just bought it for my 20th birthday. It was expensive but I've read 10 pages and I don't want to stop anymore.
I haven't read it, MM, but I know that it is a college textbook, and is very highly regarded by criminologists.
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Mafia Books - 11/20/04 03:11 PM

I just browsed to the pages and it looks more liken an encyclopedia. And the registers in the are absolutely marvelous. They devided into two sections: you can search on names and on subjects. So when you need something about capone you search on capone and when you need something about the bootleg you search on bootleg. Very easy and it contains a lot of info. When I finsihed it (Probably over 3 months, it's a lot of pages) I shall give my comments on it.
Posted By: The Irish Mafia 28

Re: Mafia Books - 11/23/04 02:27 AM

There is this book called Capo by Peter Watson. It's alright. Well, actually it's not. I got it two years ago and still didn't finish it.

Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Mafia Books - 11/30/04 11:03 AM

web page

Link with lot of titles of books. Just for the people who wanted to buy a book and don't know what there is for sale.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 12/05/04 01:32 AM

i've just brought abook by Thomas Reppetto-American Mafia-A History of its Rise to Power

Has anybody read it,is it good
Posted By: juventus

Re: Mafia Books - 12/28/04 09:47 AM

I'm reading it..Im on page 100, and i like it. It's not very very good, but i think the best is yet to come...
Posted By: DonGenco

Re: Mafia Books - 01/16/05 05:51 AM

The Outfit by Gus Russo
This is a very informative book, about 400 pages, I believe, of the Chicago Outfit history.This is pretty much everything you need to know about the outfit and its stretch to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Washinton. And of course, its untimely fall, head first into the ground. It is a stroy of a rebel among rebels, one of the most powerful criminal organizations and widely outcast by most of the underworld. The Outfit is your manual to the the Chicago Underworld.
Posted By: juventus

Re: Mafia Books - 01/16/05 12:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO:
i've just brought abook by [b]Thomas Reppetto-American Mafia-A History of its Rise to Power

Has anybody read it,is it good [/b]
I read it. It's pretty good. If you like the American mafia it's a good book..
Posted By: Donatello Noboddi

Re: Mafia Books - 01/18/05 05:21 PM

Currently I'm reading Roemer: Man Against the Mob. Bill Roemer Jr. was an FBI agent working out of the Chicago office. One of his greatest accomplishments was being the first to put a microphone in the mob headquarters. (they called it "Little Al")

This is his first book, but the last of his I'm reading. I actaully really like his books. They're very informative.

I highly recommend his books as well.
The Enforcer: The Chicago Mob's Man Over Las Vegas
Accardo: The Genuine Godfather
War of the Godfathers

Of all his books War of the Godfathers seems more like fiction to me.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 01/24/05 01:40 AM

Has anyone read the Arnold Rothstein Bio titled :

"The Big Bankroll"?

I was looking to buy it and wanted to see if anyone knew if it was any good. Thanks!


Don Cardi
Posted By: SC

Re: Mafia Books - 01/24/05 06:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Cardi:
Has anyone read the Arnold Rothstein Bio titled : "The Big Bankroll"?
Have it, read it, recommend it.

Let me know if you'd like to borrow it.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 01/24/05 11:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by SC:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Cardi:
[b] Has anyone read the Arnold Rothstein Bio titled : "The Big Bankroll"?
Have it, read it, recommend it.

Let me know if you'd like to borrow it. [/b][/quote]Thanks SC, but I am currently awaiting the results of an auction in which I placed a bid for the book. Several weeks agao I purchased one online for $2.00 but I never received it. The seller claimed that he mailed it out and then refunded me without ANY question. When I went back to the book site where I purchased it, I found it re-listed by the same seller for $10!!! So I am hoping to win one from the auction that I have bid in. I'll let you know.


Don Cardi
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 01/25/05 11:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by SC:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Cardi:
[b] Has anyone read the Arnold Rothstein Bio titled : "The Big Bankroll"?
Have it, read it, recommend it.

Let me know if you'd like to borrow it. [/b][/quote]Thanks again SC, but I won the book in the auction. Your offer is greatly appreciated though!

Don Cardi
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 02/16/05 12:33 PM

Ive just started reading.

Boss of Bosses by Joseph F. O'Brien and Andris Kurins. Life and downfall of Paul Castellano, told by the FBI guys who wiretapped his mansion.Seems interesting
Posted By: Don Smitty

Re: Mafia Books - 03/03/05 07:10 AM

Any book there that has to do with Bugsy Siegel? I did not see it posted.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 03/04/05 01:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Smitty:
Any book there that has to do with Bugsy Siegel? I did not see it posted.
"The Gangster Chronicles"
By Michael Lasker and Richard Alan Simmons


"We Only Kill Each Other: The True Story of Mobster Bugsy Siegel"
By Dean Jennings


Don Cardi
Posted By: TheSicilian123

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/05 01:02 AM

in the movie once apone a time in america, the Bugsy in there. is that the same one?
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/05 02:15 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheSicilian123:
in the movie once apone a time in america, the Bugsy in there. is that the same one?
No, it is not.


Don Cardi
Posted By: Peter_Clemenza

Re: Mafia Books - 03/11/05 07:29 PM

I am considering The Last Don as my next novel purchase. In comparison to The Godfather, how good is it?
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Mafia Books - 03/12/05 02:23 AM

That should really be in the "Mario Puzo" section, but I'll go ahead and answer it, becuase I rock :p
It is a pretty good book, but in commparisons to The Godfather, it doesnt even come close. There are a lot of similarities thought, both good and bad.
Posted By: juventus

Re: Mafia Books - 03/18/05 09:54 AM

Does anyone knows if the book 'Addio cosa nostra. I segreti della mafia nella confessione di Tommaso Buscetta' is translated to English, or to Dutch maybe?
Posted By: Cancerkitty

Re: Mafia Books - 03/18/05 06:40 PM

These aren't Italian Mafia books, but I thought they were germane nonetheless.

Comrade Criminal by Stephen Handelman details life in modern (published in 1993, so modern minus about twelve years) Russia after to collapse of the Soviet Union. It tells how the different gangs came from, how they've evolved, and what kind of scams they run. It also deals a lot with political corruption but, because it's in Russia and it's twelve years old, those parts aren't really all that interesting.

Overall Comrade Criminal is a pretty good bood, I'd give it a B-.

And

Red Mafiya by Robert I. Friedman deals with Russian organized crime in the Non-Russian world, mostly in the United States. I liked this one a lot better than Comrade Criminal because it focused more on the United States. The book profiles several different Russian gangsters and goes into detail on their different crimes. It's a pretty scary subject considering the nuclear situation.

I'd give this on a B+.
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Mafia Books - 03/19/05 02:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cancerkitty:
These aren't Italian Mafia books, but I thought they were germane nonetheless.

[b]Red Mafiya
by Robert I. Friedman deals with Russian organized crime in the Non-Russian world, mostly in the United States. I liked this one a lot better than Comrade Criminal because it focused more on the United States. The book profiles several different Russian gangsters and goes into detail on their different crimes. It's a pretty scary subject considering the nuclear situation.

I'd give this on a B+. [/b]
When you are starting on Russian Mafiya.....definately read this one!!!
Posted By: Michael Corleone 14

Re: Mafia Books - 03/27/05 01:52 PM

Bloedsporen: een Reis naar de Mafia (Bloodtracks: a Journey to the Mafia) by Danny Ilegems and Raf Sauviller

This book was written by two Belgian writers, it's in Dutch, I tried to find English translations but couldn't find them.

It deals with Silvio Berlusconi and his Forza Italia (the book was published in '95 so not exactly up to date), the very beginning of the mafia, the 60s and 70s in which Milan would to become Italy's biggest Northern-Italian mafianest, the late 70s and the 80s of Toto Riina and heroin, uptil 1995. Also, the immigration of the Sicilians in the 50s and 60s in the BENELUX who came to rocognise that Holland and Belgium are walhalla for criminals.

Very interesting for Dutch and Belgian people who are fairly new to the subject of organised crime (This is only my second book), but not particurly interesting for those who have read more about it.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 03/31/05 03:12 PM

Most recent three i have read are
Cigar City Mafia by Scott Dietschze..about Santo Trafficante JR & the Tampa mob. Excellent read!
Black Mass by Dick Lehr & Gerald O'Neill..about Boston & the ever elusive Whitey Bulger!
The Goodfella Tapes by George Anastasia..about Philadelphia & the current plight of its mob!
All excellent reads.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 04/01/05 11:23 AM

Yesterday i brought two books at a bargain price.

The rise and fall of Gotti-£3.99

Mafia Dynasty-The History of the Gambino Crime Family-£4.21
Posted By: Moscarelli

Re: Mafia Books - 04/05/05 02:37 AM

Mob: Stories of Death and Betrayal from Organized Crime
Edited by Clint Willis

This is a great compiliation of stories taken from the Mafia's greatest books, both fiction and non fiction. This book is great for beginners because it gives you pretty much a manual to the Mafia in novel form and written by some of the Mafia's greatest writers. It is also just genuinesly enjoyable considering that, among books like Underboss, by Peter Maas and The Godfather, by Mario Puzo, there were also stories from other books that I had never even heard of like Defending the Mafia, by Frederic Dannen and The Don is Done, by Jeffery Goldberg. Together this a genuinely good book great for beginners and experts.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 04/12/05 12:17 PM

The Mafia Encyclopedia -Carl Sifakis

Posted By: Don Smitty

Re: Mafia Books - 04/16/05 07:46 PM

The Mafia Encyclopedia is a good read.
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Mafia Books - 04/17/05 10:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by juventus:
Does anyone knows if the book 'Addio cosa nostra. I segreti della mafia nella confessione di Tommaso Buscetta' is translated to English, or to Dutch maybe?
If I'm correct I've read the title of this book in English somewhere, so I think it's translated in English
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Mafia Books - 05/06/05 04:30 PM

Quote:
Also, the immigration of the Sicilians in the 50s and 60s in the BENELUX who came to rocognise that Holland and Belgium are walhalla for criminals.

Very interesting for Dutch and Belgian people who are fairly new to the subject of organised crime (This is only my second book), but not particurly interesting for those who have read more about it.
I live in a part of Belgium with many Italian immigrants (now of the 4th generation), they came working in the colemines, but I never realized that there were also criminals among them.
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Mafia Books - 05/15/05 03:09 PM

Okay guys I'm going to update the main thread to include all of the added books and reviews you've all inputted. With finishing Uni I've got time to read for pleasure again so hopefully I can add a few more of my own in the near future. I have one update already I actually finished this a while back:

Made Men: The True Rise and Fall of a New Jersey Mob Family By Greg B Smith

On it's own it's just non fictional account of the New Jersey Mafia and most of it is based around one of the latest mob informers of that region, associate Ralphie Gaurino. This alone makes it a decent read for the avid Mafia enthusiast. Though it is not too exciting. What did higher my rating of the book were the relevant Sopranos name-dropping and similarities to the real New Jersey wiseguys. It's quite interesting realising that actual plot lines and characters from the Sopranos were stolen from current Mafia members from NJ. Not many shows would be audacious enough to that.

Overall, it's a good book worth reading, like I said, for the avid Mafia fan and made better if you're a fan of the Sopranos. Don't expect anything too exciting or a 'can't put down book'.
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Mafia Books - 05/16/05 02:15 PM

Ok guys the main list has been updated. If I've missed your review give me a reminder. I've purposely missed a few because I'd rather have a brief review or at least a synopsis with it.

Thanks to all those that have participated so far. And if you've got a review you should start a seperate thread for it. It'll get much more exposure and therefore more discussion.
Posted By: Mr.Gribbs

Re: Mafia Books - 08/10/05 10:58 AM

I'm curious about the book by Selwyn Raab:Five families,i pre-ordered it,but will have to wait til september,800 pages on all five families!
Posted By: juventus

Re: Mafia Books - 08/10/05 05:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mr.Gribbs:
I'm curious about the book by Selwyn Raab:Five families,i pre-ordered it,but will have to wait til september,800 pages on all five families!
Great! Where did you bought it? What's the price? Is it also availeble in Dutch?
Posted By: Mr.Gribbs

Re: Mafia Books - 08/10/05 09:40 PM

Pre-ordered it at amazon.com,they'll send it to me next month.
Posted By: wiseguy2000

Re: Mafia Books - 09/04/05 06:40 PM

amazon.com has hundreds of great books about the mafia.
I just bought "The Good Guys", "Born To The Mob" and
"Made Men". They where all worth the price.
I recomend "Made Men" if you like to watch Sopranos
because this book is about the real New Jersey family.
Posted By: Mr.Gribbs

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/05 10:42 PM

Amazon is great,i ordered a lot of mafia books over there,in fact i added my own favorite list over there,as finch94,check it out,my 25 favorite books!
Posted By: Mr.Gribbs

Re: Mafia Books - 09/14/05 12:48 PM

I am reading Five Families,by Selwyn Raab,right now,anybody read it?
Posted By: BryanBricks

Re: Mafia Books - 09/15/05 12:05 AM

Definantly Mafia Dynasty. Being a luchese guy i didnt meant much to me, but gambino was one powerhouse
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 09/16/05 12:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mr.Gribbs:
I am reading Five Families,by Selwyn Raab,right now,anybody read it?
Mr. -

I was in Barnes and Noble earlier and I came across this book and bought it. I was just going to post asking if anyone is reading this book, and I find your post here about the book.

I'm going to start reading it as soon as I finish another book that I am currently reading. How is it so far?


Don Cardi
Posted By: Mr.Gribbs

Re: Mafia Books - 09/16/05 04:00 PM

Reas the first 200 pages,so far.A lot of stuff about the history of the mob,stuff we all read before.But Raab wrote it in a way that it doesn't irritate.I find it hard to put away,let me know what you think,when you start reading it,ok
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 11/03/05 02:31 AM



Interesting read so far
Posted By: juventus

Re: Mafia Books - 11/12/05 01:45 PM

anyone read the book Gangsters and Goodfellas?
Posted By: Bada Bing Ben

Re: Mafia Books - 11/16/05 04:35 PM

Okay Guys.

I really need your help on this.

I am writing my University Dissertation on the American Mafia. My title is "What are the socio-economic and political impacts of the American Mafia on American Life in the 20th Century?".

It has to 10,000 words and i have to have a literature review by next week. I only just had my title approved hence the rush for literature.

Please give me your oppinions of the most salient and credible books i should buy!!

I thank you all in advance.

BB Ben!
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 11/16/05 05:15 PM

1. Do a Google search on Ralph Salerno, and you will find excerpts of testimony that he provided to various Congressional committees on the Mafia's economic impact.
2. Buy "Five Families" by Selwyn Raab--a new book that's comprehensive on the Mafia, and that has economic impact info scattered in many chapters (the money is VERY big).
Posted By: Bada Bing Ben

Re: Mafia Books - 11/16/05 05:47 PM

Turnbull.

Thank you. I really do appreciate your post.

For my Dissertation i want to separate the various impacts the mafia has had into more manageable chunks. i HAVE to relate everything to the title of course...the social and economic impacts on american society and of course some political stuff would be good...my degree is "European Politics" (i had to beg them to let me write about the USA).

I am thinking

1: General Structure and Origins of "The Mafia"
2: The Unions (good stuff economically here i would say)
3: Drugs (Social impacts)
4: Political impacts (the efforts of The Kennedys and the JFK hit)
5: The Mafia in the late C20th. (again social issues etc)
6: Gneral conclusion...evalution of the overall influence of the mafia.

If you know any books or resources online that can help with any of these areas i would be greatly appreciative....this of course goes out to anyone!

Many thanks.

Ben
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Mafia Books - 11/19/05 01:03 AM

Holy shit BB Ben. I'm assuming you've got until May/April to do this. You better not be like my mate and leave it too late. I'm lucky I shouldn't be touching my dissertation till next year with Lincoln.

First up. Turnbull is the man when it comes to the USA Mafia. I suggest you make a note of his member no. 474 and whatever you need make a search (from this site) using it. Apologies to Turnbull but at this stage in your studies you can't really reference this message board but I'd suggest taking his word and most of the time he provides references of where his information has come from. Use that.

I understand you'll have a ton of reading to do for this. So, first off I'd suggest a lot of backround reading for the Mafia. What it is, where it's come from - the generic stuff. You'll find some incredible information here but obviously you'll need to reference it for it to be credible.

For your question I'd suggest trying to get Crime Inc. - The True Story Of The Mafia. It's available on DVD, a wee bit old (mid 80's), but about 6 hours long. What's a half hour a night? There's plenty of information covering your topics. Obviously the DVD wont be enough but get what you can from it and if you come back here we'll hopefully be able to point you in the right direction regarding literature.
Posted By: Bada Bing Ben

Re: Mafia Books - 11/21/05 01:11 AM

Yes thanks v much for your post my friend.

I already have Crime Inc on DVD. I also have Mafia Empire which is a superb DVD that chronicles both the US and Sicilian mafias and is more up to date.

Based on Turnbulls reccomendation i have bought Five Families by Selwyn Raab and also another two books that i am yet to own.

I also have Mafia: The First 100 years, Mobstar: The rise and fall of John Gotti, Cosa Nostra and a couple of other mafia books. I also downloaded the testimony to the US sentate from that website Turnbull mentioned and am trying to get hold of personal email addressed for various authors and journalists in the US in order to try and arrnage meetings and interviews....(i am going to NYC in February i hope...with the specific intent to meet people for first hand interviews which are considderred fantastic source material!)

I have untill May to finish this dissertation and am quite confident i can write an excellent piece. I have a good knowledge on the mafia anyway, i bought these dvds and books long before i decided to write my dissertation on the mafia.

Again, thanks for your post. Anything anyone can offer me with regards help to my dissertation would be greatly appreciated.

Regards.

Ben.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 01/14/06 02:11 PM

I picked up several books at a Barnes and Noble.

The Most Evil Mobsters In History by Lauren Carter
for $7.98 a bunch of short stories about mobsters like Carlo Gambino, Frank Costello, Dutch Shultz, John Gotti, etc. A really great reference book.

The other books that I picked up are in trade paperback fromat and are part of a series of books under the heading of True American Amazing Stories.

Meyer Lansky " The Shadowy Exploits Of New York's Master Manipulator." $7.95

Lucky Luciano "The Father Of Organized Crime." $7.95



Gang Wars "Blood and Guts On The Streets Of New York." $7.95


There are several other books in this series ;

Dutch Shcultz "The Brazen Beer Baron Of New York."

Crime Boss Killings "The Castellmmarese War."

and another coming out in May of 2006 "Benjamin Bugsy Siegel."


Don Cardi
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Mafia Books - 01/14/06 02:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bada Bing Ben:
Turnbull.

Thank you. I really do appreciate your post.

For my Dissertation i want to separate the various impacts the mafia has had into more manageable chunks. i HAVE to relate everything to the title of course...the social and economic impacts on american society and of course some political stuff would be good...my degree is "European Politics" (i had to beg them to let me write about the USA).

I am thinking

1: General Structure and Origins of "The Mafia"
2: The Unions (good stuff economically here i would say)
3: Drugs (Social impacts)
4: Political impacts (the efforts of The Kennedys and the JFK hit)
5: The Mafia in the late C20th. (again social issues etc)
6: Gneral conclusion...evalution of the overall influence of the mafia.

If you know any books or resources online that can help with any of these areas i would be greatly appreciative....this of course goes out to anyone!

Many thanks.

Ben
Ben this might be a little late but The Idiot's guide to the mafia, it has sections on almost every one of the pooints you listed.
Posted By: Mignon

Re: Mafia Books - 01/14/06 05:15 PM

DMC,

Is that book worth buying?
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Mafia Books - 01/14/06 05:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mignon:
DMC,

Is that book worth buying?
To me it was actually. It gives a great overview and explanations of how the mafia made its money (loan sharking, betting etc...) It's one thing to hear that so and so made money through collecting bets and it's another to really understand how he did it and what's involved (to me at least).
It's not very in depth but more of just a very good overview from Lucciano to Gotti and everything in between.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Mafia Books - 01/14/06 10:18 PM

Well DMC, you just convinced me to read it. Thanks!
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Mafia Books - 01/15/06 03:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Enzo Scifo:
Well DMC, you just convinced me to read it. Thanks!
Your welcome. Now I can get my $2 kickback for selling the book, $0.10 cents to me for delivery along with the money the publishing company is paying me for "labor peace".

It's all explained in the book
Posted By: Donnie81

Re: Mafia Books - 01/24/06 06:06 PM

Did some of you guys read "The Valachi Papers"?
I just bought it. Is it well worth reading??
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Mafia Books - 01/25/06 02:42 AM

I'm just finishing up "Mafia Dynasty- The Rise and Fall of the Gambino Crime Family"
Or as I like to call it "Mafia Dynasty Dynasy Mafia Dynasty" I have found myself at least 10 times already checking to see if I was on the correct page and not re reading a page I had already read. The author repeats EVERYTHING, to the point where it just gets flat out irritating. John Gotti's "We're gonna, gonna bust him up" line must have been used 10 times in 3-4 pages.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 01/25/06 11:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonMichaelCorleone:
I have found myself at least 10 times already checking to see if I was on the correct page and not re reading a page I had already read. The author repeats EVERYTHING, to the point where it just gets flat out irritating.
And I thought that it was me. I had the same problem with this book. Pissed me off to no end. While there are many areas of the book that are somewhat interesting and informative, for the most part I too found this book to be very repetative throughout.


Don Cardi
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 01/25/06 11:40 AM

DMC, I don't know if you saw this post that I made earlier about some books that I picked up over in Barnes And Noble. They are in trade paperback fromat and are part of a series of books under the heading of True American Amazing Stories.

Meyer Lansky " The Shadowy Exploits Of New York's Master Manipulator." $7.95

Lucky Luciano "The Father Of Organized Crime." $7.95



Gang Wars "Blood and Guts On The Streets Of New York." $7.95

I am going to pick up the other two books in this series today as they were on backorder.

.


Dutch Shcultz "The Brazen Beer Baron Of New York."

Crime Boss Killings "The Castellmmarese War."

I am interesting in reading the Dutch Shultz book as I have yet to see, before this one, any books out there specifiaclly about Dutch Schultz


Don Cardi
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Mafia Books - 01/25/06 04:22 PM

Yay! I've just bought my "Cosa Nostra" by John Dickie! It's finally translated, and I got it. I waited so long! I even considered buying English version through Amazon, but that's too expensive with shipping!
Can't wait to start!
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Mafia Books - 01/26/06 03:17 AM

DC, I didn't see your 2nd post before. Have you started reading them? Any thoughts yet?
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Mafia Books - 01/26/06 05:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by JustMe:
Yay! I've just bought my "Cosa Nostra" by John Dickie! It's finally translated, and I got it. I waited so long! I even considered buying English version through Amazon, but that's too expensive with shipping!
Can't wait to start!
You won't regret buying it, this book is very good!
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Mafia Books - 01/26/06 05:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Enzo Scifo:
[quote]Originally posted by JustMe:
[b] Yay! I've just bought my "Cosa Nostra" by John Dickie! It's finally translated, and I got it. I waited so long! I even considered buying English version through Amazon, but that's too expensive with shipping!
Can't wait to start!
You won't regret buying it, this book is very good! [/b][/quote]Thanks Enzo! I'll certainly post my raptures here!
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 01/26/06 05:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonMichaelCorleone:
DC, I didn't see your 2nd post before. Have you started reading them? Any thoughts yet?
I picked up the last two that I listed above, yesterday. I just started to read the Dutch Shultz one as I have never read anything solely dedicated to Shultz himself. I'll give you an update as soon as I get a little deeper into the book.


Don Cardi
Posted By: SC

Re: Mafia Books - 01/26/06 08:16 PM

I have in my collection "The Dutch Schultz Story" by Ted Addy. Apparently it was part of a series ("Public Enemies of the 1930's") published by Tower Books. Its a paperback that originally sold for 75¢ back in 1968 when it was first sold as a paperback.

Its an easy read and has 16 pages of pix. Let me know if you wanna borrow it, DC.

I just ordered a few of the ones you suggested above.
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Mafia Books - 01/27/06 01:24 AM

SC who else was in the "Public Enemies of the 1930's" collection?
Posted By: SC

Re: Mafia Books - 01/27/06 10:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonMichaelCorleone:
SC who else was in the "Public Enemies of the 1930's" collection?
Dunno (unfortunately). I can't find a list, but I'd like to know, too.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 01/27/06 01:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SC:
I have in my collection "The Dutch Schultz Story" by Ted Addy. Its a paperback that originally sold for 75¢ back in 1968 when it was first sold as a paperback.

Let me know if you wanna borrow it, DC.

I'll give you $1.50 for it, double the cover price!


I may try to locate a copy of it. But if I cannot find one, then I'll take you up on your offer. Thanks.


Don Cardi
Posted By: Signor Vitelli

Re: Mafia Books - 01/31/06 01:04 PM

I checked the website Bookfinder4u.com - click here to see the results for The Dutch Schultz Story.

Lots of copies available at varying prices.

Signor V.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 01/31/06 03:14 PM

Grazie Signor. I did find them at abebooks.com and have placed my order. I appreciate it my friend.


Don Cardi
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 02/01/06 03:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonMichaelCorleone:
DC, I didn't see your 2nd post before. Have you started reading them? Any thoughts yet?
I'm about halfway through the Dutch Schultz, Beer Baron book. It's pretty fast and easy reading. Enjoyable but not too detail oriented. This series of books is good for those who are begining to read books about the mob and mobsters. A great "introductory" series of books on the mob. But a definite have for any mob/crime collector's library.

I just ordered these books :

The "Dutch" Schultz Story
The Gangster Chronicles
Frank Costello:Prime Minister of the Underworld
Lucky Luciano: The Man Who Organized Crime in America


Don Cardi
Posted By: mo89564

Re: Mafia Books - 02/02/06 08:54 AM

I am currently writing a thesis on the Italian Mafia...so most of the books are more academically orientated.

I would recommend John Dickie's Cosa Nostra for the most current information and theory on the Mafia.

Other books that are good to read include Octupus by Claire Sterling for a more international perspective on the Mafia.

Excellent Cadavers by Alexander Stille provides a substantial amount of information on the lives of Falcone and Borsellino. There's also a movie based on the book, but it is pretty uniformative and boring.

Men of Dishonor by Pino Arlacchi is the account of the mafioso Antonino Calderone and provides a unique perspective. It is somewhat similar to Tim Shawcross and Martin Young's Men of Honor which is Tommaso Buscetta's confessions. Both provide some good accounts of individual members of the Sicilian Mafia and good description of a number of events. Take their stories as you will-they do offer insight into the Mafia, but both are "pentiti" and have a tendency to portray their enemies in a more negative light than their friends.

Mafia and Mafiosi by Henner Hess is strictly academic-he puts forward a number of theories about what a mafioso is, what the nature of the Mafia is, ect.

Fighting the Mafia and Renewing Sicilian Culture was written by the mayor of Palermo, Leoluco Orlando. It is quite useless if you want to learn about the Mafia and is more self-glorifying than anything, but at the very least you can document some of the changes that have occurred in the last two decades.

Men of Honor was written by Giovanni Falcone, who was above anyone else, instrumental in bringing Mafia information into the public light and the Maxi Trial of the 80s. Most of this information can be found in other books, but its always good to read the primary source.

Fascism and the Mafia by Christopher Duggan is the only book that I know of that covers the time period from the early 1900s to the end of WWII so extensively.

The Allies, Separatism and the Mafia covers a little bit of the Fascist period, but really focuses on the links between the FBI, American Mafia and Sicilian Mafia.

Mafia Brotherhoods by Letizio Paoli gives another good historical overview of the Mafia and the political connections.
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Mafia Books - 02/02/06 10:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mo89564:
I am currently writing a thesis on the Italian Mafia...so most of the books are more academically orientated.
If you have finished that...is it possible to post it on the forum. I'm dying to read that.
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Mafia Books - 02/02/06 07:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by M.M. Floors:
[quote]Originally posted by mo89564:
[b] I am currently writing a thesis on the Italian Mafia...so most of the books are more academically orientated.
If you have finished that...is it possible to post it on the forum. I'm dying to read that. [/b][/quote]Yes, please! Sounds impressive!
Posted By: Bada Bing Ben

Re: Mafia Books - 02/03/06 12:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mo89564:
I am currently writing a thesis on the Italian Mafia...so most of the books are more academically orientated.

I would recommend John Dickie's Cosa Nostra for the most current information and theory on the Mafia.

Other books that are good to read include Octupus by Claire Sterling for a more international perspective on the Mafia.

Excellent Cadavers by Alexander Stille provides a substantial amount of information on the lives of Falcone and Borsellino. There's also a movie based on the book, but it is pretty uniformative and boring.

Men of Dishonor by Pino Arlacchi is the account of the mafioso Antonino Calderone and provides a unique perspective. It is somewhat similar to Tim Shawcross and Martin Young's Men of Honor which is Tommaso Buscetta's confessions. Both provide some good accounts of individual members of the Sicilian Mafia and good description of a number of events. Take their stories as you will-they do offer insight into the Mafia, but both are "pentiti" and have a tendency to portray their enemies in a more negative light than their friends.

Mafia and Mafiosi by Henner Hess is strictly academic-he puts forward a number of theories about what a mafioso is, what the nature of the Mafia is, ect.

Fighting the Mafia and Renewing Sicilian Culture was written by the mayor of Palermo, Leoluco Orlando. It is quite useless if you want to learn about the Mafia and is more self-glorifying than anything, but at the very least you can document some of the changes that have occurred in the last two decades.

Men of Honor was written by Giovanni Falcone, who was above anyone else, instrumental in bringing Mafia information into the public light and the Maxi Trial of the 80s. Most of this information can be found in other books, but its always good to read the primary source.

Fascism and the Mafia by Christopher Duggan is the only book that I know of that covers the time period from the early 1900s to the end of WWII so extensively.

The Allies, Separatism and the Mafia covers a little bit of the Fascist period, but really focuses on the links between the FBI, American Mafia and Sicilian Mafia.

Mafia Brotherhoods by Letizio Paoli gives another good historical overview of the Mafia and the political connections.
hello sir.

I am currently writing my dissertation (thesis) on the political & social impacts of the american mafia on c20th american life.

Is your thesis purely on italy?!

Do you know any academic books that would benefit myself?!

Also, once completed, would you like to swap a copy of each?! I would like to read someone else's atttempt.
Posted By: Don Smitty

Re: Mafia Books - 02/20/06 02:36 PM

Anyone know any good books on the Mafia with ties to the US Goverment?
Posted By: plawrence

Re: Mafia Books - 02/21/06 08:22 PM

Many books that deal with the JFK assassination discuss the link between the Mafia and the C.I.A. and their plot to kill Castro.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 02/21/06 08:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Smitty:
Anyone know any good books on the Mafia with ties to the US Goverment?
Contract on America : The Mafia Murder of President John F. Kennedy.
by David E. Scheim


Don Cardi
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Mafia Books - 02/22/06 12:22 AM

DC- I think it was Bill Bannano that killed Kennedy Oh no I mean it was Oswald who based his shooting style on Bannano :rolleyes:
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 02/22/06 01:01 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonMichaelCorleone:
DC- I think it was Bill Bannano that killed Kennedy Oh no I mean it was Oswald who based his shooting style on Bannano :rolleyes:



Or maybe it was Henry Hill!

Between the two of them, one lies and the other one swears.


Don Cardi
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Mafia Books - 02/22/06 01:43 AM

Ok well even though my first post was said to be funny, I picked up the book and on page 4 Bill Bannano says he knows WHO and WHY President Kennedy was killed.

Later he will explain who opened the drapes and who killed the Tahoe assasins
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 02/22/06 03:00 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonMichaelCorleone:
Ok well even though my first post was said to be funny, I picked up the book and on page 4 Bill Bannano says he knows WHO and WHY President Kennedy was killed.

Are you serious? You see, what did I tell you yesterday about him and why I don't particulary care to read what he writes? He's soooo full of himself, it's not even funny.


Don Cardi
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 02/22/06 03:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Cardi:
[quote]Originally posted by DonMichaelCorleone:
[b] Ok well even though my first post was said to be funny, I picked up the book and on page 4 Bill Bannano says he knows WHO and WHY President Kennedy was killed.

Are you serious? You see, what did I tell you yesterday about him and why I don't particulary care to read what he writes? He's soooo full of himself, it's not even funny.


Don Cardi [/b][/quote]Uh, that isn't all he's full of... :rolleyes:
The number of people who claim to know WHO and WHY President Kennedy was killed might actually exceed the number of people who "know" who and why Jimmy Hoffa was killed--and where he was buried. :p
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 02/26/06 06:40 PM

"BLOOD RELATION" by Eric Konigsberg

The nominal subject of this book is Harold (Kayo) Konigsberg, legendary NJ thug and shtarker,who may have committed as many as 20 murders, most of them for the Genovese Family and for Anthony (Tony Pro) Provenzano, Genovese capo and Teamster official who may have been behind Jimmy Hoffa's disappearance. The author is Eric Konigsberg, a capable writer who is Konigsberg's great-nephew. Eric got interested in Kayo after finally finding out the family secret: their blood relationship to Kayo.

Eric visited the 79-year-old Kayo several times in Auburn (NY) Prison, where he's doing a life bit. The visits weren't all that revealing, but Eric did a massive job of researching his career, and especially finding and interviewing people whose paths crossed Harold's--his family, former criminal associates, family members of Kayo's victims, judges, prosecutors, defense lawyers, etc. What emerges is a picture of a true lunatic--equal parts Luca Brasi, Don Rickles and Clarence Darrow. Kayo was absolutely fearless, not because of courage, but out of sheer malevolence, and his drive for getting his way no matter what. As a small kid, he started rocking the ladder of a painter working on his parents' house. "Don't do that, you'll make me fall," the painter chided. "I want you to fall," the little kid replied. As a boxer, Kayo just stood in the ring, swinging away. If someone got in his way, he knocked him out; otherwise his opponents won decisions. But it didn't matter: Kayo waited for them outside the arena after the fight, and beat them to a pulp.
Illiterate into his twenties, Kayo taught himself to read, and then boned up on law. His greatest passion, seemingly, was to match wits with judges and prosecutors, filing endless motions and challenges, gaining endless delays, wising off in the courtroom. No stunt was too outrageous, no lie too obvious, for Harold. It didn't matter in the end: he spent (and is spending) most of his life in prison. Winning seemed almost irrelevant in those courtroom battles: Kayo basked in the publicity and recognition he got (I bet SC and plaw remember some of those trials), as well as the pleasure he took in pissing off his legal foes. He also had an uncanny ability to manipulate other people into doing his bidding and providing him with information, which he used to good advantage in and out of court, usually by intimidating witnesses. Yet, most of the lawmen Eric interviewed seemed to like him, and one FBI guy even asked if he could do anything for Kayo. As Mario Puzo wrote of Luca: he was like a natural force.
In the end, Kayo wound up threatening Eric--who, after researching Kayo's life, believed Kayo could reach him even behind bars. His grandmother intervened.
Not a real crime book, more a personal journey. But most of the stories aren't about Eric, they're about real people whose confidenced Eric earned. All in all, interesting, thoroughly researched and informative. A decent and fast read.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 03/30/06 05:37 PM

Brutal: The Untold Story of My Life Inside Whitey Bulger's Irish Mob

Co-Authored by Kevin Weeks & Phyllis Karas


The book describes more than 20 years Weeks spent working with Bulger before he fled the country. Weeks was arrested in 1999, two years after he discovered that Bulger and another associate, Steve Flemmi, had been working as informants for the FBI.

I grew up in the Old Colony housing project in South Boston, a tough, working class, mostly Irish neighborhood. I went from being a Golden Gloves boxer to a bouncer in a popular Southie bar called Triple O's. I got into many fights, knocked out a lot of people, and got noticed by one person in particular. People paid him a great deal of respect, came to him with their problems. Sure, I knew who he was. I'd heard stories. He was tough. He could be vicious. He ran the rackets in Southie. His name wasJ ames "Whitey" Bulger, although I always called him Jimmy.



Anyone pick this book up yet?


Don Cardi
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 03/31/06 10:49 PM

Has anybody read

"Five Families: The Rise, Decline and Resurgence of America's Most Powerful Mafia Empires" - Selwyn Raab

I was thinking of getting this,what do people think of this

Thanks
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Mafia Books - 04/01/06 03:45 PM

Haven't read it myself, but many experts say it's one of the best books around.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 04/01/06 04:15 PM

I'll defintley be getting it,it looks like an interesting read with a lot of imformation
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 04/01/06 05:07 PM

I read "Five Families" several months ago, and I found it to be one of the most informative books on the Mob. Absolutely indespensible.
Raab covered the Mob for the NY Times for many years. He starts with a fairly short history of the Five Families that many here will be familiar with. His history doesn't add much. But he absolutely excels in his accounts of the families from about 1970 to the present. Those were the years that he covered the Mob, and his exhaustively detailed accounts for the first time helped me to follow and make sense of the endless machinations and personnel changes in the families. He also explains the workings of many of the multi-family rackets (like the "Cement Club" and the waterfront operations) that yielded billions. Raab also, for the first time, presents a cogent explanation of how the RICO Act and its wiretapping provisions work; and how law enforcement, after a long learning curve, used RICO so effectively.
A challenging but highly rewarding read.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 04/01/06 06:34 PM

Thanks turnbull,sonunds interesting
Posted By: Bada Bing Ben

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/06 01:00 AM

Raab's book is superb.

Anyone read "Mobsters, Unions and Feds" by James Jacobs.

i am reading it at the moment, helping my dissertation immensely...the same can be said of "five families".
Posted By: Goodfella 69

Re: Mafia Books - 04/04/06 04:54 AM

i just found this 1 on a website and was wondering if anyone has read it or seen it? i only read 1 review for it and it got bad ratings but anyways here it is.

Posted By: XDCX

Re: Mafia Books - 04/05/06 02:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Turnbull:
I read "Five Families" several months ago, and I found it to be one of the most informative books on the Mob. Absolutely indespensible.
Raab covered the Mob for the NY Times for many years. He starts with a fairly short history of the Five Families that many here will be familiar with. His history doesn't add much. But he absolutely excels in his accounts of the families from about 1970 to the present. Those were the years that he covered the Mob, and his exhaustively detailed accounts for the first time helped me to follow and make sense of the endless machinations and personnel changes in the families. He also explains the workings of many of the multi-family rackets (like the "Cement Club" and the waterfront operations) that yielded billions. Raab also, for the first time, presents a cogent explanation of how the RICO Act and its wiretapping provisions work; and how law enforcement, after a long learning curve, used RICO so effectively.
A challenging but highly rewarding read.
Thanks for the recommendation, Turnbull. I'll most definitely be ordering it.

Speaking of which, as I was looking it up on Amazon.com, you know how when you're gonna order something, they usually recommend another book to go along with, similar in interest? The one they recommended with "Five Families" is a book called "Gangster City : The History of the New York Underworld 1900-1935." I was wondering if anyone has read it, and if they recommended it.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 04/22/06 08:18 PM

After people's reccomendations just ordered:

Posted By: Ayperi

Re: Mafia Books - 05/12/06 04:48 PM

I was looking through here, reading about the different books, and had a question. I got the book Cosa Nostra, History of the Sicilian Mafia, by John Dickie. I been reading it and it seems that the American mafia is thought to be different than the Sicilian mafia. Is there a book for beginner's that deals with the American mafia that anyone could recommend? Cosa Nostra is the first book I've read other than Mario Puzo's novels so I don't know much about anything other than what I read on here or look up online.
Posted By: Peter_Clemenza

Re: Mafia Books - 06/10/06 10:26 AM

The Day Michael Collins Was Shot, by Meda Ryan.

The Day Michael Collins Was Shot is a book about General Michael Collins, Commander-In-Chief of the Free State Army, and Director Of Intelligence for the Irish Republican Brotherhood or IRB (which is now known as the Irish Republican Army or IRA.)

Michael, or Mick as he was called by his friends, fought in the War Of Independence against British soldiers, where he bombarded the Dublin GPO.

This book, however, focuses more on the Civil War that occurred in Ireland after the War Of Independence. Michael was asked by Eamon de Valera, an American living in Ireland and the Commander-In-Chief of the IRB to negotiate with the British Government for an independent Ireland, free of British rule, but Mick could only manage to get 26 of the 32 counties in Ireland, so there was a split in the IRB, anti-treatyites (de Valera and the IRB) on one side and pro-treatyites (Mick Collins and the Free State Army) on the other side.

Mick Collins was shot in the head at long-range by his own countrymen and former friends and comrades of the IRB. He died on the 22 August 1922. The Free State Army is now the official army of the Republic Of Ireland, but they are a neutral army and decide not to go to war. The IRB (now known as the IRA) are still an unofficial army of Ireland, using violence to rid their beloved country of British rule.
Posted By: stavka

Re: Mafia Books - 07/08/06 07:43 PM

Me thinks Peter C. you might have a bit of the Isle in you!?!

If so, "Brits Out!"
Posted By: Rocky

Re: Mafia Books - 07/21/06 02:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Turnbull:
I read "Five Families" several months ago, and I found it to be one of the most informative books on the Mob. Absolutely indespensible.
Raab covered the Mob for the NY Times for many years. He starts with a fairly short history of the Five Families that many here will be familiar with. His history doesn't add much. But he absolutely excels in his accounts of the families from about 1970 to the present. Those were the years that he covered the Mob, and his exhaustively detailed accounts for the first time helped me to follow and make sense of the endless machinations and personnel changes in the families. He also explains the workings of many of the multi-family rackets (like the "Cement Club" and the waterfront operations) that yielded billions. Raab also, for the first time, presents a cogent explanation of how the RICO Act and its wiretapping provisions work; and how law enforcement, after a long learning curve, used RICO so effectively.
A challenging but highly rewarding read.
If Turnbull recommends it ... it must be good. Thanks to everyone for all of the great suggestions/reviews on here. There is a lot of crap out there, so it is nice to be able to get opions of books from other like-minded people before wasting time reading them.
Posted By: Paul Krendler

Re: Mafia Books - 08/28/06 12:22 AM

I bought a book called The Mafia by Claire Sterling a few months ago expecting great things. I thought it would take the reader through a complete history of the Sicilian and American Mafia. It glossed over these details, but the author seemed more concerned with how many kilos of heroin and coke the Mob seemed to import and export.

Nothing about Albert Anastasia and his activities, or Meyer Lansky, Charlie Luciano, Vito Genovese ...just narcotics, narcotics, narcotics on every single page.

Don't get me wrong, Ms Sterling's research is impeccable but I have to say I wasn't gripped.

I sturggled through and finished it but it's not a book I will read again. I think I'll take some of the recommendations on this thread instead.
Posted By: Peter_Clemenza

Re: Mafia Books - 08/29/06 02:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by stavka:
Me thinks Peter C. you might have a bit of the Isle in you!?!

If so, "Brits Out!"
Tíocfaidh ár lá!
Posted By: stavka

Re: Mafia Books - 08/29/06 05:17 PM

Some day, some day
Posted By: Peter_Clemenza

Re: Mafia Books - 08/29/06 09:53 PM

Posted By: Peter_Clemenza

Re: Mafia Books - 08/29/06 09:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by stavka:
Some day, some day
Are you Irish, stavka?
Posted By: SC

Re: Mafia Books - 09/14/06 10:24 AM

I updated my home library list of mob-related books and wanted to share it here:

  • "Accardo: The Genuine Godfather" by William F. Roemer, Jr.
  • "American Mafia: A History of its Rise to Power" by Thomas Repetto
  • "Barboza" by Joe Barboza & Hank Messick
  • "Big Bankroll, The: The Life and Times of Arnold Rothstein" by Leo Katcher
  • "Boardwalk Jungle, The" by Ovid Demaris
  • "Brotherhood of Evil: The Mafia" by Frederic Sondern, Jr.
  • "Bummy Davis vs. Murder, Inc.: The Rise and Fall of the Jewish Mafia and an Ill-Fated Prizefighter" by Ron Rossi
  • "Capone" by John Kobler
  • "Coffey Files, The: One Cop’s War Against the Mob" by Joseph Coffey and Jerry Schmetterer
  • "Complete History of the Mafia, A" by Jo Durden Smith
  • "Crime Boss Killings: The Castellammare War" by Art Montague
  • "Crime Incorporated" by William Balsamo & George Corpozzi, Jr.
  • "Donnie Brasco" by Joseph D. Pistone
  • "Dutch Schultz Story, The" by Ted Addy
  • "Enforcer, The: Spilotro - The Chicago Mob’s Man Over Las Vegas" by William F. Roemer, Jr.
  • "Everything Mafia Book, The" by James Mannion
  • "Family History, A: The Sopranos" by Allen Rucker
  • "For the Sins of My Father" by Albert DeMeo
  • "Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather Trilogy" by Nick Browne
  • "Frank Costello" by Henry A. Zeiger
  • "Frank Costello: Prime Minister of the Underworld" by George Wolf
  • "Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight, The" by Jimmy Breslin
  • "Gang Wars" by Helena Katz
  • "Gangs & Gangsters" by Hank Messick & Burt Goldblatt
  • "Gangster" by Lorenzo Carcaterra
  • "Gangsters, The" by Timothy Jacobs
  • "Gangster City: The History of the New York Underworld 1900-1935" by Patrick Downey
  • "Gangsters and Hoodlums: The Underworld in the Cinema" by Ramond Lee & B.C. Van Hecke
  • "Gangsters: From Little Caesar to The Godfather" by John Gabree
  • "Godfather, The" by Mario Puzo
  • "Godfather Book, The" by Peter Cowie
  • "Godfather Companion, The" by Peter Biskind
  • "Godfather Journal, The" by Ira Zuckerman
  • "Godfather Legacy, The" by Harlan Lebo
  • "Godfather Legacy, The - Revised and Updated" by Harlan Lebo
  • "Godfather Movies, The: A Pictorial History" by Gerald Gardner & Harriet Modell Gardner
  • "Godfather Papers, The" by Mario Puzo
  • "Goodfella’s Guide to New York: Your Personal Tour" by Henry Hill
  • "Goombata" by John Cummings & Ernest Volkman
  • "Gospel According to Tony Soprano, The" by Chris Seay
  • "Honor Thy Father" by Gay Talese
  • "Idiot’s Guide to the Mafia, The" by Jerry Capeci
  • "Joey" by Donald Goddard
  • "Killers of Murder, Inc., The" by David Hanna
  • "Killing of Joey Gallo, The" by Harvey Aronson
  • "Last Don, The" by Mario Puzo
  • "Last Gangster, The" by George Anastasia
  • "Last Testament of Lucky Luciano, The" by Martin A. Gosch & Richard Hammer
  • "Legs Diamond" by Sam Curzon
  • "Little Man: Meyer Lansky and the Gangster Life" by Robert Lacey
  • "Luciano Project, The" by Rodney Campbell
  • "Luciano Story, The" by Sid Feder & Joachim Joesten
  • "Lucky Luciano: The Father of Organized Crime" by Cat Klerks
  • "Lucky Luciano Story, The" by Ovid Demaris
  • "Made Men" by Greg B. Smith
  • "Mafia!" by Fred J. Cook
  • "Mafia Dynasty: The Rise and Fall of the Gambino Crime Family" by John H. Davis
  • "Mafia Encyclopedia, The: From Accardo to Zwillman" by Carl Sifakis
  • "Mafia is Not an Equal Opportunity Employer, The" by Nicholas Gage
  • "Mafia Marriage" by Rosalie Bonanno
  • "Mafia U.S.A." by Nicholas Gage
  • "Man Who Invented Murder, Inc., The: Bugsy Siegel" by David Hanna
  • "Man of Honor, A" by Joseph Bonanno
  • "Meyer Lansky: The Shadowy Exploits" by Art Montague
  • "Mickey Cohen: Mobster" by Ed Reid
  • "Mob Star: The Story of John Gotti" by Gene Mustain & Jerry Capeci
  • "Mobs and the Mafia, The: Illustrated History of Organized Crime" by Hank Messick & Burt Goldblatt
  • "Mobsters and Gangsters: Organized Crime in America" Time-Life Books
  • "Most Evil Mobsters in History, The" by Lauren Carter
  • "Murder, Inc.: The Story of the Syndicate" by Burton Turkus & Sid Feder
  • "Murder Machine" by Gene Mustain & Jerry Capeci
  • "My Life in the Mafia" by Vincent Teresa
  • "On the Run: A Mafia Childhood" by Gregg and Gina Hill
  • "Overlook Film Encyclopedia - The Gangster Films" by Phil Hardy
  • "Pictorial History of the Mafia" by Don Maclean
  • "Playboy’s Illustrated History of Organized Crime' by Richard Hammer
  • "Raging Bull" by Jake LaMotta
  • "Revolt in the Mafia: How the Gallo Gang Split the New York Underworld" by Raymond V. Martin
  • "Rise and Fall of the Jewish Gangster in America, The" by Albert Fried
  • "Sicilian, The" by Mario Puzo
  • "Sixth Family, The" by Peter Diapoulos and Steven Linakis
  • "Sopranos: Selected Scripts From Three Seasons" by Warner Books
  • "Tao of Bada Bing, The: Words of Wisdom from the Sopranos" by HBO
  • "Tough Jews: Fathers, Sons and Gangster Dreams" by Rich Cohen
  • "Uncle Frank: The Biography of Frank Costello" by Leonard Katz
  • "Underboss" by Peter Maas
  • "Valachi Papers, The" by Peter Maas
  • "War of the Godfathers" by William F. Roemer, Jr.
  • "Way of the Wiseguy, The" by Joseph Pistone
  • "Westies: Inside the Hell’s Kitchen Irish Mob" by T. J. English
  • "When the Mob Ran Vegas" by Steve Fischer
  • "Wise Guy: Life in a Mafia Family" By Nicholas Pileggi
  • "Wiseguys Say the Darndest Things" By Jerry Capeci
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Mafia Books - 09/14/06 10:53 AM

Wow that's brilliant SC. Thanks for sharing.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Mafia Books - 09/14/06 01:15 PM

Anyone know if this one is worth reading?
Is it only about the mob, or does it feature all kinds of ethnic organized crime?

"Gangster City: The History of the New York Underworld 1900-1935" by Patrick Downey
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/06 10:58 AM

Man that is some collection i have aroung 15-20 mafia related books and i thought i had alot.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 10/19/06 10:14 PM

Has Any body read this booked,just ordered and was wondering what others think on this Book


The Mafia Killed the Presidant
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 12/12/06 02:39 AM

Thought that I would revive this topic from the old boards.

Has anyone read this book?



The inside story of the law's battle to remove the influence and corruption of organized crime from Sin City's streets and casinos.


In the 1970s and thru the mid-1980s, the Chicago Outfit was the dominant organized crime family in Las Vegas, with business interests in several casinos. During those years the Outfit and its colleagues in Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Cleveland were using Sin City as a cash cow. Commonly referred to as the “skim,” unreported revenue from Outfit-controlled casinos was making its way out of Vegas by the bag full and ending up in the coffers of the crime bosses in those four locations.

The skim involved large amounts of money. The operation had to be properly set up and well managed to ensure a smooth cash flow. To accomplish that goal, the gangsters brought in a front man with no criminal record to purchase several casinos. Allen R. Glick, doing business as the Argent Corporation (Allen R. Glick Enterprises) purchased the Stardust, Fremont, Hacienda, and Marina. They next installed Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal as their inside man, and the real boss of the casino operations. Rosenthal was a Chicago native and considered to be a genius when it came to oddsmaking and sports betting. Under Lefty’s supervision the casino count rooms were accessible to mob couriers.

But even with the competent Rosenthal in charge, there remained room for problems. What if an outsider tried to muscle in on the operation? Or just as bad, suppose one of their own decided to skim the skim? To guard against such possibilities the Chicago bosses decided to send someone to Vegas to give Rosenthal a hand should trouble arise. The successful applicant had to be a person with the kind of reputation that would deter interlopers from horning in, and make internal theft too risky to try. But the mob’s outside man had to be capable of action as well as threats. In other words, he had to be a man who would do whatever it took to protect the Outfit’s interests. So, in 1971, 33-year-old Tony Spilotro, considered by many to be the “ultimate enforcer,” was sent to the burgeoning gambling and entertainment oasis in the desert. Spilotro, sometimes called “tough Tony,” or “the Ant,” was a made man of the Outfit and a childhood friend of Rosenthal. He was known as a man who could be counted on to get the job done.

Being an ambitious sort, Tony quickly recognized that there were other criminal opportunities in his new hometown besides skimming from the casinos. Street crimes ranging from loan sharking to burglary, robbery, and fencing stolen property were all in play. It wasn’t very long before Tony had his hands into every one of these areas. As the scope of his criminal endeavors grew, Tony brought in other heavies from Chicago to fill out his gang. The five-foot-six-inch gangster was soon being called the “King of the Strip.”

Federal and local law enforcement recognized the need to rid the casinos of the hidden ownership and control of the mob, and shut down Spilotro’s street rackets. They declared war on organized crime and the battle was on. It was a hard fight, with plenty of tough guys on both sides. But it was a confrontation the law knew it had to win.


The Battle for Las Vegas relates the story of that conflict, told in large part by the agents and detectives who lived it.



Don Cardi
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Mafia Books - 12/25/06 07:43 PM

I've recently seen a translated book, "Cose di cosa nostra" by Falcone. did anybody read it?
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Mafia Books - 12/31/06 10:44 AM

The one written together with Marcelle Padovani?

I've that book in my collection. It's a very nice book. It contains a lot of info about Falcone himself and how he did his work. Maybe it's to difficult to understand the book if you don't know all the names/situations in Sicily at that time, but than still it's a good read.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 01/01/07 12:24 AM

Has anybody read either of the new "mafia cops" books ?
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 01/10/07 02:04 AM

Has anyone read this book?

But He Was Good to His Mother : The Lives and Crimes of Jewish Gangsters
by Robert A. Rockaway




Don Cardi
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 02/03/07 05:30 PM

"The Brotherhoods," by Guy Lawson and William Oldham

This fairly new book is nominally about Steven Caracappa and Louis Eppolito, the two NYC detectives who were recently convicted of giving secret info and doing hits for Anthony (Gaspipe) Casso, the Luchese underboss who turned rat. I say "nominally" because it's mostly about the Mob. There lies the book's weakness and strength. On the one hand, it's almost obsessively detailed--tedious at times. No nuance of Mob life, or of someone's background, escapes author Lawson, an investigative journalist, or misses comment from Oldham, a former NYC detective turned Federal investigator who ultimately nailed the two cops. On the other hand, if you can bear with the details, you get some fascinating, in-depth stories about Mob guys and their activities, especially Casso, Little Vic Amuso and a bunch of others whose names are familiar.

Caracappa rose to become Detective First Class and head of the NYPD's organized crime unit. Eppolito, a former bodybuilder gone to fat (he was seen briefly as "Fat Andy," one of the guys Henry Hill introduced near the beginning of "Goodfellas"), was his partner. Caracappa, slim and silent, was the diametric opposite of Eppolito, whose bragging extended to writing a book, "Mafia Cop," about his family's Mob connections. Both of them literally got away with murder during the NYPD's most corrupt periods. Despite being investigated numerous times, they were never indicted or even suspended, and got more than $350k from the Mob before retiring to Vegas.

But by far the most fascinating character in the book is Burton (Downtown Burt) Kaplan, a crooked businessman and fixer who was the intermediary twixt Casso and the cops. Kaplan, a multitalented entrepreneur (jewelry, clothing, refrigeration) could have been and sometimes was a successful legitimate businessman. But he was also a degenerate gambler and serial, can't-stay-away-from-it criminal: pot, stolen securities, anything to make a quick, illegitimate buck. Despite innumerable arrests and even more numerous breaks from the law, he couldn't stay away from the criminal life. His antics eventually led him to ask for help from Christy Tick Furnari, a high-up Luchese, and to his eventual assignment to Casso. Together, they made zillions. Ironically, Casso turned rat, but his pathological lying and bad behavior in prison led the Feds to void their deal with him. Kaplan never ratted.

This is a good read if you're dedicated to Mob stuff and can stay with it.
Posted By: Mr_Nick

Re: Mafia Books - 02/16/07 02:56 AM

I've noticed there's not much info on Aniello Dellacroce. I've read Mobstar, Five Families and Underboss, and each book touches on him a little but, but nothing major. Is that because there is actually not much know about Neil or what? Obviously just about every book will mention him a little, but is there any book out there that has a good bulk of info on him?
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 02/20/07 06:30 PM

Not much at all. I've done extensive searches looking for information about him, and basically came up empty. And as you pointed out most books just touch on him and do not go into his background at all.

A very interesting mobster that I would love to find out more information about.


Don Cardi
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 02/20/07 07:03 PM

"Mr. Neil" got some coverage in "Boss of Bosses" and "Murder Machine," but as you and DC observed, he really hasn't gotten the attention a figure of his stature deserves. Perhaps it's because he spent five critical years in prison on a tax rap, which probably caused Gambino to pass him over in favor of Castellano (the fact that Castellano was his cousin and brother in law didn't hurt Big Paul either). Maybe, too, it's because he was ill with brain cancer for quite a while. About all you get in most books was that he was Gotti's mentor and protector.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 02/20/07 07:16 PM

Had John Gotti not been so high profile, we'd really know next to nothing about Dellacroce, which is just the way he would have wanted it.

Much is unknown about the soldiers and capos of that era, because publicity was just unheard of in those days.

Other than reading about who the actual bosses were, the general public knew nothing about "the life" in those days.

Unless someone like a Jerry Capeci or a Selwyn Raab were to take on a project that actually focused on Dellacroce, we're not likely to find out anything new about him.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 03/08/07 10:27 PM

Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Unless someone like a Jerry Capeci or a Selwyn Raab were to take on a project that actually focused on Dellacroce, we're not likely to find out anything new about him.

I wish they would. It'd be a very interesting read.
Posted By: Unclelooney

Re: Mafia Books - 03/09/07 06:36 PM

Minnesota Rag

Government Corruption-The (mostly) Jewish syndicate of Minneapolis. Bigoted publishers( one soon to be murdered) of scandal sheets and the Chicago Tribune.


Stopping The Presses-The Murder Of Walter Liggett

Another tale of Murder and corruption in Minnesota.
Written by The daughter of Walter Liggett.
She witnessed her Fathers death.




The soon to be deceased Walter Liggett on trial (framed) for statutory rape. Note the shiner. He'd recently been beaten by members of the "Minneapolis Combination".




Journalist Walter Liggett

Gunned down in front of his wife and daughter in the alley behind their apt.

18th St and Park ave S. Minneapolis 1934.















Posted By: Unclelooney

Re: Mafia Books - 03/09/07 06:53 PM

John Dillinger Slept Here.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 05/09/07 01:43 PM

"TAKEDOWN - THE FALL OF THE LAST MAFIA EMPIRE"by Rick Cowan and Douglas Century.

This covers the three-year undercover effort by Cowan, a NYC detective, to infiltrate and bring down the Mafia's garbage collection and recycling cartel. The waste racket was one of the Mob's biggest most profitable and seemingly invulnerable enterprises. Yet Cowan, to hear him tell it, brought it down almost singlehandedly. His entry point was Sal Benedetto, the law abiding chief of a legit hauling and recycling company being pressured by the Mob to join one of their "associations." Sal allowed Cowan to pose as a Benedetto cousin joining the business, and managed to ingratiate himself into inner Mob circles as they attempted to recruit him.

For almost three years, Cowan stalled, conned and stonewalled various Mob thugs and associates who pressured him to join. We get a detailed look at how the rackets worked (mainly by bid-rigging, intimidation, and extorting new members to pay off existing members for "stops" they "stole" before joining). This stuff soon exhausts itself. Thereafter, Cowan simply recreates just about every conversation he had with every Mob guy or associate (all of whom sound alike with their "youses" and "dees and doze"), as well as detailed descriptions of what they wore and ate. There's precious little action or drama--and a surprising lack of violence or even overt threats. In the one violent act recounted, a Benedetto driver is beaten and nearly killed by Mob thugs without intervention by Cowan or his backup--the assailants aren't even arrested or charged. In fact, there's no dramatic denouement as in "Donnie Brasco": Cowan gets his last secretly taped incriminating tidbit from a conversation with a Mob guy, and he's pulled off the case while indictments are prepared and handed down. This book manages the considerable task of taking an inherently interesting subject and making it tedious.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 06/24/07 12:57 PM

Brought this book yesterday.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 06/24/07 02:56 PM

Looks interesting. Please post a review when you're ready.
Posted By: Don_Traviceo

Re: Mafia Books - 06/26/07 05:10 AM

Hi everybody, this is my first post.
Iv read five families, donnie brasco and the iceman not to mention most of mario puzos books and was wondering what other mafia book people here would recommend me reading.
Posted By: whisper

Re: Mafia Books - 06/26/07 06:37 AM

This is not really a mafia book per se but read the Mark Brandon "chopper" Read books.He was a standover man who was at war with Mafia families in Melbourne,The first book is an international best seller.
Posted By: Don_Traviceo

Re: Mafia Books - 06/26/07 07:33 AM

yeah im familiar with chopper, iv read bits and pieces of his second book and it was fairly good but im looking for something more to do with the mafia in ny. thanks anyway though
Posted By: whisper

Re: Mafia Books - 06/26/07 07:37 AM

No worries.Read his first Book though.You would love that.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 06/26/07 11:24 AM

The Outfit by Gus Russo its not about the ny mob like you asked for but the chicago outfit it is an excellent book detailing well over a hundred years of the chicago outfit a really good read,once i got two pages into the book i couldnt put it down.

http://www.amazon.com/Outfit-Gus-Russo/dp/1582342792
Hope this helps
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 07/02/07 09:39 PM

 Originally Posted By: Turnbull
Looks interesting. Please post a review when you're ready.


Well i finished this book and its worth the read,you probley know most of the stuff in there but its worth a flick.

Explains the lives of many Top Boss's,traditions,worldwide spread of the "mafia" and my particular fav part is how they helped the allies in WWII.

Its worth the read..
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 07/02/07 09:47 PM

Just about to start this book.Looks like a decent read..

Tim Newark 2007-The Mafia At War.Allied Collusion With The Mob


Does anybody know who the two on the left is.And is that Winston Churchill with a tommy gun.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 07/05/07 10:50 PM

Thanks for posting the review, DeNiro. And in the photo, you're seeing FDR, Meyer Lansky, Charlie Luciano and yes, Winston Churchill with the Thompson. That's a real photo. Churchill famously posed with a Thompson before WWII, when he was between political offices.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 07/05/07 11:04 PM

KING OF THE GODFATHERS by Anthony M. DeStefano.

This biography of Joe Massino's reign over the Bonanno Family is a rarity among Mob books--it's well written, meticulously researched, and avoids the lurid, tabloid prose that infects most Mafia bios. It's a bit short on the details of Massino's early life and his entry into the Bonanno Family. But once he got in, he rose through a combination of good judgment, good luck and (initially) restraint. Massino had a knack for choosing the right sides and rackets. He apparently avoided the drug-trafficking that was so rampant in the Bonannos, and the Sicilians ("Zips") who were pushing it. When he made captain, he stayed loyal to boss Philip (Rusty) Rastelli, and allied himself with Dominick (Sonny Black) Napolitano against three rival captains who were plotting to unseat him. Then, after the Donnie Brasco revelations, he moved against Sonny Black. Then he eliminated Cesare Bonventre, leader of the Zips. Then he was alone at the top. Massino also avoided arrest until he was about 40 years old--pretty good for a full-time gangster. Once he became Don, the temptations of excess, combined with rampant disloyalty, undid him. Almost all his close campari, starting with brother in law "Good Looking Sal" Vitale, turned rat. Facing a death sentence after two convictions, Massino himself turned rat. He was forced to turn over $10 million in assets--more than $7m in cash. He now lives by himself in a federal prison.
Lest you think he was a pretty "smart" Don, consider this "Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight" stuff:
--Early on, he and a buddy planned to rob the Shah of Iran's sister of several million in jewels. They bluffed their way into her NYC residence by lugging an empty box and claiming they were delivering a TV. The security guard let them in. Then Massino's accomplice pulled a gun and shouted, "Hands up." Problem was, he pulled the trigger, too--wounding the guard, whose cries forced them to drop the box and leave empty-handed.
--He and Sonny Black brought off the massacre of the three rival captains successfully. But then Massino, anxious to show comradeship with the Gambinos and his pal John Gotti, farmed out the burial to two Gambino dunces (one of whom was Gotti's brother Gene). The dimwits buried one of the victims, Alfonse (Sonny Red) Indelicato, with his hand sticking out of the ground. Instead of disappearing forever, he was found in less than a week, setting in motion the entire chain of investigations and prosecutions that led to Massino's downfall.
--Sensing that indictments would be coming down on him, Massino asked an associate if he could hide out in his father's place in the Poconos. The father agreed. Massino hid out successfully. But then this mighty and wealthy Mafia Don shoplifted a bottle of aspirin and was caught. He used his fake name, Joe Russo, and was actually let go by the police. To paraphrase Forrest Gump, "Stupid is as stupid does."

Many thanks to PB for tipping me to this excellent book, which I highly recommend. \:\)
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 07/06/07 01:57 PM

I'm so glad you enjoyed it TB.

It was so refreshing to read about the Bonanno family of the 1970's, from a point of view OTHER than Pistone's or Bill Bonanno's, wasn't it?

Anyway, when I saw that Jerry Capeci gave it a blurb as the "best and final word on the matter of the Bonanno family," I knew it would be top notch (Capeci NEVER praises the writings of his contemporaries).

Footnote- This book was originally published as THE LAST GODFATHER, in hardcover. It's been re-issued in paperback as KING OF THE GODFATHERS to avoid confusion with a terrible book of the same name.
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Mafia Books - 07/06/07 05:32 PM

Since I gave up on The Godfather's Revenge (Awful, Awful Awful ), I guess I'll purchase King of the Godfathers.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 07/07/07 08:31 AM

ive ordered this now thanks tb and pb sounds great cant wait to get in to it
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 07/24/07 05:24 PM

I have just started reading the last gangster by George Anastasia about the philly mob im only a chapter in so i cant really make a coment but its not bad so far has anybody else read this?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 07/24/07 05:28 PM

I've read it and enjoyed it a great deal. George Anastasia is kind of like the Jerry Capeci of the Philly mob.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 07/24/07 05:31 PM

im glad you have said that pb its very in depth already which is a good sign for me
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 07/30/07 07:09 PM

THE BROTHERS BULGER by Howie Carr

Despite occasional lapses into tabloid prose, this is a pretty competent bio of the two brothers: Billy, a Massachusetts politician who became President of the State Senate and one of the most powerful politicos in the state; and older brother Whitey, the notorious mob leader.
Billy, called "the corrupt midget" by his foes, probably wasn't more corrupt than the average Mass. state rep (which is to say, pretty corrupt). Apparently his lust for power didn't leave him a lot of time for stealing. Except for having to return some money he made on a weird real estate deal, Billy was content to profit from steering state business to his law firm, accepting junkets, etc. After leaving public office, he was appointed president of UMass, which he treated as an extension of the State House--patronage, padded payrolls, etc. He was finally forced out after various investigations, but about the only charge that stuck was lying about not having a phone conversation with his brother. Before he left UMass, Billy managed to vastly jack up his pension, termination allowance, etc. A regular good old boy. His is an interesting political story, but not out of the ordinary by Mass. standards.

Whitey got to the top of the Boston crime heap by being less stupid and more ruthless than his Mafia counterparts. He also cultivated several spectacularly corrupt FBI agents. In return for feeding them tidbits of info about other criminals, the agents protected Whitey's rackets, tipped him to investigations and potential rat-outs, and may have killed for him. Later he simply paid them off, and got more favors. Eventually, Whitey's FBI connection enabled him to eliminate all opposition by having the taxpayers, in the persons of his FBI pals, kill or arrest them. Brother Billy's political influence helped the FBI guys to get high-paid jobs at Boston Edison when they left the Bureau.

But, other than pulling a few strings for Whitey when he was (infrequently) jailed, Billy was smart enough to keep arms-length from his notorious brother. He tut-tutted and blarneyed away questions about their filial connection, but it never seriously hurt him.

Tipped off by the FBI and others, Whitey took it on the lam in the 90's and hasn't surfaced since. He stashed away plenty of money, and apparently is living well. Billy is fat, happy and retired on those overblown pensions and perks. I still believe crime doesn't pay, but "The Brothers Bulger" is stressing my convictions.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 08/07/07 11:28 AM

Just started reading this.Probley the most important mafia book of its day.

Posted By: Eddie_The_Cag

Re: Mafia Books - 08/08/07 07:14 AM

This is my first-ever post... and I am honored and grateful that you have invited me to your daughter's wedding-- I mean, to this bulletin board service-- and I hope your first child is a masculine child.

However, since I can't guarantee the gender of your offspring, a few book reviews will have to do as my first, respectful offering...

Here are a few titles that I haven't seen mentioned yet.

Joe Dogs: The Life & Crimes of a Mobster by Joseph Iannuzzi

The author of this book was a Florida-based associate of the NYC Gambino Family who ultimately turned against that organization and testified against its members in Federal Court. His main point of connection with the Gambinos came in the form of a button man named Tommy Agro, who was apparently a rather vicious gangland specimen indeed. However, it's interesting to note that Iannuzzi also cruised and schmoozed with others, up to and including even the famous Joe N. Gallo-- much to Joe's ultimate regret...

This book makes for an interesting read, as it provides one with a perspective that is more akin to that of the street soldier who deals with violence frequently and directly than the lofty administrator, who is more likely to be found scheming than actually pulling triggers, swinging baseball bats, or wielding spluttering chainsaws.

The scenarios depicted by Joe Dogs are frequently gritty, nasty, and violent, and so this book is necessarily more sensational than scholarly insofar as its literary formula is concerned.

It's hard to say how great a fountain of truth and veracity Mr. Iannuzzi may or may not have been, or how accurate his biography might be. Ultimately, I would suspect that he probably lies just about as much as any other gangster would-- meaning that he lies a lot. Caveat emptor!

My Life in the Mafia by Vincent Charles Teresa

This book, once trumpeted as being the most insightful written account of the doings of traditional North American organized crime families, was ultimately doomed to be exposed as being more well-stocked with baloney than a corner delicatessen. However, it's still worth reading (despite the proven embellishments of its motor-mouthed author), as there are all kinds of more verifiable tidbits to be found here and there-- some of which include major players such as Raymond Patriarca and Carmine Galante.

Vinnie Teresa, like Joe Valachi before him and the dozens who followed him, became a government witness deluxe. At one point, he even gave sworn deposition to a congressional committee, which, to everyone's delight, he regaled with all sorts of unlikely stories that included accounts of such shenanigans as his use of piranha fish to stimulate reluctant loan shark debtors to cough up the vig. But again, much of what he had to say was ultimately questionable. Not that the feds balked all that much at the time...

Vinnie has also managed to stay in the Witness Protection Program-- a thing that Joe Dogs can't claim to have accomplished.

All in all, this is an okay read, especially if you're interested in the guys and their games as were to be found in New England about thirty years ago.

Sam the Plumber by Henry A. Ziegler

This is a very interesting book even though it is not as juicy as the two titles above. Essentially, it consists of bits and pieces of transcripts that reproduced the conversations recorded between Sam DeCavalcante and various minions of his eponymous family, which are presented alongside filler material provided by the author. This filler material purports to explain just what Sam and those crazy boys from Jersey were actually talking about at the time-- and I think the author did a pretty good job of it, all things considered.

This book made me squirm as I read it, not that there's anything by way of explicit blood and guts to be found within its pages. Instead, I found myself feeling uncomfortable at times to see poor Sam expose his true, somewhat callow and egregious nature, to something as harsh, heartless, and unforgiving as a an aggravatingly well-planted FBI bug. You just can't help but feel sorry for this hapless paisan, Sam the Plumber.

As the book winds on, we find that this minor don is something of an emotional whirlwind. He is by turns grandiose or humble, ecstatic or depressed, commanding or overwhelmed. But I'll give the guy this much: he was indeed true to the code and creed of his corrupt way of life.

Although it's fun to see Sam cavorting at times-- once having two different women on two different phone lines, and switching back and forth between them to tell them how much he loved them and how special they were-- the most important sections of the book deal with Sam's liaison with the Really Big Boys of the National Commission, a group that Sam is clearly overawed by.

Sam ends up serving as a would-be intermediary to the crafty Joe Bonanno during the infamous Banana War, and it's very interesting to watch the gyrations that ensue as Sam even tries to subvert an undecided Bonanno solider into abandoning his loyalty to his boss, Joe Bananas.

Therefore, this book will probably appeal to those of you who have already read and enjoyed Joe's autobiography, A Man of Honor, and are already acquainted with Joe's haughty and disdainful attitude towards Sam and the way that Joe fumed at even the idea of talking seriously with such small fry.

By reading this book, we get a whiff of Sam's take on the whole business of being the message boy of his gods in the city. In keeping with his moody comportment, Sam is by turns fairly glowing with pride or he is burdened by the great responsibility of it all. And most of the time, one can tell that he's also scared silly. But then, I'd have been scared too!

I do recommend that people interested in the Banana War read this one. It's solid gold.

and finally we have:

Mafia Kingfish by John H. Davis

This book was mainly written to try and "prove" that Carlos Marcello-- the Big Daddy in the Big Easy-- was up to his quivering jowls in the assassination of JFK. To this end, the author does an acceptable job, although I am not willing to sit here and write that I believe all of his theories are correct. However, it does make for an interesting read, especially if one is given to speculation concerning the apparent conspiracy that killed the president. But to this reviewer, the background provided by Mr. Davis as to the origins and makeup of the New Orleans family-- said to be the first mafia family in the United States-- is the most fascinating material in the book.

Carlos Marcello was easily one of the most interesting of the great dons of yesteryear, and the near-flamboyance of both Carlos and the organization he heads comes across loud and clear. It's strange to say that the NOLA mob had attributes that fairly mirrored the environment from which they sprang: exotic New Orleans. But there you have it.

This becomes especially apparent when one takes stock in just how much de boys seem to enjoy talking about food!

This book is also interesting in that we get to see what sort of connections Carlos had with his counterparts in the Big Apple-- especially Frank Costello-- and also as we come to find that while Carlos was probably one of the most autonomous bosses in the United States, he was still sometimes subject to the influence of the national commission. An account of the famous raid at the La Stella restaurant in 1966 is provided to this end, and it makes good reading in itself.

Frankly, I wish Mr. Davis had decided to write a more general sort of book about the wily Uncle Carlos, and to have refrained from trying to tie the old boy to every sensational political murder of the 1960's this side of Rafael Trujillo. But because the style of the writing is so coherent-- and as free of sensational influences as a document of this nature could hope to be-- I do recommend it.

And that's it for now, goombata... see you in church!
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 08/09/07 01:19 AM

Welcome, Eddie! I enjoyed your reviews. Hope you'll post more reviews, and post on the other boards. ;\)
Posted By: SC

Re: Mafia Books - 08/09/07 01:31 AM

Great first post, Eddie! I echo Turnbull's welcome to you.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 08/10/07 07:08 PM

Finally finished "FIVE FAMILIES" by Selwyn Raab!
Took me a little while but it was worth it. I found this book to be excellent. Mr. Raab knows his stuff but i have seen him on Mafia shows before so i already knew that before i bought the book!
Although some parts of the book cover famaliar ground i particularly enjoyed his accounts about GasPipe Casso's reign and Joe Massino's rise and downfall!
Anybody who has'nt read this?
Buy it yesterday \:\)
Brilliant!
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 08/10/07 07:37 PM

I read this also,a great book isn't it,so much information and well written.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 08/10/07 07:41 PM

The best-ever Mob book. A must!
Posted By: Zaf-the-don

Re: Mafia Books - 08/10/07 08:33 PM

Hopefully its there at Waterstones, I'm going to go tommorrow and get it.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 08/10/07 08:55 PM

Its in the nottingham store im always in there looking for new true crime books on the mafia..
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 08/10/07 08:59 PM

I intend on buying this book in the next few weeks. Book about the infamous hitman."Ice man"

Posted By: whisper

Re: Mafia Books - 08/10/07 09:07 PM

hahaha...I' always,these days,too drunk to talk,or even spell correctly.
Posted By: whisper

Re: Mafia Books - 08/10/07 09:07 PM

I meant too drunk to read.

hahaha pissy!!!!
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 08/11/07 11:40 AM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
I intend on buying this book in the next few weeks. Book about the infamous hitman."Ice man"


I have just bought this one De Niro!
Cost me a tenner in Waterstones...for a paperback?? \:\/
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 08/11/07 11:47 AM

Cool,let me know how it is won't you..
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 08/12/07 08:39 AM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Cool,let me know how it is won't you..

Will do mate
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 08/20/07 08:09 AM

i have just ordered this book, Cullotta (The Life of a Chicago Criminal, Las Vegas Mobster and Government Witness) by Dennis Griffin and Frank Cullotta sounds like a pretty good book to me ill let you know what it was like.

Has anybody else read this? if so what are your thoughts?
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 08/20/07 03:58 PM

NIAGARA FALLS — A book that showcases the exploits of criminals like the late mob boss Stefano Magaddino and killer William Shrubsall might not be everyone’s idea of the best way to interest tourists in Niagara Falls.

But the authors of “Niagara Falls Confidential: Murder, Mayhem and Madness in the Honeymoon Capital of the World” think visitors will enjoy it.

“We went for the kind of stories that you won’t find in any other history book about Niagara Falls,” said Mike Hudson, who wrote the book with his wife, Rebecca Hudson.

“There’s a big feeling in the Falls that stories like this will discourage tourism. I disagree. I think people who visit a new city like to read about things like this. I think people who live in the Falls will be interested, too.”

According to Hudson, Niagara Falls has a disturbingly rich history of crime and corruption.

Among the characters whose stories are detailed in the 120-page book:

• Magaddino, who died in 1974, by far the most powerful Mafia boss ever to operate in Western New York.

• Shrubsall, an honor student who bludgeoned his mother to death with a baseball bat in 1988 and later faked suicide and fled to Canada to avoid prosecution for rape.

• “Big Ed” Delahanty, a hard-drinking major league baseball star who went over the Horseshoe Falls and died in 1903.

• James A. “Jimmy” LiBrize, a colorful attorney whose gruesome 1969 murder remains a mystery.

• Frederick E. Toy, an Army sergeant from Niagara Falls who was decorated in 1891 for taking part in the massacre of an estimated 300 Indians at Wounded Knee, S.D.

The book, published by a small new company called Tuscarora Books, went on sale Friday for $19.95.

A Niagara Falls tourism official said she isn’t exactly thrilled about the book but isn’t upset about it, either.

“It’s not what we would focus on,” said Kate Scaglione, director of marketing and communication for the Niagara Tourism & Convention Corp. “We’d rather focus on tamer things, like our city having the oldest state park in the United States, the Maid of the Mist being the oldest tourist attraction in North America, and Niagara Falls being the northernmost stop on the Underground Railroad.

“But there are odd little tidbits that have happened over the years, and I can see people having some interest. It’s part of the folklore, like Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio coming here.”

Hudson, 51, editor of the Niagara Falls Reporter weekly newspaper, is no stranger to the concept of stirring things up. In the 1970s, he toured nationally and recorded as the lead singer of the Pagans, a punk rock band.

He later became a writer, starting the Reporter in 2000 with publisher Bruce Battaglia. The newspaper has battled publicly with politicians — notably Mayor Vince Anello — and Hudson said he was once beaten up by a group of Laborers Local 91 supporters after writing a series of articles that criticized the union.

He and Battaglia hope to publish at least nine other books, including some about local sports and one detailing decades of corruption involving Laborers Local 91

Could be a great book
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Mafia Books - 08/20/07 10:52 PM

Picked this up at Barnes & Noble while I was in California:

Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 09/02/07 01:46 AM

The Case Against Lucky Luciano: New York's Most Sensational Vice Trial ,by Ellen Poulsen

I read this book after it was mentioned several times on this board (thank you, PB and others).
Most people who are familiar with Charlie Luciano's life know that his conviction and 30-50 year sentence for "compulsory prostitution" (Mann Act, so-called "White Slavery") was a trumped-up deal, managed by DA Tom Dewey (later Governor of New York, later twice GOP Presidential candidate) to get Luciano personally. Ellen Poulsen goes over the case in a rather selective way that adds little new to that conclusion.

More than a third of the book is given over to a description of how the prostitution rackets worked in NYC in the Thirties, It was a vicious but tidily run industry, in which madams paid "bookers" (not pimps, but employment jobbers) to have whores assigned to them. The bookers and madams paid "bondsmen"--busted lawyers and bail bondsmen who corrupted cops and magistrates. If a paid-up madam was raided, the bondsmen would get her and her girls out of jail, or the charges dropped. If they didn't pay, they'd have the charges pumped up and rigged against them. Non-payers also were beaten and abused. The hookers paid most: at a time when the Depression dropped the price per trick to $3 or even $2 a throw, the girls seldom kept more than $1 per john.

It was a big racket, but its operation was too diffused to allow anyone to really run it--the accusation against Luciano. While he undoubtedly profited from prostitution, he was scarcely the "kingpin" that Dewey made him out to be. The testimony against him was offered by drug-addicted hookers and other lowlifes who'd make the witnesses against Gotti look like daily communicants. Quite a few recanted their testimony after the trial. The trial record showed tenuous connections and a lot of hearsay evidence--"my booker said he heard Charlie say that he was going to reduce all madams to employees"--that kind of stuff. Nonetheless, the jury was out for only five hours before convicting Luciano and all his co-defendants.

Poulsen never takes a stand on the "justice" or "injustice" of Dewey's proceedings against Luciano--she just presents selected parts of the testimony, along with selected parts of various characters' bio, in a manner that's so matter-of fact as to be boring at times--an unusual accomplishment given the sensational nature of the case. That piecework approach left me unsatisfied. While she outlined Luciano's life and part of his career, she never invoked the broader context. For example, while describing the bare bones of the assassinations of the "Moustache Petes" Masseria and Maranzano, which Luciano organized with Meyer Lansky's help, she never tells us about the Castellemmarese War--the biggest event in 20th Century US Mob history--or the Commission that resulted.
Not a great read.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/07 11:23 AM

The Outfit-Gus Rosso



Just brought this and will be reading soon.Hope its good.Ive heard many good things about this..
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/07 11:30 AM

excellent mate you will enjoy this book for me this is the best mob book i have ever read let me know what you think mate
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/07 11:34 AM

Really,I normally only read aboout New York and Italian Mafia.Have you read the Five Families..
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/07 11:38 AM

Not yet i have heard its good though, when i first statred reading about the mafia it was always about chicago and that how i got in to it i definetly know more about the outfit than any about any of the NY Crime Families
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/07 11:40 AM

Im vice virsa..
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/07 11:41 AM

im sure you will find it interesting Gus Russo definetly knows his stuff, have you read double cross by Chuck Giancana?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/07 12:57 PM

Nope sorry,i haven't
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/07 09:25 PM

well once you have read the outfit if your interested your more than welcome to have it off me
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/07 09:41 PM

That will do cool,probley be a while has i have so many books to read at the moment..
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/07 09:43 PM

no probs ive just finished reading ice man that was excellent turned my stomach a few times but a great read, jesus what a vicious bastard although ive got to give him credit he was extremelly smart well until he got caught
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/07 10:04 PM

Thats next on my list for sure...
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/07 10:19 PM

I was extremely disappointed in THE CASE AGAINST LUCKY LUCIANO by Ellen Poulson, for many of the same reasons that TB mentioned. Being that Selwyn Raab (FIVE FAMILIES) gave it a ringing endorsement, I thought it would have been that much better.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 09/07/07 09:49 AM

i have just finished reading a book called MAFIA the complete history of a criminal underworld,to be honest when i first bought it i didnt expect anything special from the book but after reading it i recommend it to anybody interested in the sicillian mafia this book provides an in depth look at the sicillian mafia with also references to the american mafia when involved with there sicillian counterparts.excellent book
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/08/07 09:37 AM

Just brought this today.



Hope its good
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 09/08/07 01:57 PM

Excellent book DeNiro!

It's one of the best mob related books I've read all year. TB shares my opinion, as well. I think you'll love it!
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/08/07 05:58 PM

Cool,ill let you know my views when i finish
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 09/08/07 06:31 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Excellent book DeNiro!

It's one of the best mob related books I've read all year. TB shares my opinion, as well. I think you'll love it!


Yes, indeed--excellent book!
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/08/07 06:57 PM

Thanks Guys..
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/12/07 11:54 AM

I was wondering if there was books avaliable on each of the five familes in New York.(not including Five familes Book).

I have books on the Gambino and Bonnono Family.

Is there seperate books for- Genovese/Colombo/Luccashe.

Any help you be great.. \:\)
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/15/07 11:28 AM

Just brought this .

Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/07 11:03 AM

Just brought this also.Looking forward to this one.

Posted By: SC

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/07 11:39 AM

The two books pictured above are pretty good.

Check out another thread (that I think Turi started some time ago) here recommending Mob books (I'm too lazy to dig up a link now).

EDIT: Never mind... THIS is the thread.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/07 11:55 AM

 Originally Posted By: SC



EDIT: Never mind... THIS is the thread.



edit reason : senility



\:p
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/07 05:55 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Just brought this also.Looking forward to this one.



Pretty good book DeNiro. If Costello interest you (he fascinates me) you may want to check out UNCLE FRANK by Leonard Katz.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/07 06:20 PM

PB: Of the two Costello books, which would you recommend?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/07 06:24 PM

Honestly TB, I'd go with UNCLE FRANK. I thought George Wolf white-washed his account, due to his his close friendship with Costello. It was still entertaining, though.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/07 07:10 PM

I was wondering if there was books avaliable on each of the five familes in New York.(not including Five familes Book).

I have books on the Gambino and Bonnono Family.

Is there seperate books for- Genovese/Colombo/Luccashe.

Any help you be great..
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/07 07:24 PM

Not a "history of," type of book, DeNiro. None that I can think of, anyway. However, ther are some notable books that cover certain eras.

For the Lucchese family, you might pick up THE BOYS FROM NEW JERSEY by Robert Rudolph and/or GANGBUSTERS by Ernest Volkman.

They both concentrate on the 70's and 80's.

THE BOYS FROM NEW JERSEY was the basis for the film FIND ME GUILTY.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/07 08:02 PM

Cool PB thanks alot..
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/07 09:14 PM


Mafia Book "wishlist"

Accardo:The Genuine Godfather by William F Roemer

The Big Bankroll:The life and times of Arnold Rothstein by Leo Katcher

Crime Boss Killing: The castellammare war by Art Montague

The Dutch Schultz Story by Ted Addy

Gangster City: The history of the underworld 1900-35 by patrick Downey

The Last Testament Of Lucky Luciano by Martin A Gosch & Richard Hammer

The Man Who Invented Murder Inc:Bugsy Siegel by David Hanna

Murder Inc; The Story of the syndicate by Burton turkas & Sid Feder

Revolt in the Mafia- Raymond V Martin

Uncle frank by leonard katz

Westies by TJ English
Posted By: SC

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/07 09:15 PM

You can find a few books on Crazy Joey Gallo.... they have some good info on the Profaci Family (now known as Colombo). Three that come to mind (and are in my own library) are:

"Joey" by Donald Goddard
"The Killing of Joey Gallo" by Harvey Aronson
"The Sixth Family" by Peter Diapoulos & Steven Linakis

The Genoveses (especially) are covered best in "The Valachi Papers" by Peter Maas. Their early years are covered in books about Lucky Luciano (of which there are many).

The Lucchese Family was the basis for "Wiseguy" by Nicholas Pileggi (and became "Goodfellas" on the silver screen).
Posted By: SC

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/07 09:19 PM

I have all of those books on your wishlist... you can find many of them online as "used" and save yourself some money doing that. Barnes & Noble and Abebooks both have excellent used book connections.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/07 09:36 PM

I actully had a good look at your list that you posted last year sometime,and got them from there.Thank you hope you don't mind..

ive really gotten into reading about the Luciano era 1930-50s,how they formed and worked etc.Fascinating and brutal men at the same time.

Thank for the info SC ;\)
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/07 10:14 PM

Thanks, PB--I'll check out the Katz book.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 09/18/07 02:00 PM

Paperback Alert

THE BROTHERHOODS, by Guy Lawson and William Oldham, has just been released in paperback, and is available wherever books are sold. It's touted as the better of the two "Mafia Cops" books.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 09/20/07 08:14 AM

Has anybody read Mickey Cohens book? if so is it good?
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 09/20/07 08:24 AM

David Flusfeder reviews The Havana Mob: Gangsters, Gamblers, Showgirls and Revolutionaries in 1950s Cuba by T J English

One of the great pleasures in reading any chronicle of the Mafia is the rough street poetry of the names. In the pages of T J English's enjoyable – yet morally uncertain – account of the rise and fall of the Mob's Caribbean empire of gambling, pleasure, sin, murder and profit, we come across such figures as Charles "Lucky" Luciano, Vincent "Jimmy Blue Eyes" Alo, William "Lefty Clark" Bischoff, and Nicholas "the Fat Butcher" di Costanzo.

The hero of the piece, though, is Meyer Lansky, who early on in his career was referred to as "the brightest boy in the combination", but never did gain a gangster moniker. Instead, as suited his somewhat colourless but gentlemanly persona, he was referred to as "Mr Lansky".


"Gambling pulls at the heart of a man," Lansky once said. He learned much of his trade during Prohibition and much of his wisdom from Arnold Rothstein ("The Brain", "The Big Bankroll"), especially the importance of bribing politicians. Rothstein had the New York city mayor Jimmy Walker; Lansky had Fulgencio Batista, whom he chose early on in both their careers, long before Batista had become the self-styled "democratic dictator" of Cuba.

Unlike Rothstein, who was gunned down after an acrimonious poker game, Lansky only wanted to profit from other people's impulses, not to indulge in his own. He became a kind of corporate visionary of gangsterism, one of the inventors of modern Las Vegas, particularly adept both at the "creative" use of money and at leaving no trace back to blood or a corpse.

Between 1952 and 1959, Batista's second period of rulership of Cuba, "Havana became a volatile mix of Monte Carlo, Casablanca and the ancient city of Cádiz all rolled into one", English breathlessly writes, "a bitches' brew of high-stakes gambling, secret revolutionary plots, violent repression and gangsterism".

Lansky and his associates controlled or owned the casinos and clubs, as well as the police, who often moonlighted as security guards for the Mob's hotel-casinos, the banks and most of the politicians.

This was the consummation of a plan that Lansky had had for Cuba well before the Second World War, and which was first put into action following a convention of "dignitaries" in 1946, when Cuba's future was carved up by the East Coast bosses, in between dining on such delicacies as tortoise stew and flamingo breast.

English is good on food – there is a telling image of Batista going crazy in the last days before Fidel Castro's revolution, dining for hours at his country estate, interrupting the feast only to watch American horror movies and to vomit in the garden.

The author is less good on morality.

English denies any Mafia involvement in the drugs trade – this at a time when VIP members at one of the smarter Havana nightclubs had their own lockers to hold their cocaine stash. The generally held belief that Lansky's colleague Santo Trafficante was one of the prime movers in the trade is implausibly dismissed as a result of the coincidence of Trafficante being the Spanish term for drugs trafficker.

English tends to praise Lansky's business sense, while saving his condemnation for the likes of Albert Anastasia, a brutal assassin for the Mob who was in turn brutally assassinated. He is unable, or unwilling, to draw a connection between the gent and the beast.

When the rebels finally took control in 1959, the first things that went were the parking meters that were the personal money machines of Batista's brother-in-law. The crowds went after them with hammers, lead pipes and baseball bats.

Then they took to the casinos, to demolish the slot machines, before setting a truckload of pigs free in the lobby of Lansky's latest resort, the Riviera.

Just as Castro irked the US government for geo-political reasons, he outraged the gangsters with his low opinion of the profit motive.

It is a welcome reminder for those with nothing but hatred for Cuba's current, declining dictator, that the US government and the Mafia frantically and farcically collaborated to get rid of Castro to restore their own vision of paradise.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2007/09/20/boeng115.xml
Posted By: GottiMafia

Re: Mafia Books - 09/25/07 01:07 AM

i am currently reading 'for the sins of my father' by Albert Demeo and have 'murder machine' coming soon...........
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/27/07 10:55 AM

Can anybody tell me the best book to read on Jewish Gangster

MEYER LANSKY

There are many on Amazon and Ebay but which is the definitive book on his life and crimes..

Thanks
Posted By: Zaf-the-don

Re: Mafia Books - 09/29/07 06:43 PM

I finally got my hands on The five families by Raab. I'm going to start reading it tonight.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 10/03/07 10:15 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Can anybody tell me the best book to read on Jewish Gangster

MEYER LANSKY

There are many on Amazon and Ebay but which is the definitive book on his life and crimes..

Thanks


LITTLE MAN: Meyer Lansky And The Gangster Life, by Robert Lacey, is the definitive biography on Lansky. It's probably the best single mob biography I've ever read, and second only to FIVE FAMILIES, as my personal favorite "true crime" book.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 10/03/07 10:26 PM

I'll wholeheartedly second everything PB said above. That rarest of books: a definitive, accurate Mob biography.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 10/04/07 11:03 AM

Thanks for the Info PB,i'll look into this
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 10/04/07 09:10 PM

ive just been bought a goodfellas guide to new york ive only read a couple of pages but im quite enjoying it
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 10/12/07 03:39 PM

Has anybody read this.Is it recommended, as i was thinking of buying this..

Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 10/12/07 04:28 PM

I'd say, like most of Roemer's books, it reads pretty well. Just be ready for some historical innacuracies and a tremendous amount of ego, a la Pistone. I swear, I'm not sure who has the bigger ego, the high profile wiseguy or the high profile cop.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 10/12/07 05:37 PM

But still worth the read then..
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 10/12/07 06:29 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
But still worth the read then..


Yes.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 10/15/07 08:43 PM

Just wondering if anybody has read any good books or could recommend any about Jimmy Hoffa..
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 10/15/07 10:28 PM

An interesting, fairly recent one is: "I Heard You Paint Houses": Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran & Closing the Case on Jimmy Hoffa, by Charles Brandt. I think I reviewed this a while ago. While not a bio of Hoffa per se, the author recounts how he was brought into the Teamsters Union by mobsters, got very close to Hoffa, played a role (he says) in the JFK assassination, and participated in Hoffa's murder. I don't say I believe everything in it, but it holds your interest.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 10/15/07 10:54 PM

I noticed this one on Amazon.

Thanks
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 10/17/07 08:40 AM

I have heard of "I Heard You Paint Houses" before!
I will have to put it on my Xmas list!
Posted By: GottiMafia

Re: Mafia Books - 10/20/07 04:05 AM

 Originally Posted By: GottiMafia
i am currently reading 'for the sins of my father' by Albert Demeo and have 'murder machine' coming soon...........


i could not put this book down :-) great read and a good insight of how it was for a Mafia son growing up in the day of John gotti and the real top mobsters.....it shows the Mafia life is not so glamorous

its well written and i recommend it to all
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 10/20/07 02:05 PM

If you want to read a horror story about the impact of wiseguy life on children, you really have to read ON THE RUN: A Mafia Childhood , by Gregg and Gina Hill. It's about life in hiding after their famous father, Henry, testified against his friends. You'll come away with a much different picture than that of Ray Liotta and Lorraine Bracco. To me, not only was Henry a useless, drug addled thug, both he AND his wife were utter lowlives.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 10/21/07 08:28 PM

Ive been meaning to read this one for a while now..
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 10/22/07 10:39 AM

Just Ordered..



Heard some good things on this book.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 10/22/07 02:07 PM

DeNiro, that's the best book I've ever read on the Irish mob, set in New York, anyway. You're gonna love it!
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 10/22/07 02:10 PM

Read both The Westies and On The Run.
Both are very good!
Well worth reading!
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 10/22/07 02:44 PM

Thanks ill let you know what i think of it when finished..
Posted By: Don Lights

Re: Mafia Books - 10/22/07 08:13 PM

any recommendations for reading on the colombian organized drug cartels or Whitey Bulger in South Boston?
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 10/23/07 03:09 AM

Try THE BROTHERS BULGER by Howie Carr, which I reviewed here a couple of months ago.
Posted By: Don Lights

Re: Mafia Books - 10/23/07 03:13 AM

yeah, thanks. That was a good book as I read that one.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 10/24/07 11:37 AM

The only book i have read about the Columbian cartels was "FINDING PABLO" about Mr. Escobar!
That is worth a read!
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 10/24/07 11:38 AM

i have just finished reading the Last godfather about Joey Massino very interesting i throughly enjoyed the book
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 10/25/07 09:21 AM

In the past few weeks ive got through my back log of books that i have. Ive read

Iceman
The Mafia killed JFK
Prime Minister of the underworld-Frank Costello

I can now start ordering new new..

Next book i will be reading will be the "Westies" which i mentioned earlier in the week..
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 10/31/07 07:27 PM

Just wondering if anybody has read



This is on my wishlist..
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 11/16/07 06:39 PM

Just finished THE WESTIES,was ok i expected more as the book just seem to skip throught the years.And i had read in 3 days..
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 11/17/07 10:30 AM

The F.B.I. director J. Edgar Hoover long denied the existence of the Mafia in America. He did not deny the existence of criminals, of course, or the fact that many of them came from Sicily; but he did not believe, or said he did not, that these men, dispersed in cities across the nation, worked in conspiracy, either because he underestimated them, had been paid off or simply did not care. Hoover was obsessed with revolutionaries, Communists and anarchists; gangsters, no matter what else they do, tend to support the status quo — they like the world the way it is. So in the end, the Mafia was first understood not by G-men but by the bureaucrats at the federal government’s Bureau of Narcotics, a precursor to the Drug Enforcement Administration. By following drug traffic across the nation, the orderly flow from port to truck to distributor to consumer, these men inadvertently mapped the underworld, and in the process created thousands of files, with each page dedicated to another hoodlum, another cog in the machine — runner, killer, distributor, shylock, boss. In the late 1950s, Senator John McClellan used these records to guide the hearings that finally brought the underworld to light.


The Government’s Secret File on Organized Crime.

By the United States Treasury Department, Bureau of Narcotics.

Illustrated. 843 pp. Collins/HarperCollins Publishers. $34.95.
With the publication of “Mafia,” the Bureau of Narcotics files have been made public for the first time: hundreds of documents, mug shots and criminal histories, like a twisted version of The Baseball Encyclopedia. The book, which is fascinating and huge, and must be taken in tiny, head-clearing sips, like moonshine, offers a panoramic view of the American underworld — the national face seen in a fun house mirror.

As you read, patterns emerge. There is the typical gangster body: “Jack Cerone ... 5’6 1/2", 195 lbs. ... stout.” There is the typical gangster pedigree: Anthony De Lardo, a k a Frank Fish, a k a Peachy, was “tried and acquitted for the gangland murder of Martin (Sunny Boy) Quick. Also tried and acquitted for assault and intent to murder Police Officer James Kelly. ... Convicted in 1933 of conspiracy to intimidate state’s witnesses” (possibly why Peachy kept getting acquitted). There are the mob jobs, the real-life models for Don Corleone’s olive oil business or Tony Soprano’s work in “waste management.” Take Theodore De Martino, a k a Teddy the Bum, said to have an interest in the Admiral Trucking Company; or Rocco Pellegrino, a k a the Old Man, “head of Mafia in Westchester,” who “owns Pellegrino Bakery, 16 Barker Ave., White Plains”; or Joseph Luco Pagano, a k a Joey, “manager of Lizzie’s Clam House, E. 116th St. & 2nd Ave., N.Y.C.” There are the joints where mobsters unwind, names that suggest the pleasures of the life have not changed: Joseph Fischetti, a k a Joseph Fisher, residing at 6701 Miami View Drive in Miami Beach, “frequents the Bonfire Restaurant, Dream Bar & Ted’s Grotto.” Then there is the typical gangster trajectory, which mirrors the national trajectory, from poor to rich, east to west, busy to free. There is Giovanni Roselli, born in Chicago, that cold, somber city, but who, at the time he was being investigated, resided at “1251 No. Crescent Hts., Hollywood, Cal. Frequents gambling casinos at Las Vegas where he has room at Tropicana Hotel. Travels frequently all parts U.S.”

There is a term for this: the American Dream.

“Mafia” is organized in the most basic way, with gangsters arranged first by region, then alphabetically. It’s as if the Bureau of Narcotics files were simply pulled from the cabinet — and you just know it was one of those steel gray monstrosities that go gong when you smack them — and put between hard covers. By counting pages, you can determine where power resided in the underworld; no surprises here, with most of the hoods living in or near New York, followed by Los Angeles, then Chicago. My favorites are the gangsters who turn up all alone in some random nowhere, like an exotic longnose butterflyfish found in a swamp in, say, Hannibal, Mo. Joseph Bonanno, a k a Joe Bananas, lived at 1847 East Elm Street in Tucson and was said to have a business interest in the Grande Cheese Company of Fond du Lac, Wis. Luigi Fratto (5-foot-3 1/2, 173 pounds; “heavy build and wears glasses”) lived at 115 Caulder Avenue in Des Moines and was wonderfully described as “the most influential member of the Mafia in the state of Iowa.” These bare, unworked facts evoke a scene right out of Hemingway, the overcoated wiseguy with the heater, the boy and the cook cowering in the kitchen (“Another bright boy. Ain’t he a bright boy?”), the corn whispering in the fields, as poor Ole Anderson waits in his room, knowing that as soon as he goes out he’ll get it in the face.

“Mafia” resembles a piece of found art. It’s the product of dozens of men who worked over dozens of years, engaged in something entirely utilitarian, with no goal other than keeping a record, which is memory, and no thought of these files ever being read for sport. Yet the result is a group portrait that captures the story of its time. It’s like one of those paintings by Chuck Close: when you stand back, you see the big picture of crime in America, but when you move in you see that this big picture is actually made of hundreds of little pictures, each of which tells its own tiny epic


http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/18/books/review/Cohen2-t.html?ref=books

I think this is a definte buy for me,i think ill have to put this down on my xmas list
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 11/17/07 05:13 PM

I posted this last month, Chopper, but didn't provide a link, like you did. I was VERY disappointed with it. It's mostly obscure old-timers with petty rap sheets. If you can get a used copy for less than 10 bucks it may be worth it, but don't go wasting more than that on it like I did.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 11/17/07 05:33 PM

Thanks for Pizza Boy i was thiking about ordering it and its about 17 pounds brand new, but after reading what you have said i dont think im going to bother with it at all, when i saw the review i was really pleased it made it sound like the greatest book of Mafia history ever

thanks pb you have saved me some money
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 11/17/07 05:37 PM

Like I say, it's worth 10 bucks, so wait a few months and order it used from AbeBooks.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 11/17/07 05:45 PM

Will do
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 12/02/07 12:54 PM

Next on my list to read having ordered


Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 12/02/07 12:56 PM

Its funny you ahev put thatas my mum bought me that yesterday for xmas as well as five families,i didnt see what else she bought,but im happy with them
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 12/02/07 12:57 PM

You'll enjoy five families
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 12/02/07 12:58 PM

Yeah everyone says its brilliant i was meant to get it ages ago but it never came,its not long till xmas so i avent got much longer to wait
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 12/02/07 01:00 PM

let us know what you think..
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 12/02/07 01:01 PM

Yeah i will do,if its as good as everybody says then i will be pleased
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 01/05/08 12:25 AM

I have just finished reading five famlies and i dont know what to say apart from absolutley amazing one of the finest books i have ever read,loved it absolutley loved it.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 01/05/08 12:55 AM

Glad you enjoyed it Chopper,excellent book
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 01/05/08 01:00 AM

brilliant mate,just starting the brotherhood and also the englishmen and the mafia,thats about wilf pine black sabaths ex manager who was very friendly with some of the genovese family
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 01/05/08 01:15 AM

Brotherhood is another great book well written,i got through it in aweek in germany.i think you'll enjoy
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 01/05/08 11:09 AM

Im only about 40 pages in so far and im already lovin it
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 01/09/08 04:51 PM

Ive have finished Brootherhoods,i throughly enjoyed it although after a few chapters it was getting a bit boring but it then picked up again and i couldnt put it down.Ive also been reading the mafia files book,my mum bought it me christmas like PizzaBoy says abovei wouldnt pay alot for it but if your really into the mafia you will like it,its not one of the best books out but it is quite usefull as a reference and for putting faces to names.
Posted By: SC

Re: Mafia Books - 01/16/08 06:37 PM

NEW BOOK ALERT

Jimmy Breslin, the author of "The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight", just wrote a new book that will be released in two weeks. Its titled, "The Good Rat - A True Story".

He has a wonderful style of telling a story and this book looks chock-full of them.

Check out the link below:

JIMMY BRESLIN'S NEW BOOK
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 01/16/08 06:42 PM

Burt Kaplan is a doubtful hero...
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 01/16/08 06:53 PM

Looks like a interesting read, im putting this on my wishlist.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 01/20/08 11:27 PM

Finally brought this book.

Posted By: SC

Re: Mafia Books - 01/21/08 12:32 AM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Finally brought this book.


Where'd ya bring it?

Bonanno was the biggest, baddest and most honorable gangster who ever lived. If you don't believe it, just read his book.

Still, its a decent read, and I figure you'll enjoy it. I hope so.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 01/21/08 04:02 PM

I heard many people say that not to believe all thats written in there. So im going into this with a open mind and not except too mcuh.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 01/21/08 05:09 PM

I enjoyed it,but like you say just take it with a pinch of salt
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 01/23/08 05:29 PM

Just Brought.



£1.98 inc postage on Ebay
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 01/23/08 10:03 PM

I Have this it's ok it covers pretty much everything you will know already,at the start it's very interesting taking about Frankie Yale and the troubles he had with the Irish mob
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 01/23/08 10:07 PM

Thats what i thought, ive put off buying for about 5 years but it was so cheap. But hope its ok, i read the intro and had too laugh.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 01/26/08 02:47 PM

Just brought

Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 01/26/08 02:49 PM

I want that as well,how much was it?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 01/26/08 02:50 PM

£4.20 on Amazon..
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 01/26/08 02:51 PM

I think i may purchase this
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 01/26/08 05:13 PM

from what i read in brotherhods he sounds likes a interesting charecter but a nut case.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Mafia Books - 01/30/08 04:16 PM

As recommended numerous times by Turnbull (he's a good man), I've started reading Selwyn Raab's FIVE FAMILIES. At almost 800 pages, it'll be quite an undertaking. But so far, so good. \:\)
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 02/08/08 11:23 AM



Has anybody read this at all, thinking of getting on ebay..
Posted By: SC

Re: Mafia Books - 02/08/08 01:10 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Has anybody read this at all, thinking of getting on ebay..


Get it... its a good book and easy read.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 02/08/08 01:23 PM

Thanks, im ganna go ahead and get it.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 02/11/08 06:23 PM

Just brought this on ebay..



£2.00 bargin
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 02/11/08 06:25 PM

I cant see what it is mate?????


must be going blind


what is it?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 02/11/08 06:27 PM

A book about

THE ST VALENTINES DAY MASSACRE 1929
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 02/11/08 06:28 PM

Sound


i just couldnt see the pic properly


Who is the author?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 02/11/08 06:30 PM

don't know but here sthe info about the book.

THE ST VALENTINES DAY MASACRE 1929

UNCOVERD EDITIONS

ON 14 FEBRUAY 1929, THE BODIES OF SEVEN MEMBERS OF THE BUGS MORAN GANG WERE FOUND RIDDLED WITH BULLETS INSIDE A GARAGE IN NORTH CHICAGO. THEY HAD BEEN LINED UP AGAINST A WALL , THIER BACKS TO THIER KILLERS, AND SHOT WITHOUT ANY SIGN OF A FIGHT. THE EVENT WAS TO GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS THE ST VALENTINES DAY MASSACRE.

THE EXTRACTS PRESENTED IN THIS UNCOVERED EDITION ARE OF THE SELECTED FILES TAKEN FROM THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (FBI). THE INVESTIGATION WAS CONDUCTED BY THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT, NOT THE FBI, AS NO VIOLATION OF FEDERAL LAW HAD OCCURRED WHICH WOULD PERMIT THE FBI TO INVESTIGATE. NO ONE WAS EVER ARRESTED OR PROSECUTED FOR THE CRIME.

UNCOVERED EDITIONS ARE HISTORIC OFFICIAL PAPERS WHICH HAVE NOT PREVIOUSLY BEEN AVAILABLE IN APOPULAR FORM.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 02/13/08 07:23 PM

Chopper posted an article over in the Organized Crime News topic about undercover agent Jack Garcia, and after reading it I've learned that a book about his infiltrating the mob and stuff will be coming out soon. You can pre-order it by clicking on the Amazon Books link that is on this website.



Making Jack Falcone: An Undercover FBI Agent Takes Down a Mafia Family
Joaquin "Jack" Garcia
Michael Levin


It's the story about an agent named Jack Garcia, who went undercover using the name Jack Falcone. He became close with Gambino capo Greg DePalma and was eventually proposed for mebership in to the Gambino crime family.

Sounds a lot like Donnie Brasco, which I enjoyed reading. This should be a really interesting book. I'm looking forward to it.

Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 02/13/08 08:27 PM

Thanks DC im ganna check this one out.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 02/13/08 08:33 PM

It's due out in September.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 02/13/08 08:34 PM

Product details

Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Touchstone Books (16 Sep 2008)
Language English
ISBN-10: 1416551638
ISBN-13: 978-1416551638

when is it release in the US, September in the UK.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 02/16/08 11:03 AM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Finally brought this book.



This was a decent read, not sure what to believe in the book though..
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 02/16/08 11:05 AM

I couldnt belive he admitted there was a commision,in theory he should have been wacked for that.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 02/16/08 12:37 PM





just brought these..
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 02/16/08 03:12 PM

Ive read killing pablo it's a great book
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 02/16/08 03:16 PM

i picked it up today from woolworths 2.99
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 02/16/08 03:18 PM

Definetly worth 3 quid mate,you got yourself a bargain
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 02/16/08 03:25 PM

thats what i thought.

ive got like 5 new books to read..
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 02/18/08 04:43 PM

Veteran political writers Bob Ingle and Sandy McClure do: In "The Soprano State" (St. Martin's Press), their tough-minded new book about New Jersey's culture of corruption, we meet Michael Taccetta on page 229: "Taccetta," described by law enforcement as a capo (mob lingo for a captain), "was sentenced (in 1991) to 25 years. Court TV's online Crime Library describes the 5-foot-7, 215-pound Taccetta as the real-life Tony Soprano."

Taccetta, capo of the New Jersey organized crime Lucchese family, popped right out when Garden State native David Chase was writing "The Sopranos," the long-running, much acclaimed HBO TV series about New Jersey's mobsters that concluded its run last year.

As viewers know, "The Sopranos" could be titillating, and it could be a downer. You have a similar see-saw feeling reading this exhaustive new book by Ingle, the Trenton bureau chief for Gannett's New Jersey newspapers, and McClure, a political reporter who previously wrote "Christie Whitman: A Political Biography."

But mobsters are not the writers' primary target: Elected officials from small towns to the highest office in the state, employees on the public payroll and political "bosses" are the object of the writers' damning scalpel.

"No matter who gets elected, it doesn't make a difference," they muse with regret as they begin their sorry tale of what's ailing New Jersey. Ingle and McClure dedicate their book "for taxpayers everywhere."

Ingle and McClure spell out how the heavily burdened New Jersey taxpayer pays for the political favoritism and corruption that leads to rip-offs in pension systems, bond repayments, hiring practices, noncompetitive bidding contracts and inflated employee rosters.

They cull their stories from their own and other staffers' previously published reporting in Gannett newspapers, which include the Courier-Post, Asbury Park Press, Courier News and Home News Tribune, as well as the Record of Hackensack, The Star-Ledger, the Trentonian and The New York Times.

Ten briskly written chapters, laced with appropriately acerbic humor, have such titles as "Lots of Power, Less Common Sense," "All Aboard the Gravy Train," "On the Boardwalk: Sand, Sea, Sun, and Scandal" and, my favorite, "The Soviet Socialist Republic of Jersey."

Ingle and McClure tell us that the leading corrupt local government is in Monmouth County. With the fourth largest population, it has the second largest government payroll and "many employees got there the old-fashioned way -- their political connections."

Bribery in high places

Citing the 2005 "Club Monmouth" series that ran in the Asbury Park Press, they write that "Decades of single party control by the GOP (Republican Party), (and a) windfall of tax dollars from soaring property values have produced a culture of perks, patronage and fiscal excess."

But this particular tale, which includes bribery in high places (a developer, a mayor) isn't unique: Similar incidents occur statewide, Ingle and McClure say.

In dozens of examples, the authors lay the blame at a political system ripe for financial exploiting, including 566 municipalities, each requiring its own judge, police chief and staffs, all receiving generous pensions and health coverage for life; 616 school districts, with suburban taxpayers supporting less prosperous urban districts, thus hiking their own property taxes to make up the difference at their districts; and 50 state authorities floating billions of dollars in bonds with no supervision or public vote.

The authors say there are 81 government workers per square mile in New Jersey, versus the national average of six. Your tax dollars also are high because of "tacking," whereby public employees string jobs together in the public sector to enlarge their pension.

There are no-bid contracts, a powerful political boss receiving kickbacks, state legislators with too many other jobs to spend much time legislating with acumen and even an attorney general who was fined by the state ethics committee, the first time that had happened in its history.

As the writers say, "You can't make this stuff up."

Ingle and McClure provide countless stories of chicanery in high and low places. Frankly, it's depressing. Don't read "The Soprano State" at one sitting -- it's too disheartening.

Yet there are heroes among the dreck -- "prosecutors like U. S. Attorney (Chris) Christie who keep pursuing the crooks, and the efforts of whistleblowers" who speak out for what's right.

In their last chapter, Ingle and McClure offer some well-reasoned advice about how New Jersey can climb out of the sewer of corruption. Their suggestions include eliminating "senatorial courtesy," whereby a senator can block anything he wants for any reason; better and quicker disclosure of the origin of campaign money; banning handing out no-bid contracts to campaign contributors; requiring the attorney general be elected rather than be appointed by the governor; eliminating pensions and health care for part-time government employees, including elected positions; replacing overly generous public pensions with 401(k) plans; and banning carrying over of unused sick leave and vacations.

Again and again, Ingle and McClure say brazenly corrupt New Jersey is the butt of snide quips and is

http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080217/LIFE11/802170311/1006
Posted By: Longneck

Re: Mafia Books - 02/20/08 04:52 AM



Reading this now, very interesting.

Whitey Bulger is definitely an interesting character.
Posted By: Aristotle

Re: Mafia Books - 02/20/08 10:20 AM

i would like to find a book about the mafia. and how it all started. any ideas?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 02/20/08 06:03 PM

sicillian or American

if sicillian try



American try

Posted By: Aristotle

Re: Mafia Books - 02/20/08 10:10 PM

Thank you heaps. ill keep a lookg out for both of them.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 02/20/08 10:52 PM

you can pick them up cheap on amazon and ebay..
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Mafia Books - 02/21/08 01:55 AM

A couple years ago a book called Five Families came out, has anyone read it? It was quite thick and I could use a good long read.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 02/21/08 02:10 AM

 Originally Posted By: BDuff
A couple years ago a book called Five Families came out, has anyone read it? It was quite thick and I could use a good long read.


 Originally Posted By: XDCX
As recommended numerous times by Turnbull (he's a good man), I've started reading Selwyn Raab's FIVE FAMILIES. At almost 800 pages, it'll be quite an undertaking. But so far, so good. \:\)


 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
You'll enjoy five families


 Originally Posted By: chopper
I have just finished reading five famlies and i dont know what to say apart from absolutley amazing one of the finest books i have ever read,loved it absolutley loved it.


 Quote:
Originally posted by Turnbull:
[b] I read "Five Families" several months ago, and I found it to be one of the most informative books on the Mob.


 Originally Posted By: Bada Bing Ben
Raab's book is superb.


 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy

FIVE FAMILIES, as my personal favorite "true crime" book.


Does that answer your question? \:p ;\)

A really fantastic well written informative on the money book! Go for it!
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Mafia Books - 02/21/08 02:30 AM

Just bought the hardback version off of amazon, can't wait to read. The last mob book I read was...The Godfather Returns . Hopefully this will wash the taste out of my mouth!
Posted By: Aristotle

Re: Mafia Books - 02/21/08 03:55 AM

ive only recently started to be into mafia stories. and im really interested to learn about it all. ^_^
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 02/21/08 08:29 AM

Then Read Five famalies \:\)
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 02/21/08 08:16 PM

Ha sanybody read the book below,im really interested in getting this but its quite exspensive, about £18 second hand.

Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 02/21/08 09:35 PM

Buy LITTLE MAN: Meyer Lansky And The Gangster Life, by Robert Lacey, instead. It's a FAR superior book.

In my opinion, one of the best mob bios ever written.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 02/21/08 10:31 PM

Thanks PB im thinking of this one as well but i like the cover to this one..
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 02/21/08 11:08 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Thanks PB im thinking of this one as well but i like the cover to this one..


Don't judge a book by it's cover.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Mafia Books - 02/22/08 02:42 PM

I have just ordered these off Amazon

Made Men: The True Rise-And-Fall Story of a New Jersey Mob Family

I Was a Killer for the Hells Angels: The Story of Serge Quesnal

The Hot House: Life Inside Leavenworth Prison

Hells Angels Motorcycle Club
Posted By: Longneck

Re: Mafia Books - 02/23/08 05:27 PM

I'd highly recommend Brutal by Kevin Weeks...the first few chapters are a little boring as he describes growing up but then it gets to the good stuff.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 02/27/08 07:28 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Buy LITTLE MAN: Meyer Lansky And The Gangster Life, by Robert Lacey, instead. It's a FAR superior book.

In my opinion, one of the best mob bios ever written.




Just ordered
Posted By: Santino Brasi

Re: Mafia Books - 03/09/08 07:12 AM

I got









for Christmas


I am also thinking of buying



1. Take The Cannoli : Stories From the New World By Sarah Vowell

2. Mafia Dynasty : The Rise and Fall of the Gambino Crime Family By John H. Davis

3. Gangland: How the FBI Broke the mob By Howard Blum

any of you read them, are they good?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 03/09/08 11:50 AM

I have Wiseguy, underboss and Mafia Dynasty and they are all decent reads.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 03/15/08 03:51 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Buy LITTLE MAN: Meyer Lansky And The Gangster Life, by Robert Lacey, instead. It's a FAR superior book.

In my opinion, one of the best mob bios ever written.




Just ordered


Finally arrived today,,ganna take this to America.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 03/15/08 05:11 PM

Good job, DeNiro.

You're coming to America soon?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 03/15/08 05:15 PM

yep.fly to memphis on monday for 10 days.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 03/15/08 05:27 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
yep.fly to memphis on monday for 10 days.


RonnieRocket's territory, where you'll be safe.
Posted By: Mignon

Re: Mafia Books - 03/16/08 10:08 PM

Has anybody read Unfinished Business by:Joe Pistone?

I bought it the other day to take on a plane trip this weekend.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 03/17/08 01:27 PM

It was okay, Mig, but mostly a rehash of Donnie Brasco, with some new stuff that happened in the 90's.

If you can put up with Pistone's ego, you can get through it.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 03/25/08 07:23 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Buy LITTLE MAN: Meyer Lansky And The Gangster Life, by Robert Lacey, instead. It's a FAR superior book.

In my opinion, one of the best mob bios ever written.




Just ordered


Finally arrived today,,ganna take this to America.


Excellant read so far.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 05/25/08 11:07 PM

Tough Jews- Richard Cohen



Excellant read about the history and the impact the jewish Gangsters had on OC during the early part of the 20th century and to the years leading up to the 2nd world war and atfer, goes into depth about

Abe Reles, Arnold Rothstein, Dutch Schultz, Jacob Shapiro, Louis "Lepke" Buchalter, Joseph "Doc" Stacher, Hyman "Curly" Holtz, Louis "Shadows" Kravitz, Harry Tietlebaum, Philip "Little Farvel" Kovolick and Harry "Big Greenie" Greenberg, Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel plus many more

Wasn't expecting much when i got this but its a fascinating read, you should check it out.. 8/10
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 05/27/08 10:13 PM

Great book, DeNiro, but there are some terrible innacuracies in it.

Maybe TB will post them for us. smile
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 05/28/08 04:27 PM

yeah.. TB sent me a PM regarding this.. smile
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 05/28/08 05:50 PM

The inaccuracies in Rich Cohen's "Tough Jews" are too numerous to post. But the photos are swell... wink
Posted By: Longneck

Re: Mafia Books - 05/29/08 07:14 PM




Seems this author hates both of them.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 05/29/08 07:18 PM

I read that book last summer. IMO, Whitey's "legitimate" brother the politician was far more interesting than Whitey.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 06/07/08 02:13 PM

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Ha sanybody read the book below,im really interested in getting this but its quite exspensive, about £18 second hand.



Brought this book at last.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 06/08/08 04:56 PM

NEW BOOK

I think this book is due for release in August 2008, but looks interesting..



Amazon Link-- Gaspipe Book
Posted By: MiniMafiaBoss

Re: Mafia Books - 06/08/08 04:58 PM

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
NEW BOOK

I think this book is due for release in August 2008, but looks interesting..



Amazon Link-- Gaspipe Book



I gotta get this book! Casso was one of my favourite psychos!
Posted By: ledblimp

Re: Mafia Books - 06/28/08 06:23 PM

Originally Posted By: MiniMafiaBoss
Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
NEW BOOK

I think this book is due for release in August 2008, but looks interesting..



Amazon Link-- Gaspipe Book



First thought was "Cool...don't know much about this guy so will look for this book" but then the pic popped up and saw the author. After reading this guys book on Kuklinski I think I'd skip this one. There was so much wrong with that one that I could'nt trust any info from it.For anyone who hasn't read that, Carlo states that Kuklinski was involved in the DeMeo, Castellano, Hoffa and Favra hits along with other details that are just plain wrong. Not worth the paper it's written on.

Ron


I gotta get this book! Casso was one of my favourite psychos!
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 07/17/08 08:22 PM

Currently reading VENDETTA by Paul Ferris,the Glaswegian gangster, who is apparently attempting to go straight.

A chapter that caught my eye was where he talks about a notorious low life and rat by the name of Paul Bennett,current location unknown.

Wasn't he Mini Mafia boss's imaginary gangster pal?

Sound like a good match tongue
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 07/17/08 09:31 PM

Yeah it was Bennett..
Posted By: Santino Brasi

Re: Mafia Books - 07/17/08 09:52 PM

MMB was Bennett, or so he told me
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 07/18/08 09:04 AM

Well according to Mr. Ferris,Bennett is a top level scum bag who has ratted out loads of top level UK & Spanish villians,including his own uncle eek

The police and customs protect him and he keeps a very low profile but there are a lot of crimnals who would like a word with him smile
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 07/18/08 07:19 PM

His he from Nottingham, cause MMB says he was..
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 07/20/08 11:42 AM

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
His he from Nottingham, cause MMB says he was..


Well if you find him let the underworld know sharpish eh? smile
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 08/12/08 07:20 PM

Just wondering if anyone has read any good mafia books they could recommend...
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 08/14/08 07:20 PM

Yes, this thread has gone a little quiet of late eh?

I haven't really read any mafia books lately cry
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 08/14/08 07:28 PM

Im currentley reading Meyer Lansky: Mogul of the mob by Dennis Eisenberg.. Interesting read.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 08/14/08 07:39 PM

That is on my list to read mate.

Send it to my house when you are finished smile
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 08/14/08 07:42 PM

LOL

Its on amazon if you use this for about 50p... well worth the read..
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 08/14/08 07:50 PM

Now thats a bargain!
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 09/05/08 11:50 PM

Has anyone here read or heard of this book that came out this past summer:


'Havana Nocturne'
by - T. J. English




"T. J. English offers a riveting, multifaceted true tale of organized crime, political corruption, roaring nightlife, revolution, and international conflict that interweaves the dual stories of the Mob in Havana and the event that would overshadow it, the Cuban Revolution.

As the Cuban people labored under a violently repressive regime throughout the 1950s, Mob leaders Meyer Lansky and Charles "Lucky" Luciano turned their eye to Havana. To them, Cuba was the ultimate dream, the greatest hope for the future of the American Mob in the post-Prohibition years of intensified government crackdowns. But when it came time to make their move, it was Lansky, the brilliant Jewish mobster, who reigned supreme. Having cultivated strong ties with the Cuban government and in particular the brutal dictator Fulgencio Batista, Lansky brought key mobsters to Havana to put his ambitious business plans in motion
......"

-------------------------------------------------------

Guess that I'll be ordering this one to add to my reading list.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 09/11/08 05:52 PM

I read it, DC. And I recommended it to TB, who was good enough to point out some inaccuracies for me. I enjoyed it, though.

It seemed to capture the feeling of pre-Castro Cuba (a time and place that FASCINATES me), even if there were some pretty obvious historical mistakes in it.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 09/13/08 12:42 AM

Originally Posted By: ledblimp
Originally Posted By: MiniMafiaBoss
Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
NEW BOOK

I think this book is due for release in August 2008, but looks interesting..



Amazon Link-- Gaspipe Book



First thought was "Cool...don't know much about this guy so will look for this book" but then the pic popped up and saw the author. After reading this guys book on Kuklinski I think I'd skip this one. There was so much wrong with that one that I could'nt trust any info from it.For anyone who hasn't read that, Carlo states that Kuklinski was involved in the DeMeo, Castellano, Hoffa and Favra hits along with other details that are just plain wrong. Not worth the paper it's written on.

Ron


I gotta get this book! Casso was one of my favourite psychos!



I read this. I don't know how much I should say. It's worthwhile I guess. Like any other turncoat, Casso has his own view of things.
Posted By: Shake

Re: Mafia Books - 09/22/08 07:25 PM

Blood Convenant - By Michael Franzese

I've read this book a few months back and found it rather interesting. Its not that often you get the play by play from a first hand prespective. Franzese, a former capo of the Colombo family and son of Sonny Franzese who was the underboss of the Colombos, gives pretty detailed descriptions of his day to day life as a made member. One of the only guys to walk away from the mob and was stated that he bought his way out with money he had stashed while he was in prison. I'm sure the fact that his dad was a Profaci/Colombo family legend helped a bit too. In the end, even though Michael F quits the mob, he remained a stand up guy and never ratted on anyone.
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Mafia Books - 10/04/08 06:02 PM

Just finished The Good Rat, it was a great read. I'm now half way through Five Families and plan on buying Blood Oath soon.

My favorite is still Blood and Honor, some of the shit Scarfo did was truely haunting.
Posted By: Moltisanti

Re: Mafia Books - 10/16/08 09:27 AM



I can really recommend this bestseller. Great inside view of the activities of the Camorra. If you read all the accusations, no wonder Roberto Saviano has to hide permanently.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 10/22/08 04:52 PM

CONFESSIONS OF A MAFIA BOSS - GASPIPE
by Philip Carlo

The author's parents were friendly with Anthony (Gaspipe) Casso, former Lucchese underboss, so Carlo got to interview Gas in his prison cell in Colorado, where he's serving several consecutive life sentences plus 455 years. The result: such spectacular profundities as "it was kill or be killed," or "I guess he got carried away with the job." Meanwhile he describes Casso as "a man of honor," "always as good as his word," "generous friend," "excellent husband and father," and, oh yes, psychopatic killer.
Casso turned rat after the trail of murders he committed intersected with the defections of several formerly close "friends" to the Witness Protection Program. Gas thought he'd made a deal with the Feds to serve 6.5 years in return for ratting out a host of bad guys, including the two crooked NYC detectives and a couple of FBI agents. But, according to Carlo, the Feds with whom he made the deal didn't want to hear about any crooked FBI agents. Nor did they want to hear about how their star stool pigeon, Sammy Da Bull Gravano, was a major drug dealer. So they reneged on the deal, and Gaspipe will never see the sun shine again.

The short of it is that you will find everything you need to know about Gaspipe and his spectacular fall in Guy Dawson's "The Brotherhoods : the True Story of Two Cops who Murdered for the Mafia," and Selwyn Raab's matchless "The Five Families." Meanwhile, Carlo's account, which adds nothing to the above, is filled with the kind of bad writing that would be an embarrassment in a freshman term paper. His meager account is padded out with spectacular displays of bad writing. He uses the worthless cliche, "In a very real sense," at least once every other page. Gaspipe and his wife "made love softly..." (I'm sure Gas described that to him in intimate detail); March, 2005 was "a blisteringly cold winter"[sic]; etc.

In the book jacket, Carlo describes himself as having earned "a Ph.D in the ways of the street." A G.E.D. in English Composition would have served him better.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 10/22/08 07:50 PM

Originally Posted By: Turnbull
CONFESSIONS OF A MAFIA BOSS - GASPIPE
by Philip Carlo

A G.E.D. in English Composition would have served him better.


lol clap

I read it in Florida last month. An utter embarrassment.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 10/22/08 09:56 PM

Yeah, I read that. According to Gaspipe he was just doing what he had to do while surrounded by rats, incompetents and thieves on all sides.
Posted By: Mattix

Re: Mafia Books - 11/02/08 06:41 PM

War of the Godfathers is fiction. The Las Vegas gang war between Bonanno and the Outfit never occurred. Nor did the murder of Moe Dalitz (who died of natural causes in 1989).

Roemer's best book is Man Against the Mob . The Accardo biography is good if you ignore the early chapters on the Capone years, which are riddled with inaccuracies. Roemer is on firmer ground with the late '50s and '60s period of which he had firsthand knowledge. (Even at that, he should have known better than to repeat the old myth about "Tough Tony" Capezio being struck by lightning on the golf course in 1955; Capezio died playing golf but it was a simple heart attack that did it -- no lightning involved.)
Posted By: Mattix

Re: Mafia Books - 11/02/08 06:46 PM

I've also read The Big Bankroll and highly recommend it.

Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
Quote:
Originally posted by SC:
Quote:
Originally posted by Don Cardi:
Has anyone read the Arnold Rothstein Bio titled : "The Big Bankroll"?
Have it, read it, recommend it.

Let me know if you'd like to borrow it.
Thanks again SC, but I won the book in the auction. Your offer is greatly appreciated though!

Don Cardi cool
Posted By: Mattix

Re: Mafia Books - 11/02/08 06:57 PM

Many knowledgeable Mob historians these days consider The Last Testament of Lucky Luciano to be largely fictional. Martin Gosch knew Luciano and no doubt discussed the old days with him some but the alleged interview transcripts have never turned up and many factual errors in this book have raised considerable doubt as to its authenticity. An early New York Times review by Nicholas Gage raised enough doubts about Last Testament that Little Brown reportedly cancelled plans for a paperback edition.

Originally Posted By: Turi Giuliano
A Man of Honor by Joe Bonanno – it's a self serving autobiography, but its fun reading to see his side of the story.
By SC


Black Book and the Mob (The) by Ronald A. Farrell and Carole Case. Definitive history of gambling in Nevada and how the Mob came to dominate it. Makes "Casino" read like a dime novel.
By Turnbull


Bloedsporen: een Reis naar de Mafia (Bloodtracks: a Journey to the Mafia) by Danny Ilegems and Raf Sauviller

This book was written by two Belgian writers, it's in Dutch, I tried to find English translations but couldn't find them.

It deals with Silvio Berlusconi and his Forza Italia (the book was published in '95 so not exactly up to date), the very beginning of the mafia, the 60s and 70s in which Milan would to become Italy's biggest Northern-Italian mafianest, the late 70s and the 80s of Toto Riina and heroin, uptil 1995. Also, the immigration of the Sicilians in the 50s and 60s in the BENELUX who came to recognise that Holland and Belgium are walhalla for criminals.

Very interesting for Dutch and Belgian people who are fairly new to the subject of organised crime (This is only my second book), but not particularly interesting for those who have read more about it.
By Michael Corleone 14.


The Boardwalk Jungle by Demaris - a little long in some spots, but some good insight into the Mob in Atlantic City.
By SC


Bound by Honor: A Mafioso's Story By Bill Bonanno. As with most books written by former mobsters, this book is a bit self-serving. But, it is an interesting read, especially the parts about how the mob got Kennedy elected, and then how and why they took him out.
By Rocky


Boss of Bosses by Joseph F. O'Brien and Andris Kurins. Life and downfall of Paul Castellano, told by the FBI guys who wiretapped his mansion. Pretty good.
By Turnbull


Capone, by John Kobler - a factual, easy-to-read life story of Big Al.
By SC


Capone by Laurence Bergreen. Most recent bio of Snorky has many interesting updates and theories. Kobler's book is the better read, but this is pretty good.
By Turnbull


Casino by Nicholas Pileggi, upon which the fim is based (with all the characters real names) and for which he also wrote the screenplay.
By Plawrence


Complete Idiot's Guide To The Mafia (The) by Jerry Capeci.
Really good book for a starter, it just tells the basic facts, La Cosa Nostra's history, family structure, etcetera. Everything's told by “subject”, so it's not chronologicly like an encyclopedia. Can at times get a little boring, there's a lot of dates, events and info that you have to absorb, but still a really good book for starters. By Michael Corleone 14.
Comrade Criminal by Stephen Handelman details life in modern (published in 1993, so modern minus about twelve years) Russia after to collapse of the Soviet Union. It tells how the different gangs came from, how they've evolved, and what kind of scams they run. It also deals a lot with political corruption but, because it's in Russia and it's twelve years old, those parts aren't really all that interesting.

Overall Comrade Criminal is a pretty good bood, I'd give it a B-.
By Cancerkitty.


Donnie Brasco: My Undercover life in the Mafia by Joe Pistone. If you like your true crime or more specifically Mafia books you're more than likely to enjoy this. Amazingly, Joe Pistone under the alias of Donnie Brasco infiltrated the Bonanno Family in New York posing as a jewel thief for 6 years. Pistone is a hero for the work he has done, his case alone sent away many mobsters to prison and his testimony in later cases such as the Commission case helped in sending some of the top echelon members of the New York Mafia. Some even suffered a fate worse than prison. Sonny 'Black' Napolitano, a Capo, was whacked based on the relationship he had with Donnie because he treated him as a made guy.

From start to finish the book is gripping, much better than the film which is rather inaccurate. But hey, that's Hollywood. From the Colombo's to the Bonanno's to the Wiseguy bosses in Florida and Milwakuee, Pistone gives his account of his undercover life. Not to be missed.
By Turi


For The Sins Of My Father (2002) by Albert DeMeo, son of Roy DeMeo, a notorious hitman in the Gambino family in the 1960s.
By Plawrence


Frank Costello: Prime Minister of the Underworld by George Wolf - some good insights.
By SC


GOTTI: Rise And Fall (1996) by Jerry Capeci and Gene Mustaine. This book is a pretty good read I'm on page 164. It has all the info on Gotti from when he first started out in the mob as a truck highjacker up to the case that put him in prison and all the stuff inbetween based on facts, recorded conversations and personal interviews with Gotti. By scarfacetm.


Honor thy Father by Gay Talese. Intimate account of the relationship between Joe Bonanno and his son Salvatore (Bill). Not a Mafia book per se, but a uniquely close perspective on this father/son relationship.
By Turnbull


King of the Mountain: Life and Death of Giuliano the Bandit. (1988) by Billy J Chandler. Readers of the Sicilian will recall Salvatore Guiliano immortalised by Mario Puzo in the fictional novel based on the real life bandit's life. King of the Mountain does a great job of commentating on the bandit's life and the struggle he led to fight the Mafia, award Sicily with independence and even contemplated annexing the Mediterranean island to America. It's the most unbiased account of his life available, whilst he was the Sicilian Robin Hood to some people he was also a terrorist in the eyes of others. The massacre at the Portella Della Ginestre is given exceptional importance in documenting Giuliano and leaves the reader to decide what happened. Overall an outstanding book on an outstanding person. Che Guevara still captures the hearts of many today – why shouldn't Giuliano.

So die all who betray Giuliano
By Turi


The Last Gangster (2004) by George Anastasia, the story of Ron Previte and the recent demise of the Philadelphia mob.
By Plawrence


The Last Testament of Lucky Luciano by Gosch Martin A. Gosch & Richard Hammer - informative, fact filled.
By SC

Little Man: Meyer Lansky and the Gangster Life by Robert Lacey - THE book to read about Lansky.
By SC


Made Men: The True Rise and Fall of a New Jersey Mob Family By Greg B Smith

On it's own it's just non fictional account of the New Jersey Mafia and most of it is based around one of the latest mob informers of that region, associate Ralphie Gaurino. This alone makes it a decent read for the avid Mafia enthusiast. Though it is not too exciting. What did higher my rating of the book were the relevant Sopranos name-dropping and similarities to the real New Jersey wiseguys. It's quite interesting realising that actual plot lines and characters from the Sopranos were stolen from current Mafia members from NJ. Not many shows would be audacious enough to that.

Overall, it's a good book worth reading, like I said, for the avid Mafia fan and made better if you're a fan of the Sopranos. Don't expect anything too exciting or a 'can't put down book'.
By Turi.


Mafia: The First 100 Years - Balsamo & Carpozi
Not a recommended book for a newcomer, due to it reading much like a novel for the first half, and not like non-fiction should do, for me. It gives an overall view of how the heads of the families work, without really giving any info on the specifics. Perhaps starting out on somebody in particular is a better way to go about it, and then broaden out to find other things about it. But if you're a newcomer to the subject, this is not recommended.
By Capo De La Cosa Nostra


Mafia U.S.A. by Nicholas Gage - somewhat outdated now, but some good general stuff here.
By SC


Mob Star: Story of John Gotti. by Gene Mustain, Jerry Capeci. This is probably the best Gotti book available which isn't saying much when the main rival is by the same authors. It's a fairly decent book with plenty of information on Gotti and his crew but a lot of it is questionable.

The main problem with the book is that it's outdated. First printed in 1988 before the Gotti saga had ended or at least semi ended when the once named Teflon Don for his ability to avoid conviction finally was put away. This "updated" version is only updated with a few extra chapters at the end and they very much feel like they've been rushed and just slapped on. Probably because John Gotti had recently died at the time and the authors wanted to cash in on it.

This book could have been a lot better if instead of sticking a few extra chapters at the end, the whole book was reworked. Because up to chapter 28 it is still based on information from 1988. You read it and you think they could have at least updated it with all the information provided now.
By Turi


Mob: Stories of Death and Betrayal from Organized Crime by Clint Willis

This is a great compilation of stories taken from the Mafia's greatest books, both fiction and non fiction. This book is great for beginners because it gives you pretty much a manual to the Mafia in novel form and written by some of the Mafia's greatest writers. It is also just genuinely enjoyable considering that, among books like Underboss, by Peter Maas and The Godfather, by Mario Puzo, there were also stories from other books that I had never even heard of like Defending the Mafia, by Frederic Dannen and The Don is Done, by Jeffery Goldberg. Together this a genuinely good book great for beginners and experts.
By Moscarelli


Murder Machine: A True Story of Murder, Madness and the Mafia. By Jerry Capeci and Gene Mustain. It's an average book at best. The lead character we follow is Dominick Montiglio, nephew to the Gambino Capo, Anthony Gaggi, loyal to the Castellano side of the Family. Montiglio tells his story, seeking pity and then ultimately his decision to rat and plays the victim. He's a very boring guy and most of the book is tiresome to get through.

There's plenty of good books on the Mafia I'd choose before reading this.
By Turi


My Life in the Mafia by Vincent Teresa. Absorbing account of day-to-day life in the New England Mob. Very good details of fascinating scams. Many interesting asides on other Mob families.
By Turnbull


Outfit (The) by Gus Russo
This is a very informative book, about 400 pages, I believe, of the Chicago Outfit history. This is pretty much everything you need to know about the outfit and its stretch to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Washington. And of course, its untimely fall, head first into the ground. It is a story of a rebel among rebels, one of the most powerful criminal organizations and widely outcast by most of the underworld. The Outfit is your manual to the Chicago Underworld.
By Don Genco


Playboy's Illustrated History of Organized Crime by Hammer - a truly wonderful general book (the stories are overly simple, but the pics and drawings are superb).
By SC


Red Mafiya by Robert I. Friedman deals with Russian organized crime in the Non-Russian world, mostly in the United States. I liked this one a lot better than Comrade Criminal because it focused more on the United States. The book profiles several different Russian gangsters and goes into detail on their different crimes. It's a pretty scary subject considering the nuclear situation.

I'd give this on a B+.
By Cancerkitty


Unless you have major interest in Atlantic City, stay away from this one. Not only is it long in some spots, it can also be extremely boring.
By Plawrence


Rise and Fall of the Jewish Gangster in America (The) by Albert Fried. Well researched account of Jewish gangsters, who were often bigger than Italian gangsters.
By Turnbull


Underboss: Sammy the Bull. By Peter Maas. For the avid Mafia reader this is a must. Sammy does blow his own trumpet a bit, but rightly so. He was a Wiseguy held with a lot of respect and power. Peter Maas does a great job keeping it balanced and fair throughout with his commentary. But most of it is written straight from Gravano's mouth and that's why it's so good to read.

Some points are controversial. Like in Boss of Bosses, the book on Castellano that was written by the FBI going after him, they claim to have implanted the bug in his Todt Hill mansion by a covert break in operation. In Underboss, the Bull refutes this. I guess it's up to us to decide what really happened.

Sadly the book only covers upto the Bull going into witness protection and then a slight update of him leaving it. But haters of him will be pleased to know Gravano, is now back in jail on drugs charges. He's unlikely to see freedom again. He ruined the fresh opportunity open to him to begin a new life. With the extraordinary deal the government gave him for his ratting, maybe this latest chapter on Sammy's life is well deserved.
By Turi


Valachi Papers. By Peter Maas. Usually whilst reading accounts of Wiseguys straight from their own mouths can be perturbing, you want to believe what they say is true, but their whole life revolves around scheming, lying, cheating and the whole "respect' thing etc. So you usually take what's said with a pinch of salt, conversations and events may not have gone like the Wiesguy wants you to believe. The Valachi Papers is different. For Joe Valachi has an amazing recall and sharpness of memory as both Maas and law enforcement officials will attest to. Everything is confirmed and it leaves you with piece of mind and even a little trust for Valachi.

It's an excellent book into the "rats' life, from his earliest burglary days, through the Castellamarese War, Vito Genovese ascension to power and finally the brutal act in prison in which he bludgeoned an innocent man whom he mistook for another inmate, a Mafia hitman was actually out to kill him because they wrongly believed he was an informer.

In the confinement of prison where their was no escape, he had two options, die by the hands of the Mafia and be forever branded a rat in his death, or actually become a rat and live. The rest is history.
By Turi


Way of the Wiseguy The by Joe Pistone. Flyweight addition to "Donnie Brasco" is still a quick and lively read.
By Turnbull


Wiseguy By Nicholas Pileggi, is the book that paved the way for the hit movie 'Goodfellas' to be made. We listen to the story of gangster Henry Hill as he tells us of his glorious days in the Mafia starting with when he was a kid in the 50's to when he became a major player in the 70's. The book shows you the rise and fall of a real gangster.
By Patrick
Posted By: Mattix

Re: Mafia Books - 11/02/08 07:08 PM

Russo's The Outfit is an excellent book, packed with great information, but must be surveyed carefully. Russo used some great books and other documentary sources as well as interviews. But many question his reliance on Murray Humphreys' widow and also the bibliography listings of numerous internet sources of possibly dubious value.

I'd still recommend it as essential Outfit reading. I've yet to acquire a copy of Russo's more recent biography of Sid Korshak but am looking forward to getting one.

Originally Posted By: DonGenco
The Outfit by Gus Russo
This is a very informative book, about 400 pages, I believe, of the Chicago Outfit history.This is pretty much everything you need to know about the outfit and its stretch to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Washinton. And of course, its untimely fall, head first into the ground. It is a stroy of a rebel among rebels, one of the most powerful criminal organizations and widely outcast by most of the underworld. The Outfit is your manual to the the Chicago Underworld.
Posted By: Mattix

Re: Mafia Books - 11/02/08 07:19 PM

We Only Kill Each Other by Dean Jennings is the definitive biography of Bugsy Siegel.

There is at least one other paperback biography entitled Bugsy by George Carpozi Jr. but it is highly fictionalized and not worth bothering with.

The Gangster Chronicles is fiction, based on a 1970s TV miniseries. "Michael Lasker" was a pseudonym for Meyer Lansky, used by the screenwriters to avoid a lawsuit. (Lansky reportedly loved the show, tho most everyone else didn't).

There are also at least a couple of biographies of Virginia Hill, tho the accuracy of both are questionable:

The Mistress and the Mafia by Ed Reid;

Bugsy's Baby by Andy Edmonds.

Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
Quote:
Originally posted by Don Smitty:
Any book there that has to do with Bugsy Siegel? I did not see it posted.
"The Gangster Chronicles"
By Michael Lasker and Richard Alan Simmons


"We Only Kill Each Other: The True Story of Mobster Bugsy Siegel"
By Dean Jennings


Don Cardi cool
Posted By: Mattix

Re: Mafia Books - 11/02/08 07:31 PM

The Dutch Schultz Story by Ted Addy is fictionalized garbage. It's a "novelized biography" originally published as part of a series (without photos) by Monarch Books in the early '60s and reprinted in the late '60s (with photos) by Tower Books in a series called Public Enemies of the 1930s . Other books in the series (none of which are of any historical value) included:

The Lucky Luciano Story by Ovid Demaris (who later authored several fine nonfiction works on organized crime);

The Dillinger Story by Ovid Demaris;

Legs Diamond by Sam Curzon;

The Frank Costello Story by Bill Brennan.

On the other hand, for a good biography of Dutch Schultz, seek out the late Paul Sann's excellent book Kill the Dutchman! .

Originally Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone
SC who else was in the "Public Enemies of the 1930's" collection?
Posted By: Mattix

Re: Mafia Books - 11/02/08 07:51 PM

Gangster City by Patrick Downey is essential reading for anyone interested in the old NYC underworld. It might just be the best work ever on early 20th Century NYC gangsters. Covers all the classic old Jewish, Irish, and Italian mobsters, all from contemporary records. Not just Mafia but Waxey Gordon, Dopey Benny Fein, Monk Eastman, Legs Diamond, Dutch Schultz, Mad Dog Coll, Owney Madden, Bitz and Spitale, the Irish "White Hand" gang, etc. There's even a chapter on the Chinatown tong wars.

Downey's second book is Bad Seeds in the Big Apple , dealing mostly with robbery gangs in New York in the 1920-40 period. I highly recommend this one too, which boasts a foreword from Rose Keefe.

Downey is currently working on a biography of Legs Diamond, which I expect will be the definitive one.

Originally Posted By: Enzo Scifo
Anyone know if this one is worth reading?
Is it only about the mob, or does it feature all kinds of ethnic organized crime?

"Gangster City: The History of the New York Underworld 1900-1935" by Patrick Downey
Posted By: Mattix

Re: Mafia Books - 11/02/08 07:54 PM

I have. It's excellent, if you mean the recent revised and expanded version.

Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
Has anyone read this book?

But He Was Good to His Mother : The Lives and Crimes of Jewish Gangsters
by Robert A. Rockaway




Don Cardi 8)
Posted By: Mattix

Re: Mafia Books - 11/02/08 08:11 PM

I have to disagree with this review. Poulsen's book is an excellent case study of vice in New York in the 1920s and '30s and of the Luciano trial in particular. If it's selective it's because it's based on the actual contemporary records and not on the myriad volumes of published literature that have appeared since (including the fictional Last Testament of Lucky Luciano ). As far as the Castellammarese War, etc. goes, these details would be omissions if one were expecting a straight biography of Luciano. That was not Poulsen's intention. She was merely covering the trial and the principal characters in greater detail than before. It was not intended to be a definitive biography of Lucky Luciano (tho it is about time someone did one).

Also, as a correction here, Luciano was tried on New York State charges of compulsory prostitution, not under the federal Mann Act.

I might add that I have known Ellen Poulsen for several years and she is one of the most diligent and respected crime researchers in the nation.

Originally Posted By: Turnbull
The Case Against Lucky Luciano: New York's Most Sensational Vice Trial ,by Ellen Poulsen

I read this book after it was mentioned several times on this board (thank you, PB and others).
Most people who are familiar with Charlie Luciano's life know that his conviction and 30-50 year sentence for "compulsory prostitution" (Mann Act, so-called "White Slavery") was a trumped-up deal, managed by DA Tom Dewey (later Governor of New York, later twice GOP Presidential candidate) to get Luciano personally. Ellen Poulsen goes over the case in a rather selective way that adds little new to that conclusion.

More than a third of the book is given over to a description of how the prostitution rackets worked in NYC in the Thirties, It was a vicious but tidily run industry, in which madams paid "bookers" (not pimps, but employment jobbers) to have whores assigned to them. The bookers and madams paid "bondsmen"--busted lawyers and bail bondsmen who corrupted cops and magistrates. If a paid-up madam was raided, the bondsmen would get her and her girls out of jail, or the charges dropped. If they didn't pay, they'd have the charges pumped up and rigged against them. Non-payers also were beaten and abused. The hookers paid most: at a time when the Depression dropped the price per trick to $3 or even $2 a throw, the girls seldom kept more than $1 per john.

It was a big racket, but its operation was too diffused to allow anyone to really run it--the accusation against Luciano. While he undoubtedly profited from prostitution, he was scarcely the "kingpin" that Dewey made him out to be. The testimony against him was offered by drug-addicted hookers and other lowlifes who'd make the witnesses against Gotti look like daily communicants. Quite a few recanted their testimony after the trial. The trial record showed tenuous connections and a lot of hearsay evidence--"my booker said he heard Charlie say that he was going to reduce all madams to employees"--that kind of stuff. Nonetheless, the jury was out for only five hours before convicting Luciano and all his co-defendants.

Poulsen never takes a stand on the "justice" or "injustice" of Dewey's proceedings against Luciano--she just presents selected parts of the testimony, along with selected parts of various characters' bio, in a manner that's so matter-of fact as to be boring at times--an unusual accomplishment given the sensational nature of the case. That piecework approach left me unsatisfied. While she outlined Luciano's life and part of his career, she never invoked the broader context. For example, while describing the bare bones of the assassinations of the "Moustache Petes" Masseria and Maranzano, which Luciano organized with Meyer Lansky's help, she never tells us about the Castellemmarese War--the biggest event in 20th Century US Mob history--or the Commission that resulted.
Not a great read.


Posted By: Mattix

Re: Mafia Books - 11/02/08 08:27 PM

Too much fiction and inaccuracy in the first half to suit me. The Balsamo-Carpozi book has also been published under the titles Under the Clock and Crime Incorporated . The early chapters were originally a book in themselves, a paperback title issued by Dell in the early 1970s titled Always Kill a Brother and dealing with the supposedly continuous gang war between the Irish "White Hand" and Frankie Yale's Mafia group.

Balsamo, whose grandfather was a Brooklyn Mafioso, has done some fine research (especially on Al Capone's early Brooklyn years) but a lot of the early stuff here is just plain wrong and Carpozi's injection of fictional dialogue kills the book historically. The later chapters are just standard NYC Mob history you can find in any Mafia book.

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Just Brought.



£1.98 inc postage on Ebay
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 11/13/08 08:56 AM

The Good Rat,Gaspipe and Havana Nocturne are all on my Xmas list so we will see what Santy brings.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 11/16/08 02:18 PM

Just brought hope to start reading soon

Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 11/16/08 05:52 PM

That book is useful because it gives a detailed (and maybe even definitive) account of the fixing of the 1919 World Series, and what Rothstein's role really was.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 11/16/08 07:37 PM

I take it you have read the book TB, is the book accruate?
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 11/16/08 10:16 PM

Can't really say, DeN. The basic facts of Rothstein's life are well known, since he was a very public figure in the Twenties and achieved notoriety when F. Scott Fitzgerald portrayed him as "Meyer Wolfsheim, the man who fixed the 1919 World Series" in The Great Gatsby. The value of the book, IMO, is the author's delving into the details of Rothstein's crimes and his relations with criminal associates. It's interesting stuff, but I can't vouch for its accuracy. But I have no reason to doubt it.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 11/16/08 10:23 PM

Thanks TB.. In looking forward to reading..
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 11/17/08 07:54 PM

I hope you do, DeN. smile It's not the best-written book, but the details on the 1919 World Series fix are worth the price of admission.
Posted By: Commando

Re: Mafia Books - 11/24/08 03:12 PM

I did like "The Outfit" by Russo, but the better book on the Chicago I think is "Accardo" by Bill Roemer. It gave information on all aspects of the outfit and each of it's players.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 11/24/08 05:19 PM

ive read both of those books Commando and enjoyed them very much..
Posted By: Commando

Re: Mafia Books - 11/28/08 02:24 PM

I just finished reading "Double Deal" about Michael Corbitt. He was the cop who was in with the Chicago Outfit. Very good book! It was written by the nephew of Sam Giancana.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 11/28/08 02:38 PM

I liked "Double deal". I hadn't heard of Hy Larner before.
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Mafia Books - 12/18/08 04:43 PM

I'm going to buy 2 new books. I just saw them in the store and they look fine.

1:

The titles is 'The last godfathers' and describes the corleone clan. Written bij John Follain.

2:

Written by Peter Feller. Don't now title anymore.
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Mafia Books - 12/18/08 08:10 PM

Just finished The Goodfella Tapes by George Anastasia. It was fantastic! It covers the John Stanfa side of the Merlino-Stanfa war. Stanfa was a vicious guy, just as bad as Nicky Scarfo in my opinion. Stanfa's top hitmen John Veasy and Phillip Coletti were really interesting and ruthless. But at the end of the day Stanfa was outsmarted by the street wise Joey Merlino.
Posted By: Angela

Re: Mafia Books - 01/11/09 11:00 PM

Hi,

I haven't read any books on the Mafia yet, but I saw a couple of documentaries and wondered if there are any good books on Lucky Luciano? On Amazon I found these:
The Luciano Story by Sid Feder & Joachim Joesten
Lucky Luciano: The Man Who Organized Crime in America by Hickman Powell, Charles Grutner & Ed Becker
The Case Against Lucky Luciano
From what I've read about the last of these three I don't think it's the right book for me, but what about the first two? Are they any good?

And then I'd also like to know if
A Man of Honor: The Autobiography of Joseph Bonanno by Joseph Bonanno
is interesting to read? I love autobiographies but given the author it could easily be a pretty empty book that doesn't really give any insights.

Thanks in advance,
Angela
Posted By: SC

Re: Mafia Books - 01/11/09 11:18 PM

Welcome to the boards, Angela!

Read through the first few pages of this thread and you'll get a few ideas on books that may interest you.

The Bonanno book is an easy read BUT it's slanted to Bonanno's side quite a bit. Take it with a grain of salt.
Posted By: Angela

Re: Mafia Books - 01/12/09 07:57 PM

Hi,

I've looked through these pages and they were really helpful in deciding which books I'm going to buy, but I didn't find any specific comments about the books I mentioned. That's why I asked.

Best wishes,
Angela
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 01/12/09 10:59 PM

Yes, to hear Bonanno tell it he was the only leader of honor and dignity while almost everyone else was just interested in making money or dealing drugs, activities he simply didn't take part in.. clap

And he was shocked, shocked that Anastasia, his pal, was murdered while Bonanno took a trip out of town. whistle

If I remember correctly Bonanno writes the whole book with nary a mention of his lunatic capo/underboss Lilo Galante, who was very big into drug importation/dealing.

The book is entertaining but as mentioned it must be read with both eyes open for Bonanno's tendency to obfuscate, exaggerate and lie...
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 01/12/09 11:05 PM

I just finished The Last Gangster.

It was good. It showed how in mentality the Philly mob had degenerated to just a well dressed street gang. The double dealings, thefts and ripoffs of each other, the constant murders and the inability to even turn a dishonest buck ruined the organization.

It was interesting that twenty years previously Lefty Ruggiero had had trouble getting made by the Bonannos because of a bad gambling habit and unpaid debts while Joey Merlino, a leader of the Philly Mob in the nineties and oughts was basically ripping off his own bookmakers. Times had definitely changed.

I wasn't prepared for how much I disliked Ron Previte AND the federal prosecutors.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 01/13/09 01:47 AM

Angela, Lilo summarized the Bonanno book excellently. Of the three Luciano books, I'd recommend the last one: "The Case Against..."

I STRONGLY recommend that you read "The Five Families" by Selwyn Raab. It's the absolute best book on the NYC Mob overall.
Posted By: Angela

Re: Mafia Books - 01/13/09 05:24 PM

Hi,
I've seen that many think highly of this book, so I already ordered it and I hope that I can start reading it this weekend.
Angela
Posted By: Lompac

Re: Mafia Books - 02/24/09 04:11 PM

Angela, you should read Hoods. Now thats bigger then the Mafia!!
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Mafia Books - 03/02/09 07:35 PM

Hello fellas, quick question cuz I have little time to think about it. I can buy 5 books, 2nd handed for Euro 30:

The Mexican Mafia (T. Rafael)
The Japanese Mafia (P. Hill)
Drug Lords (R. Chepesiuk)
The Rise and Fall of the Cleveland Mafia (R. Porello)
Tongs, Gangs and Triads (P. Huston)

Are these books worth buying/reading?

Thanks!
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 03/02/09 10:00 PM

The last two are good. Not familiar with the others.
Can you get "The Five Families" by Selwyn Raab? The best!
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 03/02/09 11:47 PM

"The Mexican Mafia" by Tony Rafael was ok. I learned things. I would recommend it.

Be aware that Mr. Rafael is very anti-immigration and that perspective colors his book. Another interesting tidbit detailed in the book is the true story of Rudy "Cheyenne" Cadena, fictionalized as Santana in the film American Me.
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Mafia Books - 03/03/09 02:26 PM

Thanks for the answers. It happened that the man I had contact with, is selling his whole maffia book collection. He only had this 5 on the internet. But now I've got his whole list and there are some nice books on it.

I'm thinking about buying 10-15 books in one time...:P
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 03/12/09 09:12 AM

Just read TOUGH GUY:THE LIFE AND TIMES OF A MAFIA INSIDER by Louis Ferrante.

It is a good read,the first half re-telling his mis spent youth on the streets,the second telling of his redemption in jail!

My only problem,as with all these books,is how much of it is actually true?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 04/20/09 04:59 PM

Just ordered..

Capone: The Life and Times of Al Capone
by John Kobler (Author)



Havn't seen any reviews on this book but thought i'd give it a try..
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 04/20/09 06:17 PM

You should! Capone was one of the very few gangsters to have competent biographers. Kobler's bio is the best. It's not as up to date as Laurence Bergreen's later version, but it's better written and goes into a lot of background on organized crime and Italian immigration. Highly recommended.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 04/21/09 02:22 PM

Finally read GASPIPE by Philip Carlo.

Not impressed in the slightest. Full of over grand statements and hackneyed old rubbish about him being a lover of animals and his dear old mother despite him beind a homicidal,murdering maniac! Also about him hating rats and never considering himself a rat,even though he was a rat?

And the daftest thing in it? When Carlo tries to get into the Sicilian psyche he talks about the night of the Sicilian Vespers when the islanders rose up against the French invaders,back in the 1200's. According to Carlo this uprising echoed around the world "from Saudi Arabia to Norway"!!!!!!!

How did this info echo back in the medieval world? Internet,phones,carrier pigeon???

Ridiculous stuff,from start to finish!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 04/21/09 02:28 PM

That was one of the most poorly written mob bios I've ever read, Yogi. And that's saying something. That it was written by a life long friend of Casso's is hardly a surprise. A horrible book about a horrible person.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 04/21/09 04:37 PM

I was impressed by Phil Carlos "Iceman"

I wont be reading Gaspipe in a hurry..
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 04/21/09 05:04 PM

Originally Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas
Finally read GASPIPE by Philip Carlo.

Not impressed in the slightest. Full of over grand statements and hackneyed old rubbish about him being a lover of animals and his dear old mother despite him beind a homicidal,murdering maniac! Also about him hating rats and never considering himself a rat,even though he was a rat?


If anything, Yogi, that's an understatement. What crap! Compare with "King of the Godfathers," Anthony M. DeStefano's outstanding bio of Joe Massino.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 04/21/09 05:26 PM

"King of the Godfathers," is a excellent book
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 04/26/09 02:34 PM

Have just brought

The First Family: Terror, Extortion and the Birth of the American Mafia




Before Al Capone and Lucky Luciano, there was the one-fingered, cunning Giuseppe Morello and his murderous coterie of brothers. Had it not been for Morello, the world may never have heard of 'men of honour', the code of omerta or Mafia wars. This explosive book tells the story of the first family of New York, and how this extended close-knit clan of racketeers and murderers left the backwaters of Sicily to successfully establish themselves as the founding godfathers of the New World. First Family will explain in thrilling, characterful detail how the American Mafia established itself so successfully. Combining strong narrative and raw violence - set against the raucous bustle of early twentieth-century New York, and the impoverished rural life of nineteenth-century Sicily - this impeccably researched, groundbreaking study of a crucial period of American history is a compelling portrait of the early years of organised crime.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 04/26/09 03:54 PM

I have seen this as well DN. Looks good. It is on my list smile
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 05/04/09 11:45 PM

There's a brand new one about the Gallo Brothers. It's title is THE MAD ONES, by Tom Folsom. I read it over the weekend and was very impressed that the author could breathe new life into such a seemingly dead topic. I think the reason is that he looks at Joe Gallo's artsy side, as well as his gangster side. It's as much about Joe Gallo, the hipster who adopted Greenwich Village, as it is about "Crazy Joe" from President Street. Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Here's a link: http://www.amazon.com/Mad-Ones-Crazy-Revolution-Underworld/dp/1602860815
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 05/05/09 01:38 AM

Thanks for the tip, PB. smile My library has it on order. I've put myself on the list.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 05/05/09 07:05 AM

Thanks for the Link PB. Looks like a interesting read..
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 05/05/09 03:03 PM

It most certainly does...
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 05/07/09 06:49 PM

Have you put it on your list as well Yogi... smile
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 05/07/09 10:54 PM

It's on my Birthday wish list! Can't wait to read it.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 05/08/09 01:38 AM

If you click on the link and blow up the book's cover, you'll see the garrote mark on Larry Gallo's throat. It was the result of an attempted assassination that exactly paralleled Frankie Pentangeli's attempted assassination in Godfather II, and confirms that the Rosato brothers were modeled on the Gallos.
Posted By: The_Don_Is_Dead

Re: Mafia Books - 05/09/09 01:39 AM

Originally Posted By: Turnbull
If you click on the link and blow up the book's cover, you'll see the garrote mark on Larry Gallo's throat. It was the result of an attempted assassination that exactly paralleled Frankie Pentangeli's attempted assassination in Godfather II, and confirms that the Rosato brothers were modeled on the Gallos.


Which link?

I am interested.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 05/09/09 01:51 PM

Originally Posted By: The_Don_Is_Dead
Originally Posted By: Turnbull
If you click on the link and blow up the book's cover, you'll see the garrote mark on Larry Gallo's throat. It was the result of an attempted assassination that exactly paralleled Frankie Pentangeli's attempted assassination in Godfather II, and confirms that the Rosato brothers were modeled on the Gallos.


Which link?

I am interested.



Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
There's a brand new one about the Gallo Brothers. It's title is THE MAD ONES, by Tom Folsom. I read it over the weekend and was very impressed that the author could breathe new life into such a seemingly dead topic. I think the reason is that he looks at Joe Gallo's artsy side, as well as his gangster side. It's as much about Joe Gallo, the hipster who adopted Greenwich Village, as it is about "Crazy Joe" from President Street. Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Here's a link: http://www.amazon.com/Mad-Ones-Crazy-Revolution-Underworld/dp/1602860815


The link above ^^^^^
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 05/13/09 11:26 PM



So I get home from work today and find a package from Amazon on the kitchen table. I'm like "I didn't order anything from Amazon." confused

I open the box up and lo and behold it's the new book THE MAD ONES!

I find a note inside that says

"To Don Cardi, Happy Birthday from your most valued and trusted friend."


What a thoughtful and generous thing to do! Thank you Consigliere!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 05/13/09 11:35 PM

Very nice, SC.

You'll read it in less than a day, DC. It's not too long to begin with, and it's written an an unusual style. Kind of rambling and almost hard to follow, but if you're familiar with the story (as I know you are), it's a fast, enjoyable read.

Very gritty. Very New York. The author paints a nice picture of the City in the '60s and early '70s (admirable, considering he was born in '74). It brought me back to my childhood.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 05/14/09 01:42 PM

Very nice touch SC.

Would you like my address so you could send me stuff?

wink grin
Posted By: SC

Re: Mafia Books - 05/16/09 08:32 AM

Originally Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas
Very nice touch SC.

Would you like my address so you could send me stuff?


Sure... I have lots of bills that I'd love to send to you. tongue

I got my copy of "The Mad Ones" yesterday..... looks good from just a quick browse through it.

I also got "The Canary Sang But Couldn't Fly" by Edmund Elmaleh. It's the story of Abe Reles and his "fall" from a hotel window just before he was set to testify against Murder, Inc.

I guess I'll have some reading material for a few rainy days. smile
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 05/16/09 10:51 AM

I saw the canery book, looks like a interesting read..
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 05/18/09 01:29 PM

Just been browsing in my local Borders this morning and the "True Crime" section seems to have doubled by at least a half eek

Whilst this is good,it means my "to read" list has also doubled at the same rate and it was already a mile or two long.....
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 05/21/09 03:36 AM

Originally Posted By: SC
I got my copy of "The Mad Ones" yesterday..... looks good from just a quick browse through it.

I also got "The Canary Sang But Couldn't Fly" by Edmund Elmaleh. It's the story of Abe Reles and his "fall" from a hotel window just before he was set to testify against Murder, Inc.

I guess I'll have some reading material for a few rainy days. smile

I thumbed through both books at the local Barnes & Noble yesterday. My library has "The Mad Ones" on order. I'm sure you'll be shocked--shocked ;)--that I'm first on the list for that one.

Library doesn't have plans to get the Reles book. SC, I'd be grateful for your opinion on whether or not it's worth buying.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 05/22/09 01:50 AM

I finally started reading the Mad Ones. So far so good. Just found a couple of inaccuracies, but nothing really major. One being that he refers to a certain part of Brooklyn, East 13th Street and Avenue P, as being in South Brooklyn, which it is not.

The second being that he says that Joe Profaci had his daughter Rosalie married off to the Zerillis family of Detroit.

I believe that Zerilli's son was married to one of the Profaci daughters. But I don't think that it was Rosalie. I thought that she was married to Bill Bonnono.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 05/22/09 02:45 PM

Yes, Rosalie was married to Bill Bonanno, DC.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 05/22/09 04:50 PM

Yet another book about the "mob cops." I've already read three books on the subject, so I'm really tempted to pass this one up. Then again, if I see it at the library, I'll probably grab it. This one's written by Tommy Dades, one of the local (Staten Island), honest cops who brought these scumbags down.

Here's a link: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Friends-of-the-Family/Tommy-Dades/e/9780060874261
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 05/24/09 10:21 PM

Yeah, I saw those errors. E. 13th and Ave. P is deep in the heart of Flatbush. And Bill Bonanno's Rosalie was Joe Profaci's niece, not his daughter.
The photos are swell. The first one of the Gallo Brothers has Larry looking like Andy Garcia in GFIII. wink
Posted By: SC

Re: Mafia Books - 05/25/09 12:37 AM

Originally Posted By: Turnbull
E. 13th and Ave. P is deep in the heart of Flatbush.


Homecrest. tongue
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 05/25/09 01:19 AM

Well, la-di-da! tongue I used to live on Elmwood Avenue in Brooklyn, and they called it "Kensington."
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 05/25/09 06:57 PM

So far, the book really sucks. "None of the dialog is made up," sez the author. If you believe that, you believe in the Great Pumpkin and the Tooth Fairy. rolleyes
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 05/25/09 07:55 PM

Originally Posted By: Turnbull
So far, the book really sucks. "None of the dialog is made up," sez the author. If you believe that, you believe in the Great Pumpkin and the Tooth Fairy. rolleyes


From what I remember reading somewhere the author actually took dialog from parts of other books and used it for this book.


Isn't that a form of plagerism? lol wink


I'm still enjoying the book though.

Something tells me, by the way that the story is being told and written, that this book just may be the basis for a screenplay for a movie.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 05/26/09 02:01 PM

Originally Posted By: Don Cardi

I'm still enjoying the book though.


That's how I felt, DC. As I posted a few weeks ago, it was written in a really strange style; almost a rant. I certainly could've done without all of the '60s, hipster, beatnik lingo. If you don't already know the basics of the story, then you're much better off with "Joey." And for a more journalistic approach, Selwyn Raab's "Five Families" covers more in ten pages than Folsom's entire book. But there was just something about the book as a whole that I enjoyed. It was very cinematic. I kept seeing the book as a film.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 05/27/09 06:00 PM

Here's another example of championship writing by Tom Folsom in "The Mad Ones":

"[Carlo Gambino] seemed like a kindly old man, a ruse honed and perfected over centuries in his native Palermo."

Gee, I thought Drac was from Transylvania, not Sicily... lol
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 05/28/09 11:53 PM

Originally Posted By: Turnbull
So far, the book really sucks. "None of the dialog is made up," sez the author. If you believe that, you believe in the Great Pumpkin and the Tooth Fairy. rolleyes


TB, as I advance deeper into the book I realize that you are right. It's getting harder to read. This guy puts dialogue into quotations as if he was sitting right there when some of these 'so called' conversations and events took place! WOW!

Even the way that he describes parts of President Street past is totally inaccurate. I was very familiar with the old President street and the surrounding area, and I can tell you that this guy totally misses the mark. Maybe someone should go and tell Albert " Kid Blast" Gallo that this guy has it all wrong about the Gallos and where they once lived. wink

The book IS really begining to suck.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 06/06/09 12:33 AM

I just can't seem to pick this book up and finish it. It's a roller coaster ride in reading! The writer goes from typical mob street talk to what seems like LSD induced dialogue. Some of the quoting that he does is just too detailed to be real. Same with some of the scenerios that he writes about. Just a bit too detailed to be believable.

If he had researched and wrote this book 20 years ago, I would say that it was very possible that he spoke to people who were privey to some of these conversations and scenerios. But I find it extremely hard to believe that there are still enough people around or even alive who could provide him with such detail.

A whole lot of quoting goes on in this book of suppossed conversations that took place, in private, almost 50 years ago! He quotes conversations that took place between people that are no longer alive! Personally I think that his writing, dialogue and scenerios are nothing more than his own made up interpretations of what took place.

At times, the book shows some promise and is interesting, but then the writer goes off on a babbling tandem right in the middle of an interesting part.

Yeah, Crazy Joe was this 'Chic' artistic gangster, but this author just seems to over do it a bit on the 'Chic' part of the Gallo persona.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 06/06/09 01:18 AM

I thought it sucked--such an obvious work of fiction. And that bombastic style made Nick Tosches seem like a scholar. tongue
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 06/06/09 01:26 AM

Originally Posted By: Turnbull
I thought it sucked--such an obvious work of fiction. And that bombastic style made Nick Tosches seem like a scholar. tongue


lol


The Sixth Family was so much better than this crap.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 06/06/09 03:30 PM

One NOT to go on the list then eh?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 06/06/09 05:25 PM

I guess so..
Posted By: Eric_Ferrara

Re: Mafia Books - 07/04/09 04:51 AM

"A Guide to Gangsters, Murderers & Weirdos of NYC's Lower East Side"
(ISBN: 978.1.59629.677.0 The History Press.)



Check out book at Amazon.com
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 07/04/09 10:58 AM

Looks like a good read..
Posted By: Gaspipe

Re: Mafia Books - 07/23/09 05:48 AM

I have just finished reading The Butcher anatomy of a Mafia Pyschopath by Philip Carlo it was an excellent read about Mafiosi Tommy Pitera he is alleged to have killed at least 60 people if you liked Gaspipe and the Iceman then you will love this book
Posted By: JerseyGuy

Re: Mafia Books - 07/28/09 05:21 PM

Hey guys, does anybody know any good book about the Irish mafia? I've been getting more interested into the Irish side of organized crime and I was looking for some good books on the subject.

BTW- I've been reading murder machine lately and it's fucking amazing. It does an excellent job at showing what the mafia is like in the modern era as opposed to the 1930s/40s/50s. I recommend it to anyone who hasn't already picked it up
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 07/28/09 06:41 PM

If its Irish mob you are after i would recommend "The Westies" by TJ English


Excellent read..
Posted By: JerseyGuy

Re: Mafia Books - 07/29/09 02:00 PM

Thanks, I'll be sure to check that one out
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 07/29/09 04:44 PM

No worries, enjoy
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 08/13/09 01:43 PM

I was at Barnes and Noble last night and started flipping through "Underboss," the Sammy Gravano bio. I read it when it came out in '97 and thought it was well written---Peter Maas was a pro---but more than a little bit of a whitewash.

Anyway, last night I'm looking at the publication dates printed on the opening pages and I see that the book is now in it's 30th printing as of 2007. Now those are very respectable numbers. What I found particularly galling was that, as of the last printing in 2007, no one bothered to update the last chapter.

Normally, you might see an "epilogue" for a paperback edition of a non-fiction book. I thought it might mention, you know, how Sammy turned his wife and children into drug dealers while in the program? No, the book still ends with Sammy making a flippant remark about how "I guess God still wants me."

I realize that Maas died in 2001, but I found this irresponsible. Almost like the publishers weren't big enough to admit they gave a book deal to one of the biggest serial killers this side of Charles Manson. Actually, Gravano admits to more murders than Manson and Berkowitz combined.

But what do I know?
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 08/13/09 02:48 PM

Well i think you make a good point PB.

Many books get updated these days so why not Sammy's?

Maybe because he turned into even more of a scumbag after he "left" the mob? smile
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 08/13/09 05:32 PM

I agree, too. Even though Maas died, the publishers had an obligation to update readers on Da Bull's life precisely because his AZ drug operations generated headlines all around the country--and because it showed him to be even more of a scumbag than most thought. And yes, PB, though I respected Maas as a writer, I did think Maas let him tell his story in ways that somewhat whitewashed him.
Posted By: mafiageek1980

Re: Mafia Books - 08/17/09 07:06 AM

Hi everyone!

I've read several mafia books and most of them have been good. However, I hated (with a great passion) "Mafia Princess" by Antoinette Giancana. She was wayyy too jumpy in the whole book. I guess it was hard to like it once I read Double Cross by Chuck Giancana. To me, he was a better writer and less "Oh My God, look at me I'm spoiled". Just my 2cents.
Posted By: JerseyGuy

Re: Mafia Books - 08/23/09 01:32 PM

Last night I picked up Mob Cops and Public Enemies by Bryan Burrough at B&N. I've been reading Mob Cops and it's pretty good so far. the only thing I don't like is that when the author writes out the conversations between the people it isn't spaced out and it's all clumped together making it very difficult to keep track of who's saying what. Other than that it is very good so far
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 08/23/09 04:54 PM

Originally Posted By: JerseyGuy
the only thing I don't like is that when the author writes out the conversations between the people it isn't spaced out and it's all clumped together making it very difficult to keep track of who's saying what.

Irritating, isn't it? Some authors do that because they think it's "arty" or "authentic" rolleyes
Posted By: JerseyGuy

Re: Mafia Books - 08/23/09 05:01 PM

Yes, it is very fucking irritating. I would be enjoying it so much more if the convo's weren't so painful to read
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 08/23/09 08:51 PM

Originally Posted By: mafiageek1980
Hi everyone!

I've read several mafia books and most of them have been good. However, I hated (with a great passion) "Mafia Princess" by Antoinette Giancana. She was wayyy too jumpy.....



Hey be careful! She was SC's main squeeze back in 2004 when we were in Chicago!





lol wink
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Mafia Books - 09/13/09 10:50 AM

After reading Drug Lords from Chepusiuk I was really impressed about the Cali Cartel. So I decided to order a new book about this, again Chepusiuk but now the title was 'The bullet or the bribe'. The only book I bought without doing research and I was punished immediately: it's the same book with a different title! What a bummer.

Why is somebody doing that? Same books, different title? Do they want to get more money or something like that? :S
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 09/18/09 06:56 PM

FIRST FAMILY: THE BIRTH OF THE AMERICAN MAFIA, by Mike Dash.

This is one of the very few books on organized crime that's carefully researched, avoids hyperbole, and is written by a qualified historian. Mike Dash covers the birth of the New York Mafia, starting ca. 1890 and ending with the finish of the Castellemmarese War (1931) and the formation of the Commission.

The original NYC Mafiosi were Corleonese, who maintained close ties with Sicily. Their leader, Giuseppe "The Clutch Hand" Morello, ruled by fear and personal forcefulness. He and his brothers-in-law, Ignazio (the Wolf) Lupo and the Terranova brothers, terrorized Manhattan merchants, levied a $50 charge on every rail car of produce delivered to NYC markets, peddled cocaine and black-handed wealthy Italians. For all the violence, murders, mayhem, etc., their rackets didn't amount to much: Dash said they made, together, "only several tens of thousands of dollars" before 1910. A real estate and apartment construction racket they founded went bust in the Panic of 1907. They even worked as migrant laborers in Louisiana for a time. The big hummer was counterfeiting. But, after more than a year of trial and error, they made no more than $50k. The printer they enslaved to work for them ratted them out, and The Clutch Hand and The Wolf did 20 years in Atlanta. Meanwhile all but one of the Terranova brothers were killed by Camorrists in Brooklyn during a bloody war in 1916. When Morello got out, he found four, and later five, competing Mafia families. He had to play second fiddle to a new Don, Joe (The Boss) Masseria. Both of them were killed in the Castellemmarese War. Lupo went right back to extorting merchants, but they no longer feared him. They complained to the police, his parole was revoked, and he died, senile, just 3 weeks after being released from prison the second time. Ciro (the Artichoke King) Terranova, the survivor, died penniless. The Big Bucks were made only after Prohibition went into effect, and even then, Jewish and Irish mobs dominated the trade.

Dash's account is richly detailed and is a worthy complement to Selwyn Raab's "The Five Families." Highly recommended. clap
Posted By: The_Mechanic

Re: Mafia Books - 10/03/09 11:08 PM

Another interesting read in the betrayed wiseguy turned rat genre IMHO is Joe Dogs: The Life and Crimes of a Mobster by Joseph "Joe Dogs" Iannuzzi , he actually opened the door for the Castellano bust.
Posted By: The_Mechanic

Re: Mafia Books - 10/03/09 11:15 PM

Selwyn Raab's book is by far the best in recent history,
although it's difficult to read any of the above without overlapping some of the same previously covered ground.
That's why it's great when yet another wiseguy turns states witness, and capitalizes on it with a new book with a little different (although usually self serving) perspective.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 10/11/09 11:20 AM

Originally Posted By: The_Mechanic
Selwyn Raab's book is by far the best in recent history,


I totally agree.

Are you familiar with the 'pizza connection?'
Posted By: The_Mechanic

Re: Mafia Books - 10/12/09 11:26 PM

Yes, as a matter of fact there are a few very good documentaries that you can find on google videos that highlight the "Pizza connection", I think the BBC did the best footwork on, but as far as text, no I'm not familiar. On the same lines, there was a recent history channel expose' on heroin smuggling, where the smugglers were actually stuffing the smack in the bindings of childrens books.....
Posted By: The_Mechanic

Re: Mafia Books - 10/12/09 11:29 PM

Did you also notice that in Selwyn Raab's "The five families"
Every swingin dick he portrayed, ran to the feds when their ass was finally in a sling....surprising coincidencs.
Posted By: Lilo

The Butcher :Anatomy of a Mafia Psychopath - 10/15/09 02:30 PM

The Butcher, by Phillip Carlo is the story of Bonanno Family member Tommy "Karate" Pitera. Pitera got his nickname because of his interest in Japanese martial arts, cuisine, lifestyle and history. He went to Japan as a teenager and lived there for two years training in martial arts.

Upon return to Brooklyn, the diminutive mobster hooked up with the Bonannos, was formally inducted and became a feared killer.

This should have been a better book. It feels like it was rushed. The author makes a number of presentation mistakes.
There are neither footnotes nor index. There is sloppy use of terms. Pitera is described as a capo but since he doesn't seem to have any other made men in his crew, perhaps he was really just a soldier. There's certainly no description of any promotion. Anthony Spero, Bonnano bigshot, is alternatively described as the Family counselor or underboss-sometimes in the same paragraph. I know that roles were in flux but which one was it? If both, what was changing and how did that impact Pitera?

But the worst flaw in my opinion is the author's use of omniscient third person narrative. At this time Tommy Pitera has not granted Carlo long interviews detailing his thoughts, hopes and fears at various times during his life. Nor (to my knowledge) have his parents, wife, girlfriends, fellow karate students or other intimates spoken on record with Carlo.

So there's really no way for Phillip Carlo to know exactly what Pitera was thinking or why he did what he did. To speak definitively as if you know what's going on in someone else's head is irritating. William Roemer did that in his books but at least he could always fallback on the "informant who I can't reveal" trope. Carlo doesn't have that.

Perhaps realizing that his ability to draw a picture of Pitera is somewhat limited, Carlo spends a great deal of time depicting the DEA agents who would help take Pitera down. However these guys are not really that compelling either.

There's also conflicting/self-serving information that Carlo gets from the DEA. For example it supposedly was a DEA sting alone that took out Vito Genovese with no mention of the oddity of a sitting mob boss meeting with a low level drug courier or Frank Lucas was supplied from the Gambinos and Bonannos with no mention of the Golden Triangle connection.

Carlo's primary source for much of his information is Frank Gangi, a member of Pitera's crew and a man who by his own admission is a alcoholic and junkie who was involved in at least three murders committed with Pitera. This person only sees the light after he gets busted for drunk driving and falls apart. Of course it is just as likely that Gangi and Pitera realized at the same time that Gangi was a weak link and Gangi ran to the police. In any event Gangi is just not a sympathethic figure. At all.

One good thing that this book does however is strip away the fiction that there is any real difference between the Mafia and other so-called street thugs or gangsters. Pitera kills because he's ordered to do so but he also kills because he's annoyed or bored or simply wants what someone else has. His ONLY business seems to be drugs. He's surrounded by lowlifes, junkies and party girls. Other than killing a made man, Pitera doesn't seem to ask or need permission for any of his murders.

Speaking of Pitera, another character tells his wife "He has no friends because he killed them all!". That pretty much sums up Tommy Pitera.

I would give this book 3 out of 5 stars. I would wait to purchase it in paperback version or used.
Posted By: Dapper_Don

Re: The Butcher :Anatomy of a Mafia Psychopath - 10/19/09 03:19 AM

thanks for the review, i was planning on waiting for the paperback and hopefully carlo fixes some of the petty mistakes from the hardcover. He failed to do that with the Gaspipe book.

In that book he says that Gambino member Angelo "quack Quack" Ruggiero got his nickname from ducking subpoenas, when in reality that's how Tony "Ducks" Corralo got that nickname and Angelo got his from being a chatterbox. That mistake was in the hardcover version of Gaspipe which I saw somebody mentioned in an Amazon review and once I got the paperback I saw that it was still in that version as well!

I understand the author has Lou Gehrig's disease but still that shouldn't be a substitute to try and getting the facts straight!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 11/21/09 06:52 PM

I just finished "Miami Babylon," by Gerald Posner.



Not a mob book, per se, although it includes a detailed account of Chris Paciello's rise and fall as both a Staten Island thug and the self ordained club king of Miami Beach.

It covers the "gentrification" of Miami and Miami Beach in the years following the Mariel boatlift, which includes crooked cops, shady politicians and cocaine cowboys, all treated like celebrities in Sin City. It tells the story of how South Beach went from being a dilapidated senior community in the early 80s, to the east coast version of Las Vegas that it is today.

A very interesting read, especially if you're familiar with the area.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 11/21/09 07:17 PM

Next to Vegas, South Beach is the most lunatic place in America.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 11/21/09 07:19 PM

Originally Posted By: Turnbull
Next to Vegas, South Beach is the most lunatic place in America.


Quite a change from when the old ladies were living in the deco hotels, huh, TB?
Posted By: JerseyGuy

Re: Mafia Books - 12/13/09 05:30 AM

I've been reading John Dillinger by Dary Matera as a project for school and it's a very interesting read so far. It has a lot of good info that i haven't seen before and i enjoy that it goes back before Dillinger was a celebrity crook and a nationwide phenomana and tells about his earlier days of crime. It's pretty damn good and i recommend it to anyone interested in the "jackrabbit"
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 12/13/09 03:07 PM

Ive not brought a Mafia book for a while now,should really get back to reading them as there my fav genre to read..
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 12/14/09 03:56 PM

Just read MAKING JACK FALCONE by FBI undercover agent Joaquin Garcia,who bought down various Gambino wiseguys like Greg DePalma and his crew. A good read,informative and interesting!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 12/14/09 04:01 PM

Originally Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas
Just read MAKING JACK FALCONE by FBI undercover agent Joaquin Garcia,who bought down various Gambino wiseguys like Greg DePalma and his crew. A good read,informative and interesting!


Good, quick read, Yogi. There was a secondary story in that book about police corruption in Hollywood, Florida. My neighbor in Florida was married to one of those cops at one time. She told me he was a real creep. I think he ended up getting like 14 years, if I'm not mistaken.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 12/14/09 04:08 PM

Was he Kevin Companion PB? I have literally just put the book down and the what happened to the crooks index was at the end (so still fresh in the memory)
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 12/14/09 04:12 PM

Originally Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas
Was he Kevin Companion PB? I have literally just put the book down and the what happened to the crooks index was at the end (so still fresh in the memory)


That's not her last name, but they were married some time ago, so it's possible. I'll find out and pm you.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 12/14/09 04:18 PM

Thanks PB.

About Falcone,i chuckled when he wrote that with all the wiseguy feasts he attended,and him being a big eater anyways, he ballooned up to 450 pounds eek

Wow!!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 12/14/09 04:19 PM

Yeah, because before he met them he was a svelte 375 whistle.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 12/15/09 03:45 PM

Literally a bag of bones lol
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Mafia Books - 12/22/09 12:52 PM

I've just read 'I was one of them'. A biography of Giusy Vitale, sister of Leonarde, Vito and Michele Vitale from Partinico. It was interesting to read about the 'women' in the Mafia and how they were indoctrinated. Good reading stuff.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 01/04/10 03:43 PM

Got MADE MEN by Greg Smith for Christmas and have read it already. A good entertaining account of the rather hapless DeCalvacantes rorm New Jersey and their similarities to the Sopranos. I enjoyed it very much!
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 01/04/10 10:50 PM

Glad you enjoyed it Yogi this book is on my amazon wish list and im sure i'll get round to reading it one day.. smile
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 01/08/10 04:01 PM

Now reading another Christmas one. THE FIRST FAMILY by Mike Dash about the Morello/Terranova alliance in New York in the early 1900's.

Very good!
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 01/08/10 04:46 PM

Originally Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas
Now reading another Christmas one. THE FIRST FAMILY by Mike Dash about the Morello/Terranova alliance in New York in the early 1900's.

Very good!

Sounds interesting. I hope you write a review after you've completed it.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 01/08/10 06:20 PM

I reviewed it last year. It's on the previous page of this forum, near the bottom.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 01/08/10 08:11 PM

Thx!
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 01/10/10 01:22 PM

Originally Posted By: Turnbull
I reviewed it last year. It's on the previous page of this forum, near the bottom.


And i agree with you whole-heartedly TB. Dash is an excellent historical writer,its hard to remember he is actually English, he gets such a feel for his subject.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 01/14/10 11:36 PM

Originally Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas
Now reading another Christmas one. THE FIRST FAMILY by Mike Dash about the Morello/Terranova alliance in New York in the early 1900's.

Very good!


Ive read this also excellent book on the early NY mafia..
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 01/19/10 03:51 PM

Just read BLOOD AND HONOR by GEORGE ANASTASIA. All about the Philly mob in the 80's and how it tore itself apart under the leadership of the despotic Nicky Scarfo.

An excellent book. One of the best mob books i have ever read!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 01/19/10 03:55 PM

Great book, Yogi. I think it's the best book ever written about the Philly mob.

You should now follow that up with "The Last Gangster," also written by Anastasia. It's the story of Ron Previte, an ex-cop turned wiseguy. And a real lowlife, to boot.

It's written in the same style as "Blood and Honor," and offers a bit of a coda to the events of the first book.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 01/19/10 04:02 PM

I'll put that on the list PB. I have read another by Anastasia called THE GOODFELLA TAPES. All about Philly in the 90's,post Scarfo,when Stanfa and Skinny Joe Merlino were in conflict.

Another good read that!
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 01/19/10 04:19 PM

Yogi, I did a mini-review of "Last Gangster" in this section (page 11). I agree with PB about its similarity to "Blood and Honor".
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 01/19/10 04:23 PM

Thanks Lilo. i will check that out!
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Mafia Books - 01/19/10 06:24 PM

I'm reading Iceman at the moment. You know the stupid part of it? Towards the end I still hope the man doesn't get arrested, while he has done horrible things to people! Somehow I feel empathy with him....
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 01/26/10 03:50 PM

Read THE MAD ONES last night at work. I know it got poor reviews on here a while back and i have to agree a little. It is like the author is going out of his way to be uber-exciting and hip in his writing style. I cannot comment on any discrepancies in the geographical references, being 5,000 miles away, but i take the boys in here at their word and presume he was pumping out a load of crap in places.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 01/26/10 04:41 PM

Has anyone heard of/read the book "Unto the daughters" by Karen Tintori?
She's a Detroit area Sicilian-American who discovered that close to 60-70 years ago her great-aunt was murdered by her own brothers because she did not wish to marry a local mafia bigshot (this was not done at the request of the mafia). I saw it in a bookstore recently...
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 02/02/10 03:05 PM

To go back to THE MAD ONES there is a bit that made me chuckle. Folsom talks about the old Dons having battles of wit with riddles and songs. He uses Joe Profaci as an example. I believe it goes something along the lines of "If i die in Brookulino bury me with me my mandolino"

Wow. I bet that one won him the riddle game rolleyes

My youngest boy could come up with that one tongue
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 02/03/10 01:38 AM

Yogi, the story about the rhyming contests was lifted from Joe Bonanno's autobiography, "A Man of Honor" (sic). All autobios are self-serving, as is Bonanno's. But he has plenty of interesting stories in it--whether or not they're true. He gives the most detailed account of the famous Castellemmarese War, and also describes the workings of the Commission.

As you may be aware, Rudy Giuliani, when he was the top Federal prosecutor for New York (before he became mayor), "got hit by the thunderbolt": he realized from Bonanno's description that the Commission fit the pattern for a "racketeer influenced corrupt organization" under the recently passed RICO law. He brought the famous "Commission Case" and sent several NYC Dons away for 100-plus years. "I ran the Mafia out of New York," he boasted. It was an exaggeration, but he did deal them a body blow from which they've never recovered.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 02/03/10 03:36 AM

Originally Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas
"If i die in Brookulino bury me with me my mandolino"


Holy Hell i laughed so hard at this when i read that book, just the mental picture of it all.

Good review of The Butcher, Lilo, spot on. i should have spent my money on "I Heard You Paint Houses" with Frank Sheehan & Charles Brandt.

Thats not true. i actually have a stange compulsion to shop-lift true-crime books. Actually thats not true. Or is it?
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 02/03/10 04:04 PM

MMD, I don't know if someone already did a review of "I heard you paint houses" or not but I liked the book. It seemed to have a bit more substance and validity. Of course like any true crime book there was a bit of "I speak without fear of contradiction !" (because everyone else is dead) included within. It's been a while since I read it so I can't remember now if some of Mr. Sheeran's most outlandish claims were conclusively debunked. Either way though it's entertaining..
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 02/04/10 05:22 AM

True, true, there always seems a bit of that. I have a tendancy to leaf through 90%
of the books in the true-crime section of a book-shop before actually settling on the
one or two im going to buy.

"I Heard You Paint Houses", i think that's what ill be picking up next, mainly because
i dont have any books dealing mainly with the Bufalino crime family.
One of the things that looked interesting was a list of mobsters purporting to be the
"Mafia Commission". It includes Frank Sheehan and a Jewish dude (i cant remember exactly, is it Rockman?)
Some pretty cool pictures too, of Bufalino and some other well known dudes.

Of course, i can only expect it to have Sheehan's own take on the last 50-odd years of
mob history, which in all likelihood will conflict with the recollections of many other
such mobster "testimonials".
Even books by journalists like Capeci, Anastasia, Raab, Humphries & Lamonth include
there own relevant "truth's" and explanation of events, which can often be at odds with
the claims of other authors, which i find particularly intersesting, trying to deduce
the likliest course of events through the information on hand.
Such, of course, is the nature of the "True" crime "Mob-Lit".

Anyway, i sound like a douch-bag. This is obvious information.
Even so, i love it. After gathering up a trove of books on the NY Families and the
Sicilians, im really after books about the other families now. I read "Last Mafioso"
recently, The Weasel's biography, and self-serving as it was at times, i was enthralled
by all the information on the Outfit and West Coast Families. And of course you cant
go past George Anastasia for books on the Philly Mob, likewise Scott Deitch for the
Florida Family. If anybody can suggest any other "authorities" as such, please
let me know.

Has any-one read "Smaldone" or "Blackhand Strawman" about the Denver and Kansas City
Families respectively? These look pretty interesting. I might have to ebay for them
or some shit; it seems unlikely my local bookstores will stock it for me.

Long post -0 -pardon me.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 02/04/10 02:33 PM

I can't recommend strongly enough Gus Russo's book "The Outfit" which concerns the Chicago Outfit and associated organizations in the Midwest and California. He also wrote a book "Supermob" which was primarily about Sidney Korshak and other Jewish/Anglo powerbrokers that got their start being backed by the Outfit but branched out to mostly legal concerns. I haven't finished "Supermob" yet. Both books are quite dense, lengthy and extensively sourced.

The interesting thing about "...paint houses" is that you get to see some of the interplay between and among various criminal organizations, politicians, labor and businesses. Someone's formal title may be virtually meaningless as to the actual power they hold and there were some guys that were formal members of one family but did much of their business/socializing with members of another family. Everything was interrelated. There are multiple seats of power. It was a quicker read than "The Outfit" but still quite good. I don't have the book in front of me now and wouldn't want to spoil it but Sheeran's voice really is like listening to what I imagine Al Neri's memoirs would have sounded like. Sheeran evidently wasn't quite a lunatic psycho but he just lacked ANYTHING approaching empathy. Killing didn't bother him. At all.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 02/04/10 05:27 PM

Notice that Sheeran said he was with Hoffa at the end, but he never actually came right out and said he killed him. Also interesting that the book was published after Sheeran died.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 02/04/10 06:09 PM

Originally Posted By: Turnbull
Notice that Sheeran said he was with Hoffa at the end, but he never actually came right out and said he killed him. Also interesting that the book was published after Sheeran died.


I don't have the book in front of me now but I'm pretty sure that Sheeran claimed to have put two bullets in Hoffa's head. Previously he had only claimed to have helped drive the car away after the deed was done.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 02/05/10 04:09 AM

I have contrived to obtain myself a copy of "I Heard You Paint Houses". I have just started it this very morning.

Totally drawn into it from the start, i at first *groaned* when the inevitable story of his own life started in Chapter 3.
I was pleasantly surprised to find it was not so boring after all. A few things cracked me up, like his views on masturbation and his earliest sexual experiences.
Or how his father would bet other men money that Frank could beat up their sons, so he could drink the winnings.
And how he see's "Tuxedo Junction" as his "theme-song".

I was, though, shocked by the allegations of attrocities committed by American soldiers under Patton in Sicily, the murder of busloads of prisoners and other awful shit. Call me naive, but not only did i have no knowledge of such, but would not have suspected. I know fucked-up things happen during war but i never would have expected they happened at that particular time & place. I guess i had thought Patton and his troop's to be ...shit, i dont know. More honourable maybe? My naievity (spl?)

And 411 days of combat? He'd seen some shit. Your right, Lilo, you can almost feel the cold indifference of his words when he descibes death & killing. Its a little creepy.

Anyway, im up to Chapter 8, Russel Bufalino, and am digging this book.

- Nothing for nothing, but i was a bit annoyed with the boxing kangaroo anecdote. Call me a bleeding heart, but the guy was punching the shit out of a kangaroo for chrissakes! Probably an old enfeebled one with its foot-claw clipped, brutally trained to "box" and do as commanded. Aahhhrrgghh... sorry, but this got to me a bit. Even though he presents it as a light-hearted story, my modern sensibilities couldnt reconcile such archaic entertainment. Sorry, maybe because im an Aussie, but even if it was a dog or whatever. I was happy that the kangaroo hurt his head at least. Ha.

Still a good book, of course. Russel Bufalino is an interesting man.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 02/05/10 11:22 AM

Originally Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica
I have contrived to obtain myself a copy of "I Heard You Paint Houses". I have just started it this very morning.

I was, though, shocked by the allegations of attrocities committed by American soldiers under Patton in Sicily, the murder of busloads of prisoners and other awful shit. Call me naive, but not only did i have no knowledge of such, but would not have suspected. I know fucked-up things happen during war but i never would have expected they happened at that particular time & place. I guess i had thought Patton and his troop's to be ...shit, i dont know. More honourable maybe? My naievity (spl?)

And 411 days of combat? He'd seen some shit. Your right, Lilo, you can almost feel the cold indifference of his words when he descibes death & killing. Its a little creepy.

Anyway, im up to Chapter 8, Russel Bufalino, and am digging this book.

Still a good book, of course. Russel Bufalino is an interesting man.


Glad you like the book so far, MMD. smile

Yeah the war time stuff was a little unsettling but the historian Stephen Ambrose talks about similar stuff in his books. For example, after news of the SS led massacre at Malmedy got out, some Allied units didn't take prisoners for a week or so. That extra motivation aside, an officer that's been given an objective to reach by a set time, doesn't want to slow his advance down by taking large numbers of prisoners. And then there's just the basic human element of turning off the kill switch. Someone who just killed your best buddy in the squad runs out of ammo, throws his rifle down and NOW wants to surrender?

panic

But Patton was a strange one..
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 02/10/10 02:58 PM

Aha. Great book. Definitly earns its place in my mob-lit canon. Some interesting stuff, and has added to my understanding of the Teamsters greatly. Heaps of info.

I get the kangaroo thing now, Sheeran using it as a metaphor for being oblivious to certain things that could be harmful
(not realizing that the thumps on the back of his head were from the kangaroo's tail) Still, its a kangaroo for chrissakes.

I thought Sheerans belief in his role in Joe Biden becoming a senator was fascinating.

Its clever the way he describes things, too. He never says "I shot him twice in the back of the head", but uses ambiguous wording, just "he was shot twice in the head". Of course, he had already stated he was there and holding a gun. He did the same thing in his version of the Joey Gallo hit.

Im now onto "Mafia's Greatest Hits" by David H. Jacobs. Nowhere near as good though. I already know all this stuff.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 02/11/10 02:28 PM

The thing that intrigued me about that book is that Sheeran spent most of his adult life working for men who cheated, stole and robbed folks and used the union to do it. He committed beatings or murders on command to help these people attain their private profits. And yet seemingly without irony he supported unions as being important for the working guy.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 02/17/10 10:48 AM

True, with utmost conviction. Sheeran was definitly a character, with some decidedly cold
-blooded traits. He is very reverant of both Rosario Bufalino and James R. Hoffa. And
though at first i thought it sounded dubious, after reading the book i have also shifted
to the belief that it was indeed Sheeran who not only killed Hoffa, but Joey Gallo as
well. Not Persico, not Joe Luparelli's "suspects", nor any of the countless theories ive
read in countless mob books. As Mr. Capeci says in "Idiots Guide..", it has that
"ring of truth".

Ive scared up a new book; though as its entirely in relation to Australian O.C
(specifically this country's drug trade and the various syndicates that
have been involved in it over the years) i know its not for everybody; but
for those who might be interested, it definitly make's for a good read.

"SMACK EXPRESS:How Organised Crime Got Hooked On Drugs" by Clive Small and Tom Gilling
(a former policeman & journalist respectively) published 2009, relates the rise and
history of the modern drug trade in Australia. It covers the myriad syndicates involved
over the decades in high-level drug importation, and how they interplayed as force's &
strength's waned and fluctuated.
From the earliest coke & smack-barons of the Sydney and Melbourne brothel's, to the
Anglo-Australian East Coast Criminal Milieu.

It chronicles the Calabrian Mafia's immersion in Australia's marijuana industry
& the later Calabrian connection's to massive ecstasy and cocaine hauls.
The rise of Vietnamese gangs in the Nineties, which saw savage gangs of youth's slashing
& stabbing their way to control of the lucrative heroin rings, the drug's imported
directly from South-East Asia and of a quality that hadn't been seen before on the
East Coast of Australia. The Vietnamese "triads" made the Sydney suburb of Cabramatta
the "Heroin Capital" of Australia, and it was in that suburb that a political
assasination was carried out (the murder of an MP) by Vietnamese criminals, one of very
few in Australia's history.

There is also some interesting information on a woman identified only as "Aunty",
said to be a Colombian woman in her fifties that came to Australia during the '70's
who is also one of Australia's biggest importers of cocaine, claimed to have been
responsible for the importation of approximately a tonne of cocaine about every 18 months
for roughly two decades.

And a ton more information on many more criminals, some more obscure then others.
Australia has definitly became a major drug market in recent years, and this well
researched book offers a breakdown of the industry's Australian end.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 02/17/10 11:41 AM

There was an assassination of a legislator?
When did this happen?
Were the people responsible caught? Does Australia have the death penalty or life imprisonment?
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Mafia Books - 02/18/10 12:23 PM

Did anyone read McMaffia from Mischa Glenny? Interesting book about Maffia's from East Europe. Russian/Oekrain (or how you spell it)/Romania/Albania etc. It explains the origins very well. The economic situations, the transformation to capitalism etc.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 02/19/10 09:36 AM

Holy Shit, somebody actually read my post. Awesome.
Thank you, Lilo - conversation!

In September of '94, NSW Member of Parliament & Member for the seat of Cabramatta
(sort of similar to senators in the US) John Newman was murdered outside his home.
It was seven years after his death that chief suspect Phuong Ngo was found guilty
of setting up the murder. Ngo, a Vietnamese-Australian political rival to Newman
for the seat of Cabramatta, was found to have links to several local criminals
and criminal groups of Asian extraction, and to have orchestrated the murder in an attempt to ensure
his own chances of political success, and to solidify the allegiences of the drug
gangs who were threatened by Newman and his hardline policies.

Cabramatta is well known for its large Vietnamese community, and at the time of Newman's death,
Vietnamese criminals were playing a large role in Australia's heroin trade; & so by proxy Cabramatta
became the epicentre of the nations heroin culture, due largely in part to a locally formed "Triad" of
Vietnamese youth's that, along with a few offshoot factions, fought tooth & nail for control of distribution networks.
Once the back of these groups was broken by the late 90', times changed & things moved on.

Some info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Newman_(Australian_politician)

One in Four Australians are born overseas. We truly are a migrant country, and Australia's
prosperity is based in a large part on the sweat of the men & women who came to this
country to build a life. Unfortunately, we all know we dont just get the honest,
hardworking migrants, but the dodgy ones as well; as a result, the Anglo-Australian
criminal elements have had to deal with numerous criminal cells even more determined
& dangerous as themselves. Vietnamese were/are but one of many.

The last bloke to be hanged in Australia, if my memory is correct, was one Jason
(or Joseph? I may be wrong) Ryan, sentenced to hang for murder in 1957.
The Death Penalty was abolished in 1973, and despite heated opinions has remained
so. More Australian's have been executed for drug smuggling through South-East Asia
in recent years.

An interesting side note: one Gabe Watson, an Alabama man sentanced to four and a half
years in prison for "unlawfully killing" his recently married wife Christina in 2003,
(long story short - she drowned when the boat they were passengers on left them
scuba-diving in deep-waters off the Australian East Coast - huge news in Australia)
was recently the subject of an extradition request by his State's government to face
trial for her murder in his home country (Americans were said to be furious with the
decisions of the Australian Courts that saw Watson serve only 12 months)
Unless there is a guarantee given that he will not recieve the death penalty if
convicted, the Queensland Government will not comply with the request, keeping with
Australia's opposition to Capital Punishment and refusal to force individuals into
that circumstance.
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensla...90609-c17c.html

sorry sorry sorry long post.
i could go on for days, thankfully i wont, eh?

Poor guy, you prolly regret even showing mild interest.

I came this close to picking up McMafia recently M.M.
It actually sounds very cool.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 02/20/10 10:43 AM

Hmm. In the US if a Senator were murdered-especially by an "immigrant" crime syndicate, there would be calls for a serious crackdown and imposition of the death penalty. Other than the conviction of Ngo were there any other consequences to the particular group that okayed Newman's removal?
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 02/21/10 09:21 AM

Funny thing that. Despite the arrest first of two men for the murder, the charges were thrown out when the judge ruled misconduct on the part of prosecuters. Later, one of these men flipped after cutting a deal with the NSW Crime Commission and named a shooter. There were two trials; the first ended with a hung jury, the second saw Ngo convicted with the other two (the alleged shooter and the man from the first arrests) acquitted. Pretty controversial at the time. Ngo was later sentanced to life in prison, which he is still serving today.

A few years into his sentance though, he was transfered to a "SuperMax" prison, under 24 hour surveillance, and was labelled an influental person within the prison population. Some went on to claim that Ngo actually continued to play a part in politics, though this proved to be untrue.

Some have claimed that he was himself a boss, and despite some heavy allegations regarding his criminal links (some proven) hard evidence suggest's that Ngo was a mid-to-low level criminal and used young Asian gang-members as "hired muscle".
He was heavily involved in illegal casino's and gambling rings and extortion of the Vietnamese community.
As such, the street gangs were able to distance themselves from Ngo's activities, and he bore the brunt of responsiblity.
By the late Nineties, however, increased police attention saw the phenomenon of the Vietnamese street gangs fading out, and trends changed (Lebanese gangs were the next big news story) There are still, of course, Vietnamese criminals, but the vicious street gang heroin rings are much a thing of the past. They are now mainly drug importers, brothel operators and bookmaker/loansharks, operating much more low-key.

Theres some great reports on this subject, if i can just find them ill post links. A really great book to, but i dont own it and (erm..) cant quite remember the title or author...hm.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 02/23/10 10:48 AM

You know, ive just finished reading "The Sixth Family" by Adrien Humpries and Lee Lamonth. What a great book, the best so far on the subject of the Rizzuto Family & the Canadian Cosa Nostra & other Mafia clans, at least in my opinion. Right up there with "Five Families" by Selwyn Raab, the best tome so far on the subject of the New York Cosa Nostra. These two books, man, how good are they?

Im am going to search out a copy of "The Outfit" by Gus Russo on reccomendation. Hopefully i find a copy as quick as i did "I Heard You Paint Houses".
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 02/23/10 09:32 PM

Hope you like "The Outfit" when you find it. Be interested in your review.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 02/24/10 09:07 PM

You'll like "The Outfit" for me this is one of my fav Mafia books.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 03/01/10 06:24 PM




The rise of the Mafia-Martin Short





Just started to read the above book.
This is the first mafia book ive brought in a few months.
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Mafia Books - 03/02/10 03:48 PM

Is that book way different from Martin Shorts 'Crime Inc.'?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 03/02/10 11:26 PM

Not read "Crime Inc" so cant comment on it im afraid.
Posted By: Casey

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/10 01:17 AM

Mafia US Treasury Department Bureau of Narcotics.

Got the first published hardcover edition about 3 years ago as a gift. A state by state who's who of wiseguys. The last entry appears to be around 1963. Fast forward to a week ago I see an updated soft cover version which is annotated and some of the individuals who were in the first edition left out of the newer edition. Does anyone know why this was? I've got my theory,
What does everyone think?

This is my first post here. I used to post on Porrello's old board years ago.
Posted By: Lucasi

Re: Mafia Books - 03/18/10 12:21 PM

Lots of great info that still holds true today in that book.Jerry Capeci lays it down the best he can being an outsider.
Posted By: Lucasi

Re: Mafia Books - 03/18/10 12:27 PM

"MOTOR CITY MAFIA"-A Century Of Organized Crime In Detroit By:Scott M.Burnstein.
Lots of great info/pics on the past Century Of the Mob In Detroit.
A Must have for people who enjoy reading storys on the Mafia.Storys from the FBI to inside info.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/10 03:07 PM




This is brand new. I picked it up at Borders last night and I don't know what to expect. While I've always been fascinated by the mob's stranglehold over the music industry in the mid 20th century, I'm not sure how much Tommy James actually knows about it or what kind of writer he is. Morris Levy, who some say was the prototype for "Hesh" on "The Sopranos," seems to play a big part in the book. I'll let you know.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/10 04:43 PM

Just wondering if anybody has read the below book and is it recommended..

Last Testament of Lucky Luciano by Marvin Gosch (Author), Richard Hammer (Author)
Amazon page

Thanks.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/10 04:46 PM

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Just wondering if anybody has read the below book and is it recommended..

Last Testament of Lucky Luciano by Marvin Gosch (Author), Richard Hammer (Author)
Amazon page

Thanks.


It's a whitewash, DeNiro, written by an author handpicked by Luciano. But it's still interesting, in that Luciano allowed himself to be interviewed. I'd call it required reading for a mob buff for that reason alone.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/10 05:17 PM

Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Just wondering if anybody has read the below book and is it recommended..

Last Testament of Lucky Luciano by Marvin Gosch (Author), Richard Hammer (Author)
Amazon page

Thanks.


It's a whitewash, DeNiro, written by an author handpicked by Luciano. But it's still interesting, in that Luciano allowed himself to be interviewed. I'd call it required reading for a mob buff for that reason alone.


I would echo what PB said. It was the first mob book I read. I picked it up in a used bookstore in college. Great stuff.

One of the interesting things is that it is very much written in Luciano's voice-which is HIGHLY profane and very low class and common-none of the flowery style which Bonnano used. Luciano was a street thug who made good and the book reads like that. The book has none of this nonsensical talk about "honor" or "destiny". Zero.

Of course like anything else there are some things that Charlie Lucky really didn't want to discuss so the book glosses over any murders he may have personally done as a hoodlum on the rise in the teens and twenties. To hear him tell it people just did what he suggested because he was a great organizer and had plenty of team spirit. whistle

In the same vein the book is vague on his involvement in post war narcotics dealings or exactly what (if any) sorts of deals he and/or Vito Genovese may have made with OSS/CIA to spring Luciano, restore Mafia control in Sicily and make sure the "right" people won post war elections. Again, to hear Luciano tell it he constantly argued against narcotics involvement and it was all Vito's idea. rolleyes

Still the book is quite interesting because again it shows that at the highest levels of the Mafia and organized crime all the stuff about Family hierarchy/separations or Italian/Jew separation isn't always the case.

Adonis, Luciano, Buchalter, Siegel, Lanksy, Genovese, and Anastasia seemed to view themselves as rough equals, with Charlie Lucky just a little more equal than the others. The book contradicts itself often but that's to be expected. Sometimes supposedly Lanksy is prevented from voting because he's Jewish but at other times the final word on something is "The Little Man said so". Go figure...
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/10 10:29 PM

Thanks for the reply PB/Lilo, This book is on my Amazon wishlist and i've been meaning to buy this book for a while now but its quite expensive..

Thanks again..
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 04/03/10 12:43 AM

Originally Posted By: Lilo
Adonis, Luciano, Buchalter, Siegel, Lanksy, Genovese, and Anastasia seemed to view themselves as rough equals, with Charlie Lucky just a little more equal than the others. The book contradicts itself often but that's to be expected. Sometimes supposedly Lanksy is prevented from voting because he's Jewish but at other times the final word on something is "The Little Man said so". Go figure...

The biggest contribution Luciano made to American organized crime is just what you pointed out, Lilo: everybody's equal, Lucky's a bit more. Maranzano's fatal mistake was to declare himself capp di tutti capi. Luciano, who arranged his murder with Lansky, didn't have to--everyone knew he was the top guy. He even appointed Capone to be the "chairman" of the Commission, to try to keep him in line. And, despite being born in Sicily, Luciano was a thoroughly modern American businessman. He accepted help and collaboration with non-Sicilians and even non-Italians if he could make money with them.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 04/03/10 01:06 AM

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Thanks for the reply PB/Lilo, This book is on my Amazon wishlist and i've been meaning to buy this book for a while now but its quite expensive..

Thanks again..


UR welcome. Do you have to order from the UK Amazon? Can you do a little price arbitrage by ordering from the US amazon or perhaps the shipping would make it not worth the difference.

The US page shows many different sellers. 28GBP is about $45? US page shows versions for much less than that but of course buyer beware..
US Amazon Last Testament
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 04/03/10 01:09 AM

Absolutely TB. I think the biggest factor in Luciano's relatively avant-garde style was that he came to the US as a child and relatively impoverished while people like Maranzano, Profaci or Bonanno were either more well off or came to America as adults who were pretty set in their ways.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 04/03/10 07:25 AM

Sounds awesome. I can't believe i haven't read it yet.
Posted By: GaryH

Re: Mafia Books - 04/08/10 09:18 PM

Has anyone read the Tommy Pitera book?
I've read Phillips Carlo's Iceman and Gaspipe books (I know the Iceman bullshitted a bit).
Is it worth getting?
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 04/09/10 12:36 AM

Originally Posted By: GaryH
Has anyone read the Tommy Pitera book?
I've read Phillips Carlo's Iceman and Gaspipe books (I know the Iceman bullshitted a bit).
Is it worth getting?


I reviewed that book at the top of the previous page (page 14)
Posted By: GaryH

Re: Mafia Books - 04/11/10 10:39 PM

Thanks Lilo, sorry I should have read the previous posts.

It sounds like a typical Carlo book
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 04/19/10 06:38 PM

I picked this up over the weekend. I'll be starting it tonight.

Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 04/19/10 07:10 PM

Can you please let me know what you think of it as this has been on my wish list for a while..
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 04/19/10 07:11 PM

You'll like that PB.
Posted By: calabresesoldier

Re: Mafia Books - 04/20/10 01:48 AM

I'm looking for a Gigante book and to my knowledge none have been written about him. Or I'm looking for a good Genovese Family book, the more recent the better, an autobio, preferably, but a bio would be good, not a summary on the whole family, a made guy. That Lepke book looks great how does it read and where can I get it if its good.
Posted By: calabresesoldier

Re: Mafia Books - 04/20/10 11:53 PM

Iceman was a great book I rooted for the guy, the only thing I didn't like about the dude was shooting people over road rage, that was stupid but besides that he was a pretty smart guy.
Posted By: calabresesoldier

Re: Mafia Books - 04/20/10 11:58 PM

I read war of the godafathers by Roemer, although it was an interesting story I don't know where he got a lot of his info, he quoted conversations he had know way of knowing, does anybody know if that really happened, I have read many mob books but didn't hear of this going on I thought Joe Bonanno was not the boss of the family at this time, I believe most of it took place after the the Galante assassination.
Also the book written by Sam Giancana brother about Sam was very good.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 04/21/10 12:07 AM

Roemer's books are HIGHLY fictionalized.
Posted By: GaryH

Re: Mafia Books - 04/27/10 05:21 PM

Quote:
Iceman was a great book I rooted for the guy, the only thing I didn't like about the dude was shooting people over road rage, that was stupid but besides that he was a pretty smart guy.


Trouble is due to Kuklinski's bullshitting in later life its hard to tell fact from fiction!
It was an enjoyable read though.
I'd like to think the part about him killing the 2 gay guys he caught raping a teenage boy was true but I doubt it was!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 04/27/10 05:25 PM

Originally Posted By: calabresesoldier
Iceman was a great book I rooted for the guy

You rooted for a guy who claimed to have murdered dozens of people? rolleyes
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Mafia Books - 05/10/10 07:13 PM

Anyone ever read the Cola Gentile biography?
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 05/21/10 07:00 PM

GET CAPONE!

Al Capone was one of the very few gangsters to have competent biographers (three in his case). This new book, by Jonathan Eig, a reporter for the NYTimes, isn’t one of them:

“Get Capone,” which begins with Snorky’s arrival in Chicago, is a curious mixture of details (many gleaned from FBI files gathered under the Freedom of Information Act) and even more omissions. For instance, he short-shrifts Dion O’Banion, who was Torrio and Capone’s most dangerous rival in the early days, and overemphasizes Hymie Weiss, O’Banion’s short-lived successor. He makes no mention of Torrio/Capone’s alliance with, and then war on, the Gennas—all important stuff on Capone’s way up.

Eig’s relentlessly breezy and flippant writing style makes it hard to take his book seriously. For example, he notes that Capone personally murdered Joe Howard, a smalltime hood, because he slapped around Jack Guzik, whom he describes as “Torrio’s bookkeeper.” Only later does he acknowledge that Guzik was The Outfit’s second in command and chief political bagman. And he never mentions that Guzik was Capone’s mentor when he arrived in Chicago, his inseparable friend, and he ran The Outfit with Frank Nitti while Capone was in Alcatraz. That relationship, not just “bookkeeper,” would explain why Capone put it all on the line for Guzik. Similarly, Eig correctly notes that Capone wasn’t a Mafioso, or The Outfit a Mafia family. Later he describes the 1929 Atlantic City gangster convention as “the first meeting of the Commission” [!] and the attendees—more than half of whom were Jewish—as “Mafia men.”

Eig also advances three far-fetched, and poorly supported, theories:

--Capone had nothing to do with the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. He says the most likely explanation is that William (Three-Finger) White, a tough hood, did it in revenge for the Bugs Moran mob’s fatal shooting of his cousin more than a year earlier. Eig never mentions that White was one of Capone’s triggermen, even though one of the photos in the book shows White with Capone and Capone’s lawyer. (BTW: One of the book’s strong points is that it has quite of few photos of Capone, his family and associates that I’ve never seen before.)
--Capone didn’t baseball-bat Albert Anselmi, John Scalesi and Joe (Hop Toad) Giunta—they were killed by the remnants of the Moran gang in revenge for the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre (this after telling us that Capone—and, presumably his top killers, Anselmi and Scalesi, had nothing to do with the Massacre).
--Capone didn’t arrange for his own arrest in Philadelphia and incarceration after the ‘29 gangster convention in AC—he was arrested, unwillingly, by diligent Philly cops who tracked him to a movie theater and caught him red-handed with an unregistered handgun. Eig, who put much detail into describing how effectively Capone managed to avoid prison on multiple charges previously, notes that less than 24 hours elapsed between Snorky’s arrest, conviction and imprisonment on the gun charge. Given his legal muscle and money, why would Capone fold up so quickly—unless, as his other biographers wrote, he had been “advised” by the other gangsters in AC and his political allies in Chicago to take a furlough until things cooled down.
Eig also notes that Eliot Ness was a blowhard and publicity hound who made no dent in Capone, and that Elmer Irey, of the Internal Revenue Service, was largely responsible for his demise. All of that has been covered before. Save your money.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 05/21/10 07:15 PM

I just finished it last night, TB, and I couldn't agree more. The book stunk. I was particularly disappointed because Eig did such a nice job with the Lou Gehrig bio. Maybe he should stick to sports figures. Particularly galling was Eig's description of Guzik as a Johnny Torrio flunky. Like he wasn't the second biggest Chicago gangster of his time!

Trashy, revisionist history. Save your money, folks.
Posted By: Longneck

Re: Mafia Books - 05/22/10 06:24 AM

Good to know, thanks TB and PB.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 05/22/10 10:27 AM

A new book on Lucky Luciano to be released on the 31st Aug 2010 on Amazon.

Lucky Luciano: The Real and the Fake Gangster




Lucky Luciano Book on Amazon

No review on the book though..
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 05/22/10 01:09 PM

PB, TB, that's too bad about the Eig book on Capone. It got a decent review in the NYT. I was going to get it but will pass on it now.

Eig was on Book TV this morning (repeat) and the episode will show again later today. It doesn't look like it's available online yet. I missed it but will watch later if possible to see if there are any critical questions or he addresses some of the issues you raised.
Eig on Book TV
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 05/22/10 02:08 PM

I saw that, Lilo. I was especially disappointed because just a few years ago, Eig wrote a wonderful book about Lou Gehrig called "Luckiest Man." It was great.

As TB put so well, Eig's style is "flippant and breezy." But that didn't bother me as much as some of the silly conclusions that he jumped to.

If you can get it from your library, it's still worth checking out because it has some great photos that I had never seen before. But it's certainly not worth buying.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 05/22/10 06:23 PM

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
A new book on Lucky Luciano to be released on the 31st Aug 2010 on Amazon.

Lucky Luciano: The Real and the Fake Gangster




Lucky Luciano Book on Amazon

No review on the book though..


Are you going to read this, De Niro? If so, we'd appreciate a review.

And, PB: how was the Lepke book?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 05/23/10 08:14 AM

I think i will be buying it TB and i'll let you know how is was..
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 05/26/10 05:35 PM

Brought the following books..

We Only Kill Each Other-The life and times of Bugsy Siegal



Bugsy Book on Amazon

Last Testament of Lucky Luciano by Martin A. Gosch and Richard Hammer

Lucky Book on amazon
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 05/26/10 05:44 PM

Look forward to your impression of the Lucky Luciano book.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 05/26/10 06:40 PM

I will.. smile
Posted By: stevapalooza

Re: Mafia Books - 06/13/10 06:44 PM

For anyone interested in pre-mafia NY gangsters, there's a book about the first big celebrity gangster Monk Eastman coming out in October.

http://www.amazon.com/Monk-Eastman-Gangs...4180&sr=1-1
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 06/13/10 07:36 PM

Thanks for that, ive put this on my Amazon wishlist..
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 06/18/10 10:09 AM

Another one for the list smile
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 08/02/10 01:14 PM

Just been given I HEARD YOU PAINT HOUSES by Charles Brandt. Quite looking forward to reading this one!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/10 04:51 PM

Not a book, but an EXCELLENT magazine article on Henry Hill in this month's British edition of GQ Magazine (September 2010). I accidentally found it at a Barnes and Noble in Manhattan, but I can't find an online link.

I'm not sure if you'll be able to find it in other areas of the U.S., but if you happen to live in the U.K. or in the New York City area, it's a must read with some great pics.

Here's the cover:

Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/10 05:33 PM

I have it already. Never mind Henry Hill, i just wanted to look at the lovely Christina Hendricks, saucy sexpot that she is wink
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 09/18/10 03:58 PM

I just picked up the new Luciano bio at my local library. I've only read the first three chapters, but so far so good.

"Lucky Luciano: The Real and the Fake Gangster," by Tim Newark.


Here's the synopsis from the publisher:

For the first 25 years of his criminal career, Lucky Luciano was a vicious mobster who rose to become the multi-millionaire king of the New York underworld. For the next 25 years of his life, Luciano was a legend—but a fake master criminal without real power, his evil reputation manipulated and maintained by the government agents who had put him behind bars. That is the astonishing conspiracy revealed in Tim Newark’s myth-busting book.

Drawing on secret government documents from archives in America and Europe, Newark tells the real story of the legendary gangster from his early days as a top hit man for the mob to his exploits running sex and narcotics empires. Newark reveals for the first time, Luciano’s transatlantic trip to Nazi Germany to set up a drugs importing racket. Then comes prison for Luciano—but his reputation is only enhanced when it is claimed that he is winning World War Two for the Allies with secret help during fighting in Sicily and the Mediterranean. Through painstaking research, Newark exposes the truth about what Luciano really did do to help the Allies in the war.

With his expulsion from the USA, Luciano returned to Italy where he became the arch villain for international law enforcement agencies. He was reputed to head a massive transatlantic narcotics network, but Newark reveals how Luciano was being used by government agents to justify their own bloated law-enforcement budgets. It was an extraordinary conspiracy in which Luciano—the fake master criminal—became the victim of far bigger powers around him. Newark provides evidence that, at one time, he was even working as a Cold War agent, helping the US government fight Communism in Sicily. It is an extraordinary story that has never been told before—in which the American Mafia becomes entangled with foreign war and Cold War conspiracy.


Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 09/19/10 11:05 PM

Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I just picked up the new Luciano bio at my local library. I've only read the first three chapters, but so far so good.

"Lucky Luciano: The Real and the Fake Gangster," by Tim Newark.




Look forward to a review PB.
Speaking of Luciano, has anyone read this book?


I was flipping through it in Border's today. I decided against buying it for the price but the author had some interesting hypotheses. He argued that it was primarily Lansky and only secondarily the US government/Genovese that wanted Luciano out of post war Cuba. Supposedly Lanksy had little intention of sharing his Havana spoils or authority in Cuba. Also on that note the author argues that it was Lansky and Trafficante who were behind the murders of Anastasia and Scalise and that this was again primarily a warning not to challenge the then current division of spoils in Havana, as Anastasia was attempting to do.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 09/20/10 05:36 PM

I don't believe that, Lilo. Lansky was Luciano's most trusted ally during his 10 year prison term, laying the groundwork for Luciano's early release.

Lansky was involved in Cuba before Luciano got involved with the U.S. Government at the Port of N.Y., not to mention the Allied invasion of Sicily (and I think Luciano's invovement in both were greatly exaggerated, for what it's worth).

So why would Lansky have bothered? Why would he have reached out to "Socks" Lanza and Albert Anastasia, knowing full well that Cuban gaming was on the horizon?

Believe it or not, Luciano was branded as "half-a-rat" at the time by some of the Italians, and it was Lansky who put their minds at ease and assured them that they should do Charley's bidding.

So again, if you're Lansky, and you want Cuba all to yourself, why bother going to bat for Luciano to get him out of the can?
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 09/20/10 05:50 PM

Yeah, it's shady so I was curious to see if anyone else had ever heard that hypothesis.

I had heard before the Anastasia vs. Trafficante&Lanksy hypothesis about the casinos but since evidently lots of people wanted "The Volcano" dead at that point I don't know how much credence to give to it.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 09/21/10 03:28 AM

One of the reasons Lansky lived to age 81, and died peacefully, was that he was always willing to share--and that included Cuba. He was very tight with Cuban dictator Fungencio Batista, but he used his influence to allow other mobsters (notably Santos Trafficante) to have interests in casinos other than the Nacional, where Lansky's brother Jake reigned supreme.

In 1957, Hilton announced its intention to build a hotel/casino in Havana. The Cuban hotel workers' union wanted a big share in that hotel, and Batista appointed a Cuban, Roberto "Chiri" Mendoza, to be the local contractor. Albert Anastasia had been talking to Mendoza about getting a piece of the action. Mendoza had been staying at NYC's Warwick Hotel--as had Santos Trafficante--and Anastasia was seen in the hotel on the day he was whacked.

There's not much reason to doubt that Vito Genovese and Carlo Gambino arranged Anastasia's assassination. But, if Cuba was involved, the finger points at Trafficante, not Lansky.
Posted By: Sonny_Black

Re: Mafia Books - 09/21/10 03:39 PM

Maybe this is a better one:



http://www.amazon.com/Havana-Nocturne-Owned-Cuba-Revolution/dp/0061147710

Anyone read it?
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 09/22/10 05:17 PM

Originally Posted By: Sonny_Black

I have not read it all the way thru, just scanned it at the bookstore. It's on the list to read but so are so many other books.. ohwell
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 09/24/10 03:14 PM

I have read the TJ English book and it is very good.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 09/28/10 01:19 PM

Just blasted through McMAFIA by Misha Glennie.

It goes into the Russian mafiya and all the other eastern European countries organised crime explosions through the collapse of communism and the development of energy supplies. Also looks at Israel,India,Africa and China and how scary and linked the whole shebang is. Very very good book this. A real eye opener!
Posted By: GaryH

Re: Mafia Books - 10/16/10 10:04 PM

I have just finished reading "Mafia son" by Sandra Harmon.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mafia-Son-Scarpa...5666&sr=1-1

The book is about the infamous Greg Scarpa - both father and son.
The book is well written and it delves into the murky dealings between Scarpa SR and his FBI handlers (Greg Scarpa senior had been an FBI informant for most of his "career").
The handlers are alledged to have known what Greg was doing (he wasnt nicknamed the Grim Reaper for nothing) and even provided him with information to assist him but this was also a 2 way relationship.
Scarpa is even alledged to have assisted the FBI in forcing a Ku Klux Klan member to reveal the location of three bodies of murdered civil rights workers in Mississippi

The book also deals with Scarpa Junior and his ultimate incararation where he discovered info relating to 9/11 but the feds refused to take him seriously.
The book made me loath Linda Schiro - Greg seniors long time mistress and mother of some of his kids (but not Greg Juniors mother) because she spent years with the Scarpa's knowing full well what they were doing and she happily accepted it.
But all she did was bitch and moan when her own son was murdered (despite the fact she knew her son had murdered people himself).
Sorry Linda - but having your nearest and dearest get murdered is a hazard of them being a criminal!!!!
The book also has a humour element at times - for instance, one of Greg Seniors associates once showed Greg a small pick that was ideal for smashing open pay phones.
Greg aquired one of these for himself and despite the fact that he didnt need the money he used to bash open public phones to raid the coins inside - he was known to even drive miles out of his way to smash a phone because he got such a kick out of the fact he was robbing the phone company!!!!!
Good book that I would recommend to others.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 10/17/10 12:49 PM

I will put it on the list Gary!
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 10/19/10 09:28 AM

What did you think about Scarpa's rather bohemian lifestyle?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 10/19/10 10:38 PM

Originally Posted By: Lilo
What did you think about Scarpa's rather bohemian lifestyle?

Yeah, he was a free-spirited psychopath tongue lol.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 10/20/10 09:32 AM

Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Originally Posted By: Lilo
What did you think about Scarpa's rather bohemian lifestyle?

Yeah, he was a free-spirited psychopath tongue lol.


It was just REALLY weird to me. lol
Generally speaking, you shouldn't look at a mob guy's wife or girlfriend. If you do there's gonna be trouble.

In fact, you may find it prudent to not even look like you're THINKING about looking at a mob guy's wife/girlfriend. rolleyes

And here's Scarpa "Hey , you like Linda right? Think she's a hottie? Well make a move man. She likes you too. Knock yourself out..."
Posted By: GaryH

Re: Mafia Books - 10/27/10 04:05 PM

Whats Joe Pistones follow up book "unfinished buisness" like?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Donnie-Brasco-Un...5296&sr=1-2

Is it worthwhile or is it just a souped up version of his first book?
Posted By: Loccisano

Re: Mafia Books - 10/27/10 09:17 PM

Guys, can any of you tell me something about this book?

http://www.amazon.com/Mafia-Made-Easy-Anatomy-Culture/dp/1602472548

I'm mostly interested in the culture and mores of the Cosa Nostra and this book seems very interesting to me although it'll be really hard to find it in my country, so I just want to know if it's really worth the effort. Have any of you read it? Can you recommend it?
Posted By: leftygun62

Re: Mafia Books - 10/28/10 08:15 PM

definitely not worth it, and the original Donnie Brasco is one of my all time favorites
Posted By: Mukremin

Re: Mafia Books - 11/06/10 12:20 AM

i just completed Roemers's "Accardo The Genuine Godfather". Its a marvelous book, Accardo is a true men of honor. Unlike other godfathers, he was a good bad guy.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 11/06/10 12:34 AM

I enjoyed the book as far as it went but one thing that drove me up the wall was Roemer's habit of attributing thoughts or quotes to people when he wasn't there and they never talked to him. He does this with Accardo quite a bit.
Posted By: Sonny_Black

Re: Mafia Books - 11/06/10 01:47 PM

Originally Posted By: Mukremin
i just completed Roemers's "Accardo The Genuine Godfather". Its a marvelous book, Accardo is a true men of honor. Unlike other godfathers, he was a good bad guy.


Someone who orders people to get tortured in ways that were even cruel in the middle ages I don't really consider a good bad guy. smile
Posted By: Mukremin

Re: Mafia Books - 11/11/10 11:42 PM

Well apart from some minor ignorant things, it was a nice book to read. I still think he is the better good bad guy, if you compare to Scarfo, Casso etc.

I am now reading Blood and Honor, its a very nice book. But Anastasia repeats the same thing over and over again, its annoying sometimes. Instead of letting the story flow, he interrupts with stuff that are not directl related to the story up ahead. But so far so good, wonderful book.
I feel like i am a member of the hit team, send by Scarfo to stalk the victims.
Posted By: Buttmunker

Re: Mafia Books - 11/18/10 02:23 PM

I read "The Last Testament of Lucky Luciano," and thought it was very good. I wonder if it would be redundant to read "The Real and Fake Gangster."
Posted By: Buttmunker

Re: Mafia Books - 11/18/10 02:29 PM

in reading "I Heard You Paint Houses," and the mob's assertion that they were the mastermind behind JFK's murder, I never heard their POV regarding Oswald and his role. I mean, I "get" why they wanted Oswald to play the patsy - to focus all the attention on Oswald takes the attention away from the mob, and that's a good thing.

But why would Oswald submit to "being" the patsy? What's in it for him, aside from a long prison sentence? Oswald must have known he would never get away with it. His wife Marina wasn't "provided" for with a huge bankroll. It is for "this" reason why I disbelief the Mafia's claim to the murder of John F. Kennedy.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 11/18/10 02:37 PM

We'll never know. I don't think the Mob or elements of the Mob could have done it alone. But every good patsy has one thing in common.

They never know that they're the patsy until it's far too late.. lol
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 11/18/10 03:16 PM

Originally Posted By: Buttmunker
I read "The Last Testament of Lucky Luciano," and thought it was very good. I wonder if it would be redundant to read "The Real and Fake Gangster."

No, it wouldn't.

"The Real and the Fake Gangster" was an excellent book. "Last Testament" was a fairy tale, albeit an enjoyable read.

"The Real and the Fake Gangster" actually points out many of the blatant errors in "Last Testament." You should read it for that reason alone.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 11/18/10 05:33 PM

It would take a work the size of the Encyclopedia Brittanica to discuss all the blatent errors in all the organized crime books.
Posted By: Buttmunker

Re: Mafia Books - 11/18/10 06:45 PM

Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Originally Posted By: Buttmunker
I read "The Last Testament of Lucky Luciano," and thought it was very good. I wonder if it would be redundant to read "The Real and Fake Gangster."

No, it wouldn't.

"The Real and the Fake Gangster" was an excellent book. "Last Testament" was a fairy tale, albeit an enjoyable read.

"The Real and the Fake Gangster" actually points out many of the blatant errors in "Last Testament." You should read it for that reason alone.


wow, good to know! Guess I'll be entering the world of Charlie Lucky once more.
Posted By: Buttmunker

Re: Mafia Books - 11/18/10 06:48 PM

Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Originally Posted By: Buttmunker
I read "The Last Testament of Lucky Luciano," and thought it was very good. I wonder if it would be redundant to read "The Real and Fake Gangster."

No, it wouldn't.

"The Real and the Fake Gangster" was an excellent book. "Last Testament" was a fairy tale, albeit an enjoyable read.

"The Real and the Fake Gangster" actually points out many of the blatant errors in "Last Testament." You should read it for that reason alone.


Figures that Hollywood would decide to make a film adaptation on the fairy tale: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1056090/
Posted By: Buttmunker

Re: Mafia Books - 11/19/10 02:11 PM

Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Originally Posted By: Buttmunker
I read "The Last Testament of Lucky Luciano," and thought it was very good. I wonder if it would be redundant to read "The Real and Fake Gangster."

No, it wouldn't.

"The Real and the Fake Gangster" was an excellent book. "Last Testament" was a fairy tale, albeit an enjoyable read.

"The Real and the Fake Gangster" actually points out many of the blatant errors in "Last Testament." You should read it for that reason alone.


blatant errors, or outright falsehoods - like the one where Luciano says he ain't never killed a man by his own hand; or like the one where Luciano says he never used junk except for the one time his doctor shot him up with morphine the time he was beat up by Maranzano and his men; or like the one where…
Posted By: English

Re: Mafia Books - 12/03/10 02:34 PM

Afternoon Gents,

New to the forums.

A few of books i've been reading recently and enjoyed are -

The Butcher (About Petoria)
The Iceman (About Kuklinski)
Gaspipe (About Casso)

All written by Phillip Carlo, really good reads.

Currently reading "The Westies" by T.J English and again finding it very hard to put down, its about the West Side Irish Mob, Coonan and Featherstone and the likes, recommend highly.

English
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 12/14/10 09:21 PM

The last few days I've been reading "Making Jack Falcone." Does anyone know if Greg DePalma was really shelved? DePalma was a character, and had lot of energy for a guy his age, to come out at his age and get his old rackets back and grab new ones is impressive. I love the part where he swears to the director of the long term care place that he is trying to get his son into that he is no longer involved with the life, and left it when he son got messed up, and no wiseguys will be there. The director grudgingly accepts it, but its only a matter time before Greg makes the place his meeting spot and has a bunc of wiseguys coming and going! lol
Posted By: Lorenzo

Re: Mafia Books - 12/14/10 09:23 PM

I have never read the book but I thought DePalma dided in jail.
Posted By: Lorenzo

Re: Mafia Books - 12/14/10 09:25 PM

I have never looked into the russian mob are they anything like the italians or are they totally different.
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 12/14/10 09:31 PM

Originally Posted By: Lorenzo
I have never read the book but I thought DePalma dided in jail.


He did, he died sometime in the fall of 2009. I don't know how DePalma was never whacked, his big mouth got a lot of guys taken down on numerous occasions. Nino Gaggi told his family if Greg ever calls tell him I'm not home, and Jr Gotti said they should collect money to buy Greg his own talk radio station.
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 12/14/10 09:56 PM

Originally Posted By: Lorenzo
I have never looked into the russian mob are they anything like the italians or are they totally different.


Being an American of Italian ancestry I'm more interested in the American and Italian mafia, so that is what I mostly read about. I have read "Red Mafiya," the so called Russian mafia, is really a Jewish mafia if you ask me. They haven't been around very long, so it hard to get a grasp of their thing. I've read a few books about current day Russia and they were pretty good. The way of Russia is so foreign to me its hard to get really into it at time though. With other groups they just haven't been around as long as the Italian mafia, so its not easy to follow their history, like you can with the mafia. They don't seem to have the characters like Luciano, Joe Adonis, Gambino, Genovese, Gotti, the Chin, Gaspipe Casso, etc.
Posted By: Mooney

Re: Mafia Books - 12/16/10 10:12 PM

Just flew through a book called "double deal" its the story of a guy named michael corbitt. He was a crooked cop who became police chief of a squad outside of chicago. If you are interested in the outfit circa 70's-80's its a Pretty damn good read

I also just picked up a book called " Deadly Silence" Its a book i have been wanting for awhile but couldnt find. I paid like $50 for a very good hardcover copy. It was published around 1991 and is co written by antonio nicaso. It chronicles the history of the mob in montreal since the early 1900's and gives you a lot of insight into not just montreal but the hamilton ontario mob and the connection with the maggadino family. can't wait to dive into it....
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 01/22/11 12:40 AM

I picked up "The Brotherhoods," The true story of two cops who murdered for the mafia today. This is the first book I read on the "mafia cops."
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 01/22/11 03:04 PM

Originally Posted By: GerryLang
I picked up "The Brotherhoods," The true story of two cops who murdered for the mafia today. This is the first book I read on the "mafia cops."

I've read them all, and "The Brotherhoods" is probably the best of the lot. You'll get a real good feel for 1980s Brooklyn by reading it.

Jimmy Breslin's "The Good Rat" is written more like a novel, in Breslin's inimitable sarcastic style. If you like him, you'll like the book. But if you don't, you won't. Breslin has a love him or hate him writing style and personality.

"Friends of the Family," by Tommy Dades, was written with the usual bullshit, ex-cop, pseudo bravado. But it was pretty damn entertaining.

"Mob Cops," by Greg B. Smith, was the worst of the lot. The constant back and forth shifting between past and present was annoying as Hell. No wonder it was a straight to paperback "quickie" type bio. For a journalist, Smith is very erratic. I thought he did an okay job with "Made Men."
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 01/22/11 03:54 PM

THE BROTHERHOODS is one on my list. I have read THE GOOD RAT though, i like Breslin's style!
Posted By: GaryH

Re: Mafia Books - 01/23/11 10:08 AM

I should try to read up on the mafia cops.
Those 2 guys were worse than Casso in my opinion.
Casso was a gangster - a bad guy.
Those 2 cops were SUPPOSED to be the good guys - the guys you turn to for help.
Posted By: VinnyGorgeous

Re: Mafia Books - 01/23/11 10:29 AM

Originally Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas
THE BROTHERHOODS is one on my list. I have read THE GOOD RAT though, i like Breslin's style!


The Brotherhoods is actually my all time favorite mafia book. It's got everything.

Other books I recommend
Takedown by Rick Cowan
Blood & Honor by George Anastasia
Mr. Capone by Robert J. Schoenberg
Gotti by Jerry Capeci
The Valachi Papers by Peter Maas
Born To Steal by Gary Weiss
Posted By: Mukremin

Re: Mafia Books - 01/24/11 10:57 AM

Guys, hows the book of Andrew DiDonato?
And there is a DVD out there to, but cant seem to find them on ebay or in Holland. Amazon is out for me.
Posted By: GaryH

Re: Mafia Books - 01/24/11 06:58 PM

I wish someone would do a book on Tony Mirra or Gerrard Pappa.
2 guys I'd like to know more about
Posted By: MrAdams

Re: Mafia Books - 01/25/11 01:20 PM

I enjoyed The Brotherhoods, got through it pretty quick whilst on my last holiday.

Has anyone read "Making Jack Faclone" about the guy who went undercover in the Gambino's? Its been recomended to me but i dont really trust the source!
Posted By: Mukremin

Re: Mafia Books - 01/25/11 02:33 PM

Making Jack Falcone is a good book, it does repeat itself and has 40% story of the agent before he went undercover in the Gambinos. A movie is in production to.
Posted By: MrAdams

Re: Mafia Books - 01/25/11 03:22 PM

Originally Posted By: Mukremin
Making Jack Falcone is a good book, it does repeat itself and has 40% story of the agent before he went undercover in the Gambinos. A movie is in production to.


Thanks for the info. I've not really read much on him so might give it a go. Im not really inrested in the 40% bit but I guess it all helps to set the scene!

A film too eh? Sounds interesting. I see they are also making a film of So I Hear You Paint Houses aswell now, cant wait for that one for the cast alone!
Posted By: Mukremin

Re: Mafia Books - 01/25/11 03:53 PM

Give it a try, you will like it. The Gambino part is nice.

As for the movie, looks good and there are a couple of good mob movies coming out this year.
Check Kill the Irishman to, its about Danny Greenes war against the italian mafia in Cleveland.
Posted By: Mooney

Re: Mafia Books - 01/27/11 07:48 AM

Books i have loved...


Joe dogs (the story of gambino associate Joseph iannuzi)

Blood and honor (scarfo mob)by george anastasia

Mobfather (story of Tommy DelGiorno's family) by George Anastasia

The Sixth Family (Rizzuto family bio)

The first Family (story of the morello gang late 1800's and early 1900's)

Mr. Capone by Robert J. Schoenberg (the best capone book out there IMO)

Mafia Dynasty (Story of the gambino family)

Murder Machine (Story of roy demeo and his gang)

Tough Jews by Rich Cohen

The Mad ones (Story of the gallo brothers) by tom folsom

My Life In The Mafia (the story of vincent teresea)

The Underboss (Story of Gennaro anguilo/boston mob) by Gerard O'neil & Dick Lehr

The Mafia And The Machine (Story of the Kansas City Mob)

The Last Godfather (story of Joe massino) by Anthony DeStefano

A Matter Of Honor By Remo remo franceschini (Police detective that went after gotti)

Meyer lansky Mogul of the mob (great bio on lansky)
Posted By: Mooney

Re: Mafia Books - 01/27/11 07:49 AM

Originally Posted By: MrAdams
I enjoyed The Brotherhoods, got through it pretty quick whilst on my last holiday.

Has anyone read "Making Jack Faclone" about the guy who went undercover in the Gambino's? Its been recomended to me but i dont really trust the source!


Making Jack Falcone is a decent read, definitely worth reading.
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 01/27/11 10:06 PM

I just finished The Brotherhoods, and I loved it. It's a long book, but there are no dry or boring spells, I had a hard time putting it down to be honest. There are loads of interesting characters in the book, like Burt Kaplan. He was a Jewish associate of the Luchese and close friend of Casso, and the go between for the "mafia cops" and Casso. Kaplan had legit business dealings, but was also involved in loads of illegal activities across the world! I was surprised the cops were able to get away with the stuff they did while on the force for so long. Eppolito especially, the guy is about as delusional as a person can be. The NYPD must have been really be crooked during that era. One thing I do find odd is the fact that the "mafia cops" were never caught on surveillance meeting with Kaplan, because he was under surveillance for years.

I've read the "Making of Jack Falcone." I thought it was a good read, but an average book on the mafia. Garcia only dealt with one made member really, Greg DePalma. Other then that he had no other knowledge of or history with the mafia. He also had that huge ego that is often found amongst FBI agents who are succesful going undercover, ala Pistone.
Posted By: Mooney

Re: Mafia Books - 02/01/11 06:00 PM

UPS just dropped off "Surviving the Mob" Can't wait to read it! It has a lot of glossy pictures in the middle of associates, soldiers and capos which is always nice. I just hope the hard cover comes out soon. I hate soft covers.

Will keep everyone updated as to how i liked it...should only take me a week. LOL
Posted By: Mukremin

Re: Mafia Books - 02/01/11 06:48 PM

Mooney, please give a review after you read a part grin cant wait the buy it.
Posted By: 3l3m3ntal

Re: Mafia Books - 02/12/11 09:18 PM

THE TRIADS by Martin Booth
THE DRAGON SYNDICATES by Martin Booth

Two excellent books on the Triads international organized crime. They both cover alot of the same ground though I believe THE TRIADS concentrates more of the earlier history whileas THE DRAGON SYNDICATES covers more of the later 19th and 20th history. They bookend each other quite nicely, but if given a choice between the two, I would choose Booth's second book, THE DRAGON SYNDICATES. Of course after Booth wrote them, he had to go under hiding.

DRUG LORD by Terrence E Poppa

From the Library Journal

Pablo Acosta was a living legend in his Mexican border town of Ojinaga. He smuggled tremendous amounts of drugs into the United States; he survived numerous attempts on his power--and his life--by rivals; and he blessed the town with charity and civic improvements. He was finally slain in 1987, during a raid by Mexican officials with the cooperation of U.S. law enforcement. Poppa, a news reporter and Pulitzer Prize finalist for his work on this story, has turned out a detailed and exciting book, covering in depth Acosta's life; the other drug factions that battled with him; the village of Ojinaga; and the logistics of the drug operation. The result is a nonfiction account with enough greed, treachery, shoot-outs, and government corruption to fascinate true crime and crime fiction readers alike. Highly recommended.

CITIZEN SOMERVILLE by Bobby Martini, Elayne Keratsis

Review
Underworld dramas in Boston have made headlines for decades but we've never heard from the supporting cast, the women and children. In Citizen Somerville their tales make for an eye-opening, fascinating read. Laura Raposa --The Boston Herald

An instant classic by a true insider, it will have you turning pages late into the night. Dripping with authenticity, and the rough-and-tumble characters within are alternately harrowing and hilarious. A great read! --Writer/Director Bobby Farrelly

A truly magnificent work. A gripping account of the Winter Hill Gang and other remarkable events that occurred in and around Boston over decades. One of the best books I've read in a long time. Get it! --Ed Begley, Jr.
Product Description
In the early 1960's a bloody civil war broke out between the two powerful Irish Mob families in the Somerville Massachusetts neighborhood known as Winter Hill. Over sixty men were murdered, including the leader of the Winter Hill Gang, James "Buddy" McLean. The leadership of one of the most influential non-Italian crime organizations in the United States was inherited by his childhood friend, Howard T. "Howie" Winter. In CITIZEN SOMERVILLE the events during his tenure offer a true picture of an era in Boston's pre-Whitey Bulger history when the streets were protected by a close-knit group of Irish-Italian "businessmen." The son of one of Winter's closest friends, BOBBY MARTINI has laid his own history bare to depict a life of survival in the rough streets of Somerville, stopping just short of entering the Mob life. The death of Martini's two brothers as well as the murders and suicides of scores of others reveal the darker personal side of a small New England town. CITIZEN SOMERVILLE slices a layer deeper than a crime memoir by allowing a usually ostracized faction to speak - the women. After decades of silence, three strong and very different females lift the Mob veil and voice their own struggle to survive in Somerville's criminal circle. Often painfully poignant and yet frequently hilarious, CITIZEN SOMERVILLE is a microscopic view of a generation struggling to walk the moral tightrope between societal decency and the loyalty of criminality. THE BOSTON HERALD'S Laura Raposa writes..."Stories of Howie Winter and his lieutenants are legendary in Boston, but 'Citizen Somerville' brings them back to life with a bonus: the stories behind the stories. The underworld dramas in the Boston burg have made headlines for decades, but we've never heard from the supporting cast, namely the women and children. Their tales make for an eye-opening, fascinating read."


NOTE: 31 5-STAR AMAZON.COM REVIEWS AND COUNTING!

I am currently reading Robert Saviano's GOMORRAH, nearly half way through and find it less than satisfying. Saviano is all over the place covering a whole lotta ... nothing ... just spouting facts rather than solid on-the-scene cutting edge journalism.

BTW, aren't there 6 Southern Italy crime organizations? Basilischi based in Basilicata, Camorra in Naples, Cosa Nostra in Sicily, La Stidda in Sicily, Ndrangheta in Calabria, Sacra Corona Unita in Puglia. And 1 Northern Italy crime organization? Mala Del Brenta in Veneto. Sans foreign emigrating COs. I am seeking to increase my knowledge of international crime organizations.

Hey, I found this forum through searching for mob book recommendations and have collected plenty from this thread, thanks!
Posted By: EVL

Re: Mafia Books - 02/24/11 08:33 PM

I have to say -- all of Jerry Capeci's books are great: two are focused primarily on John Gotti (Mobstar, which was written while Gotti was still Gambino boss and uses a lot of fascinating wiretapped conversations, and Gotti: Rise and Fall, which tells the whole story), but I actually like Murder Machine the best, which is about the Roy DeMeo crew of psychotic murdering car thieves and the DeMeo/Gambino capo Nino Gaggi partnership.

Selwyn Raabs's Five Families is, to me, the bible of organized crime, tracing it from its roots to the present. You can't not read it if you are a fan of this genre. Sure, it's long, but it is so compellingly written I went right through it.

I just started reading the First Family by Mike Dash which is unique in that it focuses on the Morello Family, the first crime family in America, and focuses on the American mafia in the pre-1930 period, before the Masseria and Maranzano war which Luck Luciano stepped in and ended, then organized the mob into the Five Families we still now today (although Profaci was renamed Colombo for causing problems for other bosses).
Posted By: Sonny_Black

Re: Mafia Books - 02/24/11 10:45 PM

Which one of these two books about the Chicago Outfit are better and why?

http://www.amazon.com/Outfit-Gus-Russo/d...3393&sr=1-2

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Chicago-Outfit-A...3411&sr=8-3



Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 02/27/11 08:38 PM

I picked up " Made Men" yesterday, it's about the DeCavalcantes. So far it is not an overly interesting book, but it is readable.

I wasn't a big fan of Gomorrah. The author comes off as an FBI agent if he was American, and not a regular citizen with his sensational claims and use of bogus financial numbers. From Savino's claims the Camorra control the global arms, drug, human trafficking, and counterfitting trades amongst others. There is no doubt they are a powerful organization, but I don't think they are nearly as powerful as he claims.
Posted By: 3l3m3ntal

Re: Mafia Books - 02/28/11 07:37 PM

Originally Posted By: GerryLang


I wasn't a big fan of Gomorrah. The author comes off as an FBI agent if he was American, and not a regular citizen with his sensational claims and use of bogus financial numbers. From Savino's claims the Camorra control the global arms, drug, human trafficking, and counterfitting trades amongst others. There is no doubt they are a powerful organization, but I don't think they are nearly as powerful as he claims.


Agreed. And it is a pretty dry read too. International organized crime is definitely a multi-culti agenda, not one organization monopolizes but rather it is networked through organizations co-operating with one another internationally.

I thought I was gonna be delivered a first-hand account, meet the personalities on both sides of the law. I was anticipating an entrepid journalist's penetration into perhaps even the inner-sanctum of the Camorra. But rather it did come across a sensational piece better suited for primetime television than material for a book.
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Mafia Books - 03/01/11 04:30 PM

I've just bought Vito Ciancimino: Mafia mayor. I'm really interested in this one, did anyone read it already?
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 03/01/11 10:17 PM

Originally Posted By: 3l3m3ntal
[quote=GerryLang]

I wasn't a big fan of Gomorrah. The author comes off as an FBI agent if he was American, and not a regular citizen with his sensational claims and use of bogus financial numbers. From Savino's claims the Camorra control the global arms, drug, human trafficking, and counterfitting trades amongst others. There is no doubt they are a powerful organization, but I don't think they are nearly as powerful as he claims.

Agreed. And it is a pretty dry read too. International organized crime is definitely a multi-culti agenda, not one organization monopolizes but rather it is networked through organizations co-operating with one another internationally.

I thought I was gonna be delivered a first-hand account, meet the personalities on both sides of the law. I was anticipating an entrepid journalist's penetration into perhaps even the inner-sanctum of the Camorra. But rather it did come across a sensational piece better suited for primetime television than material for a book.



Yes, it just like countries in the age of globalism, none is self sufficient, they have to trade with other countries. It is the same with criminal groups, they have to work with each other, not one group controls all the rackets. Savino tried to make it out like the Cammora had its tentacles wrapped around the globe, and control just about every racket under the sun. It is like how he claims the Cammora controls the drug trade, but they ain't growing cocaine or heroin in Naples, the Cammora have to get those drugs from someone.

Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 03/06/11 11:59 PM

I finished "Made Men" a few days ago, it was one of the most disappointing mafia books I've read. It wasn't nearly as bad as the "Double Cross" by Chuck Giancana though, which I thought was unreadable. "Made Men" spends most of its time focusing on a low level wannabe who became an informant after he was caught in connection of a bank heist at the WTC in 1998. I learned more about the Soprano's from reading the book then I did about the DeCavalcante family and their doings.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/11 04:28 PM

In the past, I've described "Made Men" as readable, but not very informative smile.
Posted By: jvanley

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/11 06:18 PM

Originally Posted By: Mooney
Originally Posted By: MrAdams
I enjoyed The Brotherhoods, got through it pretty quick whilst on my last holiday.

Has anyone read "Making Jack Faclone" about the guy who went undercover in the Gambino's? Its been recomended to me but i dont really trust the source!


Making Jack Falcone is a decent read, definitely worth reading.


Everyone has their own opinions of course but I thought it was the worst book in my collection by far. Not alot of insight to the Mob, It was more of a "boasting book" about Jack Garcia more than the mob. I did this, I did that, look at me, etc
Posted By: jvanley

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/11 06:21 PM

Originally Posted By: EVL
I have to say -- all of Jerry Capeci's books are great: two are focused primarily on John Gotti (Mobstar, which was written while Gotti was still Gambino boss and uses a lot of fascinating wiretapped conversations, and Gotti: Rise and Fall, which tells the whole story), but I actually like Murder Machine the best, which is about the Roy DeMeo crew of psychotic murdering car thieves and the DeMeo/Gambino capo Nino Gaggi partnership.

Selwyn Raabs's Five Families is, to me, the bible of organized crime, tracing it from its roots to the present. You can't not read it if you are a fan of this genre. Sure, it's long, but it is so compellingly written I went right through it.

I just started reading the First Family by Mike Dash which is unique in that it focuses on the Morello Family, the first crime family in America, and focuses on the American mafia in the pre-1930 period, before the Masseria and Maranzano war which Luck Luciano stepped in and ended, then organized the mob into the Five Families we still now today (although Profaci was renamed Colombo for causing problems for other bosses).


Someone who has no idea what the Mafia is could read that book and then speak on teh conversation as though they are a journalist covering the Mob. EXCELLENT informative read. It has funny stories, loads of information, true accounts ,everything a true crime book should have. It is the best book I have ever read by far. Covers from the begginging of LCN up to current times of the Sopranos.
Posted By: jvanley

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/11 07:32 PM

Originally Posted By: Sonny_Black
Which one of these two books about the Chicago Outfit are better and why?

http://www.amazon.com/Outfit-Gus-Russo/d...3393&sr=1-2

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Chicago-Outfit-A...3411&sr=8-3






Neither, if you want a good book on the outfit, go pick up "family Secrets"
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/11 07:44 PM

Originally Posted By: Sonny_Black
Which one of these two books about the Chicago Outfit are better and why?

http://www.amazon.com/Outfit-Gus-Russo/d...3393&sr=1-2

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Chicago-Outfit-A...3411&sr=8-3






I have not read the second book. I have read the Russo book. I think it, as much as anything else I've read is a pretty definitive history of the Chicago Outfit from the immediate post-Capone era right up through the late sixties/early seventies.

Russo pretty much sticks to facts. Everything is meticulously documented. There's very little of Roemer's "I heard this from someone I can't identify" flights of fancy.

It lays out the business relationships and internal rivalries which characterized the Outfit. And it really gives the definitive history of Murray Humprhries, who more than any other gangster, really was a real life Tom Hagen. (albeit a more violent one)

The book shows how everything fits together-from shaking down Hollywood film studios to arranging trucking monopolies to moving in on numbers operators. The whole organization is reviewed and just as importantly its links to business leaders and politicians and front men (Sidney Korshak).

It's only at the end of the book that Russo allows himself a little revisionist babble "compared to politicians-some of these guys weren't so bad". Aside from that I can't recommend it strongly enough.
Posted By: jvanley

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/11 08:13 PM

Originally Posted By: Aristotle
i would like to find a book about the mafia. and how it all started. any ideas?


I will tell you this, the first 3 books I chose to read on the Mafia got me hooked and and I mean, Hook, Line and Sinker. I was a casual fan now I consider myself pretty intelligent on the subject. Anyway, my first 3 reads were:

1. Underboss: Sammy Gravano's account of his life as the Gambino Underboss and then turning Government informant.

2. Gaspipe: Anthony "gaspipe" Casso's tale of basically sasme thing, his rise and fall and into the WP

3. Mob Cops: Louis Eppilito and Steven Carracappa's story of moonlighting as Mafia Hitmen while being NYPD major crime detectives.

I picked these books at random, I knew very little about the Mafia and I was hooked after the first page
Posted By: Sonny_Black

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/11 09:48 PM

Originally Posted By: jvanley
Neither, if you want a good book on the outfit, go pick up "family Secrets"


And could you explain why both books aren't good? I suppose you read both...
Posted By: jvanley

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/11 10:05 PM

Originally Posted By: Sonny_Black
Originally Posted By: jvanley
Neither, if you want a good book on the outfit, go pick up "family Secrets"


And could you explain why both books aren't good? I suppose you read both...


Never did I say those books were not good. Look,if I HAD to pick one, id pick Gus Russo's. If I wanted to learn or read about the Chicago Outfit I would read "Family Affair" (I said it wrong in first post)That is just my personal opinion. The guys asked a question and I gave him my opinion. If I were spending my money to learn or read about the Outfit, I would choose "family affair" over those two books.

Again, just my personal opinion
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/11 10:56 PM

Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
In the past, I've described "Made Men" as readable, but not very informative smile.


I agree, that is the best way to describe it. One of the big events in the book was the murder of Joey Massella, but they never went into who actually killed him. Another big even was the flipping of Vinny Ocean, but they just mention it, never going indepth.
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/11 11:03 PM

Originally Posted By: jvanley
Originally Posted By: Mooney
Originally Posted By: MrAdams
I enjoyed The Brotherhoods, got through it pretty quick whilst on my last holiday.

Has anyone read "Making Jack Faclone" about the guy who went undercover in the Gambino's? Its been recomended to me but i dont really trust the source!


Making Jack Falcone is a decent read, definitely worth reading.


Everyone has their own opinions of course but I thought it was the worst book in my collection by far. Not alot of insight to the Mob, It was more of a "boasting book" about Jack Garcia more than the mob. I did this, I did that, look at me, etc


I was thumbing through the "Making Jack Falcone" recently, and Garcia is a blowhard. The only guy he was able to fool was a desperate old man, Greg DePalma. I'm actually surprised DePalma wasn't put on the shelf when he was released. There were people wary of DePalma and his big mouth from the 70's, Nino Gaggi thought about whacking him back then. DePalma then was one of the major reasons behind the jailing of Gotti Jr, DePalma was all over FBI bugs talking about shaking down Scores.

The only book I've read about the Chicago Oufit is "Double Cross" by Chuck Giancana, and I didn't finish half of it because it is so terrible. I think the next book I will pick up is the family secrets book. I've read most of "Mafia son" about the Scarpa's, and the book on Tommy Karate while killing time at Barnes and Nobles.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/11 11:14 PM

Originally Posted By: GerryLang
The only guy he was able to fool was a desperate old man, Greg DePalma. I'm actually surprised DePalma wasn't put on the shelf when he was released. There were people wary of DePalma and his big mouth from the 70's, Nino Gaggi thought about whacking him back then. DePalma then was one of the major reasons behind the jailing of Gotti Jr, DePalma was all over FBI bugs talking about shaking down Scores.

Sums Greg up perfectly. He was a careless, desperate, impetuous man, even when he was younger. And although the end of his life reads almost like Greek tragedy (his son Craig's suicide attempt, subsequent coma and eventual death, his wife and other son turning their backs on him, and his dying in prison), he was a pretty lucky guy. Because by rights he should have been put out to pasture years ago. And no one would have scolded the Gambino higher-ups if they had whacked him.
Posted By: Sonny_Black

Re: Mafia Books - 03/08/11 12:01 AM

Originally Posted By: jvanley
Never did I say those books were not good. Look,if I HAD to pick one, id pick Gus Russo's. If I wanted to learn or read about the Chicago Outfit I would read "Family Affair" (I said it wrong in first post)That is just my personal opinion. The guys asked a question and I gave him my opinion. If I were spending my money to learn or read about the Outfit, I would choose "family affair" over those two books.

Again, just my personal opinion


And you're oppinion is appreciated. smile But imo you should have read each of those books first before you can say which one you prefer.

However, at this great blog about the Chicago Outfit they don't recommend Russo's book and they explain why...

http://ganglandchicago.blogspot.com/2010/02/gangland-chicago-book-store.html
Posted By: jvanley

Re: Mafia Books - 03/08/11 12:30 AM

Originally Posted By: Sonny_Black
Originally Posted By: jvanley
Never did I say those books were not good. Look,if I HAD to pick one, id pick Gus Russo's. If I wanted to learn or read about the Chicago Outfit I would read "Family Affair" (I said it wrong in first post)That is just my personal opinion. The guys asked a question and I gave him my opinion. If I were spending my money to learn or read about the Outfit, I would choose "family affair" over those two books.

Again, just my personal opinion


And you're oppinion is appreciated. smile But imo you should have read each of those books first before you can say which one you prefer.

However, at this great blog about the Chicago Outfit they don't recommend Russo's book and they explain why...

http://ganglandchicago.blogspot.com/2010/02/gangland-chicago-book-store.html


I have, thats why I said "neither" and would read "family affair" rather than those 2.
Posted By: 3l3m3ntal

Re: Mafia Books - 03/08/11 09:04 PM

Originally Posted By: Sonny_Black
Originally Posted By: jvanley
Never did I say those books were not good. Look,if I HAD to pick one, id pick Gus Russo's. If I wanted to learn or read about the Chicago Outfit I would read "Family Affair" (I said it wrong in first post)That is just my personal opinion. The guys asked a question and I gave him my opinion. If I were spending my money to learn or read about the Outfit, I would choose "family affair" over those two books.

Again, just my personal opinion


And you're oppinion is appreciated. smile But imo you should have read each of those books first before you can say which one you prefer.

However, at this great blog about the Chicago Outfit they don't recommend Russo's book and they explain why...

http://ganglandchicago.blogspot.com/2010/02/gangland-chicago-book-store.html


Thanks! I know this is a book to avoid.

The Patriarca family is spoken of in Bobby Martini's memoir of Somerville and the Winter Hill Gang in Citizen Somerville, however is there any definitive or worthwhile books written on the Patriarca family?

Likewise, the Philly Bruno/Scarfo family? Blood And Honour the only one? Thanks in advance!
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 03/09/11 12:00 AM

Originally Posted By: 3l3m3ntal

Likewise, the Philly Bruno/Scarfo family? Blood And Honour the only one? Thanks in advance!


There are a lot of books on the Philly Mob.

The Boardwalk Jungle covers the 70's and 80's mob families in Atlantic City (Philly/NJ/NY) as well as political and business corruption of that time that was both related to/independent of the mob.

The Goodfella Tapes covers Stanfa's era as boss.
The Last Gangster is centered on Ron Previte and the Stanfa/Merlino era.
The Plumber is centered around the Scarfo era.
Blood Oath also details the Scarfo era and transition.
To a varying degree I think these are all worthwhile. They all have slightly different perspectives of course.
Posted By: 3l3m3ntal

Re: Mafia Books - 03/10/11 10:37 PM

Originally Posted By: Lilo
Originally Posted By: 3l3m3ntal

Likewise, the Philly Bruno/Scarfo family? Blood And Honour the only one? Thanks in advance!


There are a lot of books on the Philly Mob.

The Boardwalk Jungle covers the 70's and 80's mob families in Atlantic City (Philly/NJ/NY) as well as political and business corruption of that time that was both related to/independent of the mob.

The Goodfella Tapes covers Stanfa's era as boss.
The Last Gangster is centered on Ron Previte and the Stanfa/Merlino era.
The Plumber is centered around the Scarfo era.
Blood Oath also details the Scarfo era and transition.
To a varying degree I think these are all worthwhile. They all have slightly different perspectives of course.


Awesome, what about books on the Cleveland, Tampa, and New Jersey families? Once again thanks in advance.
Posted By: ht2

Re: Mafia Books - 03/10/11 11:42 PM

Originally Posted By: Sonny_Black

However, at this great blog about the Chicago Outfit they don't recommend Russo's book and they explain why...

http://ganglandchicago.blogspot.com/2010/02/gangland-chicago-book-store.html


I disagree with the conclusions on that website regarding Chicago Outfit by Russo. The book's bibliography is 10 pages long! They cherry picked a couple of sources they personally don't like and slammed the entire book. Perhaps he cross-referenced with other sources. The book does paint Joseph Kennedy in a bad light and some people find this controversial.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 03/11/11 01:14 AM

Originally Posted By: 3l3m3ntal

Awesome, what about books on the Cleveland, Tampa, and New Jersey families? Once again thanks in advance.


As far as NJ, there is Made Men which was already discussed.
There is also The Boys from New Jersey which was really about the seemingly virtually independent Accetturo-Tacetta New Jersey faction of the NY Lucchese Family. There is some historical reference made to the DeCavalante, Genovese and Gambino Families in NJ.

As far as Tampa, the books The Silent Don and Cigar City Mafia are both worthwhile.

On Cleveland, I think some minor references to that group might be found in I heard you paint houses but most of my historical information about the Cleveland Mob (Italian or Jewish or Irish) comes from the book Mobbed Up by James Neff. This is centered about labor leader, mob stooge and FBI informant Jackie Presser, but much like Boardwalk Jungle it really is a fascinating tale of how the Italian element of OC is often just a part of a larger whole.

This book details the Danny Greene war and the links between and among various Midwest criminal groups and the larger Chicago/NY organizations. It explains in exhaustive detail various union pension funds scams, white collar frauds,FBI double dealing, internal union or mob rivalries and how mobsters (made or not) from various families do favors for one another-or try to rip each other off.

Once it came out that Presser was an informant of course some of the mobsters closer to him were upset/worried. Fat Tony Salerno was picked up on wiretap telling soldiers "I think these f****** Chicago guys are gonna knock my brains in".

I think it's one of the better books around on the mob.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 03/11/11 01:18 AM

"Mobbed Up" was a very good book, Lilo. It also spawned a pretty good HBO movie starring Brian Dennehy as Presser back in the early '90s. If I'm not mistaken, it was HBO's first mob film. I know it came out a few years before "Gotti," starring Armand Assante.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 03/11/11 01:22 AM

I remember that movie. Brian Dennehey is always good.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 03/11/11 01:23 AM

I'll have to find that movie. It rings a bell but I don't think I ever saw it.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 03/11/11 01:26 AM

Blockbuster still has it, Lilo. Check it out. Like TB said, Dennehy is always good.

http://www.blockbuster.com/browse/catalog/movieDetails/34452
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 03/11/11 01:38 AM

Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Blockbuster still has it, Lilo. Check it out. Like TB said, Dennehy is always good.

http://www.blockbuster.com/browse/catalog/movieDetails/34452


Thx.
Eli Wallach as Bill Presser?
Hmm

Does he get any lines like

There are two kinds of gangsters in this world, my friend; 'those who come by the door: and those who come by the window"


tongue
Posted By: 3l3m3ntal

Re: Mafia Books - 03/15/11 06:44 PM

Originally Posted By: Lilo
Originally Posted By: 3l3m3ntal

Awesome, what about books on the Cleveland, Tampa, and New Jersey families? Once again thanks in advance.


As far as NJ, there is Made Men which was already discussed.
There is also The Boys from New Jersey which was really about the seemingly virtually independent Accetturo-Tacetta New Jersey faction of the NY Lucchese Family. There is some historical reference made to the DeCavalante, Genovese and Gambino Families in NJ.

As far as Tampa, the books The Silent Don and Cigar City Mafia are both worthwhile.

On Cleveland, I think some minor references to that group might be found in I heard you paint houses but most of my historical information about the Cleveland Mob (Italian or Jewish or Irish) comes from the book Mobbed Up by James Neff. This is centered about labor leader, mob stooge and FBI informant Jackie Presser, but much like Boardwalk Jungle it really is a fascinating tale of how the Italian element of OC is often just a part of a larger whole.

This book details the Danny Greene war and the links between and among various Midwest criminal groups and the larger Chicago/NY organizations. It explains in exhaustive detail various union pension funds scams, white collar frauds,FBI double dealing, internal union or mob rivalries and how mobsters (made or not) from various families do favors for one another-or try to rip each other off.

Once it came out that Presser was an informant of course some of the mobsters closer to him were upset/worried. Fat Tony Salerno was picked up on wiretap telling soldiers "I think these f****** Chicago guys are gonna knock my brains in".

I think it's one of the better books around on the mob.


Noted and jotted, thanks once again for the fine recs. I have a tendency to be a concentrated and organized reader. I'll take a subject or subjects and pursue away. grin
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 03/17/11 01:06 AM

Originally Posted By: Lilo
Originally Posted By: 3l3m3ntal

Awesome, what about books on the Cleveland, Tampa, and New Jersey families? Once again thanks in advance.


As far as NJ, there is Made Men which was already discussed.
There is also The Boys from New Jersey which was really about the seemingly virtually independent Accetturo-Tacetta New Jersey faction of the NY Lucchese Family. There is some historical reference made to the DeCavalante, Genovese and Gambino Families in NJ.

As far as Tampa, the books The Silent Don and Cigar City Mafia are both worthwhile.

On Cleveland, I think some minor references to that group might be found in I heard you paint houses but most of my historical information about the Cleveland Mob (Italian or Jewish or Irish) comes from the book Mobbed Up by James Neff. This is centered about labor leader, mob stooge and FBI informant Jackie Presser, but much like Boardwalk Jungle it really is a fascinating tale of how the Italian element of OC is often just a part of a larger whole.

This book details the Danny Greene war and the links between and among various Midwest criminal groups and the larger Chicago/NY organizations. It explains in exhaustive detail various union pension funds scams, white collar frauds,FBI double dealing, internal union or mob rivalries and how mobsters (made or not) from various families do favors for one another-or try to rip each other off.

Once it came out that Presser was an informant of course some of the mobsters closer to him were upset/worried. Fat Tony Salerno was picked up on wiretap telling soldiers "I think these f****** Chicago guys are gonna knock my brains in".

I think it's one of the better books around on the mob.


I was thinking about picking up "The Boys from Jersey," but the reviews I read have said the book deals with mostly the trial (longest in American history at the time), and very little to do with the actual crimes and activities of Acceturo crew. There was a movie made about one of the crew and his antics during the trial, Jackie Dinorscio, he represented himself. The movie is "Find Me Guilty," it bombed at the box office, and I've never seen it.
Posted By: Jay123

Re: Mafia Books - 03/29/11 11:56 AM

Just ordered "surviving the mob" by dennis griffin. I wil leave a review as to when ive read it leaving feedback
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 05/05/11 10:21 AM

Originally Posted By: Jay123
Just ordered "surviving the mob" by dennis griffin. I wil leave a review as to when ive read it leaving feedback


Funny, i have just ordered this off Amazon also. Looks good!
Posted By: Jay123

Re: Mafia Books - 05/08/11 06:31 PM

Its a good read mate, have you started it?
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 05/09/11 04:47 PM

I picked up two books last week at a used book store, "Mafia Wife" and "GoodGuys." Mafia Wife was a pretty uneventful read, basically a pity party by Louie Milito's wife. She is another woman who no longer loves the life because she is no longer benefiting from it since her husband is dead, it does give a different perspective of the life. GoodGuys has been a slow read so far, I'm only sixty pages deep though. The book comes off as a typical cop book, the cops are all hard working, and moral tought guys, and everyone else is a piece of shit.
Posted By: MadSam

Re: Mafia Books - 05/20/11 10:37 AM

"The Jackie Presser Story", he was a struntz for Cosa Nostra in NY, the Genovese's, "Fat Tony" and "TonyPro" Provenzano, not to forget the Chicago Outfit and Allen Dorfman who also wanted a piece of "the Teamsters Pension Fund Pie"! Anyways, Bill Presser, his father, played by Eli Wallach was a true racket-teer, who took a pinch, kept his mouth shut and did his time like a man...a real stand up guy. He was the real power, Jackie was a joke to the others on the board, but not infront of old man Presser!! The clown of the Teamsters, Jackie got his job through nepotism, the way that always seems to be the easiest, yet ends up costing not only the person given the leadership, but his troops. The book will give you a better idea of how things worked, Presser, the father was a real stand up guy, who made money for everyone, the bosses to the factory workers, amazing man!
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 05/23/11 06:02 PM

In "GoodGuys" Joe Massino is called Joe Messina, and this isn't the only book that has done this. Was this guy so under the radar people didn't know his real name? Or just a case of lazy writers/editors?
Posted By: Sonny_Black

Re: Mafia Books - 05/23/11 06:33 PM

Originally Posted By: GerryLang
In "GoodGuys" Joe Massino is called Joe Messina, and this isn't the only book that has done this. Was this guy so under the radar people didn't know his real name? Or just a case of lazy writers/editors?


No, it's because they played too much GTA IV.
Posted By: Most_Wanted

Re: Mafia Books - 05/23/11 10:31 PM

can anyone recommend some really good book the list I have so far is:

Family Secrets
Underboss
Cosa Nostra: A history of the sicilia Mafia
Gaspipe
Blood of honor
Brotherhood

I just don't know which one is a really good book to start off with.
Posted By: phatmatress

Re: Mafia Books - 05/24/11 02:27 AM

Originally Posted By: Most_Wanted
can anyone recommend some really good book the list I have so far is:

Family Secrets
Underboss
Cosa Nostra: A history of the sicilia Mafia
Gaspipe
Blood of honor
Brotherhood

wiseguy, the 5 families, murder machine, blood and honor, the last godfather, the gotti tapes are all personal favs of mine

I just don't know which one is a really good book to start off with.
Posted By: Most_Wanted

Re: Mafia Books - 05/24/11 03:07 AM

Thank you

I have read five families and love it
Posted By: GaryH

Re: Mafia Books - 05/24/11 05:29 PM

Gravano's book is good.
Murder Machine is top notch.
Donnie Brasco is well written
Posted By: Most_Wanted

Re: Mafia Books - 05/24/11 05:55 PM

Thank you....I order Murder Machine...lol...Guess it is a great book
Posted By: GaryH

Re: Mafia Books - 05/25/11 07:25 PM

It is a great book.
I just wish Henry Borelli or one of the Gemini Twins would talk - they would have some intriguing stories to tell.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 06/03/11 12:01 AM

I've just picked up two books, which are "Honor Thy Father" by Gay Talese with Bill Bonanno, and "Mafia Princess" by Marisa Merico. I realise there is another book by this title, but written by Sam Giancana's daughter Antoinette. This is not it.

The first is one Ive never been particularly keen to read, knowing as I do the habits of Joe & his son Bill to rewrite their own roles as common gangsters into noble exceptions; however, I am finding myself enjoying it, especially the early parts of the book that describe the Banana Wars, Bonanno's falling out with the Commission & early Bonanno/Maranzano/Castellamarese mafia family history.

Actually, I am far more impressed by this work so far then "A Man Of Honor", which I always thought had been written first. I have since realised that this came first, & also that Joe was apparrantly unhappy with the book, stating to Talese that his son Bill had been "too sincere" with him. Even with the benefit of knowing more now then was then available (for example, the description of Bonanno's attendance at the Hotel de Palmes mafia summit of October '57 as a "visit to childhood friends") i am finding it to be quite good.

The second book, "Mafia Princess" relates the story of an Anglo-Italian womans whose father & other relatives are Calabrian Ndrina, specifically the Di Giovine & Serraino clans which were involved in the series of skirmishes that became known as the Second Ndrangheta War. She is related to a well known female boss, a position much more common in the Caabrian mafia then any other.
So far, meh. Nothing realy interesting. Its picks up a bit when her fugitive father Emilio Di Giovine spends time in America, spedifically New York, where she claims he fell in the Cherry Hill Gambino's (incorrectly describing John Gambino as Carlo's son)as a drug supplier & links him to John Gotti. Its not that the idea of a Calabrian connection to the Cherry Hill crew is so unbelievable, more the idea that an Italian illegal previously unheard of in New York mafia history got so close to Gotti himself, who supposedly "protected" Di Giovine.
Hopefully it picks up soon, because I do find the Calabrian model to be very interesting.

I picked up both these books for a buck each at an op-shop. Cheering eh? Especially since Mafia Princess was only published last year.

Also I picked up & absolutlely demolished "Westies: Inside Hells Kitchen's Irish Mob", TJ English's definitive account of the Westies duing the reign of Jimmy Coonan & Mickey Featherstone. Ive never been too interested in Coonan & co, apart from his dealings with Roy DeMeo, but this was actually one of the best book on OC Ive ever read.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 06/03/11 12:13 AM

Originally Posted By: GerryLang
I picked up two books last week at a used book store, "Mafia Wife" and "GoodGuys." Mafia Wife was a pretty uneventful read, basically a pity party by Louie Milito's wife. She is another woman who no longer loves the life because she is no longer benefiting from it since her husband is dead, it does give a different perspective of the life.


Whole-heartedly agree. If things had gone a bit different for Milito we never would have heard of Linda Milito, since she'd still be a happy mob wife. Nonetheless, her recounting of a mob associates daily-grind is interestng, like makin the rounds on parking meters to cut of the tops & get at the coins. Almost funny.
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 06/04/11 06:44 PM

Originally Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica
Originally Posted By: GerryLang
I picked up two books last week at a used book store, "Mafia Wife" and "GoodGuys." Mafia Wife was a pretty uneventful read, basically a pity party by Louie Milito's wife. She is another woman who no longer loves the life because she is no longer benefiting from it since her husband is dead, it does give a different perspective of the life.


Whole-heartedly agree. If things had gone a bit different for Milito we never would have heard of Linda Milito, since she'd still be a happy mob wife. Nonetheless, her recounting of a mob associates daily-grind is interestng, like makin the rounds on parking meters to cut of the tops & get at the coins. Almost funny.


Yeah, the day to day stuff was pretty interesting, I was surprised that Louie left so little money when he died, him and his wife seemed to have made a good bit of money both legally and illegally, but it seems they spent it just as fast, and Linda had no problems spending it. She talks about her mental illness sparingly in the book, but by the end you can see the woman is really screwed up in the head.
Posted By: bostonmob

Re: Mafia Books - 07/13/11 12:12 AM

Check out this new book about life inside the Boston Mafia
http://www.authonomy.com/books/34687/dir...-the-hard-way-/
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 07/29/11 12:15 PM

That actually looks pretty good bostonmob.

I recently picked up "Made Men" by Greg B. Smith. Pretty compact little read, and actually not bad. It basically offers a crashcourse on Sam "The Plumber" DeCavalcante and the DeCavalcante Family, while chronicling the exploits of former rising mob star Ralph Guarino by way of main narrative. Starting with his independant schemes and leading to his eventual reporting to Vinny Ocean, all the while wired for sound.

I realised very early on, like most of us,, that the vast majority of mob-lit was centred around New York, so when I come across books dedicated to any Family other then the Five, I snap it. I know the DeCavalcante's are not really all that removed geographically from NY, but the book is still distincly focused on NJ. Cool if thats what you're after.

One of the more interesting characters detailed in the book IMO was low level DeCavalcante associate Joseph "Joey O" Masella. In hock to something like three out of the Five Families, including his own, and forever running around on either mob errands or his own schemes, this guy was the epitome of the mob gopher, the guy always on to this or that, rich one day off a rare win, but always pretty much broke. The guy left behind twenty years after all the guys he grew up with were either made or moved away. His pathetic claims that "They offered to make me, I just didnt want it" just dont hold water with me. What other reason has this guy been hanging round for decades if not vying for a place in that secret boys club, La Cosa Nostra...?

Anyway, also some great info on guys like Vinny Ocean, Tin Ear Sclafani, Anthony Capo, Anthony Rotondo and other guys around them at the time. It even details the sad-but-true occasion when a car full of DeCavalcante wiseguys were recorded wondering aloud if that new television show The Soprano's wasn't just based on them and guys they knew in the neighbourhood.

Incidentally, this may or may not have been entirely true. And though it wasn't mentioned in the book, I believe these recordings were later used against said wiseguys in court, by way of "What do you mean they're not gangters from New Jersey? We have them on tape comparing themselves to gangters from New Jersey!"

All in all, well worth the Twelve Bucks I paid for it. smile
Posted By: BarrettM

Re: Mafia Books - 07/29/11 05:31 PM

I Read Valachi Papers. It was certainly interesting, but Valachi seemed to be lacking in depth. At times this was a good thing. Because Valachi will tell the story as he saw it, from a literal perspective, but the reader realizes x character went crazy, y character was scheming even when Valachi doesn't. I'm in the middle of Blood and Honor. Caramandi is a better narrator, but once again, he fails to show remorse when we'd like to see it. I guess that's the price of quoting a gangster. Even if Gravano might have feigned it in Underboss, it's still believable.

I was recommended a book called I Heard You Paint Houses about Frank Sheeran. I wasn't interested at first, but now I realize it might shed some light on the Bufalinos. Is it as good as they say? Is he reliable?
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 07/29/11 06:10 PM

Valachi told what he knew, but in reality, he was too low down in the organization to know a lot. But the FBI ate it all up because they had almost nothing on the inner workings of the Mafia--Hoover simply ignored the Mob until that time.

"Underboss" was an interesting read. Exposed the mind of a psychopathic killer.

"I Hear You Paint Houses" is interesting about how Sheeran got involved with Hoffa, and does shed some light on Russell Bufalino. But it promises to expose Hoffa's killing, and comes up just short. Keep in mind that it was published after Sheeran died.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 07/29/11 09:50 PM

Reading Valachi's story I get the impression his fellow mobsters only woke him up for the REALLY important meetings.. lol whistle
Posted By: ronnie_little

Re: Mafia Books - 07/30/11 10:22 PM

Do you know who the author was of the book "Mobbed Up" ??
Posted By: Mukremin

Re: Mafia Books - 08/01/11 11:27 AM

Woohoo i just received Mob Killer and Surviving the Mob, i bought them from ebay smile
Posted By: YukonCorneleone

Re: Mafia Books - 08/01/11 10:26 PM

Anyone ever read this book? "Mob Lawyer" by Frank Ragano? I read it years ago and really enjoyed it. Any comments on the truth of a lot this stuff? Bullshit or what?
Selwynn Raab and Nicholas Pileggi helped him write it.

Interested on hearing any feedback, guys...
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 08/14/11 05:21 AM

I haven't read "The Big Bankroll", but I recently finished Nick Tosches "King Of The Jews", another Rothstein biography which cites "The Big Bankroll" (amongst others) as a source..

Its funny. Its not mob-lit per say, but its definitely about Arnold Rothstein. Rather then the typical gangster lit. approach its more on his personal life in a way, the man "behind the myth", if you will. It tangents of into questions of the Jewish Experience and identity while also offering a rich account of the early 20th century ear New York underworld. Tosches is a great writer.

This book has gotten me interested in the real early days, ie Tammany Hall and the Five Points. The prototype Jewish wiseguy's like Monk Eastman and (of course) the Big Bankroll himself. Guys like Louis the Lump Poggi and Paolo Vaccarelli aka Paul Kelly, the latter a real survivor. And as we all know, Rothstein's contribution to mob-lore is most evident in the dress sense displayed by any self respecting mob-boss since Luciano and Costello.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 08/14/11 05:45 AM

I haven't read Ragano's book Yukon but Im familiar with the claims he made in them. Pretty interesting stuff. It too was cited as a source in another book I recently finished.

"Havana Nocturne" by TJ English. Really about Lansky, Trafficante, Battista and Castro more then anything else. Really got me to thinking differently on those years, I dont think Trafficante or Lansky to the end thought that Castro would go as far as he did. Lansky didn't stick around to find out but Trafficante did when he was thrown in jail to serve one of the few stints he ever did.

If your interested in 1950's Havana this is great. It can be easy to forget that it wasn't just a bunch of wiseguys from the States on the island, it was a bunch of Cuban mobsters as well; only some of 'em had, you know, badges and shit. I enjoyed that aspect of it so much I thought Id ask if anybody had some reccomendations on the subject...?

On a side note, Lansky was once quoted as saying "We lost as fortune in Havana" Seeing as he spent the rest of his years in retirement in Florida and his final estate being well under six grand, I dont think he was speaking idly.
Posted By: NickyScarfo

Re: Mafia Books - 08/21/11 06:25 PM

does anyone know of any books specifically on Albert Anastasia? I am intrigued by him.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 08/21/11 11:48 PM

There's the FBI file:
http://www.amazon.com/Albert-Anastasia-Federal-Bureau-Investigations/dp/B002N8B6L4

Which I think you can read for free at "the Vault"
http://vault.fbi.gov/Albert%20Anastasia

Not strictly about Anastasia but apparantly Burton Turkus' book on Murder Inc. has some good info on the man.
Posted By: NickyScarfo

Re: Mafia Books - 08/22/11 04:50 AM

Thanks Mickey.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 08/23/11 09:02 PM

I just purchased the below book and i'm looking forward to reading this..This book has been on my wishlist on amazon for a while now as not brought or read any OC book for a while now..

Posted By: DickNose_Moltasanti

Re: Mafia Books - 08/30/11 10:00 PM

The lastmouthpiece By Bobby Simone..Awesome Book

Maybe not the best written but liked all the facts with the autobiography
Posted By: NickyScarfo

Re: Mafia Books - 09/02/11 01:18 PM

what do you guys think of "Mafia Dynasty"? Is it any good?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/02/11 08:51 PM

Mafia Dynasty is a very good and informative book on the Gambino crime family, would recommend..

7/10
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 09/04/11 11:58 PM

I didn't mind "Mafia Dynasty" at all, thought it was a great read.

Has anyone caught "Born to the Mob" with Frank Saggio? I recently re-read it. Saggio offers alot of info on Philly Lucky Giacalone, which is great (not alot of info available on that guy, one of the infamous "3 Capo's" Massino hit) but his claims of being the only guy to work for each of the Five Families was a bit much.
Posted By: NickyScarfo

Re: Mafia Books - 09/05/11 04:20 PM

Gun to your head time guys, If you could pick only one mob book what would it be??
Mine would be the five families book by Selwyn Raab.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/05/11 09:12 PM

I agree Five Families is the best mafia book there is,Followed closely by The Little Man by Robert Lacey which is the biography of Meyer Lansky.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/11 12:18 AM

Definitely Five Families. "Idiots Guide" is IMO a close second.
Posted By: Sonny_Black

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/11 06:47 PM

Idiots Guide is a nice read but really a book for the biggest newbies when it comes to knowledge of the mob. If you already know the general stuff, it doesn't add anything.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 09/07/11 03:24 AM

Yeah I hear that. But as far as breaking down the mob staples and the general history of the entire North American LCN phenomenon over the last 100 odd years, done by no less a journalist by Jerry Capeci...I think its a staple for any mob-lit. canon.

But you're right, Sonny; it gets to a point where nine out of ten books we read re-hash the same old shit again and again, so you start to keep an eye out for anything with any new info at all, things you haven't read a million times. Its why I got interested in the Families outside of NY, because I could only read their histories so many times.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 09/07/11 09:19 AM

I would choose "The Outfit" by Gus Russo. "Supermob" is almost as good.
Posted By: Mick2010

Re: Mafia Books - 09/12/11 05:52 PM

Hey everyone. Im looking for opinions on a few books. The first is Underboss. Not the Gravano book though, the one about the Angiulos in Boston.

Also interested in The Outfit by Gus Russo. Is that the best Chicago book out there? If not what is?

Last one is Bummy Davis vs. Murder Inc. Anyone read that?
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 09/13/11 09:36 AM

Let me know what you think of Underboss Mick. It looks interesting.

Next book I order though will probably be The Outfit by Russo. Ive been looking forward to reading that one for a while. Its got great reviews.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 09/13/11 11:35 AM

Yes, I think "The Outfit" is the definitive book on the Chicago Outfit. Like any other oc book it has a few quirks and rumors and info from people looking to settle scores but all in all I thought it was quite well documented. It discusses the immediate post-Capone days up thru the early seventies.

It may be a little heavy on Murray Humphreys story for reasons discussed above but he was always a mobster that fascinated me anyway so I didn't mind. Good stuff.

"The Underboss" was pretty informative.
Posted By: NickyScarfo

Re: Mafia Books - 09/13/11 09:44 PM

Guys you must get "The First Family" by Mike Dash, it covers the early mafia, the Morello family, incredibly detailed and well researched. We don't often talk on here on the early mafia so hopefully we can get some discussion going.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 09/14/11 03:33 AM

I keep meaning to pick that up. It looks like an interesting account of the origins of the borgata that eventually came to be known as the Genovese Family.

Peter the Clutch-Hand, Lupo the Wolf, Ciro the Artichoke King...fascinating figures.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/15/11 08:16 PM

I agree [The First Family/i] is a excellent book.

Also a another good book with regards to The Outfit of Chicago is [i]The Genuine Godfather
which is kind of biography to Tony Accardo,
Posted By: Mooney

Re: Mafia Books - 09/22/11 04:13 PM

while they are a little self serving, William Roemers books are pretty good as far as outfit stories go. "The Geniune Godfather" as DE NIRO mentioned and also "Man Against The Mob". Also a good book that definitely flys under the radar is a book by Michael Corbitt and Sam Giancana called "Double Deal" gives some good insight on the corruption of small precincts in the outer suburbs of chicago.

As far as my all time favorite books go i have to list books like Murder Machine, Blood and Honor, Mr. Capone by Robert Shoenberg, tough jews by rich cohen, Joe Dogs (Autobio of Joe Inauzzi), Underboss ( jerry Angulio story), The Westies by TJ English etc....

I could go on and on really, some are better than others but most of them i can find at least some of it interesting... except for Phillip Carlo's stuff, can't stand any of his books.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 09/22/11 04:19 PM

Originally Posted By: Mooney
except for Phillip Carlo's stuff, can't stand any of his books.

I'll go along with you on that one. Carlo was a hack (and a mob wanname, to boot). His book about Casso should have had a byline: "Gaspipe: Love Letter to a Psychopath."

An absolute disgrace the way he tried to romantacize that scumbag's life.
Posted By: NinoGambino

Re: Mafia Books - 09/22/11 05:27 PM

Have to agree PB. Carlo's subjects are always interesting and the stories always juicy, but you always have to wonder. Seems like he wants his name to be tied to the life a little too much. But unfortunately there just aren't that many organized crime authors so many times Carlo's writing is the only literature that can be found on certain subjects.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 09/23/11 11:17 AM

Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
His book about Casso should have had a byline: "Gaspipe: Love Letter to a Psychopath."


lol
Posted By: Mick2010

Re: Mafia Books - 10/04/11 10:46 PM

Originally Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica
Let me know what you think of Underboss Mick. It looks interesting.

Next book I order though will probably be The Outfit by Russo. Ive been looking forward to reading that one for a while. Its got great reviews.


I definitely will. Though it likely wont be for a while, as I dont actually have the book yet. I was trying to decide which book to get in addition to Mafia Inc when it comes out in a couple weeks. I always order 2 at a time so I get free shipping. I've decided to go with The Outfit,


I finished The Westies a couple weeks ago, very good read, would definitely reccomend it. Im now finishing up The Last Gangster. Although Previte is a clown, it is informative, pretty good overall.
Posted By: Jimmy_Two_Times

Re: Mafia Books - 10/05/11 12:15 PM

Anyone read UNLOCKED by Louis Ferrante? Any good? What are his creds like?
Posted By: Jimmy_Two_Times

Re: Mafia Books - 10/05/11 12:17 PM

I just got finished reading UNDERBOSS and thought it was pretty good. I grew up in Massachussetts and remember well the Angiulo and Patriarca goings on in the papers.
Posted By: DJN

Re: Mafia Books - 10/05/11 07:42 PM

joe dogs
5 families
boss of bosses
take down
bringing down the mob
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 10/13/11 06:32 AM

I recently picked up "The Bureau: Inside Todays FBI" (well, "today" as in 1994) by Diarmid Jeffries
I was thumbing through what was an undoubtedly dated and slightly trashy book at the 50 cent bargain bin at my local second hand bookstore when I saw it contained a chapter entitled "Rico and wiseguys" as well as a few pictures of 80's era Patriarca gangsters.

Despite it being, as I mentioned, a very dated book, it nonetheless offered some good info on Hoover's legacy at the FBI and a surprisngly good rundown of the events surrounding the William Grasso murder and leading up to the notorious bugged induction ceremony.

It also contained a reference to the longtime Genovese presence at the Fulton Fish Market that is so cheesy it almost makes the whole book worth it (Genovese Fish Pie; Take a labour intensive industry with a perishable product, add a corrupt trade union and throw in a pinch of extortion. Serve very, very cold)
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 10/13/11 08:02 PM

Originally Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica
It also contained a reference to the longtime Genovese presence at the Fulton Fish Market that is so cheesy it almost makes the whole book worth it (Genovese Fish Pie; Take a labour intensive industry with a perishable product, add a corrupt trade union and throw in a pinch of extortion. Serve very, very cold)

Oh, that's just awful lol.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 10/13/11 11:03 PM

lol I knew I wouldnt be the only one to get a kick outta that. They should have added "add copious amounts of cheese for the purpose of one over blown analogy"
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 10/15/11 01:35 PM

Picked up the Valachi Paper's for 50 cents at the local 2nd hand book op. shop bargain bin. 50 frickin' cents. Possibly the best half a dollar I ever spent. While I read this book years ago, having recently re-read I can see how it paved the way for mob lit. in general. As "coached" as he may have been on certain subjects, as overblown and ultimately low end as Valachi was, this is a great book. IMO, one of the best on the subject. Some may disagree, but however you look at it, Maas's book was a landmark in mob lit.
Posted By: FrankieRosenthal

Re: Mafia Books - 10/16/11 08:16 PM

Wow, what a great thread. I USED to think I had a pretty good knowledge of org crime history. I havent even scratched the surface. I have a lot of reading to do. Thanks to all posters =)
Posted By: Jimmy_Two_Times

Re: Mafia Books - 11/04/11 10:47 AM

How detailed does Valachi go in his book about breaking down the families and family life?
Posted By: Jimmy_Two_Times

Re: Mafia Books - 11/04/11 10:54 AM

Just read Havana Nocturne... I have to say I think I'm beginning to like TJ English' style.
Posted By: Mooney

Re: Mafia Books - 11/12/11 10:03 PM

I received Andre Cedilot & Andre Noel's "Mafia Inc" today in the mail, grabbed it from Amazon for like $24 total. Great looking book, I really like the cover, size, pages, decent photo section etc...

When this came out I was worried the English version was going to take forever to come out, thankfully it came out very soon after the French version. Look forward to reading it!

I also picked up a relatively new book (March 1st 2011) by William Ouseley & Monroe Dodd called "Mobsters In Our Midst" which is about the Kansas City Family. Apparently William Ouseley was a FBI agent for 25 plus years who spent his time on the KC family. Anyone read it yet? They only have a paperback version right now which blows but whatever.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 11/16/11 01:51 AM

Originally Posted By: Jimmy_Two_Times
Just read Havana Nocturne... I have to say I think I'm beginning to like TJ English' style.


English is a great writer. If you haven't already, check out The Westies. IMO its the definitive account of Coonan and Featherstone.

Originally Posted By: Jimmy_Two_Times
How detailed does Valachi go in his book about breaking down the families and family life?


Very detailed. At least in regards to how a low level soldier would see it. Certain editions of The Valachi Papers have a chart of sorts, which lists the early leaders of the Five Families and their affilaitions and protege's.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 11/16/11 02:01 AM

Originally Posted By: Mooney
I received Andre Cedilot & Andre Noel's "Mafia Inc" today in the mail, grabbed it from Amazon for like $24 total. Great looking book, I really like the cover, size, pages, decent photo section etc...

When this came out I was worried the English version was going to take forever to come out, thankfully it came out very soon after the French version. Look forward to reading it!

I also picked up a relatively new book (March 1st 2011) by William Ouseley & Monroe Dodd called "Mobsters In Our Midst" which is about the Kansas City Family. Apparently William Ouseley was a FBI agent for 25 plus years who spent his time on the KC family. Anyone read it yet? They only have a paperback version right now which blows but whatever.


$24?! Awesome. I've had my eyes on that book for a while now. I know exactly what you mean, it felt like the english version was never going to be released. By all accounts, this book details a huge amount of information on Canada and its mafia dynamics, and go's a fair way towards illuminating much of the intrigue and developments over the last few decades. Let me know how you go and what you think, Id be interested to hear Mooney.

FWIW, certain guys have rated it and 'Mafia Export' as two of the best works on the subject in many years.

As far as 'Mobsters In Our Midst', its been well reccomended by KC guys like joey dice and others. Looks great. Again, let us know what you think when you're done!

Ive used up my birthday and christmas presents from the missus with the Song of Ice and Fire series by Martin. Since were saving for a house now, as well as various other baby related stuff, I cant just go out and drop dollars on newly released books like I used to. frown Have the squirt, do the work I guess. tongue
Posted By: ukthesis

Re: Mafia Books - 11/27/11 03:26 PM

You might include my own book:

David Critchley, "The Origin of Organized Crime in America: The New York City Mafia, 1891-1931"

It got excellent reviews and is the best factual book by far on the early New York City Mafia.

Posted By: carmela

Re: Mafia Books - 11/27/11 03:39 PM

Originally Posted By: ukthesis
You might include my own book:

David Critchley, "The Origin of Organized Crime in America: The New York City Mafia, 1981-1931"

It got excellent reviews and is the best factual book by far on the early New York City Mafia.



Hope your writing is better than your proofreading.

Welcome Dave. Glad you could sign up with virtually no issues over here. Ya know. wink
Posted By: ukthesis

Re: Mafia Books - 11/27/11 03:42 PM

Just re-read my post and I know what you mean. I need to get on a typing course, that's for sure. smile
Posted By: carmela

Re: Mafia Books - 11/27/11 03:46 PM

Originally Posted By: ukthesis
Just re-read my post and I know what you mean. I need to get on a typing course, that's for sure. smile


Just playing with ya. I knew what you meant. Welcome, again. smile

I do know your book did very very well, all kidding aside.
Posted By: ukthesis

Re: Mafia Books - 11/27/11 03:51 PM

While I have you, is there a way of my advertising my book to forum readers for example by including the blurb about it on Amazon?
Posted By: carmela

Re: Mafia Books - 11/27/11 03:54 PM

Originally Posted By: ukthesis
While I have you, is there a way of my advertising my book to forum readers for example by including the blurb about it on Amazon?


Oh I'm not sure on that. One of the mods would be in to better inform you.

But, I tell ya what I can do..I will tell all my friends on here about your book. Of course I haven't read it and I have like one friend on here, but hey... better than nothing, no? Now, if I could only remember just who is that one friend. confused grin
Posted By: ukthesis

Re: Mafia Books - 11/27/11 04:51 PM

Can you give the contact details for the moderators? Yes, I know the "who is my friend" bit - jollity mixed in with "help."
Posted By: SC

Re: Mafia Books - 11/27/11 05:25 PM

Originally Posted By: ukthesis
While I have you, is there a way of my advertising my book to forum readers for example by including the blurb about it on Amazon?


Send a PM (private message) to Geoff, the owner and administrator of these boards. Ask his permission to do so. He's very fair.
Posted By: ukthesis

Re: Mafia Books - 11/27/11 05:46 PM

I emailed someone through "Contact us" at the bottom of the page, if that's Geoff.
Posted By: Jimmy_Two_Times

Re: Mafia Books - 11/28/11 01:32 PM

Just purchased Lou Ferrante's "MOB RULES: What the Mafia can teach to big business"... will let everyone know how it is.
Posted By: Daco

Re: Mafia Books - 11/30/11 06:12 AM

Is The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Mafia good text for me to start about mafia?Persnoaly,i'm more curious about mafia structure only!
Posted By: phatmatress

Re: Mafia Books - 11/30/11 07:47 AM

is good to get the basics and understanding and will help you have knowledge on posts and to join in intelligently on posts. the idiots guide that is.....
Posted By: Mukremin

Re: Mafia Books - 11/30/11 10:15 PM

Idiots Guide is an excellent start, i know i started with that years ago. But i moved on to the heavy one, Five Families. I just got Mob Files- Anastasia. Any good?
Posted By: Mooney

Re: Mafia Books - 12/04/11 05:27 PM

Just picked up "The Weasel" By Andrian Humphreys (who also co wrote the 6th family)

" In the world of organized crime the bosses grab the headlines, as the names Capone, Gotti, Bonnano, Cotroni and Rizzuto attest. But a crime family has many working parts and the young mobster known as The Weasel was the epitome of a crucial, invisible cog-the soldier, the muscle, the driver, the gopher.

By a quirk of fate, Marvin Elkind-later The Weasel-was placed in the foster home of a tough gangster family, immersing him from the age of nine in a daring world of con men, cheats, bootleggers, loan sharks, bank robbers, leg breakers and Mafia bosses. During a Golden Age of underworld life in New York, Detroit and across Canada, The Weasel found himself working with a surprising cast of colourful characters. He befriended powerful gangsters by smuggling bottles of Scotch to their tables as a waiter at New York's famed Copacabana; he was pushed to be Jimmy Hoffa's chauffeur."


Seems like it will be an ok read, apparently this Marvin Elkind guy was close to johnny papalia. I have faith because it's written by Adrian Humphreys and the 6th family was a great book.

This book marks my 75th hardcover mob book, the collection is looking amazing. Man, do I love hardcovers!
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 12/05/11 03:06 AM

Elkind was a Vic Cotroni's driver for some time. Looks like a mildly interesting book, but the guy also claims to know where Hoffa's buried. Id take it cum grano salis

Are you gonna let me know what you thought of Mafia Inc? Like, ever? wink
Posted By: Ivan

Re: Mafia Books - 12/05/11 03:56 AM

I also recommend David's book. It's the best-researched book about the mob I've ever read.

Be advised though that it's an academic history rather than a "true crime book". But it's well written and readable.
Posted By: Mooney

Re: Mafia Books - 12/06/11 12:50 AM

Originally Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica
Elkind was a Vic Cotroni's driver for some time. Looks like a mildly interesting book, but the guy also claims to know where Hoffa's buried. Id take it cum grano salis

Are you gonna let me know what you thought of Mafia Inc? Like, ever? wink



LOL, i forgot! sorry bro! Mafia Inc is a good read for sure! Definitely worth picking up. Some of the info is some of the same stuff you would read in the 6th family but it also has a lot of info worth reading that was not in the 6th family. It also touches more on the post project colisee doings, which is pretty much where the 6th family left off.
Posted By: Daco

Re: Mafia Books - 12/06/11 05:58 AM

Which book should i take to help me start knowing mafia structure?If you could recommend couple of them,and i'm interested mostly in structure and mafia business,behavior ..
Posted By: Ivan

Re: Mafia Books - 12/06/11 01:56 PM

Originally Posted By: Daco
Which book should i take to help me start knowing mafia structure?If you could recommend couple of them,and i'm interested mostly in structure and mafia business,behavior ..


You could start off with "Complete Idiot's Guide to the Mafia" (note: the "complete idiot" thing in the title is an ironic joke in case you aren't aware). It has a couple of mistakes in it, and the "current" information is a bit dated, but it is a good primer on everything.

After that, check out "Blood and Honor" and "Wiseguy" to get a good representative view from inside a family from the soldier and associate perspectives, respectively. You'll get a thorough sampling of the rackets, scams, violence, betrayal, politics, and the like from those two books.

These three books will give you a good foundation of knowledge on which to build.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 12/06/11 04:44 PM

Originally Posted By: Ivan
Originally Posted By: Daco
Which book should i take to help me start knowing mafia structure?If you could recommend couple of them,and i'm interested mostly in structure and mafia business,behavior ..


You could start off with "Complete Idiot's Guide to the Mafia" (note: the "complete idiot" thing in the title is an ironic joke in case you aren't aware). It has a couple of mistakes in it, and the "current" information is a bit dated, but it is a good primer on everything.

After that, check out "Blood and Honor" and "Wiseguy" to get a good representative view from inside a family from the soldier and associate perspectives, respectively. You'll get a thorough sampling of the rackets, scams, violence, betrayal, politics, and the like from those two books.

These three books will give you a good foundation of knowledge on which to build.

Good advice, Ivan.

I'll just add that "Five Families," by Selwyn Raab, is probably the most thoroughly researched and complete book I've ever read on the history of the New York mafia. In my opinion, Raab's background in journalism is what sets this book apart from most of the other "true crime" writers. They try too hard to make the books dramatic.

For example, when I see dialogue that we know has been made up, I want to set the book on fire.
Posted By: Daco

Re: Mafia Books - 12/06/11 06:40 PM

Aham.There's so many different books on internet..Some of them called "Donnie Brasco" and some of them "The Way of Wiseguy",is there any differences?


(Is that book good for mafia knowledge?)
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 12/07/11 03:20 AM

Aham. (sic)

Joe Pistone has released a number of books with different collaborators.

To my knowledge (I haven't read Way of the Wiseguy) they are different books, albeit ones that revolve around the times of Donnie Brasco, Bonanno assosciate circa. late 70's early 80's.

His books make good intro's to LCN and NY mobsters. From what I can gather, Way of the Wiseguy concenrates more on the personalities/mindsets of the guys he was around.

A better book to start with would be the ones Ivan and PB reccommended. "Idiots Guide" is a great work on the basic histories of LCN across North America, while Five Families delves deeper into New York, right up until about 2005. It really is a great book on the subject, one of the best IMO.
Posted By: Ivan

Re: Mafia Books - 12/07/11 05:00 AM

Pizza Boy is right - he should definitely check out 5 Families. It's about New York only, but in spite of what fanboys of other families say New York is and always has been the ceneter of the majority of mob activity(even back when all 25 or so families were flourishing, including the Outfit, probably at least more than 50% of Italian-American mob activity was concentrated in New York and its immediate surroundings, like east New Jersey - and today it's probably 95%), and you should get a good grounding in them if you want to understand the mafia in any meaningful way.

Yeah, read Five Families after The Idiot's Guide to the Mafia, but before the other stuff.

I also recommend watching Goodfellas and Casino if you haven't already, though bear in mind that the mob is "prettied up" a bit in those. (Henry Hill is a grotesque little lizard man in real life - certainly not a Ray Liotta type guy).

And if you're really hard core, check out The Origins of Organized Crime in America for a thorough rundown of pretty much everything that is known about the origins of the mob. It's also essential because it dismantles a lot of myths in the standard mob historiography.

As for Pistone's books: Donnie Brasco is pretty good, but the rest I got the feeling that Pistone cranked them out because he wanted to buy a new boat or something. Didn't he also write some retarded "new adventures of Donnie Brasco" novel or something? rolleyes
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 12/07/11 06:42 AM

Originally Posted By: Ivan

As for Pistone's books: Donnie Brasco is pretty good, but the rest I got the feeling that Pistone cranked them out because he wanted to buy a new boat or something. Didn't he also write some retarded "new adventures of Donnie Brasco" novel or something? rolleyes


lol
Posted By: joey_dice

Re: Mafia Books - 12/16/11 01:43 AM

A very good read on the Kansas City Mafia, is Mobsters in our Midst by Former FBIOC strice force supervisor William Owsley. Also contains a lot of good photos.
Posted By: Daco

Re: Mafia Books - 12/22/11 02:46 PM

Is there any differences between these two books?It's almost same book with some different things in name?

http://cache0.bookdepository.com/assets/images/book/small/9780/7624/9780762418398.jpg

http://cache0.bookdepository.com/assets/images/book/medium/9780/7624/9780762423842.jpg



The Way of the Wiseguy: The FBI's Most Famous Undercover Agent Cracks the Mob Mind and The Way of the Wiseguy: True Stories from the FBI's Most Famous Undercover Agent ?If there's a difference,which one describes mobsters best?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 12/22/11 05:27 PM

Same book, Dude.

It's really just more of the same from Pistone, but it comes with a decent cd of some Bonanno family wiretaps (although you can also hear them on Youtube for free).
Posted By: Sonny_Black

Re: Mafia Books - 12/22/11 07:45 PM

Anyone read "Iced - The Story of organized crime in Canada" ? I don't read much about it on forums and I'm under the impression it's an overlooked book.

I've read some pages of it with google books, and I think it's a true masterpiece. The authors of Mafia Inc. used it as a source for their own book, and Mafia Inc. is a really fine book, so that says a lot.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Mafia Books - 12/31/11 01:11 AM

Has anyone read this book? :



Boardwalk Gangster: The Real Lucky Luciano
by Doug Bentin on

As the old-school strippers tell a young Rose Louise Hovick in GYPSY, “You gotta have a gimmick.” A catchy name helps, too. Salvatore Lucania? Nope. Charles Luciano? Nuh-uh. Lucky Luciano? “Lucky” because he once took a three-layered ass-kicking from the cops and didn’t die. Alliterative and provocative. That’ll work.

In BOARDWALK GANGSTER: THE REAL LUCKY LUCIANO, you do get a sense from author Tim Newark that Luciano’s posthumous reputation needed some kind of boost. For the first half of his criminal life, he was a smart guy, rising through the mob ranks as a hitman and body guard for Joe Masseria. But by the end of the 1920s and the retirement of Johnny Torrio in Chicago, who handed the Outfit over to Al Capone, Luciano had been wooed from the old way of doing things.


His idea was to keep the profile as low as possible and work with anyone who could help you, whereas Masseria refused even to meet with Jewish gangsters like Mayer Lansky, Arnold Rothstein and Bugsy Siegel. So Luciano had Masseria subtracted from the equation and then took over his family.

The government couldn’t find a way to nail Luciano on murder, so they adapted the Capone-trap and went after him for lesser crimes, and in 1936, the judge in Luciano’s trial on prostitution charges cold-cocked him with a sentence of 30 to 50 years.

And this is where Newark’s book gets really interesting. When the U.S. entered World War II, Naval Intelligence became very concerned that Axis saboteurs would cause trouble along the Eastern seaboard. The mob, which controlled the dock workers, offered to keep an eye on things in return for certain small favors, one of which was to allow Luciano to return to Sicily.

A deal was struck and Lucky headed for the land of his birth. He said that that he could serve as middleman between the Allies and the locals to make the invasion of Italy less explosive. His apparent success has been the major factor in his story ever since.

But Newark claims that Luciano had little, if anything, to do with the Allies in Sicily and Italy. In fact, after he slipped off to Cuba after the war, and then got run out in 1947, he lived for the next 17 years in Sicily on the charity of his pals. He was never the kingpin of the international narcotics trade, as he has been credited with being. Authorities just claimed he was because they needed a straw man to dangle in front of the public.

After all, it was better to blame a known criminal mastermind than it was to blow the whistle on half the government officials between Italy and here. This same straw-man scam had worked during the Depression with many of the hoods of that era — Machine Gun Kelly, Ma Barker and others — and it worked again with Luciano

Newark shows us a different take on the Mafia and especially on one of its star attractions. It’s a relatively short book, built more for speed than intensity. After reading it, you may never think of big-time organized crime lords quite the same way again. —Doug Bentin
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 01/01/12 12:27 AM

Looks great.
Posted By: gemini_killer

Re: Mafia Books - 01/01/12 07:07 PM

Mob Killer - Charles Carneglia, great book
Posted By: ukwiseguy

Re: Mafia Books - 01/05/12 03:20 PM

Does anyone know if there is some way you can purchase books online in say .pdf format. I have a bad neck for looking down and reading books and feel like im missing out on all the great mob books as a result.

Ive thought about one of those amazon kindles but that would be similar just looking down.
Posted By: Mukremin

Re: Mafia Books - 01/06/12 08:37 PM

Anyone has a nice book on the 'Ndrangheta? I want to have a book that covers the last 20 years, perhaps a little history also. Not to much detail.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 01/06/12 10:58 PM

I've just finished readingThe Life And Times of Lepke Buchalter: America's Most Ruthless Labor Racketeer. I would recommend this book to people interested in the rackets. 7/10

Posted By: Mukremin

Re: Mafia Books - 01/15/12 02:45 PM

I just bought a book called "The Turkish Mafia", like the title says its about the Turkish mafia. It describes the origins and what the status is today, its fascinating to see how similair the origins are between the Italian/Sicilian mafia and the Turkish mafia. Both groups emerged in the countryside, the prisons. And both are described as men of honor, as Robin Hood characters. But in reality honor wasnt that important, and the most important imo is the close ties the Turkish mafia has with the government, also similair to the relation with the mafia in Italy. Not to mention the close co-operation between the Sicilian Cosa Nostra and Turkish drug baba's (godfathers) during the Pizza Connection. Today, the Turkish mafia works closely with the italian organizations, and control up to 80% of the heroin business in western europe. its a good read wink

http://books.google.nl/books/about/The_Turkish_Mafia.html?id=TjhlGgAACAAJ&redir_esc=y
Posted By: Nova24

Re: Mafia Books - 01/15/12 10:08 PM

Just finished Blood and Honor. Great book, really enjoyed it. Blood and Honor and Murder Machine are probably the two best Mafia books I've read.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 01/24/12 03:22 AM

check out Selywn Raab's Five Families next, if possible. In any case, George Anastasia always seems to write a good book IMO.

Originally Posted By: Mukremin
I just bought a book called "The Turkish Mafia", like the title says its about the Turkish mafia. It describes the origins and what the status is today, its fascinating to see how similair the origins are between the Italian/Sicilian mafia and the Turkish mafia. Both groups emerged in the countryside, the prisons. And both are described as men of honor, as Robin Hood characters. But in reality honor wasnt that important, and the most important imo is the close ties the Turkish mafia has with the government, also similair to the relation with the mafia in Italy. Not to mention the close co-operation between the Sicilian Cosa Nostra and Turkish drug baba's (godfathers) during the Pizza Connection. Today, the Turkish mafia works closely with the italian organizations, and control up to 80% of the heroin business in western europe. its a good read wink

http://books.google.nl/books/about/The_Turkish_Mafia.html?id=TjhlGgAACAAJ&redir_esc=y


Sounds quite interesting Muk. Authored by Frank Bovenkerk and Yücel Yesilgöz? Ill have to Google that shit, see if their reporters or investigators or insiders or what.

Most of that info regarding the PIzza Connect (and to a further extent, the French one) only mentions that the gear was being refined in Turkey, then passed on to the Sicilian (and formally Corsican) dealers. It always omits the Turkish role in the scheme beyond that. It'd be interesting to learn more about the Turkish figures involved in that end of the operation, Ill have to check it out.

I'll have to find it on another page than the Dutch one you linked to though wink

That stuff is like double coded Pig Latin cypher. Sprackin z3e Dck? grin

Quote:
Wat mensen zeggen - Een recensie schrijven


Help me out here Sonny, what mensen the gen? tongue
Posted By: Mukremin

Re: Mafia Books - 01/24/12 07:03 PM

Heres a better link:
http://www.milobooks.co.uk/?p=productsMore&iProduct=54
check that out, supposedly the Turkish mafia controls the import of heroin into the low countries.

And so far in the book, the author tries to explain the family structure, he is basing it on the Cosa Nostra.
We in Turkey use the term "Baba" which means father, it means the same as godfather, but since there isnt any baptism in islam they only use Baba. The Turks were also under the influence of the Godfather movie, some even had nicknames like Pacino and one Turkish gangster was called Marlon, reference to Marlon Brando.
Posted By: short841

Re: Mafia Books - 01/26/12 08:10 AM

atm im reading mafia inc. this is a really interestong detailed book!
Posted By: Madonn

Re: Mafia Books - 01/27/12 12:08 AM

I am gonna read the way of a wiseguy I've read a little about it and so far very interesting. Oh, it's even written by Joeseph Pistone aka Donnie Brasco. Somebody got something to say about it?
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 01/27/12 12:19 AM

Originally Posted By: Madonn
I am gonna read the way of a wiseguy I've read a little about it and so far very interesting. Oh, it's even written by Joeseph Pistone aka Donnie Brasco. Somebody got something to say about it?


Partial review I wrote..

There was one instance where Pistone was working with his mob mentor Lefty to close a deal with a corrupt bank exec. The exec got scared and backed out. The exec told Lefty that he was scared of "Donnie's killer eyes". Pistone was impressed, relieved and miffed that his acting was so good. Lefty had been involved in over twenty murders and evidently didn't scare the executive as much as an FBI agent pretending to be a mobster.

The book is a short (200 page) but revealing and to the point discussion of how wiseguys differ from normal people. Pistone explains Mafia protocol, how wiseguys make their money, why wiseguys aren't nice people, their typical day, why you should never ever ever let a wiseguy do you a favor, what their hierarchy is, how wiseguys relate to women and other such questions you may have. The book also has some CD transcripts of discussions between "Donnie Brasco" and Lefty in which Lefty had noticed some inconsistencies in what "Donnie" had done and was trying to determine if this might lead to "Donnie's" murder or, more importantly from Lefty's POV, his own.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 01/27/12 12:19 AM

Check out the top of this page of the thread. Daco asked about it.
Posted By: Mukremin

Re: Mafia Books - 02/02/12 11:30 PM

I just received the Mafia book of the Bureau of Narcotics, its a must buy for every mafia fan. Very nice pictures of mobsters all over the country.
Posted By: Lenin_and_McCarthy

Re: Mafia Books - 02/03/12 12:23 AM

I saw this at a used bookstore. Has anyone else heard of it or know if it's any good?
Posted By: Nova24

Re: Mafia Books - 02/04/12 04:49 AM

Currently reading, 'King of the Godfathers: Joseph Massino and the Fall of the Bonanno Crime Family", and have really enjoyed it so far. Well written, concise, and very informative. Great background on the Bonanno Family and the events leading to Massino's reign.
Posted By: Dapper_Don

Re: Mafia Books - 02/04/12 08:03 AM

^^^awesome book!
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 02/04/12 08:15 AM

I've read that also, was a decent read..
Posted By: short841

Re: Mafia Books - 02/04/12 03:35 PM

yh that was a good book. also reading boss of bosses how one man saved the sicilian mafia
Posted By: Toodoped

Re: Mafia Books - 02/06/12 04:34 PM

hey guys whuts up?!can some1 pls tell me where i can find some e books about the mob?
cheers
Posted By: ukwiseguy

Re: Mafia Books - 02/15/12 10:45 PM

Reading Wiseguy at the moment which is one of the best books ive read, Henry is some story teller.

I keep reading the whole thing in my head in Ray Liottas voice lol.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 02/16/12 09:59 PM

Yeah that's a good book, read it a couple of times now, there's alot in there which is not in the Goodfellas..
Posted By: Mick2010

Re: Mafia Books - 02/16/12 11:23 PM

anybody read El Narco? Im wondering which is the best book about the Mexican drug cartel wars. Not sure which one to get yet.
Posted By: The_Premier

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/12 11:42 AM

Originally Posted By: ukwiseguy
Reading Wiseguy at the moment which is one of the best books ive read, Henry is some story teller.

I keep reading the whole thing in my head in Ray Liottas voice lol.



Just finished it after years of never getting around to grabbing a copy. A great read. What really struck me was the amount of scamming that was on the go at one time - a finger was in every pie going around.

I had his voice in my head too.
Posted By: MrMorbid

Re: Mafia Books - 03/15/12 06:42 AM

Have any of you guys read "Gangs of St. Louis: Men of Respect" or "Egan's Rats: The Untold Story of the Prohibition-Era Gang That Ruled St. Louis" both are written by Daniel Waugh. Those two books have gotten really good reviews by readers on Amazon, and the Good Reads website. I'd love to hear your thoughts on them.
Posted By: MrMorbid

Re: Mafia Books - 03/16/12 03:10 AM

I'm currently reading "The Man Who Got Away: The Bugs Moran Story: A Biography" by Rose Keefe. Its a highly detailed biography on little known Northside Chicago gangster George "Bugs" Moran. Keefe also wrote a biography on Dean O'Banion who was Moran's ally/partner on the Northside. Another book Keefe wrote was a biography on NY Jewish gangster Jack Zelig.

I've only read the O'Banion book along with the Moran book I'm currently reading. Both books are highly informative, and shed some light on two personalities, which have pretty much been neglected by historians/researchers.

Another book I'm contemplating rereading (based on what others have said on here) is "Five Families" I knocked this book off during a weekend hiatus when I moved into the townhouse I currently live in and didn't have cable/internet installed yet, I was bored outta my mind, and had nothing better to do. I enjoyed it so much I might read it again.
Posted By: Mooney

Re: Mafia Books - 03/17/12 07:09 PM

I would love to read that new book "The Hit Man" By Ralph Cipriano (Jonh Veasey story) but It's only available for Kindle??? What The F? Give me a freaking Hardcover please!
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 03/22/12 10:02 PM

Originally Posted By: Mattix
Too much fiction and inaccuracy in the first half to suit me. The Balsamo-Carpozi book has also been published under the titles Under the Clock and Crime Incorporated . The early chapters were originally a book in themselves, a paperback title issued by Dell in the early 1970s titled Always Kill a Brother and dealing with the supposedly continuous gang war between the Irish "White Hand" and Frankie Yale's Mafia group.

Balsamo, whose grandfather was a Brooklyn Mafioso, has done some fine research (especially on Al Capone's early Brooklyn years) but a lot of the early stuff here is just plain wrong and Carpozi's injection of fictional dialogue kills the book historically. The later chapters are just standard NYC Mob history you can find in any Mafia book.

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Just Brought.



£1.98 inc postage on Ebay


I didn´t know you had posted in here. Discovered this when I went through this thread. In your posts, not only in this thread, your knowledge in this field shines through...as always.

Mattix,

R.I.P.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 03/28/12 04:09 PM

Who died???
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 03/28/12 04:50 PM

Rick Mattix passed away in Oct 2010.
He was an extremely knowledgeable and skilled author and researcher in this field we all find enthralling.

http://oskynews.org/?p=4945
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 03/28/12 08:58 PM

I didn't know that.. RIP..
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/12 12:56 AM

Just picked up Capeci and Mustain's Rise and Fall of Gotti for like 30 cents. Great copy too. Cheering. Read it before, but for some reason didn't have it in the collection. Also finally picked up First Family for $5, only read the intro and the first few pages so far, but Im glad I picked it up; a few guys on here mentioned how meticulously researched it is and so far, wow.

Also picked up Senor Nice by Howard Marks. Wasn't too interested in the guy (Id known about him for many years and wondered why his autobiography seems to have only come out so recently) but he was a huge pot dealer back in the day and claims to have maintained contacts with certain mob elements amongst a myriad of other illicit and clandestine organizations. It was only a buck, so I figured why not. I had the loose change.

Originally Posted By: Mick2010
anybody read El Narco? Im wondering which is the best book about the Mexican drug cartel wars. Not sure which one to get yet.

I haven't read it yet but it does look pretty good. Ive skimmed it a few times at the bookshop but haven't bought it. If I get it before you do, Ill let you know my thoughts (if you do the same for me if you get it first smile )

Originally Posted By: HairyKnuckles
Originally Posted By: Mattix
Too much fiction and inaccuracy in the first half to suit me. The Balsamo-Carpozi book has also been published under the titles Under the Clock and Crime Incorporated . The early chapters were originally a book in themselves, a paperback title issued by Dell in the early 1970s titled Always Kill a Brother and dealing with the supposedly continuous gang war between the Irish "White Hand" and Frankie Yale's Mafia group.

Balsamo, whose grandfather was a Brooklyn Mafioso, has done some fine research (especially on Al Capone's early Brooklyn years) but a lot of the early stuff here is just plain wrong and Carpozi's injection of fictional dialogue kills the book historically. The later chapters are just standard NYC Mob history you can find in any Mafia book.

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Just Brought.



£1.98 inc postage on Ebay


I didn´t know you had posted in here. Discovered this when I went through this thread. In your posts, not only in this thread, your knowledge in this field shines through...as always.

Mattix,

R.I.P.


Wow. That is possibly the best review Ive ever seen for that book. I got it in a bargain big years ago, and it was one of the first books I got on the mob when my interest was only fledgling. IMO its one of those books which, for dabblers/amatuer mob watchers, is great, offering a a great basis of knowledge on which to build. Of course, once you start digging deeper and discovering better sources, you learn how rudimentary and innaccurate a lot of the information is, and rectify your knowledge accordingly.

I had wondered if the mobster Balsamo in the book was any relation to the author, and also why the first half of the book was written in such a markedly different style to the rest,more like a novel. I must admit, I found also found it somewhat grating when whole conversations and motivations were recorded in an almost cartoonishly mobster vein, but the second half redeemed it for me as any early reader of mob lit.

RIP Mattix.

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Yeah that's a good book, read it a couple of times now, there's alot in there which is not in the Goodfellas..


Agreed. One of the best. Easily.
Posted By: English

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/12 02:22 PM

Not long finished 'Murder Machine', fantastic book which I ordered having seen a recommendation on these pages. Now reading 'An idiot's guide to the Mafia', again further to a post on here, A little out of the norm in the way it's written, a more informative guide rather than story / biography. As soon as thats finish i'll finally be starting 'five families'.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/12 04:16 PM

You won't be disappointed..
Posted By: Mick2010

Re: Mafia Books - 04/03/12 02:27 AM


Originally Posted By: Mick2010
anybody read El Narco? Im wondering which is the best book about the Mexican drug cartel wars. Not sure which one to get yet.

Quote:
I haven't read it yet but it does look pretty good. Ive skimmed it a few times at the bookshop but haven't bought it. If I get it before you do, Ill let you know my thoughts (if you do the same for me if you get it first smile )



I just got it in the mail on Thursday actually. Im gonna read it next, so I'll definitely post my thoughts on it. Just have to finish up Cosa Nostra first(about 200 pages into it now), which could take a week or two, depending on my work schedule. I have read that its the best one on the subject, so I have high expectations for it.
Posted By: MrMorbid

Re: Mafia Books - 04/04/12 08:41 AM

Hey guys, hope all is well. I recently ordered "The Black Hand: A Chapter In Ethnic Crime" by Francesco Cordasco & Thomas Pitkin. I also bought the David Critchley book from Abe Books. Seriously looking forward to getting them in the mail. Another book I REALLY want to read is The First Family.
Posted By: MrMorbid

Re: Mafia Books - 04/04/12 08:58 AM

Scratch that. I just placed an order on Amazon for The First Family.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 04/08/12 12:01 PM

Thats a good book Morbid..
Posted By: MrMorbid

Re: Mafia Books - 04/09/12 07:51 AM

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Thats a good book Morbid..


I'm on the 5th chapter at the moment. I've seriously enjoyed it so far, its bound to get much better.
Posted By: MrMorbid

Re: Mafia Books - 04/09/12 12:17 PM

Originally Posted By: HairyKnuckles
Rick Mattix passed away in Oct 2010.
He was an extremely knowledgeable and skilled author and researcher in this field we all find enthralling.

http://oskynews.org/?p=4945


I didn't know Rick on a personal level, although I have corresponded with him via email a few times in the past while he was alive. I remember hearing of his passing, from one of the researcher based mafia related Yahoo Groups I'm a member of. He will be missed. Speaking of his work, I've got a copy of "The Complete Public Enemy Almanac" that he wrote with William Helmer, it was published around 2007 and is a highly informative must have piece of literature.
Posted By: short841

Re: Mafia Books - 04/17/12 07:06 PM

What's Mafia prince by phill leonetti like?
Posted By: Nova24

Re: Mafia Books - 04/17/12 07:38 PM

I don't think it's available yet. I think it comes out in October or so.

Here's an excerpt I found on Amazon...

Quote:
CHAPTER TK: Bullets and Badges
Crazy Phil Makes His Bones

Upon Little Nicky Scarfo’s release from Yardville, Philip’s life forever changed.
He was now a player. At barely 21 years old Philip Leonetti was considered a fast riser, both on the street and within law enforcement. Firmly ensconced in his uncle’s inner circle and unquestionably trusted by the Philadelphia mob brass for his dutiful performance as a go-between for Scarfo and Godfather Angelo Bruno when they were behind bars, Philip gained almost immediate respect.
It wasn’t like he didn’t earn it.
From very early in his life as a wiseguy, Philip proved he could kill on command, or “put in work” as they say on the street. Combined with his sharp mind for business and his family connections, his status as a future superstar in the mafia was undeniable.
Sticking to Scarfo like glue from the second he returned from prison, he was schooled on the ways of the mob and the often distorted and treacherous landscape that surrounds it by a master underworld politician and bonafide sociopath in his uncle.
Murder would be their bond, power their ultimate goal.
Philip was the perfect student and Scarfo relished the role of mentor and father-figure. Little Nicky saw himself in his nephew and viewed Philip as a way to cement his legacy in the mafia for years long after he passed.
Scarfo was the present and Philip the future. They were the perfect match.
* * * * *
Little Nicky was fed up.
Vince Falcone had become a thorn in his side.
He had a big mouth and was blatantly subversive.
Although Scarfo had once liked Falcone early in their relationship, he had grown to loath him. When word got back to Philip and his uncle that Falcone was talking badly about them around town, openly undermining their authority, it was the final straw.
During a trip to Italy in the fall months of 1979, Scarfo issued a contract on his head.
Always one to like to get his hands dirty, Little Nicky didn’t just want Vince Falcone killed, he wanted to be there when it took place. That’s the kind of bloodthirsty lunatic he was. While most mob leaders seek to do everything in their power to insulate themselves as much as possible from the murders they order, Scarfo wanted to bask in them, personally savior the experience in any way he could.
The Falcone contract also provided him the opportunity to commit a murder alongside his nephew, to literally bind Philip and himself in blood. To his uncle, the entire world revolved around the mob, murder and family, specifically in that order. Killing Vince Falcone in the manner he foresaw, gave him the chance to combine all three of these at the same time in one giant orgy of death, lineage and La Cosa Nostra.
* * * * *
The trap was set.
Little Nicky and Phillip had the whole thing planned out.
Falcone was weary, knowing that Scarfo was upset with him, but far from convinced that he was marked for execution. In the weeks following Thanksgiving, Scarfo and Philip lulled him into a sense of comfort.
He never saw it coming.
Phillip told Falcone that his uncle wished to host a little pre-Christmas get-together for him, Yogi Merlino and Joe Salerno, a local plumbing contractor that had recently started to hang around Scarfo’s Atlantic City crew.
Not picking up the play, he fell for it hook, line and sinker.
On the early evening of December 16, 1979, Philip picked Falcone, Merlino and Salerno up from their respective houses and drove them to a Margate condo where Scarfo was there waiting for them. Sitting on the couch, pretending to peruse a newspaper and watch a football game on television, Little Nicky welcomed his men with a smile. The mood was jovial and festive as Philip, Falcone, Merlino and Salerno entered through a back door leading into the kitchen. The men laughed and kidded each other as they took off their coats and began to get comfortable.
Philip casually mentioned that they should have a toast for the upcoming holiday and instructed Falcone to go to the cabinet and collect some glasses. As soon as he turned his back to head for the kitchen cabinet, Philip pulled a pistol from his waist band and pumped two shots into his skull.
Bang, bang.
Falcone fell to the floor.
Yogi Merlino was standing so close to Philip when he fired the shots, the still-sparking shell-casings from the two bullets flew into his face and set his eyebrows on fire.
Salerno, much more regular guy than wiseguy, was startled.
“Nick, I didn’t do nothing wrong,” he blurted out. “I swear I didn’t anything wrong.”
Scarfo jumped up from his seat in the living room with glee and made his way into the kitchen where Falcone’s body lay.
“It’s okay, it’s okay.” said Philip trying to calm his nerves. “Take it easy, Joe. Vince was a no good motherfucker. He deserved to die.”
“We ain’t got no beef with you, Joe, you’re going to be alright,” Scarfo told him with a half a grin across his face. “You didn’t do nothing wrong.”
Standing over the body, Little Nicky bent down to listen for any remaining signs of life.
“I think he’s still alive, give’ em another one,” he said.
With no hesitation, Philip instantly unloaded another shot into Falcone’s chest.
His uncle was in heaven. He could barely contain himself.
“The big shot’s dead, the big shot’s finally dead,” Scarfo declared with a half-slur, the alcohol he had been consuming in wait for his soldiers of doom, starting to take effect.
Phillip felt a similar ecstatic charge from the homicide. He reveled in the treachery.
“I wish I could bring’ em back and kill’ em again,” he declared.
Uncle and nephew were becoming one.


CHAPTER TK
Boardwalk Empire

Atlantic City was founded in 1854. Its name was a testament to its location which was buttressed by the picturesque seascape of the Atlantic Ocean’s waterfront. The new unchartered territory quickly became a real estate developer’s dream, ripe with commercial opportunity and promise.
From the moment that Atlantic City was incorporated, it was designed to appeal to tourists from all over the world. AC, as it simply became to be known over the years, was marketed as a premiere resort locale and vacation destination with sandy beaches, fine dining, world class entertainment and some of the nation’s most luxurious and lavish hotels.
The city’s crown jewel, the Boardwalk, would be constructed in 1870 and was a seven-mile stretch of oceanfront property that featured a diverse array of opulence and commerce.
In 1878, the Philadelphia–Atlantic City railroad was constructed as a means of bringing tourists straight from Pennsylvania to the seaside resort and within five years, Atlantic City was one of the top tourist attractions in the world.
At the turn of the Twentieth Century the area experienced a massive real estate boom, finding itself on the cutting edge of both hotel architecture and high-society culture. Extravagant hotels and posh restaurants and nightclubs dotted every inch of the Boardwalk and its surrounding area and the city became a playground for the country’s rich and famous.
During Prohibition, Enoch “Nucky” Johnson, the colorful treasurer of Atlantic County, simultaneously became the unofficial Mayor of Atlantic City and faux Godfather of New Jersey, ushering in an era of more corruption and decadence than the notoriously crooked coastal enclave had ever seen. Controlling the state’s Republican political machine with an iron fist, Johnson oversaw a wide range of illegal rackets while authorizing, encouraging and often taking a piece of nationwide underworld business being conducted within his wide-reaching domain.
The city by the Atlantic was now the ‘World’s Playground’, with booze and broads by the boatload. It was the nation’s first true the mecca of vice, in essence, the original Sin City long before modern Las Vegas was even contemplated.
Johnson’s rein atop Atlantic City crumbled in 1941 when he was convicted on charges of tax evasion for hiding proceeds from several policy lottery operations he was running throughout the city. His time in power and notorious reputation have recently come back into the public eye with the hit television show, ‘Boardwalk Empire,’ chronicling gangland activity in Atlantic City in the 1920s from the perspective of a local corrupt county Treasurer named Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, a character played by actor Steve Buscemi and based on Johnson’s political regime
As World War II came to an end, so did Atlantic City’s tenure as ‘The World’s Playground’. By the 1950s, Atlantic City lost its luster. Year-round tropical destinations like Florida, Cuba, and the Bahamas became cheaper and more popular alternatives for vacations with everyday Americans. The rich and famous picked up and headed west for Las Vegas, the up and coming desert oasis that had by now eclipsed Atlantic City as the new lush getaway to the stars.
With the Boardwalk decaying and poverty engulfing the city’s economy, most of the grand hotels of yeseteryear, like the Breakers, the Shelbourne, The Traymore, The Mayflower, and the Marlborough, were all demolished. Drugs and crime replaced fun in the sun as the region’s most prominent features. Press coverage of the city’s plight stemming from the conditions encountered by the national media when they descended on Atlantic City for the 1964 Democratic Convention sent tourists scurrying.
As the late 1960s became the early 1970s, the once bustling resort town had gone bust.
It was practically a ghost town.
It wouldn’t be for long.
And the follow-up Boardwalk Empire that Little Nicky and his nephew would soon build to meteoric heights, would make Nucky Johnson wet his tweed trousers ...
Posted By: short841

Re: Mafia Books - 04/17/12 07:48 PM

Seems quite a good read! Just wanting to read new book, read the Havana mob? I'm looking forward to the quiet don which is about russell buffalino
Posted By: Lenin_and_McCarthy

Re: Mafia Books - 04/18/12 06:23 PM

Does anyone remember where exactly the account of Vitale being warned that Massino wasted to kill him is in King Of The Godfathers?

I've got a paperback printing with no index, and Google Books isn't any help either.
Posted By: Joe_Bonanno

Re: Mafia Books - 04/27/12 12:42 PM

Please tell me some good Mafia books that can be found on the net for free, I mean biographical or something like that.
Posted By: MurderMachine

Re: Mafia Books - 04/29/12 07:12 AM

I have read well over 300 books on true crime. I will post some books on the mafia that aren't well known that are interesting reads for the viewing audience.

Double Deal: The Inside Story of Murder, Unbridled Corruption, and the Cop Who Was a Mobster.. by Sam Giancana and Michael Corbitt

This is a fast-paced inside look at the workings of the Chicago-based organized crime syndicate and its national and international dealings, by a highly decorated former Illinois police officer who spent his entire law enforcement career working for the Mob. Co-author Giancana covered much of the same territory in Double Cross, his bestselling look at the U.S. Mafia, but here his obvious model is Nicholas Pileggi's Wiseguy, the classic insider look at the New York crime world through the words of ex-mobster Henry Hill. Surprisingly, Corbitt's story compares favorably to that earlier classic true crime tale as he narrates his rise from the ranks of an average Chicago gang to being a player with the likes of Sam "Momo" Giancana (his co-author's uncle) and Tony Accardo-perhaps the two most important figures in the history of post-WWII Chicago crime. Giancana captures Corbitt's eye for the sleazy details of Mob life, such as the time he sees "half a million in loose diamonds" wrapped in a brown paper bag on the front seat of Momo's car, "looking like a ham sandwich." But the heart of the book is Corbitt's description of the mysterious figure of Hy Larner, who, along with Meyer Lansky, controlled organized crime in the U.S. in the 1970s and 1980s. Corbitt's first-hand accounts of Larner's dealings with shady figures like Lansky, the Shah of Iran and Manuel Noriega, as well as with agents of the Israeli government, the Mossad and the CIA, provide some new evidence of the extent of organized crime's involvement with the government. -- Publishers Weekly review

Accardo: The Genuine Godfather by William Roemer

Retired FBI agent Roemer (The Enforcer, LJ 6/15/94) profiles Chicago mobster Anthony Accardo (1906-92), a.k.a. Joe Batters, a.k.a. The Big Tuna. Starting out in the Capone gang, Accardo quickly rose to the top of the organization, wielding absolute control and inspiring fear in others. Despite damaging evidence against him, Accardo in his 70 years as a gangster never spent a day in jail. Using a wealth of inside information gathered from eavesdropping on mob meeting places, Roemer presents an excellent story of a ruthless mob leader blended in with the history of the period. Often Roemer goes overboard in congratulating agents involved, and he uses Accardo's aliases interchangeably, which can confuse readers. Nevertheless, he has written an interesting book on the history of gangsters and provides another chapter of Chicago's social history. Recommended for true-crime collections. -- Library Journal review

Murder, Inc.: The Story Of The Syndicate by Burton Turkus

MURDER INC. is an excellent informative source on the subject of organized crime in the United States and murder in New York City in particular. The book is written by the authors in plain english and legalese is avoided. The book reads like a whos who in the world of the Syndicate. The reader must be cautioned that this book contains intricate details of actual murders and may not be suitable to all, particularly individuals offended by material of this nature.

The author makes his arguments well and is persuasive enough to have the reader wondering if murders which appear in the daily papers as unsolvable, could possibly be related to the world of organized crime. In addition it makes one wonder about many political decisions being made by our elected officials today and if these officials have in some manner been influenced by crminal organizations such as the Syndicate.

The First Family: Terror, Extortion, Revenge, Murder and The Birth of the American Mafia by Mike Dash

While most Americans can name two or three famous Mafiosi, few have ever heard of Giuseppe Morella. Dash's vivid, fascinating account of his life and times may change that. Dash combed through century-old newspaper articles, police files, and court transcripts, and his extensive research shows on every page and sets the record straight on pre-Prohibition mob operations. The narrative brims with anecdotes and little-known facts, and Dash's animated, eloquent prose results in a convincing and powerful story. However, Dash doesn't soften the edges of this gritty, violent era: a few critics complained that the book was, at times, too gory. The First Family is nevertheless a valuable contribution to our understanding of this uniquely American institution. -- Bookmarks Magazine review

Hopefully this helps and enjoy.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 04/29/12 11:10 AM

Accardo: The Genuine Godfather by William Roemer is a excellent book, i was partially fascinated by Murray Humphreys who was credited for inventing the term money laundering..
Posted By: emilysweeney

Re: Mafia Books - 05/03/12 06:46 PM

Hey, I'm new to the board. Great stuff on here.

If anyone here is interested in Boston Organized Crime, you should check out my new book...

www.BostonOrganizedCrime.com

It features 200+ photos from the 1920s up to the present day.

Cheers,
Emily Sweeney
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 05/03/12 07:12 PM

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Accardo: The Genuine Godfather by William Roemer is a excellent book, i was partially fascinated by Murray Humphreys who was credited for inventing the term money laundering..

That was Roemer's best book, DeNiro. I still don't like the way he marketed "War of the Godfathers" as non-fiction, but I'll give him credit where credit is due with "Accardo." There was some great historical stuff pertaining to the City of Chicago in that book. But I really could have done without the way he kept referring to Accardo as "The Man." It got annoying after awhile. Still a good book, though.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 05/03/12 11:14 PM

Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Accardo: The Genuine Godfather by William Roemer is a excellent book, i was partially fascinated by Murray Humphreys who was credited for inventing the term money laundering..

That was Roemer's best book, DeNiro. I still don't like the way he marketed "War of the Godfathers" as non-fiction, but I'll give him credit where credit is due with "Accardo." There was some great historical stuff pertaining to the City of Chicago in that book. But I really could have done without the way he kept referring to Accardo as "The Man." It got annoying after awhile. Still a good book, though.


Roemer called Accardo "The Man" because he got that info from an informer he could not name. Yeah a super secret informer. Yeah, that's the ticket.. smile
Posted By: Sonny_Black

Re: Mafia Books - 05/03/12 11:20 PM

An FBI agent that calls his nemesis The Man. Don't know what to think of that. ohwell
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 05/09/12 06:24 PM

Originally Posted By: Sonny_Black
An FBI agent that calls his nemesis The Man. Don't know what to think of that. ohwell

Yeah, it's kind of silly when you think about it.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 05/27/12 09:02 AM

Just got RAT BASTARD by John "Red" Shea off Amazon. Another Whitey Bulger/Southie tale but i enjoy them so looking forward to it!!
Posted By: dacoO

Re: Mafia Books - 05/29/12 02:40 PM

Can somebody recommend me a good book that descripes mafia structure (detalied) and mafioso mentalities,how they act and behave?



Thanks!
Posted By: TonyG

Re: Mafia Books - 05/29/12 02:58 PM

I would start with "Five Families: The Rise, Decline, and Resurgence of America's Most Powerful Mafia Empires" by Selwyn Raab. It covers the history of the LCN in the US and offers insight into many of the traditions and behaviors.
Posted By: dacoO

Re: Mafia Books - 05/29/12 04:26 PM

And what should I read next?
Posted By: bladerkeks

Re: Mafia Books - 05/30/12 12:16 PM

what about "mafia export" by forgione?
Posted By: PhillySteve

Re: Mafia Books - 05/30/12 11:09 PM

Blood and Honor - hands down the best mob book ever written in my opinion. It ends in the late 80's. Wish they would make a part 2 that details the Philly mob from the late 80's to present
Posted By: Nova24

Re: Mafia Books - 05/31/12 03:49 AM

Originally Posted By: PhillySteve
Blood and Honor - hands down the best mob book ever written in my opinion. It ends in the late 80's. Wish they would make a part 2 that details the Philly mob from the late 80's to present


This is a good book from Anastasia as well.

Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 05/31/12 09:42 AM

As mentioned, The Goodfella Tapes, details some of the post-Scarfo landscape.
Also check out Blood Oath and The Last Gangster.
Posted By: PhillySteve

Re: Mafia Books - 05/31/12 10:15 AM

Thanks Lilo and Nova. I'll see if I can find them on Amazon
Posted By: oleh

Re: Mafia Books - 06/03/12 10:24 AM

I just read Gomorrah by Roberto Saviano. I highly recommend it in order to understand all sides of the mafia.

Basically the mafia is a state within the state. It provides for its members and is highly involved with trade just like any other state.

I think a lot of people are attracted to the violent sides of the mafia, but in reality its just as wrong as only focusing only on the military and police side of the United States.

Killings are usually only done when the position of the Mafia as a state or its business interests are challenged.

Gomorrah explains how the mafia in Naples is doing business and it also explains when violence is done. Usually violence is done to keep everything calm. In fact violence is often a sign of weakness from the mafia. Its a sign it feels it position insecure.
Posted By: Nova24

Re: Mafia Books - 06/04/12 12:54 AM

Reading Operation Family Secrets: How a Mobster's Son and the FBI Brought Down Chicago's Murderous Crime Family right now.
Posted By: short841

Re: Mafia Books - 06/04/12 10:12 AM

I got that for christmas Nova, was quite interesting. Should see the conspiracies on youtube on his interviews, there ridiculous!
Posted By: BarrettM

Re: Mafia Books - 06/04/12 03:58 PM

Has anyone read the William Roemer (Chicago Outfit) books? Which ones would you all recommend?

Next, my dad told me about 'I heard you paint houses'. I'm definitely going to buy this one. Anything I should know going in to it?

Finally, I finished Joe Bonanno: A Man of Honor. Most certainly worth it for the look in to the life and times of Stefano Magaddino, something no other book offers. I found Bonanno to be a bit more reputable than other posters do, but the fact that he wasn't able to illustrate what 'honor' is says a lot.
Posted By: short841

Re: Mafia Books - 06/05/12 12:47 PM

I read the Last Gangster so just ordered Blood and Honour! very excited!
Posted By: dacoO

Re: Mafia Books - 06/05/12 01:15 PM

Is "Mafia Encyclopedia" from Carl Sifakis good read for beginner?Any objections?
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 06/05/12 01:47 PM

Originally Posted By: dacoO
Is "Mafia Encyclopedia" from Carl Sifakis good read for beginner?Any objections?


Daco, if you want to read just for the sake of it...sure why not, Sifakis´s book is good. But if you want to learn about the Mafia, I strongly recommend:

- Joe Bonanno´s (with Sergio Lalli) "A Man Of Honor";
- David Critchley´s "The Origin Of Organized Crime In America";
- Alan Block´s "East Side, West Side";
- Tim Newark´s "Lucky Luciano";
- Gene Mustain´s and Jerry Capeci´s "Murder Machine";
- Bill Bonanno´s "Bound By Honor";
- Bill Bonanno´s "The Last Testament of Bill Bonanno";
- Lee Lamothe´s And Adrian Humphrey´s "The Sixth Family";
- Mike Dash´s "The First Family";
- Selwyn Raab´s "Five Families";
- Jonathan Kwitny´s "Vicious Circles";
- Howard Abadinsky´s "Organized Crime";
- Joseph Pistone´s (with Richard Woodley) "Donnie Brasco; My Undercover Life In The Mafia".

Theese books are all good, solid informative books that are easy to read. They are stuffed with well researched info.
Posted By: dacoO

Re: Mafia Books - 06/05/12 02:21 PM

My primary goal is to deeply research a mafia structure (whos with who,and to learn how mafia actualy works).What operations they do,and how do they do it.What each position does,and how.

Pistone's book is great,I've read it.Anything similair to that book?
Posted By: JonahPerelman

Re: Mafia Books - 06/05/12 05:48 PM

I've been reading a lot about Lew Wasserman, the head of MCA. There are at least three biographies of him out there--"The Last Mogul," "When Hollywood Had a King," and "Mr. and Mrs. Hollywood."

He also figures prominently in Dan Moldea's "Dark Victory," about Reagan, MCA, and the mob in Hollywood. Fascinating stuff. Wasserman was connected to the Mayfield Road gang in Cleveland (Moe Dalitz, Sam Tucker, Morris Kleinman and Louis Rothkopf) and he and Sidney Korshak, the Chicago mob lawyer, were good friends and very closely connected--Korshak apparently served as the intermediary between the Outfit, which controlled the Hollywood unions, and the studios, represented by Wasserman.

Very interesting story about Mafia involvement in Hollywood, music, and entertainment.
Posted By: Nova24

Re: Mafia Books - 06/07/12 04:05 PM

Originally Posted By: BarrettM
Has anyone read the William Roemer (Chicago Outfit) books? Which ones would you all recommend?

Next, my dad told me about 'I heard you paint houses'. I'm definitely going to buy this one. Anything I should know going in to it?


I read about half of his book on Spilotro, The Enforcer. It was pretty good but not the best mafia book I've read. I was looking for a book that had some stuff on Mad Sam DeStefano and this one did. Those portions were pretty cool.

The one knock on Roemer is that he spends too much time talking about himself.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 06/07/12 04:07 PM

Roemer's writing style can be annoying at times. He's constantly blowing his own horn, and he uses way too many excalamation points!!!!!!!! rolleyes

That said, I've read all his books, and I think "Accardo" was the best of the lot.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 06/18/12 08:32 AM

Originally Posted By: short841
I read the Last Gangster so just ordered Blood and Honour! very excited!


Blood and honour is a great read Short!!
Posted By: PP

Re: Mafia Books - 06/20/12 01:29 AM

Anybody read Frank Cullotta's book?
Posted By: B_A_

Re: Mafia Books - 06/27/12 09:13 AM

I did. Nice read, though nothing really new as far as i can recall, if you read some on the subject. Books like Casino by Pileggi or the enforcer bij Roemer. It gives more background and might show you that things are a little more complicated than Roemer and Pileggi wrote. But, it has been some time ago since i read it.
Posted By: B_A_

Re: Mafia Books - 06/27/12 09:46 AM

Originally Posted By: pizzaboy


That said, I've read all his books, and I think "Accardo" was the best of the lot.

I've read them all. I'm told he tends to overemphasize the importance of Accardo too much. And maybe misread his role in the Outfit as being the overall boss. It doen;t seem logical that he could tell Giancana at the height of his power what to do. It also seems unlikely that, for instance, Sam Destefano was never made: he hung around with Ricca, his wife played cards with Accoardo's, he was Gianacna's man. Seems unlikely to me (I'm no expert, just well read :-)).
You'll hardly read anything about Ricca in his books, while he must have been at least the number two in the Outfit.
So they're good read with a lot of info, but don't see it as a complete picture imho.
Posted By: Camarel

Re: Mafia Books - 06/27/12 09:09 PM

Is there any good books about the chin?
Posted By: Homers77

Re: Mafia Books - 07/01/12 04:35 AM

Hey guys I am looking to get some new books. I just got done passing all for parts of my CPA exam so I have been reading a lot now and I want to get some good books to pick up for my vacation so I can read.

Here are some of the books I have read and my rating out of 5 being the best to shown what I am interested in

Made men (decal fam) 3 of 5
Under Boss Sammy the Bul 4 of 5
Casso book 4.5 of 5. ( lots of bs but interesting
King of godfathers (massing book) 3.5 of 5
Last gangster 3 of 5
The good rat 3.5
Murder machine 4 of 5
Bfm book 5 of 5
Killing Pablo 3.5 of 5

And I currently have to read a gAmbino book something like the rise n fall of the most powerful crime family and the five families .

Any suggestions about any good books would be greatly appreciated but I would also love to read about The Chin, Meyer lanky , Genoese family, any good recent guys and maybe thr gottis not john tho but any other good books too.

I am also interested in Pistones book n risotto is the sixth family good?

And maybe a book on the Sinaloa carter or el chapo

Thanks in advance
Posted By: Dapper_Don

Re: Mafia Books - 07/01/12 10:10 PM

bfm book? which one is that?
Posted By: Homers77

Re: Mafia Books - 07/02/12 01:42 AM

Sorry not a "mafia book".

BMF- Black Mafia Family - it was about the Flenory brothers. They ran a big drug ring and used a car service and rap music as their fronts. It was a very interesting book though.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 07/02/12 02:23 AM

Homers77;

Sixth Family is a great book, but it tends to overemphasise the Rizzuto Family's stature to a degree. And remember that it came out just before the string of murders took place up there, so it's a little dated now. Mafia Inc. is another great one on Canadian LCN and Italian OC.

Honestly though, its hard to go past Selwyn Raab's Five Families for info on the Chin, Genovese and the NYC mob in general. It only covers up to about 2005 though, so it to is a little dated now considering all that has happened since then. Still a great read but. I seriously hope he does and update soon. Even if it's just another few chapters, Id probably buy the whole damn book again just for them.

Lastly, I know a few guys here didn't like it as much as I did, but Idiots Guide to the Mafia by Jerry Capeci is IMO the best starting point for all this stuff. It not only covers NY, but goes around the US and up to Canada, detailing every LCN family that had ever operated in the country and giving a concise history on them.
Posted By: Dapper_Don

Re: Mafia Books - 07/02/12 03:07 AM

Originally Posted By: Homers77
Sorry not a "mafia book".

BMF- Black Mafia Family - it was about the Flenory brothers. They ran a big drug ring and used a car service and rap music as their fronts. It was a very interesting book though.


i figured you were talking about bmf, i hear they are thinking of making a movie about the book, i got to check the book out
Posted By: DickNose_Moltasanti

Re: Mafia Books - 07/02/12 03:26 AM

Originally Posted By: Nova24
Originally Posted By: PhillySteve
Blood and Honor - hands down the best mob book ever written in my opinion. It ends in the late 80's. Wish they would make a part 2 that details the Philly mob from the late 80's to present


This is a good book from Anastasia as well.



I just ordered this hopefully its here tomorrow, it would be funny as hell to hear an audiobook if they have one of "someone mimicking john stanfa on the wiretaps
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 07/02/12 03:59 PM

I've just ordered the below book, anybody read this..

Mobsters, Unions & Feds: The Mafia & American Labor Movement by James B. Jacobs
Posted By: MrMorbid

Re: Mafia Books - 07/02/12 08:03 PM

Hey what's happening guys its been a while since I've been here. Just been busy with life and such. I was wondering if a few of you guys could recommend some books for me to obtain, as I'm in the process of doing a book of my own. Which I'd rather not talk about because I'd spoil the surprise.

Anyway I've got "Five Families" "The Origin of Organized Crime in America" "The Grim Reapers" a handful of biographies, a few mafia based encyclopedias, and things like that.

The type of book I'm looking for should have a lot of names, and dates. I'm primarily looking for biographical data. So any recommendations would be insanely appreciated. Talk to you guys soon.
Posted By: BarrettM

Re: Mafia Books - 07/05/12 11:07 PM



I'm almost finished with this book. Maybe I created the hype in my head but I'm not sure if it's living up to expectations? The implication was Frank Sheeran was very high up in mafia circles from online reading and the book's advertising. In fact it sounds like Russell Bufalino kept him out of the loop on mafia matters on multiple occasions, never telling him where he was driving him to and insisting he was only in Philadelphia for the bread and sausages. I haven't gotten to the Crazy Joe Gallo hit yet, so things might change. But for now it definitely feels off from my expectations.

Oh, I almost forgot. Once again not what I expected, the book actually has good information on Angelo Bruno that we've never really seen before. Out of the supposed 5 murders he ordered in 30 years, the only thing that's common knowledge would be the hit on Joey Mcgreal. But Frank Sheeran brings to light another hit. It's worth it if you want info on Bruno, because he's not portrayed as the mafia saint or martyr many make him out to be. In fact he seems just as angry as the rest of them.
Posted By: Nick_the_Greek

Re: Mafia Books - 07/12/12 03:15 PM

Originally Posted By: Nova24
Reading Operation Family Secrets: How a Mobster's Son and the FBI Brought Down Chicago's Murderous Crime Family right now.


Great book, picked it up on Kindle a few weeks ago. Frankie Breeze was a special one...

I must say that I am surprised that Murder Machine got knocked on page one of this thread. I have read that book 10 times, phenomenal book IMO. DeMeo and co's antics were something else...Not a fan of Montiglio (he was on a Nat Geo or BBC special the other day, being paraded as a made guy in one sentence, and an associate the next...lol) and as such, surely there were some tall tales being told (green beret, anyone?) but when it focused on the crew, a top 5 mob book for sure!

Just started re-reading The Butcher: Anatomy of a Mafia Psychopath; Tommy Karate, were it not for his temper, could have been a boss..great read.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 07/13/12 11:15 AM

Originally Posted By: BarrettM


I'm almost finished with this book. Maybe I created the hype in my head but I'm not sure if it's living up to expectations? The implication was Frank Sheeran was very high up in mafia circles from online reading and the book's advertising. In fact it sounds like Russell Bufalino kept him out of the loop on mafia matters on multiple occasions, never telling him where he was driving him to and insisting he was only in Philadelphia for the bread and sausages. I haven't gotten to the Crazy Joe Gallo hit yet, so things might change. But for now it definitely feels off from my expectations.

Oh, I almost forgot. Once again not what I expected, the book actually has good information on Angelo Bruno that we've never really seen before. Out of the supposed 5 murders he ordered in 30 years, the only thing that's common knowledge would be the hit on Joey Mcgreal. But Frank Sheeran brings to light another hit. It's worth it if you want info on Bruno, because he's not portrayed as the mafia saint or martyr many make him out to be. In fact he seems just as angry as the rest of them.


I think I may have posted my opinions on this book earlier in this thread, but what hell; I didn't mind it. It was a good book.

You make a great point on the Bruno info; also, I agree it seems like, as 'close' as they were, Bufalino kept him on a 'need to know' basis. I think it's interesting that even Capeci himself admits that Sheeran's account of the Hoffa murder has the proverbial 'ring of truth'. I must admit, too, I was pretty much sold on his claim to have hit Joey Gallo, but another poster on the other forum makes a formidable claim that he was lying about that particular one (said poster points to Sonny Pinto as the culprit. If your interested, shoot me a PM, I'll send you a link)

One other thing...was I the only one disturbed by his fight with a kangaroo? That's not a metaphor for anything; he reckons he actually boxed a kangaroo. Goddamn.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 07/13/12 11:44 AM

While Im here...are there any suggestions for a good book on California, LA and West Coast in general LCN? Beyond Jimmy the Weasel's book (which is the staple fare on the topic)?

I dont want to give Kenji any money (I dont think his take is worth a buck anymore). And beside's Fiato's book (which is on the list), Im struggling to find anything. Basically anything West Coast-centric I'd be interested in.

Beside's that, I've got on the list...
Scott Burstein's Motor City Mafia on Detroit

Leonard Katz' Uncle Frank the Frank Costello biography

George A's Blood & Honour (Waited far too long for this one, said to be the definitive account of Scarfo era Philly)

Dick Kreck's Smaldone: The Untold Story of an American Crime Family on Denver's Smaldone brothers. Kinda small time-ish (as far as LCN goes) but definitely interesting. Also on Denver and the Rockies in genreral;

Betty Alt's and Sandra Well's Mountain Mafia, on guys like Joe Roma and, again the brothers Smaldone.

Gus Russo's Supermob on Chicago

Blackhand Strawman on KC

As you could probably tell, basically anything relating to Families outside of NY I'm fascinated by. Any suggestins would be much appreciated.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 07/13/12 08:39 PM

I can't think of anything specifically LA centric to Mafia. Supermob is probably the best of the ones you mention or is at least the one I know for sure has the most information about Los Angeles. It details the various connections between upperworld and underworld and how they shaded into each other.

Black Mass and The Underboss are worthwhile examinations of Boston and New England area.
Double Deal claims to be about the Outfit and associated midwest groups from the sixties thru the nineties.
When the Mob ran Vegas is a pretty quick read.
Vicious Circles is an excellent almost academic explanation of organized crime white collar and extortionate activities during sixties and seventies. It's mostly about NY/NJ and Chicago though there are a few other groups mentioned.
Posted By: DickNose_Moltasanti

Re: Mafia Books - 07/14/12 04:24 AM

Originally Posted By: DickNose_Moltasanti
Originally Posted By: Nova24
Originally Posted By: PhillySteve
Blood and Honor - hands down the best mob book ever written in my opinion. It ends in the late 80's. Wish they would make a part 2 that details the Philly mob from the late 80's to present


This is a good book from Anastasia as well.



I just ordered this hopefully its here tomorrow, it would be funny as hell to hear an audiobook if they have one of "someone mimicking john stanfa on the wiretaps


Finished reading "The GoodFella Tapes yesterday. I thought the book was alright not bad but nothing special. There were some interesting conversations picked up on the FBI Bugs in Sal Avena's Law Office. I'm assuming GA didn't have any information about Stanfa's Interest in the Italian Food Industry but wish he would have expanded on that more. Stanfa was very well connected given his roots. His legitimate business's as well as his relatives business ran deep, he should have went back to Sicily, but then again there were to many problems at the time overseas as well as in NY. Oh Well
Posted By: PP

Re: Mafia Books - 07/14/12 04:30 AM

Originally Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica
While Im here...are there any suggestions for a good book on California, LA and West Coast in general LCN? Beyond Jimmy the Weasel's book (which is the staple fare on the topic)?

I dont want to give Kenji any money (I dont think his take is worth a buck anymore). And beside's Fiato's book (which is on the list), Im struggling to find anything. Basically anything West Coast-centric I'd be interested in.

Beside's that, I've got on the list...
Scott Burstein's Motor City Mafia on Detroit

Leonard Katz' Uncle Frank the Frank Costello biography

George A's Blood & Honour (Waited far too long for this one, said to be the definitive account of Scarfo era Philly)

Dick Kreck's Smaldone: The Untold Story of an American Crime Family on Denver's Smaldone brothers. Kinda small time-ish (as far as LCN goes) but definitely interesting. Also on Denver and the Rockies in genreral;

Betty Alt's and Sandra Well's Mountain Mafia, on guys like Joe Roma and, again the brothers Smaldone.

Gus Russo's Supermob on Chicago

Blackhand Strawman on KC

As you could probably tell, basically anything relating to Families outside of NY I'm fascinated by. Any suggestins would be much appreciated.


Couple Chicago books that I liked were:

Family Secrets: The case that crippled the Chicago Mob by Jeff Cohen.

When corruption was King by Robert Cooley with Hillel Levin.
Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica

Re: Mafia Books - 07/14/12 08:06 AM

I've got Family Secrets; you're right, it was a good one. I'll have to check out Cooley's book.

And thanks Lilo; appreciate the recommendations.
Posted By: Homers77

Re: Mafia Books - 07/17/12 12:22 AM

Originally Posted By: Mickey_MeatBalls_DeMonica
Homers77;

Sixth Family is a great book, but it tends to overemphasise the Rizzuto Family's stature to a degree. And remember that it came out just before the string of murders took place up there, so it's a little dated now. Mafia Inc. is another great one on Canadian LCN and Italian OC.

Honestly though, its hard to go past Selwyn Raab's Five Families for info on the Chin, Genovese and the NYC mob in general. It only covers up to about 2005 though, so it to is a little dated now considering all that has happened since then. Still a great read but. I seriously hope he does and update soon. Even if it's just another few chapters, Id probably buy the whole damn book again just for them.

Lastly, I know a few guys here didn't like it as much as I did, but Idiots Guide to the Mafia by Jerry Capeci is IMO the best starting point for all this stuff. It not only covers NY, but goes around the US and up to Canada, detailing every LCN family that had ever operated in the country and giving a concise history on them.



Thank you for the insight bud! I am actually reading "Mafia Dynasty: The Rise & Fall of the Gambino Crime Family" which is pretty good! Then I will finish The Five Families book. I have been reading in the pool and the 5 families book is nice and bigger so its harder to read while laying in the pool lol.

But thank you very much for your guidance on the books! I think I will probably get the 6th Family about the Rizzuto organization and I am sure it is exaggerated but it seems like every book I have read have made it seem like that particular family was the greatest during the time period.

I just got done reading a book on Joe Massino and he was the most powerful mobster in the world in the book lol and Casso & Sammy the Bull were also the most powerful guys during the time lol.
Posted By: Homers77

Re: Mafia Books - 07/17/12 12:23 AM

Originally Posted By: Dapper_Don
Originally Posted By: Homers77
Sorry not a "mafia book".

BMF- Black Mafia Family - it was about the Flenory brothers. They ran a big drug ring and used a car service and rap music as their fronts. It was a very interesting book though.


i figured you were talking about bmf, i hear they are thinking of making a movie about the book, i got to check the book out


I am into rap music well I was very into it now I just listen to ESPN radio but anyway.. I thought the book was great. It was very interesting.
Posted By: Nick_the_Greek

Re: Mafia Books - 07/20/12 08:31 PM

Originally Posted By: Homers77
I just got done reading a book on Joe Massino and he was the most powerful mobster in the world in the book lol and Casso & Sammy the Bull were also the most powerful guys during the time lol.

What's with the lol? Two were the bosses, and one the underboss of their respective families...3 major NY families...

On topic, just wrapped up the Andrew DiDonato book; bit of an easy, slow read, but interesting insight into Nicky Corozzos crew. He got called out on a fib or two by gangland news, so grain of salt more than usual (also, he supposedly told Danny Cutaia and Bill Cutulo to fuck themselves as an associate...doubt it, even if he was Cutulo Jr's pal)

Ultimately a worthy read just to fill in a few more blanks.
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 07/20/12 08:39 PM

Originally Posted By: Nick_the_Greek

On topic, just wrapped up the Andrew DiDonato book; bit of an easy, slow read, but interesting insight into Nicky Corozzos crew. He got called out on a fib or two by gangland news, so grain of salt more than usual (also, he supposedly told Danny Cutaia and Bill Cutulo to fuck themselves as an associate...doubt it, even if he was Cutulo Jr's pal)

Ultimately a worthy read just to fill in a few more blanks.


Interesting. Does the book name Corozzo´s crew members? Could you list some of them here please?
Posted By: Nick_the_Greek

Re: Mafia Books - 07/20/12 08:59 PM

Andrew DiDonato, Mikey Yanotti, Sal Bracchi, and Al Lattanzi off the top of my head. Also, Lenny DiMaria was his co-captain it seems (probably since Corozzo was in FL often)

I'll thumb back through it and update the post for ya once I get the other names.
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 07/20/12 09:04 PM

Originally Posted By: Nick_the_Greek
Andrew DiDonato, Mikey Yanotti, Sal Bracchi, and Al Lattanzi off the top of my head. Also, Lenny DiMaria was his co-captain it seems (probably since Corozzo was in FL often)

I'll thumb back through it and update the post for ya once I get the other names.


Thank you very much! That´s very kind of you. smile
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 07/24/12 10:49 AM

Yes i have read that DiDonato book. Not a bad read at all!
Posted By: Nick_the_Greek

Re: Mafia Books - 07/25/12 12:02 AM

Originally Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Interesting. Does the book name Corozzo´s crew members? Could you list some of them here please?


Andrew DiDonato
Albert Lattanzi (Murdered in 1984)
Sal Bracchi
Vincent Dragonetti (Nickys son-in-law; his arrest is what tipped off Nickys daughter to call him so he had time to flee)
Tony Placido (murdered 1996)
Mike Yannotti (guy who shot Sliwa in cab; in prison)
Richie ? (mentioned multiple times; not found in glossary either)
Anthony Gerbino

Of course there were people he prob didn't mention to maybe protect or whatever, plus lower-level thugs and such.

On topic- I am interested in "Cullotta: The Life of a Chicago Criminal, Las Vegas Mobster, and Government Witness" ...how is it? Only $6.50 on Amazon, might grab either way.
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 07/25/12 07:28 AM

Originally Posted By: Nick_the_Greek
Originally Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Interesting. Does the book name Corozzo´s crew members? Could you list some of them here please?


Andrew DiDonato
Albert Lattanzi (Murdered in 1984)
Sal Bracchi
Vincent Dragonetti (Nickys son-in-law; his arrest is what tipped off Nickys daughter to call him so he had time to flee)
Tony Placido (murdered 1996)
Mike Yannotti (guy who shot Sliwa in cab; in prison)
Richie ? (mentioned multiple times; not found in glossary either)
Anthony Gerbino

Of course there were people he prob didn't mention to maybe protect or whatever, plus lower-level thugs and such.

On topic- I am interested in "Cullotta: The Life of a Chicago Criminal, Las Vegas Mobster, and Government Witness" ...how is it? Only $6.50 on Amazon, might grab either way.




Thanks again, Nick!
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 07/26/12 02:07 PM

so i pick up the sal polisi sintra club book at the book store its the worst it ends like this as i was driving buy a bunch of dirt poor mexicans i threw my last 80grand out the car window from my last coke deal wat a load of shit i no i cant spell, wow wat a crock of shit and didnato's book is just like keji gallo there side of the story, if you cant do time dont do crime. on a side note capeci wrote some guy is the acting capo for nick c some guy big in the unions, and the rat nicky skins was under nick as repoted by capeci, i guess they was jail celle's. dom cefulo must be the most feared guy in the city.
Posted By: Chopper2012

Re: Mafia Books - 08/01/12 05:44 PM

Reading 'Operation Family Secrets' right now, I'm about halfway through. I like the insight it gives in the Outfit and some of its more famous murders (the Spilotro murders etc).

But I hate the constant whining of Frank jr. Boohoohoo my daddy didn't love me, boohoo my daddy beat me up so much I started doing coke blablabla. Maybe, just maybe you shouldn't allow your dad to beat you up when you're a grown man. Maybe you should start hitting back at one point. He spends half the book convincing the reader he's just this great guy who happened to have a horrible father and only became a rat to help his dad. Bullshit. He sold coke, he worked in his father's crew for years, he made a lot of money in a lot of criminal ways, fine, but don't try to find some stupid excuse for it. You are what you are, you are responsible for your own actions.

Maybe the problem is that I read The Last Gangster by George Anastasia before this, one of the best books I've ever read on the Mob. What I like about it? It gives a great insight in the day to day affairs of a small mob family, and Previte doesn't make up excuses for anything. He is what he is, a crooked bastard, but at least he's not apologizing for it.
Posted By: PP

Re: Mafia Books - 08/01/12 11:27 PM

Originally Posted By: Nick_the_Greek
Originally Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Interesting. Does the book name Corozzo´s crew members? Could you list some of them here please?


Andrew DiDonato
Albert Lattanzi (Murdered in 1984)
Sal Bracchi
Vincent Dragonetti (Nickys son-in-law; his arrest is what tipped off Nickys daughter to call him so he had time to flee)
Tony Placido (murdered 1996)
Mike Yannotti (guy who shot Sliwa in cab; in prison)
Richie ? (mentioned multiple times; not found in glossary either)
Anthony Gerbino

Of course there were people he prob didn't mention to maybe protect or whatever, plus lower-level thugs and such.

On topic- I am interested in "Cullotta: The Life of a Chicago Criminal, Las Vegas Mobster, and Government Witness" ...how is it? Only $6.50 on Amazon, might grab either way.




The Cullotta Book is the next one for me as well. That and Double Deal about Michael Corbitt
Posted By: PP

Re: Mafia Books - 08/01/12 11:28 PM

Originally Posted By: Chopper2012
Reading 'Operation Family Secrets' right now, I'm about halfway through. I like the insight it gives in the Outfit and some of its more famous murders (the Spilotro murders etc).

But I hate the constant whining of Frank jr. Boohoohoo my daddy didn't love me, boohoo my daddy beat me up so much I started doing coke blablabla. Maybe, just maybe you shouldn't allow your dad to beat you up when you're a grown man. Maybe you should start hitting back at one point. He spends half the book convincing the reader he's just this great guy who happened to have a horrible father and only became a rat to help his dad. Bullshit. He sold coke, he worked in his father's crew for years, he made a lot of money in a lot of criminal ways, fine, but don't try to find some stupid excuse for it. You are what you are, you are responsible for your own actions.

Maybe the problem is that I read The Last Gangster by George Anastasia before this, one of the best books I've ever read on the Mob. What I like about it? It gives a great insight in the day to day affairs of a small mob family, and Previte doesn't make up excuses for anything. He is what he is, a crooked bastard, but at least he's not apologizing for it.


Family Secrets may be my new favorite Mafia book. Great insight. First new book about Chicago in a long time.
Posted By: Chopper2012

Re: Mafia Books - 08/02/12 04:19 PM

Great insight, agreed. But I'm disgusted by Frank jr. wiping his own sheet clean. 'I did it all to help my father' blabla. Sure, you reaaaally helped your father out by letting him die in Federal Lockup.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 08/02/12 05:39 PM

no the worst part about frank jr. is a yr or so after his father and crew get life he still telling the feds were his dads money is then the feds raid his mothers house find fake wall and a million behind it so he took away from his own mother thats sick.
Posted By: DickNose_Moltasanti

Re: Mafia Books - 08/02/12 05:43 PM

Originally Posted By: pmac
no the worst part about frank jr. is a yr or so after his father and crew get life he still telling the feds were his dads money is then the feds raid his mothers house find fake wall and a million behind it so he took away from his own mother thats sick.


Which Family Secrets book should I buy I saw someone mentioned there was a new one? If someone has read the new one and can PM me a link or put one in the thread I'd appreciate it. Thanks - DN
Posted By: Dwalin2011

Re: Mafia Books - 08/04/12 02:03 PM

I can recommend "Nothing Personal Just Business, Prohibition and Murder on Toledo's Mean Streets" by Kenneth Dickson about the Licavoli gang and the Jack Kennedy murder in Toledo. Quite an interesting book about some not-so-well-known facts. One of the rare cases in the 30s when an important gangster has been put away for murder.

By the way, could somebody recommend a book about Italian-Australian organized crime? In the books I read this subject was only briefly described.

Posted By: Dafkuwant

Re: Mafia Books - 08/05/12 10:41 PM

I just finished "Mobster In Our Midst" by William Ouseley. It's about the rise and fall of the Nicholas Civella and the Kansas City crime family. It was a very good book and detailed a lot of scam, murders, political corruption of the Kansas city crime family as well as his involvement in the Vegas skims an a lot more.
Posted By: Fat_Ralph

Re: Mafia Books - 08/18/12 09:39 PM

I have read a lot of these books spoken of, lot's of good reads, most recent I have read, The butcher (Tommy Pitera) Gaspipe(Casso) The last GodFather(Massino) jeesh so many to list..


A cool book I read is a book I found at my library its huge its about 1k pages I belive it was called "The FBI and Bureau of Narcotics Files" it was just 1k pages of Mugshots of all Mafioso's involved with the trafficking of Narcotics, was a very cool book, unlike anything else, just non stop Mugshots with D.O.B's, place of birth, Residence, place of Death, Associates, Aliases, Family and Modus Operandi, fun book too read, lots of CRAZY people..
Posted By: Loccisano

Re: Mafia Books - 08/26/12 01:44 AM

Guys, if you could recommend me books about:
1) LCN in California,
2) LCN activities in this day and age,
that would be great.
Posted By: bladerkeks

Re: Mafia Books - 08/29/12 10:53 AM

Mobsters, Unions, and Feds: The Mafia and the American Labor Movement. By James B. Jacobs.

has anyone read this book?can you recommend it?
Posted By: Camarel

Re: Mafia Books - 08/29/12 11:01 AM

Originally Posted By: bladerkeks
Mobsters, Unions, and Feds: The Mafia and the American Labor Movement. By James B. Jacobs.

has anyone read this book?can you recommend it?


Read through the thread i'm sure someone reviews it.
Posted By: short841

Re: Mafia Books - 08/29/12 01:51 PM

Anyone read Gomorrah? Good read?
Posted By: Dwalin2011

Re: Mafia Books - 08/29/12 06:37 PM

Originally Posted By: short841
Anyone read Gomorrah? Good read?

I liked it, some people say hey think Saviano tends to exaggerate the importance of the camorra on the world-wide scale (don't really know if they are right or not), but the descriptions of what's going on in Italy are rather good. At least, if they threatened to kill him after what he wrote, he must have written the right thing.
Posted By: Loccisano

Re: Mafia Books - 08/30/12 11:55 AM

Originally Posted By: Loccisano
Guys, if you could recommend me books about:
1) LCN in California,
2) LCN activities in this day and age,
that would be great.


Bump.
Posted By: yigido

Re: Mafia Books - 08/30/12 01:30 PM

Originally Posted By: Loccisano
Originally Posted By: Loccisano
Guys, if you could recommend me books about:
1) LCN in California,
2) LCN activities in this day and age,
that would be great.


Bump.
''Breakshot: A Life in the 21st Century American Mafia'' the book is about both things actually. its about kenny gallo, he was active in organized crime in california and was connected to the california family. later he gets involved with the colombos in new york. finally he rats out most of his associates.
Posted By: Antonio

Re: Mafia Books - 08/30/12 03:50 PM

Originally Posted By: short841
Anyone read Gomorrah? Good read?


Yeah, very good read. I know much about the Camorra thanks to his book. In fact, his book was one of the reasons I started taking a serious look into Organized crime. Before that I was just about playing GTA and other mafia related games, My knowledge went from just a bunch of mobsters killing each other and now has expanded dramatically.
Posted By: short841

Re: Mafia Books - 08/30/12 04:30 PM

Antonio does it talk about how they infiltrated every industry there and talk about mob wars? that kind of thing.
Posted By: Loccisano

Re: Mafia Books - 08/31/12 12:48 PM

Originally Posted By: yigido
Originally Posted By: Loccisano
Originally Posted By: Loccisano
Guys, if you could recommend me books about:
1) LCN in California,
2) LCN activities in this day and age,
that would be great.


Bump.
''Breakshot: A Life in the 21st Century American Mafia'' the book is about both things actually. its about kenny gallo, he was active in organized crime in california and was connected to the california family. later he gets involved with the colombos in new york. finally he rats out most of his associates.

Awesome, just what I was looking for.
Posted By: short841

Re: Mafia Books - 09/02/12 12:21 PM

Read the firt 60 pages of Gomorrah, quite difficult to read and understand I think.
Posted By: Big Alex

Re: Mafia Books - 09/04/12 01:25 AM

The Five Families. Yes, good book, lottsa facts that may have passed by most Americans. I found mine at the Library.
Posted By: jace

Re: Mafia Books - 09/05/12 03:02 AM

McMafia by Misha Glenny, published 2009, excellent read on global crime.
Posted By: short841

Re: Mafia Books - 09/05/12 10:12 AM

Just got Five Families this morning, Can't wait to read it (eventually) after gomorrah!
Posted By: bladerkeks

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/12 02:39 PM

for everyone who doesnt have The Mafia Encyclopedia

http://www.scribd.com/doc/98453676/The-Mafia-Encyclopedia#fullscreen
Posted By: Five_Felonies

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/12 05:41 PM

Originally Posted By: bladerkeks
for everyone who doesnt have The Mafia Encyclopedia

http://www.scribd.com/doc/98453676/The-Mafia-Encyclopedia#fullscreen
thanks for that, great for a rainy day!
Posted By: Camarel

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/12 05:58 PM

Originally Posted By: bladerkeks
for everyone who doesnt have The Mafia Encyclopedia

http://www.scribd.com/doc/98453676/The-Mafia-Encyclopedia#fullscreen


Thanks alot mate this was actually on my to buy list guess there's no point now.
Posted By: MisterPurple

Re: Mafia Books - 09/15/12 01:14 AM

Has anyone read

Smaldone by Kreck
Sam the Plumber by Zeiger
Mafia and the Machine by Hayde
or The Rise and Fall of the Cleveland Mafia by Porello?

I've got a pretty sizable collection of books on the mob, but I've never been able to come across these and was curious about them before buying.

The next book I'm buying is Blood and Honor - I've heard nothing but good things about it.
Posted By: Nova24

Re: Mafia Books - 09/15/12 05:17 PM

Did the Leonetti book get released yet?
Posted By: bladerkeks

Re: Mafia Books - 09/15/12 07:11 PM

nope.release date is Nov 27, 2012
Posted By: PrimeMinister

Re: Mafia Books - 09/27/12 11:52 AM

I agree with the post about Lansky having fun with Uri Dan, there's no way Lansky would be 100% honest about what he did. He always thought ahead and I'm sure he knew that there would be people reading the book such as law enforcement, other gangsters...etc.
Posted By: PrimeMinister

Re: Mafia Books - 09/27/12 11:54 AM

Anyone interested in Lansky and his adventure in Cube, please read Havana Nocturne by T.J. English. Great book.
Posted By: short841

Re: Mafia Books - 09/27/12 12:55 PM

Yeh? Be my next book after finishing five families. How many pages is it?
Posted By: AntonioRotolo

Re: Mafia Books - 10/12/12 01:43 AM

Takedown: Fall of the Last Mafia Empire is a terrific book. Lot of recorded conversations and is great. Also when Michael Cookie D'Urso releases his book that I feel like will be a good read.
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 10/19/12 09:35 AM

There were some requests for books on the Milwaukee Mafia some time ago. Just recently out is Gavin Schmitt´s "Milwaukee Mafia (Images of America)". I haven´t had the opportunity as yet to get my hands on it but I know for sure that the book is well researched and contains a lot of stuff on the Balistrieris, a Mafia family we don´t have that much info on...til now.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738594431/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_BtXFqb1V29C67
Posted By: Jimmy_Two_Times

Re: Mafia Books - 10/26/12 02:42 PM

Anyone read that book on Milwaukee? I'd be interested to hear some perspectives.
Posted By: jace

Re: Mafia Books - 10/27/12 09:50 AM

Originally Posted By: AntonioRotolo
Takedown: Fall of the Last Mafia Empire is a terrific book. Lot of recorded conversations and is great. Also when Michael Cookie D'Urso releases his book that I feel like will be a good read.


I can't find anything at all on internet about D'Urso and a book, are you sure he has one coming out?
Posted By: Dapper_Don

Re: Mafia Books - 10/27/12 05:56 PM

^^I havent heard anything about that book either.

i wish Al D'Arco or Sal Vitale would write something up.
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 10/28/12 09:36 PM

From the late forties to the early sixties in southern California there was one dominant organized crime boss and his name was Mickey Cohen. He fought off all attempts to steal his crown, both from within and from outside the organized crime fraternity.

Cohen had a severe case of OCD, perhaps bought about by his early poverty and STD infection. His OCD would save his life multiple times. Once when a would be Judas shook his hand to mark him for assassination, Cohen immediately left for the bathroom to wash his hands and so missed the ensuing drive-by. Another time Cohen noticed a scratch in his Cadillac fender and bent down to inspect it at the exact time that a rifleman from a rival mob was taking a shot. Some of the attempts on Cohen's life were set up by police.

Loquacious, dangerous and rather greedy the dapper Cohen had his fingers in just about every major criminal enterprise in Southern California. Extortion, loan sharking, bookmaking, gambling, pornography, prostitution, and narcotics were his bread and butter. Cohen's legal businesses included clothing stores and ice cream shops. Cohen also had several links to the film industry. He ran an extremely lucrative sexual blackmail business. One of his employees, an bisexual gigolo named Johnny Stompanato, was the lover of film legend Lana Turner. Stompanato was allegedly killed by Turner's teen daughter. Angry at the lost income, Cohen released private and rather intimate love letters from Turner to Stompanato and threatened to release even more intimate film.

This book details Cohen's rise from desperate childhood poverty to lowly thug and goon to Siegel's gofer and later crime boss in his own right to his fall from grace via federal tax evasion convictions. The second conviction finally reduced and perhaps broke his power. This is the true life story which inspired most of the LA noir film and book stories from LA Confidential to Raymond Chandler's works. There is a lot of information about the LAPD. For whatever reason although I was used to thinking of that department as extremely brutal I didn't think of them as particularly corrupt. This book explodes that misconception. The original crime bosses in LA were often Anglo/Irish high-ranking police officers!

It wasn't until the arrival of Siegel and Cohen that power was passed and even then there remained numerous ties between the criminals, the businessmen, the lawyers, the film studios, the judiciary and the police and prosecutors. Everybody was dirty. This was a fascinating story based on both primary and secondary documents. Tere Tereba did a really good job of setting the stage and telling the story here. I like all the information she dug up on old Hollywood. This book is as much about the underside of Hollywood as it is about organized crime. See if you can find the 60 Minutes interview in which Cohen insults LAPD chief William Parker as "a sadistic drunk degenerate". There are oodles of info on Richard Nixon, Shirley Temple, RFK, Frank Sinatra, Billy Graham and many other famous names. Cohen was always good for a snappy quote. During a Senate hearing when he was accused of living badly and being surrounded by violence, the pugnacious little gangster responded "Whaddya mean surrounded by violence? People are shooting at me!!!"
Posted By: Wilson

Re: Mafia Books - 10/29/12 09:01 PM

Almost done with Murder Machine. Very good!
Posted By: pilliano

Re: Mafia Books - 11/01/12 06:04 PM

can anyone tell me if larry mazza is finished his book yet.that would be some read.
Posted By: Imamobguy

Re: Mafia Books - 11/09/12 10:41 PM

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=jgCpx...fia&f=false - The Mafia Encyclopedia

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=e7inU...amp;redir_esc=y - Mafia: The Government's Secret File on Organized Crime

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=TtdrM...p;q&f=false - Mafia Secret Judge: For Members Only

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=bDQD1...p;q&f=false - The Godfather

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=s1pKI...p;q&f=false - Cullotta: The Life of a Chicago Criminal.
Posted By: Ricky1319

Re: Mafia Books - 11/12/12 11:49 PM

Paddy Whacked - TJ English
Basically shows how the Irish mob came about. Im almost halfway through and i do not want it to end.

King of Godfathers by Anthony Destefano
I think this book also went by another name but i cant remember. Its about joey Massino. He had a part in the three Capos murders. Also one of my fav books and should read after you read Donnie Brasco

Has anyone read Five Families by Selwynn Raab? Its a very long book and i want to buy it.
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 11/19/12 01:42 PM

Just finished Mafia Prince w/ Leonetti....a lot pictures I never saw before and a lot of good first hand knowledge....a lot aligned with what nick the crow had said
Posted By: Nova24

Re: Mafia Books - 11/24/12 06:03 AM

Picked up a copy of Mafia Prince tonight.
Posted By: DickNose_Moltasanti

Re: Mafia Books - 11/24/12 06:09 AM

where at?
Posted By: Nova24

Re: Mafia Books - 11/24/12 06:12 AM

Barnes N Noble. Was there to pick up another book for my dad and checked out the true crime section just to see if there was anything interesting and to my surprise they had 'Mafia Prince'. I figured I was going to have to order it.
Posted By: DickNose_Moltasanti

Re: Mafia Books - 11/24/12 06:45 AM

Yeah they'll be out of business soon lol
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 12/02/12 08:24 PM

Blood & Honor/George Anastasia
MOBFATHER/George Anastasia
The Westies/T.J. English
Family Secrets
MOB STAR/Gene Mustain Jerry Capeci
Underboss/Peter Maas,Sammy Gravano
GASPIPE/Phil Something
Black Mass/Dick Lehr
Black Hand(Mexican Mafia,Pelican Bay)/??
ACCARDO/Bill Roemer
The Enforcer/Bill Roemer/about Tony Spilotro
Murder Machine/Capeci,Mustain
Unfinished Buisness/Joe Pistone
Man Of Honor/Joe Bonanno
Cosa Nostra/??
Vengeance Is Mine/Jimmy Frattiano,Michael Zuckerman
Last Days of The Sicilians(based on the Pizza Connection,super interesting)
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 12/06/12 05:29 AM

i got the mafia prince by phillip leonetti. pretty good read, but its 15 to 20 yrs to late. its everything blood and honor and the other books tell. 1 new thing crazy phill convinced me nicky scarfo is a serial killer, which the other books didnt tell much about. like the guy had ticks hated other people having fun or good times he liked misery, loved the lcn more then i think anyone, he did go by the book/rules, but he did go after a few innocents. the letters to his kid and mother is phyco killer,writting from adx cell to your 85 yr old saint of a mother lol. i like that leonetti gave alot of praise to some of the soldiers from his time even saying joe ligambi is a solid guy and was the smartest bookie in south philly when it came to handicapping, he said joe and scarfo liked each other alot and were celle's for yrs. he said the younger narducci is the real threat to become the boss and is a stone killer, the pungs are great guys, couple things about bobby manna and how the genovese controled the philly mob and how scarfo was more of a ny guy then any of the philly guys, then gotti backed john stanfa in a power play, but by that time scarfo manna were gone and chin on trial. he went on about how he loves the merlino's chuck and lawrence but hated joey. when scarfo wanted to kill the merlino phill told him no way and thats when they fell out. he really loved his a.c. crew the merlino's saul kane some guy blade and a few more his uncle did screw stuff up, but he was a good money maker with the unions. scarfo had big plans with ny help.and how he went back to a.c. in 1996 and seen nicky jr. but like all mob rat books he still acts like a killer who wont hesitate to kill anyone for his family even nicky jr.
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 12/07/12 06:04 PM

Originally Posted By: pmac
i got the mafia prince by phillip leonetti. pretty good read, but its 15 to 20 yrs to late. its everything blood and honor and the other books tell. 1 new thing crazy phill convinced me nicky scarfo is a serial killer, which the other books didnt tell much about. like the guy had ticks hated other people having fun or good times he liked misery, loved the lcn more then i think anyone, he did go by the book/rules, but he did go after a few innocents. the letters to his kid and mother is phyco killer,writting from adx cell to your 85 yr old saint of a mother lol. i like that leonetti gave alot of praise to some of the soldiers from his time even saying joe ligambi is a solid guy and was the smartest bookie in south philly when it came to handicapping, he said joe and scarfo liked each other alot and were celle's for yrs. he said the younger narducci is the real threat to become the boss and is a stone killer, the pungs are great guys, couple things about bobby manna and how the genovese controled the philly mob and how scarfo was more of a ny guy then any of the philly guys, then gotti backed john stanfa in a power play, but by that time scarfo manna were gone and chin on trial. he went on about how he loves the merlino's chuck and lawrence but hated joey. when scarfo wanted to kill the merlino phill told him no way and thats when they fell out. he really loved his a.c. crew the merlino's saul kane some guy blade and a few more his uncle did screw stuff up, but he was a good money maker with the unions. scarfo had big plans with ny help.and how he went back to a.c. in 1996 and seen nicky jr. but like all mob rat books he still acts like a killer who wont hesitate to kill anyone for his family even nicky jr.


Thanks for this Pmac. I'm in two minds whether to buy this book or not. But it sounds interesting. Is Nicky Scarfo´s father (Filippo) mentioned in it (as a Mafia member)?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 12/07/12 06:11 PM

I have it on hold at the library. These books are a dime a dozen today, and usually pretty bad. That's why I borrow them from the library first now. And if they're any good, then I buy them for future reference.
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 12/07/12 06:19 PM

Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I have it on hold at the library. These books are a dime a dozen today, and usually pretty bad. That's why I borrow them from the library first now. And if they're any good, then I buy them for future reference.


I have the same mindset. Buying books on Amazon or whatever without first being able to check it out (read a few pages from it) is risky. A lot of books goes straight to the trash can when I find them being bad reads.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 12/14/12 07:30 PM

they only metion scarfo's father once, leonetti said he was a legit guy and quiet. i also read he was a soldier but not acordding to leonetti. but his grandmother scarfo's mother had a whole family of gangster brothers. one thing i picked up was scarfo like to make younge guys, himself getting made at 24. and he made alot of guys and there brothers. there are the pung's milano' narducci grande's and another set.there all on the street now.
Posted By: Dapper_Don

Re: Mafia Books - 12/15/12 07:21 PM

Originally Posted By: HairyKnuckles
Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I have it on hold at the library. These books are a dime a dozen today, and usually pretty bad. That's why I borrow them from the library first now. And if they're any good, then I buy them for future reference.


I have the same mindset. Buying books on Amazon or whatever without first being able to check it out (read a few pages from it) is risky. A lot of books goes straight to the trash can when I find them being bad reads.


I have been meaning to get back to the Library to get in the habit of doing this, you can actually borrow digital books from certain libraries in NYC (It stay un your device until a certain date). This is a cool thing IMO, I want to see this book come out in ebook/kindle format and then try and get it. I looked at a few pages at B&N looks pretty good, and I have mostly seen/read positive reviews about it. Haven't really heard anything negative.

Originally Posted By: pmac
they only metion scarfo's father once, leonetti said he was a legit guy and quiet. i also read he was a soldier but not acordding to leonetti. but his grandmother scarfo's mother had a whole family of gangster brothers. one thing i picked up was scarfo like to make younge guys, himself getting made at 24. and he made alot of guys and there brothers. there are the pung's milano' narducci grande's and another set.there all on the street now.


interesting, i always thought scarfo sr's dad was a made guy with the westside
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 12/17/12 07:47 PM

"I have been meaning to get back to the Library to get in the habit of doing this, you can actually borrow digital books from certain libraries in NYC (It stay un your device until a certain date). This is a cool thing IMO, I want to see this book come out in ebook/kindle format and then try and get it. I looked at a few pages at B&N looks pretty good, and I have mostly seen/read positive reviews about it. Haven't really heard anything negative."

I agree. Sounds Interesting. Daps, do you have a link?
Thanks.
Posted By: Dapper_Don

Re: Mafia Books - 12/19/12 02:48 AM

Originally Posted By: HairyKnuckles
"I have been meaning to get back to the Library to get in the habit of doing this, you can actually borrow digital books from certain libraries in NYC (It stay un your device until a certain date). This is a cool thing IMO, I want to see this book come out in ebook/kindle format and then try and get it. I looked at a few pages at B&N looks pretty good, and I have mostly seen/read positive reviews about it. Haven't really heard anything negative."

I agree. Sounds Interesting. Daps, do you have a link?
Thanks.


Go to an individual library's website and search for an ebook version of the book you want, idk about other states but in NYC you must have a library card. Follow the on screen prompts after you find the ebook and you should be all set.
Posted By: MrMorbid

Re: Mafia Books - 12/19/12 04:04 AM

I started Blood and Power by Stephen Fox recently. I bought it awhile back online. A few people I know who also read mafia books, recommended it.
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 12/25/12 02:05 AM

So is Mafia Prince recommended or what? Also has anybody ever read Fat Vinny Teresa's book My Life In The Mafia? I guess he talks about a lot of familiar names to me in that book,but it doesnt seem to be on the easy-to-find side
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 12/25/12 01:04 PM

Originally Posted By: southend
Also has anybody ever read Fat Vinny Teresa's book My Life In The Mafia? I guess he talks about a lot of familiar names to me in that book,but it doesnt seem to be on the easy-to-find side


That was the first Mafia book I ever read! Found it in a local library over here. I thought it was great at the time. Borrowed it numerous of times. The librarian must have thought I was nuts. But the book (and Teresa´s credibility) has been questioned a lot the last 20, 30 years or so. He did put forward a lot of bold statements; Anastasia´s murderer actually being a Boston guy (Jackie Nazarian), that he held the third spot in the New England mob and giving orders to Jerry Angiulo (although not being made), that John "Futto" Biele was killed on Joe Bonanno´s orders, that Lilo Galante wanted him in his mob, that he had intimate knowledge of Commission meetings held in Boston, that his uncle was an early Boston Mafia leader etc. Some of his claims was discovered outright lies, so the book should be taken with a grain of salt. However, he did provide info on a lot of guys (perhaps as many as 50 guys, I can´t remember exactly) in and with the New England mob, which is always interesting stuff. The book came out in 1973 and I haven´t found a copy of it on the net or anywhere else. I would like to have it in my possession, but just for its sentimental value, not for the dubious claims that can be found in it.

EDIT - Oh, one more thing worth mentioning is that Teresa claimed James Caan, the actor, had a part in the start of the Irish mob wars in the early 1960s. (Not a movie, IRL that is.)
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 12/29/12 03:50 AM

just grabbed Mr.Untouchable the Nicky Barnes book looking forward to reading it
Posted By: EastHarlemItal

Re: Mafia Books - 12/29/12 03:52 AM

Let me know if thats a good read, please! Im not a Howard Stern fan, however there is a great intervjew with Nicky Barnes on YouTube!
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 12/31/12 09:54 PM

So far it's not all that exciting...
Posted By: DickNose_Moltasanti

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/13 02:36 AM

CONTAINS SPOILER INFO : MAFIA PRINCE

I finally finished the book Mafia Prince. I thought the book was pretty good for the fact that it shed some light on things "The Crow or Tommy Del" clearly didn't have knowledge of. They weren't his blood or really in the inner circle till the end. Alot of those Scarfo guys like Faffy who think they're owned something when they come out are in for a rude awakening. The one tape Gary Battaglini said back in the early 2000's that their wasn't any Money left anymore due to the internet doesn't take a Mobguy or rocket scientist to figure that one out.

I also got a kick out of the informants being housed together in Arizona "Sammy the bull", Phillip Lenonetti, Milano, and Willard Moran. I think its funny at the end of the book how they mention the current trials of Nicky Jr. and Ligambi. I give Leonetti credit for going back to old haunts and nobody making a move on him. I found it stranger how the relationship between Nicky Jr. and Phil to be stranger despite his father's request...It really shows how much of a joke LCN became at Phila and how NY wanted nothing to do with Natalie and Merlino..
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/13 04:29 PM

I got CULLOTTA for Christmas. Going to read it in the next couple of days. Looking forward to it!!
Posted By: Mukremin

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/13 09:04 PM

anyone has positive feedback about Gaspipe? I heard a lot of bullshit about it.
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/13 09:23 PM

Originally Posted By: Mukremin
anyone has positive feedback about Gaspipe? I heard a lot of bullshit about it.


Carlo´s book? Well for entertainment purposes only...sure! It´s a good read. But the book is not well researched. A lot of misspelled and/or fabricated names, which is a pain in the ass for anybody who´s trying to use the names in the book for further research. One example is the "Ralph Saleno" guy who witnessed Casso shooting a junkie to death. In the book, it says Ralph Salerno was a made Genovese guy. I suspect Ralph Salerno actually was Ralph Serpico. Another mistake is the spelling of Celambrino, the Genovese captain. In the book, his name was spelled Callinbrano (if memory serves me right).
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/13 10:15 PM

I thought Gaspipe was a pretty good book from what i remember,was a while ago i read it
Posted By: Mukremin

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/13 10:31 PM

Originally Posted By: HairyKnuckles
Originally Posted By: Mukremin
anyone has positive feedback about Gaspipe? I heard a lot of bullshit about it.


Carlo´s book? Well for entertainment purposes only...sure! It´s a good read. But the book is not well researched. A lot of misspelled and/or fabricated names, which is a pain in the ass for anybody who´s trying to use the names in the book for further research. One example is the "Ralph Saleno" guy who witnessed Casso shooting a junkie to death. In the book, it says Ralph Salerno was a made Genovese guy. I suspect Ralph Salerno actually was Ralph Serpico. Another mistake is the spelling of Celambrino, the Genovese captain. In the book, his name was spelled Callinbrano (if memory serves me right).


thats what i thought, what about pictures? Are there any new or unseen pictures in it?

I ordered Motor City Mafia, Goodfella Tapes and
GANGSTERS AND ORGANIZED CRIME IN BUFFALO - MICHAEL F. RIZZO.
Posted By: DickNose_Moltasanti

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/13 10:42 PM

^ I woulda have given you the GoodFella Tapes you should of saved your money...
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/13 11:08 PM

Originally Posted By: Mukremin
Originally Posted By: HairyKnuckles
Originally Posted By: Mukremin
anyone has positive feedback about Gaspipe? I heard a lot of bullshit about it.


Carlo´s book? Well for entertainment purposes only...sure! It´s a good read. But the book is not well researched. A lot of misspelled and/or fabricated names, which is a pain in the ass for anybody who´s trying to use the names in the book for further research. One example is the "Ralph Saleno" guy who witnessed Casso shooting a junkie to death. In the book, it says Ralph Salerno was a made Genovese guy. I suspect Ralph Salerno actually was Ralph Serpico. Another mistake is the spelling of Celambrino, the Genovese captain. In the book, his name was spelled Callinbrano (if memory serves me right).


thats what i thought, what about pictures? Are there any new or unseen pictures in it?

I ordered Motor City Mafia, Goodfella Tapes and
GANGSTERS AND ORGANIZED CRIME IN BUFFALO - MICHAEL F. RIZZO.


Yes, there are some good pictures in the Casso book. I´ll post some of them if you´d like, as soon as I find time for it.
In my opinion, Motor City Mafia is a good read. It deals with the Tampa Family from the prohibition to the time of Santo Trafficante´s death. The Tampa mafiosi had a close working relationship with the New York guys for many years and shared interests in the gambling industry in Cuba. The book touches on that.
I haven´t read the Rizzo book and The Goodfella Tapes kinda left me somewhat disappointed, perhaps because I was expecting more of it before I bought the book. There are some good wire tap transcripts in it though...
Posted By: Dapper_Don

Re: Mafia Books - 01/03/13 12:07 AM

Originally Posted By: Mukremin
anyone has positive feedback about Gaspipe? I heard a lot of bullshit about it.


I actually enjoyed Gaspipe, despite a few obvious errors the book overall is a good read (especially on the lucchese family). Some decent pics in there as well.I think people overemphasize the author's propensity to make errors and thus that clouds their judgement on all his books, which it shouldnt for obvious reasons.
Posted By: Dapper_Don

Re: Mafia Books - 01/03/13 12:08 AM

Originally Posted By: DickNose_Moltasanti
^ I woulda have given you the GoodFella Tapes you should of saved your money...


If he doesnt want them, I would gladly take it off your hands.
Posted By: tenpin477

Re: Mafia Books - 01/03/13 05:20 PM

Hey guys,

I'm currently looking to read a book about Joe Massino, do you guys recommend King of the Godfathers or The Last Godfather first?

Also, any good books out there about Joe Masseria?
Posted By: EastHarlemItal

Re: Mafia Books - 01/03/13 05:33 PM

Originally Posted By: tenpin477
Hey guys,

I'm currently looking to read a book about Joe Massino, do you guys recommend King of the Godfathers or The Last Godfather first?
Also, any good books out there about Joe Masseria?


Forget which book he wrote, however the author DeStefano? Im told wrote the best Massino book
Posted By: Mukremin

Re: Mafia Books - 01/03/13 05:36 PM

Thanks for all the feedback, i will think about it. Hairy, if you can post pictures that would be wonderful.

Thanks Dicknose, i appreciate your offer but you can give them to Dapper if you want grin
Posted By: Lilo

Re: Mafia Books - 01/04/13 12:15 AM

Originally Posted By: tenpin477
Hey guys,

I'm currently looking to read a book about Joe Massino, do you guys recommend King of the Godfathers or The Last Godfather first?

Also, any good books out there about Joe Masseria?


King of Godfathers and The Last Godfather are the same book. I believe "King.." is the updated version.
Posted By: tenpin477

Re: Mafia Books - 01/04/13 02:56 AM

http://www.amazon.com/King-Godfathers-Massino-Bonanno-Pinnacle/dp/0786018933

http://www.amazon.com/The-Last-Godfather-Massino-Berkley/dp/0425209393

How can they be the same book, different authors and publishers?
Posted By: Dapper_Don

Re: Mafia Books - 01/04/13 03:15 AM

Originally Posted By: tenpin477
Hey guys,

I'm currently looking to read a book about Joe Massino, do you guys recommend King of the Godfathers or The Last Godfather first?


read the last godfather by destefano, great book and best one on massino IMO!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0806527...7099850?ie=UTF8


I met the author when he was doing the round on this book and suggested in the future he should write a book on either gigante, sonny franzese, or basciano and sure enough his new book is on basciano

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0806527...7099850?ie=UTF8
Posted By: Dapper_Don

Re: Mafia Books - 01/04/13 03:17 AM

Originally Posted By: Lilo
Originally Posted By: tenpin477
Hey guys,

I'm currently looking to read a book about Joe Massino, do you guys recommend King of the Godfathers or The Last Godfather first?

Also, any good books out there about Joe Masseria?


King of Godfathers and The Last Godfather are the same book. I believe "King.." is the updated version.


On May 27, 2008, a trade paperback edition of the "The Last Godfather" became available under the title "King of The Godfathers." This is an updated edition of the mass market paperback published in June 2007. It is in the larger trade format and contains an extra chapter, dealing with Vincent Basciano and developments in the Bonanno crime family through the end of 2007.

http://tonydestefano.com/id2.html
Posted By: tenpin477

Re: Mafia Books - 01/04/13 04:05 AM

So it seems Destefano is the authority on Massino, thanks guys.

As to the second part, any good books out there dealing with Joe Masseria?
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 01/04/13 08:32 AM

Originally Posted By: tenpin477


As to the second part, any good books out there dealing with Joe Masseria?


There is no ONE book on Masseria, I´m afraid. But there are small snippets of info on Masseria in various books, for example "Five Families" by Selwyn Raab, "American Mafia" by Thomas Reppetto, "The First Family" by Mike Dash, "Lucky Luciano" by Tim Newark, "Gangster City" by Patrick Downey and "The Origin of Organized Crime in America" by David Critchley (to name just a few).
Basically, look for books about the early NY Mafia. If Masseria (who played an integral part in the éarly days) is not mentioned in any book covering the early NY Mafia, then maybe the book is not worth buying.
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 01/04/13 06:23 PM

Anybody ever read or heard about the book Rogue Mobster by Mark Silverstein? I know guys from his hometown that knew him personally so it'd be an interesting read to me especailly since he talks about a guy i know in the book, tryin to get my hands on it
Posted By: Dapper_Don

Re: Mafia Books - 01/05/13 03:01 AM

Originally Posted By: southend
Anybody ever read or heard about the book Rogue Mobster by Mark Silverstein? I know guys from his hometown that knew him personally so it'd be an interesting read to me especailly since he talks about a guy i know in the book, tryin to get my hands on it


is that the jewish guy who claims he was a made guy in the patriarca fam?
Posted By: Fritzy

Re: Mafia Books - 01/05/13 01:47 PM

I've read, "Gaspipe: Confessions of a Mafia Boss" and it was alright. I chuckled at how Carlo said Gotti had a high IQ because he remembered numbers.

Also, I've read the "Rise and Fall of the Mafia" - a written account off the actual documentary.
Posted By: ZachNCheese

Re: Mafia Books - 01/06/13 06:23 PM

Family Secrets: The Case That Crippled the Chicago Mob by Jeff Coen
The Little Black Book of Mafia Wisdom
Posted By: tenpin477

Re: Mafia Books - 01/19/13 08:07 PM

Do you guys recommend The First Family by Mike Dash?
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 01/19/13 11:12 PM

Originally Posted By: tenpin477
Do you guys recommend The First Family by Mike Dash?


I do for one. It deals primarily with the Morello family and how they controlled the American Mafia. If you are into the early Mafia, perhaps with the exception of David Critchley´s book, I don´t think there is any other book better researched than this one. The book is diffrent from any other book covering this era. When the book first came out, I regarded it as ground-breaking and somewhat of a revelation, because this book sets the facts right, debunking myths and assumptions, stated as "facts" in other notoriously unreliable books dealing with this subject. (Early Mafia appr 1890-1930.) If you are into this subject, the book is an extremely interesting read.

A very nice addition, btw, are the many interesting photos found in the book.

http://www.amazon.com/The-First-Family-E...rds=mike+dash#_
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 01/20/13 08:46 PM

I always wanted to know more about Morello. Thanks for that, I had no idea there was a book that had so much detail on him and his family.
Posted By: Gotti

Re: Mafia Books - 01/23/13 06:22 PM

Can anyone recommend any good Mafia books? I don't actually own any yet but want to start reading more about it. I'm most interested in the John Gotti, Philly Mob (mainly Scarfo and Merlino), and the Genovese crime family.

Thank and if you have any recommendations not on these topics feel free to say.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 01/23/13 06:40 PM

All you have to do is to start on the first page of this thread and scroll through. You'll find all the recommendations you'll ever need.
Posted By: MrMorbid

Re: Mafia Books - 01/24/13 02:06 PM

The First Family by Mike Dash is a terrific book. Not only is it insightful, its also interesting as well. I'm about halfway through it.

Being that I'm in the beginning stages of research for a book I'm writing. I recently plunked down almost $97 bucks on four books from Amazon, which should be arriving on Monday.

The four books I bought include "Gangs of St. Louis: Men of Respect" by Daniel Waugh. Waugh also wrote a book on the Egan's Rats. I haven't had a chance to read it but much like his other book "Gangs of St. Louis" from what I hear its supposed to be really good.

The second book I bought was "The Rise and Fall of the Cleveland Mafia: Corn Sugar and Blood" by Rick Porrello. Since I'm from Detroit, and a good four hour drive from Cleveland I've always been intrigued by the Cleveland faction of the mafia. I recently watched the indie film Kill The Irishman which is about Danny Greene, and is based on another book that Porrello wrote.

The last two books I bought were "The Business of Crime: Italians and Syndicate Crime in the United States" by Humbert S. Nelli. And "Theft of the Nation: The Structure and Operations of Organized Crime in America" by Donald R. Cressey, and James O. Finckenauer. The last two books are supposed to be on par with "The Origin of Organized Crime in America" by David Critchley, as the books are academic style narratives. I've got the Critchley book as well I usually read it when I have a chance to so I can digest everything.
Posted By: DonMega

Re: Mafia Books - 02/09/13 12:20 AM

westies & murder machine are great
Posted By: TonyJack

Re: The Butcher :Anatomy of a Mafia Psychopath - 02/10/13 05:19 AM

well put lilo, intellegent man
Posted By: TonyJack

Re: Mafia Books - 02/10/13 05:21 AM

Iceman Audiobook
Posted By: LL

Re: Mafia Books - 02/15/13 12:37 AM

I am also interested in Sicilians. I just read the Milwaukee Mafia, very short with lots of pictures but so interesting, all Sicilians from the same part of Sicily
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 02/15/13 07:38 PM

any books on the purple gang from east harlem?
Posted By: EastHarlemItal

Re: Mafia Books - 02/15/13 07:41 PM

Originally Posted By: cheech
any books on the purple gang from east harlem?


Pleasent Ave Connection, wouldnt call it about Purple Mob. However all the players are focused on in the book. One and only mob book I ever bought! Fairly accurate.
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 02/16/13 02:29 PM

Originally Posted By: Fritzy
I've read, "Gaspipe: Confessions of a Mafia Boss" and it was alright. I chuckled at how Carlo said Gotti had a high IQ because he remembered numbers.

Also, I've read the "Rise and Fall of the Mafia" - a written account off the actual documentary.


I just read Salvatore Polisi's book the "Sinatra Club" and he also claims Gotti was one of the smartest gangsters he ever worked with. It seems there were a few years when Gotti wasn't the idiot he ended up becoming after making himself boss.
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 02/16/13 08:26 PM

Originally Posted By: EastHarlemItal
Originally Posted By: cheech
any books on the purple gang from east harlem?


Pleasent Ave Connection, wouldnt call it about Purple Mob. However all the players are focused on in the book. One and only mob book I ever bought! Fairly accurate.



thanks EH
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 02/17/13 02:09 PM

bought Pleasant Ave Connection today, should have it tuesday before i go on vaca, pumped
Posted By: Dapper_Don

Re: Mafia Books - 02/18/13 07:59 PM

Finally read Making Jack Falcone, great book about the Gambinos especially in the post-Gotti era. Some good stories of how DePalma took care of Gotti Sr in the can, cooked, bathed, and took care of him, etc. In the book they talk about how the Gambinos had 26 captains at the time but the FBI had only identified on their charts 20 capos. Garcia was updating his superiors as to who were the newly made guys/capos.
Posted By: Snakes

Re: Mafia Books - 02/27/13 04:28 PM

Some of my faves:

Five Familes by Raab is without a doubt my favorite and the best book on the mafia I have ever read.

The Outfit by Gus Russo contains some embellishments and flaws but is still probably the best on that particular organization out there. Coen's Family Secrets book is a good one to take us up to the present day.

Genoveses don't have any one book that chronicles their family's history but there are a few good books out there on Luciano and Costello that covers the family in its beginnings. Post Genovese up to Gigante literature is almost non-existant due to the secretive nature of the family but hopefully that will change in the future.

Tons of stuff on the Gambinos is out there. Capeci's book on Gotti and Davis's book on the Gambino family history are not without flaws but are nevertheless good reads.

Volkmann's Gangbusters is a decent summary of the Lucchese family history which really focuses on the Amuso/Casso era. It's a good read but a lot of the dialogue was fabricated to add a little bit to the story.

The Last Godfather by DeStefano and Donnie Brasco by Pistone are both excellent Bonanno crime family studies.

Not much on the Colombos out there - does anyone know of any good stuff on them?
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 03/06/13 06:42 PM

need a book on the genovese...any recommendations?

The Pleasant Ave Connection was a great book...thanks to EHI for recommending it...read it in 3 days
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 03/11/13 11:18 PM

Just bought heard they paint houses and the illustrated history of the New England mafia
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 03/12/13 12:40 AM

Anybody currently reading anything good?
Posted By: Dapper_Don

Re: Mafia Books - 03/12/13 03:10 AM

Mafia Son was pretty good IMO, its about the colombo war and greg scarpa. I met the author at a random book signing in manhattan at a seniors center, lmao. They had some good wine and cheese though.
Posted By: Mick2010

Re: Mafia Books - 03/12/13 07:18 PM

just noticed Capeci has a new one coming out later in the year. "Mob Boss: The Life of Little Al D'Arco, the Man Who Brought Down the Mafia" Could be pretty good.

Reading Little Man (lansky) right now. So farso good, only about 90 pages in so far though. seems very well researched. Recently finished The Road to Hell, about the Hells Angels expansion across Canada and the Quebec biker war. Good read, would recommend to anyone interested in reading about outlaw bikers.
Posted By: Dapper_Don

Re: Mafia Books - 03/13/13 10:47 PM

^^^im VERY MUCH looking forward to that Al D'Arco book. I have been saying I wish he would write one for yrs on these forums.
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 03/14/13 04:10 PM

Anybody ever read Gomorra? about the Camorra in Naples
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 03/22/13 11:27 PM

My copy of The Sixth Family just got to me today from Amazon. I've heard nothing but good things about the book. And I'm already on chapter 3, good read so far.

The Boys Of Chicago Heights: The Forgotten Crew Of The Chicago Outfit is a good book as well, my only gripe would be how short it is. It has a lot of insight about how influential the Chicago Heights crew was during the Capone era. And how they later would bring The Outfit loads of money through they're gambling, illegal poker machines, and the Calumet City strip, where pretty much every club on the strip was under the control of the Chicago Heights crew. They failed to recruit and make new men and after Al Tocco, the crew went pretty much extinct. According to the author, of course.
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 03/23/13 11:34 AM

Let us know how The Sixth is
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 03/23/13 06:52 PM

is it confirmed capeci and d'arco have a book coming out that will be the best book since the massino book.
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 03/24/13 07:51 AM

Originally Posted By: pmac
is it confirmed capeci and d'arco have a book coming out that will be the best book since the massino book.


It is confirmed yes, but if the book will be the best since the Massino book remains to be seen.
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 03/24/13 04:55 PM

Originally Posted By: HairyKnuckles
Originally Posted By: pmac
is it confirmed capeci and d'arco have a book coming out that will be the best book since the massino book.


It is confirmed yes, but if the book will be the best since the Massino book remains to be seen.


So the Massino book is really good?? Which one? Thanks
Posted By: Dapper_Don

Re: Mafia Books - 03/24/13 05:56 PM



This is out October 1, 2013
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 03/24/13 07:34 PM

Coming July 2nd.

Posted By: Dapper_Don

Re: Mafia Books - 03/24/13 07:51 PM

Also July 2

Posted By: Dwalin2011

Re: Mafia Books - 03/24/13 07:59 PM

Originally Posted By: Dapper_Don
Also July 2


Finally something about the Colombos. I especially wonder what version of the Ocera murder does the author support - that it was Orena or that it was Scarpa.
Posted By: Skinny

Re: Mafia Books - 03/24/13 09:13 PM

Originally Posted By: Dapper_Don
Finally read Making Jack Falcone, great book about the Gambinos especially in the post-Gotti era. Some good stories of how DePalma took care of Gotti Sr in the can, cooked, bathed, and took care of him, etc. In the book they talk about how the Gambinos had 26 captains at the time but the FBI had only identified on their charts 20 capos. Garcia was updating his superiors as to who were the newly made guys/capos.


Just picked this up at the library, first mob book ive read, actually pretty enjoyable. Garcia sounds a little full of himself, but i still am enjoying it. Is the Sammy Gravano book any good? Is there a good one on Massino?
Posted By: Dapper_Don

Re: Mafia Books - 03/24/13 09:18 PM

Originally Posted By: Skinny
Originally Posted By: Dapper_Don
Finally read Making Jack Falcone, great book about the Gambinos especially in the post-Gotti era. Some good stories of how DePalma took care of Gotti Sr in the can, cooked, bathed, and took care of him, etc. In the book they talk about how the Gambinos had 26 captains at the time but the FBI had only identified on their charts 20 capos. Garcia was updating his superiors as to who were the newly made guys/capos.


Just picked this up at the library, first mob book ive read, actually pretty enjoyable. Garcia sounds a little full of himself, but i still am enjoying it. Is the Sammy Gravano book any good? Is there a good one on Massino?


The Gravano book is real good, the best book on Massino is King of the Godfathers which is also a great read IMO.
Posted By: Revis_Knicks

Re: Mafia Books - 03/25/13 01:56 AM

Originally Posted By: Dapper_Don


This is out October 1, 2013


That'll be great. Al D'Arco has a great story. And it'll be great to hear his perspective on almost being whacked.
Posted By: LCN1987

Re: Mafia Books - 03/30/13 11:19 AM

Just bought Mafia Prince from ebooks.com. Should be a great read!
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 03/30/13 01:49 PM

didnt enjoy Making Jack Falcone thought it was really poorly written,put it down before finishing it. Definitly looking forward to the Vinny Gorgeous book
Posted By: Rockytony67

Re: Mafia Books - 03/31/13 09:04 AM

Heres some new books

Undercover Cop: How I Brought Down the Real-Life Sopranos



Final Confession: The Unsolved Crimes of Phil Cresta




Animal: The Bloody Rise and Fall of the Mob's Most Feared Assassin





In the Godfather Garden: The Long Life and Times of Richie "The Boot" Boiardo



The Boiardo and Cresta books are already out, I've got them but not read them yet, the other two are out soon.
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 04/01/13 09:18 PM

Can't wait until the D'arco and Scarpa books are out. Little Al was a nut, he sent his own son who was barely out of his teens to do a hit!
Posted By: LCN1987

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/13 02:11 PM

Halfway through "Mafia Prince". Kinda disappointed there wasn't more info on the Salvie Testa hit... I thought maybe Leonetti would spoil some new details on that.

So far so good though. Liking the book and learning a lot about the Philly Mob.
Posted By: EastHarlemItal

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/13 02:14 PM

Try "The Pleasent Avenue Connection" great read!
Posted By: LCN1987

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/13 02:35 PM

Originally Posted By: EastHarlemItal
Try "The Pleasent Avenue Connection" great read!

Woah, look at those prices: http://www.amazon.com/Pleasant-Avenue-Connection-David-Durk/dp/0060111429

tongue
Posted By: EastHarlemItal

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/13 03:40 PM

Yeah it's very expensive! My neighbor actually got a copy of eBay for around $20! It's a luck of the draw type purchase. Cheech from the board bought it and really enjoyed it so its all his much value is placed on the time you have to read.
Posted By: Dwalin2011

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/13 04:43 PM

Just started reading "Animal: The Bloody Rise and Fall of the Mob's Most Feared Assassin". What I don't understand, why does everybody present the people framed by Barboza as martyrs, in this case saying they were like Sacco and Vanzetti? I mean, of course they were innocent of that particular crime, but it's not like they were honest people who were victims of the circumstances, they were gangsters anyway (Tameleo surely was a multiple murderer). While there are people who are really innocent and end up in jail for nothing, it just seems not right to me to present a gangster frame-up as "the most clamorous case of injustice in the USA", as said in some newspapers. I don't condone Barboza's and the corrupt FBI's actions, but still, there are people who deserve to be called "victims of the system" much more than Tameleo and Limone.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/13 07:17 PM

Originally Posted By: LCN1987
Originally Posted By: EastHarlemItal
Try "The Pleasent Avenue Connection" great read!

Woah, look at those prices: http://www.amazon.com/Pleasant-Avenue-Connection-David-Durk/dp/0060111429

tongue


And it was published in 1976 so maybe that's why its so high..
Posted By: Rockytony67

Re: Mafia Books - 04/03/13 05:32 PM

Originally Posted By: Dwalin2011
Just started reading "Animal: The Bloody Rise and Fall of the Mob's Most Feared Assassin". What I don't understand, why does everybody present the people framed by Barboza as martyrs, in this case saying they were like Sacco and Vanzetti? I mean, of course they were innocent of that particular crime, but it's not like they were honest people who were victims of the circumstances, they were gangsters anyway (Tameleo surely was a multiple murderer). While there are people who are really innocent and end up in jail for nothing, it just seems not right to me to present a gangster frame-up as "the most clamorous case of injustice in the USA", as said in some newspapers. I don't condone Barboza's and the corrupt FBI's actions, but still, there are people who deserve to be called "victims of the system" much more than Tameleo and Limone.


What's the book like Dwalin? I've ordered it but not got it yet in the UK, is it about the history of Barboza and the gang wars of the 60's or does it just concentrate on the Tameleo and Limone trial? Thanks Tony
Posted By: Dwalin2011

Re: Mafia Books - 04/03/13 06:17 PM

Originally Posted By: Rockytony67

What's the book like Dwalin? I've ordered it but not got it yet in the UK, is it about the history of Barboza and the gang wars of the 60's or does it just concentrate on the Tameleo and Limone trial? Thanks Tony

I have read only a small part so far, but it seems it isn't just the Tameleo and Limone trial, it's the history of Barboza's whole career.
Posted By: LCN1987

Re: Mafia Books - 04/04/13 02:16 PM

http://www.ebooks.com/458513/king-of-the-godfathers/destefano-anthony/

How's that one?
Posted By: Rockytony67

Re: Mafia Books - 04/05/13 12:42 PM

Originally Posted By: Dwalin2011
Originally Posted By: Rockytony67

What's the book like Dwalin? I've ordered it but not got it yet in the UK, is it about the history of Barboza and the gang wars of the 60's or does it just concentrate on the Tameleo and Limone trial? Thanks Tony

I have read only a small part so far, but it seems it isn't just the Tameleo and Limone trial, it's the history of Barboza's whole career.
Thank You, looking forward to it.
Posted By: EastHarlemItal

Re: Mafia Books - 04/05/13 01:08 PM

You guys all need to spend the money and buy "Pleasent Avenue Connection" it's only like a $100.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 04/05/13 02:23 PM

Originally Posted By: EastHarlemItal
You guys all need to spend the money and buy "Pleasent Avenue Connection" it's only like a $100.


I would if it was available on Kindle.

DP
Posted By: EastHarlemItal

Re: Mafia Books - 04/05/13 02:25 PM

Oh a fancy guy! I don't have those big connections like you and can't afford a Kindle! I bet you got yours that "fell off the back of a truck" your an OG!
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 04/05/13 02:34 PM

Originally Posted By: EastHarlemItal
On a fancy guy! I don't have those big connections like you and can't afford a Kindle! I bet you got yours that "fell off the back of a truck" your an OG!


Whatever, no prob. As long as you guys are enjoying yourselves.

Not sure what OG is but no worries. And again, I dont know who the poster is you think I am.

Bye the way, to my knowlege, the only thing I ever got that fell off the back of a truck is a broken hand.

DP
Posted By: EastHarlemItal

Re: Mafia Books - 04/05/13 02:46 PM

You guys? I don't speak for all of Harlem?

OG means Original Gansta!


A big Teamster like you has good insurance and I bet you milked the disability payments like I do!
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 04/06/13 12:04 AM

Originally Posted By: EastHarlemItal
You guys? I don't speak for all of Harlem?

OG means Original Gansta!


A big Teamster like you has good insurance and I bet you milked the disability payments like I do!


I did not mean Harlem, I meant you guys as in Skinny, Dicknose, you and whoever else insist I am someone i do not know.. Here is the latest message I recieved from the welcoming commitee. Nice.

No Worries, Completely done with your group of hyenas.

DP


#77267 - Today at 10:56 AM Re: Liar
Skinny
X

Underboss
Registered: 01/02/13
Posts: 861

Loc: North Jersey
Im gonna bitch slap you until you shit ur pants u little pussy. Ill stick a pipe up ur lubed up asshole u fa***t fuck.

If i look at ur ip address you will be in europe or the midwest. Why? Bc ur a fuckin fake. U scared to see me bro? Im gonna get ur ipn, and if ur actually in midwood ill go sneak into ur house and clean out ur rectum with a machete.

Top Reply Quote Quick Reply Quick Quote Email Topic
Unread By: none
Posted By: BarrettM

Re: Mafia Books - 04/06/13 06:01 AM

Just ordered and received 'Cigar City' Mafia and 'Kids for Cash' (OC-related).

Cigar City Mafia so far the perfect mafia book. Factual, straight to the point, and loaded with non=biased information. Wonderful and effortlessly connects the many eras of the mafia. From the mafia's inception to Prohibition all the way to its many contacts in politics and other gangs, it's looking very, very good. Recommended. Also reading 'The Last Mafioso' but you can find plenty of reviews on that.

I ordered Mafia Kingfish to read that also but it's yet to come in the mail.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 04/06/13 08:32 AM

Originally Posted By: DuesPaid
Originally Posted By: EastHarlemItal
You guys? I don't speak for all of Harlem?

OG means Original Gansta!


A big Teamster like you has good insurance and I bet you milked the disability payments like I do!


I did not mean Harlem, I meant you guys as in Skinny, Dicknose, you and whoever else insist I am someone i do not know.. Here is the latest message I recieved from the welcoming commitee. Nice.

No Worries, Completely done with your group of hyenas.

DP


#77267 - Today at 10:56 AM Re: Liar
Skinny
X

Underboss
Registered: 01/02/13
Posts: 861

Loc: North Jersey
Im gonna bitch slap you until you shit ur pants u little pussy. Ill stick a pipe up ur lubed up asshole u fa***t fuck.

If i look at ur ip address you will be in europe or the midwest. Why? Bc ur a fuckin fake. U scared to see me bro? Im gonna get ur ipn, and if ur actually in midwood ill go sneak into ur house and clean out ur rectum with a machete.

Top Reply Quote Quick Reply Quick Quote Email Topic
Unread By: none


Looks like it's been written by a 12 year old, take no notice..
Posted By: LCN1987

Re: Mafia Books - 04/06/13 09:46 AM

I went ahead and ordered a kindle paperback. What the hell, it's the future and I love reading ebooks on my Ipad.
Posted By: Dwalin2011

Re: Mafia Books - 04/06/13 10:31 AM

Originally Posted By: LCN1987
I went ahead and ordered a kindle paperback. What the hell, it's the future and I love reading ebooks on my Ipad.

To be honest, even if one prefers to read on paper, I think it's better to buy a kindle ebook anyway, because you can print it immediately after buying, while if you buy a normal book, you have to wait for the arrival, I personally never have enough patience.
Posted By: LCN1987

Re: Mafia Books - 04/06/13 10:35 AM

Originally Posted By: Dwalin2011
Originally Posted By: LCN1987
I went ahead and ordered a kindle paperback. What the hell, it's the future and I love reading ebooks on my Ipad.

To be honest, even if one prefers to read on paper, I think it's better to buy a kindle ebook anyway, because you can print it immediately after buying, while if you buy a normal book, you have to wait for the arrival, I personally never have enough patience.

My exact sentiments, too. They have an amazing amount of ebooks, too! Fuck the waiting, with Kindle you're good to go in an instant smile
Posted By: Dwalin2011

Re: Mafia Books - 04/06/13 11:15 AM

Could somebody suggest the best book about Whitey Bulger and the Boston Irish mob? There seem to be quite a lot, which is the most detailed and true to reality?
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 04/06/13 02:34 PM

Originally Posted By: Dwalin2011
Originally Posted By: LCN1987
I went ahead and ordered a kindle paperback. What the hell, it's the future and I love reading ebooks on my Ipad.

To be honest, even if one prefers to read on paper, I think it's better to buy a kindle ebook anyway, because you can print it immediately after buying, while if you buy a normal book, you have to wait for the arrival, I personally never have enough patience.


My wife gave me my Kindle a while ago for a gift and I can tell you I really did not want it since I felt at the time, I could never part from having and holding the actual Printed Book. I am now to the point I cannot go anywhere without my Kindle.

DP
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 04/06/13 10:56 PM

I much prefer to read a book and proudly have all my books on a shelf, you can easily lose the kindle or it crashes and then what will you do.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 04/07/13 02:04 AM

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
I much prefer to read a book and proudly have all my books on a shelf, you can easily lose the kindle or it crashes and then what will you do.


I agree, and sometimes look at all the books I have on my bookcase and think, "look at these great books" what a collections. But you know what?...someone will through them in the recyclables one day.
The E Reader will become a new "Library Hand me Down".

I my self would rather a hard copy fully stacked Library with collectable books left to me but I think one day people will be giving their fully stocked underegisterd Kindles to who they choose, for use as prepaid, without expiration.

DP
Posted By: LCN1987

Re: Mafia Books - 04/07/13 10:04 AM

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
I much prefer to read a book and proudly have all my books on a shelf, you can easily lose the kindle or it crashes and then what will you do.

Personally, I've never lost a phone or an electronic device ever as I am very careful. Crashing? Not very common with kindles according to reviews, but if that were to happen a simple reboot would do the trick. It's nice owning a copy of a book but in the end after you read it it just sits on a shelf, takes up space and collects dust.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 04/07/13 02:04 PM

Always a first time LCN.. wink
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 04/09/13 01:01 PM

Originally Posted By: Dapper_Don
Originally Posted By: Skinny
Originally Posted By: Dapper_Don
Finally read Making Jack Falcone, great book about the Gambinos especially in the post-Gotti era. Some good stories of how DePalma took care of Gotti Sr in the can, cooked, bathed, and took care of him, etc. In the book they talk about how the Gambinos had 26 captains at the time but the FBI had only identified on their charts 20 capos. Garcia was updating his superiors as to who were the newly made guys/capos.


Just picked this up at the library, first mob book ive read, actually pretty enjoyable. Garcia sounds a little full of himself, but i still am enjoying it. Is the Sammy Gravano book any good? Is there a good one on Massino?


The Gravano book is real good, the best book on Massino is King of the Godfathers which is also a great read IMO.


I read King of the Godfathers and it is excellent, however I also just read THe last Godfather- rise and fall of Joe Massino by Simon Crittle. There is a little duplication, but Crittle's book adds a lot of detail and new information and is the perfect supplement to "King"
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 04/09/13 05:07 PM

Originally Posted By: EastHarlemItal
You guys all need to spend the money and buy "Pleasent Avenue Connection" it's only like a $100.



great book
Posted By: Rockytony67

Re: Mafia Books - 04/09/13 05:49 PM



The Rifleman.

About half way though the book and it's a good read, if you like to read the testimony of Flemmi's views of what went on and why, it's basically his version of every murder he committed or was involved in,and it's got some good pictures, obviously he makes himself out the good guy but there are no good guys in this story, I have it on Kindle and I think at the moment that's the only version availablecry but if you want a factual account of the Boston gang wars(at least according to Flemmi wink ) it's a good read.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 04/09/13 11:54 PM

Agree, good read.

DP
Posted By: Dwalin2011

Re: Mafia Books - 04/11/13 10:05 AM

Has anybody read DeVecchio's "We're Going to Win This Thing"? It's surely full of lies about him being completely innocent and oblivious to what Scarpa did, but apart from that is there any information about the Colombos worth reading in this book?
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 04/11/13 12:30 PM

Just finished The Hit Man by Ralphh Cipriano, the story of John Veasy who did 2 hits for the Philly family. A quick read, but I an just wondering about the accuracy of everything. Seems to me he got made real quick and can't document whether his father is Itaian as he never knew him. What do you guys know about him ???
Posted By: Mick2010

Re: Mafia Books - 04/11/13 06:50 PM

Originally Posted By: Dapper_Don


This is out October 1, 2013


coming out on the same day is The Quiet Don: The Untold Story of Mafia Kingpin Russell Bufalino.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Quiet-Don-Kingpin-Bufalino/dp/0425266850/ref=zg_bsnr_271636011_76


there is also a Joe Colombo book coming out on July 1st titled Head of the Family. Its written hy his son Anthony.
Posted By: EastHarlemItal

Re: Mafia Books - 04/11/13 07:14 PM

Save your money, just go buy "Pleasent Avenue Connection"

Ask Cheech he will tell you!
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 04/11/13 07:54 PM

Originally Posted By: EastHarlemItal
Save your money, just go buy "Pleasent Avenue Connection"

Ask Cheech he will tell you!



true story
Posted By: Mick2010

Re: Mafia Books - 04/11/13 09:13 PM

lol, do you know how many books I could buy for the cost of one used Pleasant Avenue Connection? Its a shame these amazon book sellers are so damn greedy.
Posted By: EastHarlemItal

Re: Mafia Books - 04/11/13 09:14 PM

You'll never have to buy another one after reading Pleasent Ave! You'll actually save money in the long run! Those were serious guys who knew the game!
Posted By: EastHarlemItal

Re: Mafia Books - 04/11/13 09:15 PM

Look on eBay! You might get lucky
Posted By: conopizza

Re: Mafia Books - 04/12/13 05:12 PM

The secret weapon on Little Al book is Tom Robbins, a great NYC reporter who's now somewhat forgotten because he went down with the now decrepit Village Voice, though gangsterbb folk will remember him as the key player in torpedoed the Lin Delvecchio trial--

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/02/nyregion/02mob.html?_r=0

http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/30/45/30_45tomrobbins.html

Capeci knows his shit, of course, but Robbins is a more nuanced writer, I think, so the collaboration should be top notch.



Originally Posted By: Mick2010
Originally Posted By: Dapper_Don


This is out October 1, 2013


coming out on the same day is The Quiet Don: The Untold Story of Mafia Kingpin Russell Bufalino.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Quiet-Don-Kingpin-Bufalino/dp/0425266850/ref=zg_bsnr_271636011_76


there is also a Joe Colombo book coming out on July 1st titled Head of the Family. Its written hy his son Anthony.
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 04/14/13 12:08 AM

Just finished blood oath by fresolone. Got it on amazon used for a buck. Anybody else read it? Curious your thoughts! He said Nicky s whacked joeys father. Not sure if it was a misquote meaning he tried to. Makes me wonder any other holes in his story. He makes himself out to be a big shot like they all do when they rat and right a book. He actually contradicts leonetti a little bit. Said leonetti loved to kill and had a reputation as such. Recently leonetti tried to play that down. Also never really knew about this cousin Anthony till I read the book. Also t
Says Phil and his mom took over a million from the house from Nicky and Nicky jr

Curious to hear any feedback
Posted By: bronx

Re: Mafia Books - 04/14/13 12:42 AM

if anthony colombo tells the truth , should be great..but he will not tell all
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 04/22/13 09:35 PM

Reading The Last Godfathers by John Follain about Corleonesi bosses Michele Navarra,Luciano Leggio,Toto Riina,and Bernardo Provenzano. Awesome read so far every time I pick it up hard to put down. Always loved reading about the Corleone guys they were goddamn animals
Posted By: short841

Re: Mafia Books - 05/02/13 04:42 PM

any books on the Ndrangheta?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 05/02/13 10:02 PM

Who??
Posted By: carmela

Re: Mafia Books - 05/02/13 10:24 PM

Originally Posted By: short841
any books on the Ndrangheta?


Somebody mentioned one by John Dickie awhile back. "Mafia Brotherhoods".
Although, it was about the 3 major Italian mafias, not just 'Ndrangheta.
Posted By: short841

Re: Mafia Books - 05/03/13 10:21 AM

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blood-Ties-Ndrangheta-Italys-Mafia/dp/1447205626/ref=pd_cp_b_0

Thanks Carmela
I've seen this but that is all. I would like to read one about the recent times not the history. One which talks about the german massacre etc.
Posted By: Sonny_Black

Re: Mafia Books - 05/08/13 07:43 PM

Only thing that bothers me about John Dickie is that he can't pronounce 'Ndrangheta right. Being the expert he should know how to pronounce it.
Posted By: LouietheJap

Re: Mafia Books - 05/08/13 09:11 PM

Can i find books on bootleg on the internet? Something like Google Book but a full free version... namean
Posted By: B_A_

Re: Mafia Books - 05/10/13 01:21 AM

I always wondered about that. He emphasises the N a lot, but when I heard the word pronounced for the first time by an Italian, he didn't. And I really don't know who to trust in this matter.
Could an Italian assist as to how the RP way of saying 'Ndrangheta should be?
Posted By: bostonattorney

Re: Mafia Books - 05/10/13 01:48 AM

Check out Mississippi Mud by Edward Humes. About organized crime in Mississippi. Best book I have ever read!
Posted By: carmela

Re: Mafia Books - 05/10/13 01:52 AM

Originally Posted By: B_A_
I always wondered about that. He emphasises the N a lot, but when I heard the word pronounced for the first time by an Italian, he didn't. And I really don't know who to trust in this matter.
Could an Italian assist as to how the RP way of saying 'Ndrangheta should be?


in DRAN gay ta. Of course, you roll the r. Dickie butchers the word altogether just like he does when he says, "mafia". lol He says MAAAAAfia. Sounds like a baby wailing. All Brits say it that way. Actually, he sounds much better when he speaks Italian.
Posted By: DickNose_Moltasanti

Re: Mafia Books - 05/10/13 01:57 AM

Originally Posted By: LouietheJap
Can i find books on bootleg on the internet? Something like Google Book but a full free version... namean


Ya I Na wutyamean bro
Posted By: B_A_

Re: Mafia Books - 05/10/13 02:02 AM

Yes, that what I always thought, but Dickie made me doubt it, thanks. But then again, you're not really Italian,are you ;-).

-edit- DRAN gay ta, I thought 'Dran ge (as in 'get') ta'? Not that I'm homophobic btw.
Posted By: carmela

Re: Mafia Books - 05/10/13 02:05 AM

Originally Posted By: B_A_
Yes, that what I always thought, but Dickie made me doubt it, thanks. But then again, you're not really Italian,are you ;-).


Only my father is from Sicily. My mother is not. But my husband is born and raised in Sicily, so I know a thing or two about the language. wink
Posted By: DickNose_Moltasanti

Re: Mafia Books - 05/10/13 02:11 AM

Originally Posted By: carmela
Originally Posted By: B_A_
Yes, that what I always thought, but Dickie made me doubt it, thanks. But then again, you're not really Italian,are you ;-).


Only my father is from Sicily. My mother is not. But my husband is born and raised in Sicily, so I know a thing or two about the language. wink


Say What?


Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 05/10/13 02:24 PM

Rogue Mobster: The untold story of Mark Silverman and the New England Mafia

Just finished reading it,was about $10 on kindle. Definitely a good book one of my favorites
Posted By: Sonny_Black

Re: Mafia Books - 05/10/13 11:12 PM

Originally Posted By: B_A_
I always wondered about that. He emphasises the N a lot, but when I heard the word pronounced for the first time by an Italian, he didn't. And I really don't know who to trust in this matter.
Could an Italian assist as to how the RP way of saying 'Ndrangheta should be?


I've heard Italian pronounce it as Nuhdrangheta. Dickie pronounces it as ENdrangheta,
Posted By: carmela

Re: Mafia Books - 05/10/13 11:22 PM

Originally Posted By: B_A_
Yes, that what I always thought, but Dickie made me doubt it, thanks. But then again, you're not really Italian,are you ;-).

-edit- DRAN gay ta, I thought 'Dran ge (as in 'get') ta'? Not that I'm homophobic btw.


You're absolutely right, sorry about that. I assume you'd put the "in" at the front, though.
Posted By: Dapper_Don

Re: Mafia Books - 05/14/13 12:58 AM

Originally Posted By: southend
Rogue Mobster: The untold story of Mark Silverman and the New England Mafia

Just finished reading it,was about $10 on kindle. Definitely a good book one of my favorites


was it ever really confirmed that guy was actually made as he claimed? the first jewish made guy...
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 05/16/13 02:32 PM

Originally Posted By: Dapper_Don
Originally Posted By: southend
Rogue Mobster: The untold story of Mark Silverman and the New England Mafia

Just finished reading it,was about $10 on kindle. Definitely a good book one of my favorites


was it ever really confirmed that guy was actually made as he claimed? the first jewish made guy...


No, and I don't think I believe him either. The circumstances of why he says he got made are somewhat farfetched and its hard to believe the mob would make him for the reasons he gives. Claims to be 50% Jew/50% Sicillian
Posted By: Skinny

Re: Mafia Books - 05/31/13 01:12 AM

I just got that book by Andy Didonato, Surviving the mob off some file sharing website lol... Im actually enjoying it a lot, its sparking up this interest in brooklyn guys ive never had before. Im sure its biased to a point as all are in some way, but its pretty good so far. I havent come to the part yet where he skirts the blame for being a rat onto someone else, but so far so good. Im about halfway through the book and so far he REALLY hates Nicky Corozzo... Makes him out to be the worlds biggest asshole. AD sounds like a hothead with a short temper and a lot to prove but at least hes honest about it. He sounds more or less sincere in it.... Its funny i also know the kids of two guys in the book
Posted By: elmwoodparker

Re: Mafia Books - 06/02/13 11:51 PM

Skinny, The Book you got is good but you should really check out Donnie Brasco. The book is actually about an undercover agent infiltrating the Bonnano Family in the late 1970's. It's completely realistic because it's a Federal investigation. it gives a very realistic view of the Bonnano Family and also a couple of the other Families. Check it out. You'll like it.
Posted By: Torrie1

Re: Mafia Books - 06/03/13 12:53 AM

Just read Mafia Wife very good and sounds truthful. It's from a different perspective.
Posted By: short841

Re: Mafia Books - 06/03/13 02:17 PM

Anyone read Mob Boss yet? any good?
Posted By: Skinny

Re: Mafia Books - 06/03/13 11:43 PM

Short? The one about joe massino?
Posted By: short841

Re: Mafia Books - 06/04/13 04:23 PM

no sorry, I meant the D'Arco one
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 06/04/13 08:00 PM

reading contract killer right now about the greek and just bought Mob Girl: A Woman's Life in the Underworld
Carpenter, Teresa
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 06/04/13 08:00 PM

and bought this but it hasnt come yet

Looking For Closure: The Theresa Ferrara Story
Stewart, Maria
Posted By: joisy_mike

Re: Mafia Books - 06/05/13 01:09 AM

With books like "Pleasant Avenue Connection", try your local library. Most of them now participate in Worldcat (http://npl.worldcat.org). I just found a copy in my own town at Lipscomb University. There are copies available all across the country. Just go to your library and they will inter-library loan it.

=m
Posted By: Bumpy_johnson

Re: Mafia Books - 06/05/13 05:11 AM

Just finished reading the sixth family by Marino Amoruso want bad!
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 06/05/13 04:27 PM

Originally Posted By: joisy_mike
With books like "Pleasant Avenue Connection", try your local library. Most of them now participate in Worldcat (http://npl.worldcat.org). I just found a copy in my own town at Lipscomb University. There are copies available all across the country. Just go to your library and they will inter-library loan it.

=m



lost my library card due to never returning any books lol
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 06/12/13 12:12 PM

Just finished RIFLEMAN:The Untold Story of Stevie Flemmi, Whitey Bulgers Partner -- Hands down the best Boston book out right now. I was hesitant at first to buy it because I just wasn't up for another account of the same old Whitey&Stevie story all over again. Luckily I was wrong and I realized practically right away it wasn't the same old story. Really interesting story that takes you through Flemmi' s earlier days as a store owner and bookie operating under Wimpy Bennett to when he first hooks up with Whitey, to the end of it all and Stevie's eventual arrest/exposure as a rat/trial/testimony. And all the murders and mayhem in between with details never released before. Awesome book,recommend it.
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 06/12/13 12:28 PM

Just started HITMAN about Johnny Martorano. So far just as good as the Flemmi book
Posted By: cornerkid

Re: Mafia Books - 06/12/13 04:32 PM

i read Hitman last month, Carr has a hard on for Martorano..still pretty good though. Who wrote the Flemmi book?
Posted By: Joerusso

Re: Mafia Books - 06/12/13 04:54 PM

howie carr wrote the rifleman hitman was a very good book recommend it and read the last rites about the boston war the author was real accurate im going get the rifleman soon
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 06/13/13 02:04 PM

Originally Posted By: cornerkid
i read Hitman last month, Carr has a hard on for Martorano..still pretty good though. Who wrote the Flemmi book?


I agree. As a person I'm not a fan of his but Carr does pretty good when he writes about Boston OC
Posted By: FunnyHow

Re: Mafia Books - 06/14/13 04:11 PM

I want to start reading up on the mafia. I am very interested in it. What books should I start off with to get a good grip on the subject? I was thinking of starting with Italian gangsters, then reading about prohibition and Jewish gangsters, then eventually Irish gangsters. Is this a good reading plan:

- Five Families: The Rise, Decline, and Resurgence of America's Most Powerful Mafia Empires (Selwyn Raab)

- The First Family: Terror, Extortion, Revenge, Murder and The Birth of the American Mafia (Mike Dash)

- Cosa Nostra: A History of the Sicilian Mafia (John Dickie)

- The Starker: Big Jack Zelig, the Becker-Rosenthal Case, and the Advent of the Jewish Gangster (Rose Keefe)

- Mr. Capone (Robert J Schoenberg)/Capone: The Life and World of Al Capone (John Kobler) [Which one is better? Or another Capone book?]

- [Prohibition books-- maybe this?] Prohibition Gangsters: The Rise and Fall of a Bad Generation (Mark Mappen)

- Eventually some T.J. English books



Any advice is welcome on what books (or even documentaries to watch on Netflix) to widen my gangster expertise.
Posted By: Camarel

Re: Mafia Books - 06/14/13 06:25 PM

Originally Posted By: FunnyHow
I want to start reading up on the mafia. I am very interested in it. What books should I start off with to get a good grip on the subject? I was thinking of starting with Italian gangsters, then reading about prohibition and Jewish gangsters, then eventually Irish gangsters. Is this a good reading plan:

- Five Families: The Rise, Decline, and Resurgence of America's Most Powerful Mafia Empires (Selwyn Raab)

- The First Family: Terror, Extortion, Revenge, Murder and The Birth of the American Mafia (Mike Dash)

- Cosa Nostra: A History of the Sicilian Mafia (John Dickie)

- The Starker: Big Jack Zelig, the Becker-Rosenthal Case, and the Advent of the Jewish Gangster (Rose Keefe)

- Mr. Capone (Robert J Schoenberg)/Capone: The Life and World of Al Capone (John Kobler) [Which one is better? Or another Capone book?]

- [Prohibition books-- maybe this?] Prohibition Gangsters: The Rise and Fall of a Bad Generation (Mark Mappen)

- Eventually some T.J. English books



Any advice is welcome on what books (or even documentaries to watch on Netflix) to widen my gangster expertise.


I haven't read all of those books so i can't comment on all of the books but you should start with five families imo.
Posted By: FunnyHow

Re: Mafia Books - 06/14/13 07:31 PM

That's what I planned on doing. I heard it's a good overview of the five families. I have been looking up lists of the best gangster books, and I picked out ones that were rated very well and seemed to fit with what I wanted to read.
Posted By: dacoO

Re: Mafia Books - 06/18/13 07:40 PM

Can you recommend me a good book that will provide me a good knowledge about Sicilian mafia?


Thanks.
Posted By: bladerkeks

Re: Mafia Books - 06/18/13 09:32 PM

john dickie: Cosa Nostra: A History Of The Sicilian Mafia
Posted By: Dapper_Don

Re: Mafia Books - 06/21/13 12:42 AM


The above color rendition of the mug shot of Vincent Basciano was done by New York art dealer and artist Diana Saez to commemorate publication of the book. This is NOT the cover or title of the new book, which is titled "Vinny Gorgeous: The Ugly Rise and Fall of A New York Mobster."

http://tonydestefano.com/id3.html
Posted By: Stevedaman

Re: Mafia Books - 06/21/13 01:21 PM

American desperado: story told by Jon Roberts about his involvement in drug trafficking in the 80s. The son of a new York wiseguy with a really good story. Took me a week to finish and it was an incredible read. Cocaine cowboys the movie from
2009 is based on this book. highly recommend it

Gonna start two more. Double deal : the inside story of murder, unbridled corruption, and the cop who was a mobster and GASPIPE: Confessions of a mafia boss

Will let you guys know if it's worth reading or not... Give me a week
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 06/24/13 01:53 PM

Originally Posted By: Stevedaman
American desperado: story told by Jon Roberts about his involvement in drug trafficking in the 80s. The son of a new York wiseguy with a really good story. Took me a week to finish and it was an incredible read. Cocaine cowboys the movie from
2009 is based on this book. highly recommend it



I just read a free sample of it on kindle fire, so far so good. So you say it's well worth it? I'll take your word on that and go for it, because Cocaine Cowboys was one of my favorite docu's ever. Jon's was a story I had always wanted to know more about since seeing him in the documentary talking about being involved with a mob crew in NY then his buddy got murdered and him moving down to Miami. Looking forward to this book. Thanks for your brief input
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 06/24/13 01:54 PM

Oh and you'll love GASPIPE. Really good book. And Double Deal, that's a Chicago book if im not mistaken? I see it on the shelf at the library but have only skimmed thru it, lots of good color pictures of all the interesting outfit guys like accardo and giancana, ricca. let me know!
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 06/25/13 11:13 PM

went to my library they got pleasant ave connection sent from bangor maine down to Worcester mass that was cool, ebay wants 100+$ for the book its only 175pages long. its ok its mostly about corrupt cops ala serpico's book the author a cop was serpico's friend.t its start off with a old man informant trying to look out for his son from becoming a runner of herion on pleasant ave. not so much a mob book. yeh all the guys on pleasnt ended up doing a ton of time and became memebers. the guy johnny echoes does 20 yrs comes out in 1995 gets bagged again selling herion in 1997 with the same guys who been getting busted seeling h since carmine galante and them in the 1950's kinda sad.what happen to the money. the main villain is ernie boy.
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 06/29/13 01:33 PM

over $100 for pleasant ave connection wtf?
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 06/30/13 04:30 AM

Just got the heist about Lufthansa and a book about the pizza connection

Pleasant avenue was good. I liked it. Hard to get because its out of print.
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 06/30/13 11:34 AM

Cheech what'd u grab, Last Days of the Sicilians? Good stuff
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 06/30/13 11:35 AM

……goes into detail on all the players. All of them. Crazy actually how they were all bein watched practically the whole time
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 06/30/13 02:39 PM

No but I'll look that up its just called the pizza connection by shana Alexander
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 06/30/13 02:42 PM

Just bought it used for a penny on amazon. Thanks south
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 06/30/13 02:44 PM

Originally Posted By: Stevedaman
American desperado: story told by Jon Roberts about his involvement in drug trafficking in the 80s. The son of a new York wiseguy with a really good story. Took me a week to finish and it was an incredible read. Cocaine cowboys the movie from
2009 is based on this book. highly recommend it

Gonna start two more. Double deal : the inside story of murder, unbridled corruption, and the cop who was a mobster and GASPIPE: Confessions of a mafia boss

Will let you guys know if it's worth reading or not... Give me a week




American desperado is my top 2 true crime books I have ever read. Best part is the author researched everything and included footnotes on everything Jon said. Super interesting
Posted By: caprese

Re: Mafia Books - 07/01/13 12:51 PM

I too recently read Rogue Mobster. It was a great book. It was very unique as it wasn't the same ole same ole i've read in all other books. Was about the Renegade war of the 90's in Boston. Wish there were more books about this little war out there. couldn't put it down... I actually got shit loads of cardio in that week and lost a good 5 pounds!
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 07/01/13 12:58 PM

does it talk about billy grasso at all?
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 07/01/13 02:22 PM

it actually may mention him but only to say how he was murdered. Rogue Mobster was a great book as far as providing insight on organized crime historically in New England, mainly Boston/Rhode Island. But he does talk about how Cufari, Scibelli, and others ran Springfield, and other prominent wiseguys from other areas of Massachusetts and New England.
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 07/01/13 02:34 PM

never anything about CT!!
Posted By: caprese

Re: Mafia Books - 07/01/13 05:40 PM

Ya there wasn't to much about CT. They did very breifly, like a couple of paragraphs about skyball and how the Genovese influence in CT. What I found interesting about the book is how it explained something I heard of back in the day but never knew if it was shit talk or for real and that is how the Luchesses & Gambinos backed the renegade faction to take over leadership so they can have greater control over New England than the Genovese's very interesting stuff. I heard these rumors back in the 90's but kind of dismissed it cheap talk, but I guess it was for real! Awesome book. Check it out.
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 07/01/13 07:05 PM

from what i know back in the day it was the jersey genevese crew that controlled most of CT which i find interesting

but thats just neighborhood talk, not sure how true
Posted By: jace

Re: Mafia Books - 07/02/13 07:57 AM

Just started book titled "I'll Do My Own Damn Killin" by Gary Sleeper. It's about Mafia in Vegas. Looks very good, and contains a lot of information on feuds they had with local Vegas mobsters.
Posted By: EVL

Re: Mafia Books - 07/07/13 05:39 AM

Murder Machine! Anything by Capeci and Destefano - I'd start there... Definitely Raab's FF...
Posted By: EVL

Re: Mafia Books - 07/07/13 05:45 AM

I just stumbled across Born to the Mob -- interesting stuff about Phil Lucky. A lot of Bonanno heavyweights started in his crew : Basciano, Pitera, current acting boss who Phil through out of his crew.

I am researching a story I want to write that goes into detail regarding what the deal was with that Bonanno three-capo revolt that Massino and Sonny Black put down.... anyone have any leads? Id appreciate it!
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 07/07/13 11:01 AM

Originally Posted By: EVL
I just stumbled across Born to the Mob -- interesting stuff about Phil Lucky. A lot of Bonanno heavyweights started in his crew : Basciano, Pitera, current acting boss who Phil through out of his crew.

I am researching a story I want to write that goes into detail regarding what the deal was with that Bonanno three-capo revolt that Massino and Sonny Black put down.... anyone have any leads? Id appreciate it!


That would be an extremely interesting story to read. Some time ago, me myself tried to dig up some interesting aspects of the situation but found it hard to come across anything new that´s not known already. I´ve looked for old articles covering the 3 capo´s dispute with Rastelli but there is not much there. I haven´t checked Ny Times´archives because I don´t have access to it. If you have access to it, I´d suggest you do a search there. Perhaps you´ll find something of interest that might give you a lead for the story.

Good luck Ed.
Posted By: Mob_Scribe

Re: Mafia Books - 07/07/13 01:54 PM

The "Last Godfather" and "King of The Godfathers "by DeStefano has a chapter on the three captains and some photos. The new Vinny Gorgeous book by DeStefano has some stuff on it. Basciano was Trinchera's driver for a while.
Posted By: Lenin_and_McCarthy

Re: Mafia Books - 07/08/13 10:46 PM

Does Vinny Gorgeous go into how Massino said the Napolitano hit had nothing to do with Brasco? Haven't gotten to take a look yet.
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 07/09/13 02:01 PM

Originally Posted By: Mob_Scribe
The "Last Godfather" and "King of The Godfathers "by DeStefano has a chapter on the three captains and some photos. The new Vinny Gorgeous book by DeStefano has some stuff on it. Basciano was Trinchera's driver for a while.


I guess that would explain why Basciano is seen in those wedding photos with the 3 capos, sitting next to Big Dom Trinchera
Posted By: BKLYN2NASSAU

Re: Mafia Books - 07/14/13 08:49 AM

Almost done. With the new vinnny gorgeous book. It's decent so far but Destefanos writing style is getting on my nerves , reminds me of Carlos style of repeating the same thing over and over. Can't really blame massino for ratting I think he's smart enough to realize American LCN is finished and now his loyalty is to his family where it should of been all along
Posted By: Mick2010

Re: Mafia Books - 07/14/13 04:42 PM

Originally Posted By: BKLYN2NASSAU
Almost done. With the new vinnny gorgeous book. It's decent so far but Destefanos writing style is getting on my nerves , reminds me of Carlos style of repeating the same thing over and over. Can't really blame massino for ratting I think he's smart enough to realize American LCN is finished and now his loyalty is to his family where it should of been all along


Tell me its at least better than Mob Killer. The entire second half of the book was just a repeat of the first half, except now the stories are being told in court. Hands down one of the top 5 worst OC books I have ever read. Such a letdown. King of the Godfathers was much better though, although that book could still have been better too.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 07/15/13 03:44 AM

I live close to a barnes n noble the new scarpa book is great. I read a couple chapters and leave 30bucks is steep. bot the aurthor got vic orean's kids giving there take on every little thing scarpa did in the Colombo war. he got larry mazza this guy did his work he got a lot of goons giving there 2 cents. researched as good as rabb's 5 families. sessa was a pawn scarpa a genius. hope no one tkes the last copy out the store, he looks at the Colombo war from every angle.greg jr. the orenas,sessa,casso. caaso told oreana when he became boss scarpa's a informer the cops told him. this is a great book.
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 07/15/13 10:09 AM

Originally Posted By: pmac
I live close to a barnes n noble the new scarpa book is great. I read a couple chapters and leave 30bucks is steep. bot the aurthor got vic orean's kids giving there take on every little thing scarpa did in the Colombo war. he got larry mazza this guy did his work he got a lot of goons giving there 2 cents. researched as good as rabb's 5 families. sessa was a pawn scarpa a genius. hope no one tkes the last copy out the store, he looks at the Colombo war from every angle.greg jr. the orenas,sessa,casso. caaso told oreana when he became boss scarpa's a informer the cops told him. this is a great book.


The book is based on the Scarpa files.

There is a dispute going on right now as we speak, between the author (Peter Lance) and Angela Clemente on who should be credited on the research for the book. Lance is claiming that he helped Clemente with optaining the files (and some other stuff), while Clemente "accuses" Lance of stealing her work.

I haven´t picked up the book. Perhaps because I feel for Angela Clemente and her side of the story. If she decides to write a book on Scarpa, that´s the one I will be picking up.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 07/15/13 02:42 PM

Originally Posted By: BKLYN2NASSAU
Almost done. With the new vinnny gorgeous book. It's decent so far but Destefanos writing style is getting on my nerves , reminds me of Carlos style of repeating the same thing over and over. Can't really blame massino for ratting I think he's smart enough to realize American LCN is finished and now his loyalty is to his family where it should of been all along


Agree with Bklyn regarding the writers style. I was really looking forward to this book, but half way through couldn't wait to finish it. Could have featured a lot more photos. With the mob now falling apart, I suspect we will see fewer good books. Waiting for the D'Arco book now
Posted By: Tony_Pro

Re: Mafia Books - 07/16/13 10:20 PM

I tried to search for a post on this one, but I just picked up Mafia Dynasty by John H. Davis (author of Mafia Kingfish-about Marcello, this one is a general history of the Gambinos). Has anyone read it? What do you think?

Just a chapter in and I'm thinking where he got all of this background info on Don Carlo? Probably relatives.
Posted By: Tony_Pro

Re: Mafia Books - 07/17/13 10:30 PM

Originally Posted By: Tony_Pro
I tried to search for a post on this one, but I just picked up Mafia Dynasty by John H. Davis (author of Mafia Kingfish-about Marcello, this one is a general history of the Gambinos). Has anyone read it? What do you think?

Just a chapter in and I'm thinking where he got all of this background info on Don Carlo? Probably relatives.



Barely a hundred pages in and this book is already turning south. According to Davis, Carmine Galante, "boss of the Bannano family", was at Apalachin. He further speculates wildly about Apalachin, writing that the state police may have been tipped-off by Frank Costello, a double-crossing Carlo Gambio and Meyer Lansky (and Marcello to boot) to embarrass and cause trouble for Genovese. Why they would jeoprodize every other boss in the country to just get back at Genovese the author doesn't address. He just tells us that it may have been a set-up because a bunch of Cosa Nostra bosses weren't there; which is a pretty huge leap since not all "commission" meetings were attended or rep'd by all bosses and Genovese's rivals would have been keen to find a handy excuse not to attend an impromptu meeting called by Genovese in the first place.

Even for a 20-year-old book this is not good.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 07/17/13 11:00 PM

Just got Sinatra Club on Kindle and am 33% into it and so far am really enjoying it. Like reading about the life in the 50's and 60's.
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 07/18/13 09:15 PM

Originally Posted By: Tony_Pro
Originally Posted By: Tony_Pro
I tried to search for a post on this one, but I just picked up Mafia Dynasty by John H. Davis (author of Mafia Kingfish-about Marcello, this one is a general history of the Gambinos). Has anyone read it? What do you think?

Just a chapter in and I'm thinking where he got all of this background info on Don Carlo? Probably relatives.



Barely a hundred pages in and this book is already turning south. According to Davis, Carmine Galante, "boss of the Bannano family", was at Apalachin. He further speculates wildly about Apalachin, writing that the state police may have been tipped-off by Frank Costello, a double-crossing Carlo Gambio and Meyer Lansky (and Marcello to boot) to embarrass and cause trouble for Genovese. Why they would jeoprodize every other boss in the country to just get back at Genovese the author doesn't address. He just tells us that it may have been a set-up because a bunch of Cosa Nostra bosses weren't there; which is a pretty huge leap since not all "commission" meetings were attended or rep'd by all bosses and Genovese's rivals would have been keen to find a handy excuse not to attend an impromptu meeting called by Genovese in the first place.

Even for a 20-year-old book this is not good.


Davis have a knack of exaggerating. I guess most mob writers do. But the most annoying writer and so called "mob expert", is without a doubt Ernest Volkman, in my opinion. He takes the exaggeration to the highest level, makes one want to puke. Can´t stand him!
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 07/21/13 08:02 PM

so in this book about scarpa kids gives a interview he was made in 1977 at the age of 25. his father proposed him he got made at some hall in Brooklyn were Colombo would hold rallys. the Colombo made guys really young in the 70tys 25. Michael franses was made at 25 yrs old in 1975. its strange the Colombo luchese and Genovese open the books in 74 and the Gambino's and bonannos didn't to 1977. imagine gaspipe made in 74 and all gotti and his friends arnt made yet and have to bow down to guys like mike fransese who got made Halloween 1975. sht paul catellano must have made over 100 guys in 1977 alone. greg depalma got caught on the phone talking about him and 11 others getting made grqvano said he was with a bunch of guys and who know how many guys gotti got made with.
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 07/22/13 06:58 AM

Originally Posted By: pmac
so in this book about scarpa kids gives a interview he was made in 1977 at the age of 25. his father proposed him he got made at some hall in Brooklyn were Colombo would hold rallys. the Colombo made guys really young in the 70tys 25. Michael franses was made at 25 yrs old in 1975. its strange the Colombo luchese and Genovese open the books in 74 and the Gambino's and bonannos didn't to 1977. imagine gaspipe made in 74 and all gotti and his friends arnt made yet and have to bow down to guys like mike fransese who got made Halloween 1975. sht paul catellano must have made over 100 guys in 1977 alone. greg depalma got caught on the phone talking about him and 11 others getting made grqvano said he was with a bunch of guys and who know how many guys gotti got made with.


All the NY Families were allowed to bring in a couple of new members in 1974. Tommy Gambino was one of them. In 1976, the books was opened again. Both Gravano and Franzese claim to have been made in 1975, but by the looks of it they were most likely wrong on the year. According to informants and FBI reports, the first mass inductions occured in 1976. Franzese claims he was put with Andy Russo in 1975 but this coincides badly with the info available on Russo. (Russo was made in 1976 and wasn´t made a captain until 1977.) He also claimed to have been made together with Vito Guzzo Sr. But Guzzo Sr was in prison in 1975 and wasn´t released until 1977.
Posted By: jace

Re: Mafia Books - 07/22/13 06:40 PM

Originally Posted By: pmac
I live close to a barnes n noble the new scarpa book is great. I read a couple chapters and leave 30bucks is steep. bot the aurthor got vic orean's kids giving there take on every little thing scarpa did in the Colombo war. he got larry mazza this guy did his work he got a lot of goons giving there 2 cents. researched as good as rabb's 5 families. sessa was a pawn scarpa a genius. hope no one tkes the last copy out the store, he looks at the Colombo war from every angle.greg jr. the orenas,sessa,casso. caaso told oreana when he became boss scarpa's a informer the cops told him. this is a great book.


If you mean the Peter Lance book, I saw it in Barnes and Nobles, read some, it was boring. I guess we have different tastes if you find it great, but I just put it back on shelf after reading a few chapters. He just takes a lot of work done by other people, primarily the Angela Clemente mentioned by Hairy Knuckles, and adds some of his own thoughts and comment to them. Sandra Harmon's book on Scarpa Jr. called Mafia Son was way better.
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 07/23/13 05:48 PM

Originally Posted By: southend
Cheech what'd u grab, Last Days of the Sicilians? Good stuff



just finished, great book
Posted By: wallyn

Re: Mafia Books - 07/23/13 09:48 PM

The Godfather
by Mario Puzo

Gangster
by Lorenzo Carcaterra

The Sicilian
by Mario Puzo


The Last Don
by Mario Puzo


Billy Bathgate
by E.L. Doctorow

Wiseguy
by Nicholas Pileggi


Donnie Brasco
by Joseph D. Pistone
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 07/24/13 06:13 PM

THE MOB AND ME by former US Marshal John Partington. All about the start of the Witness Protection scheme and some of the earliest mobsters in it, like Joe Barboza and Vinnie Teresa.

Well worth a read.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 07/27/13 05:39 PM

hairy I just took quick look at gravanos tail. he says he was made by big paul so the Gambino books may have been closed up untll Gambino died in oct 76. goes down the cellar to big paul joe n and neil. now we got gaspipe who said he was made in 1974 the guy real old Genovese guy barone who flip cause chins kid wanted him dead said also he was made in 74 also fish cafaro. Michael franses goin all the way back 1993 to when his 1st book came out said it was 1975 Halloween he has never backd off that claim he was 24 or 25, could you imagine gottis guys havin to kiss his ass. then you had buster ardito the Genovese capo talking to his wired up lawyer friend pete p. "they let all the rats in when they open the books in 74". Im thinking carlo was dead set against opening the books and was the driving factor in having them closed in 58 or 59. ardito also was caught on the lawyers wire saing he came in 1958. and finally you got massino testimony someone put up online, very hard to hair.galante started making al those guys in 77 copa,lino,d'amico,massino.
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 07/27/13 06:26 PM

Originally Posted By: pmac
hairy I just took quick look at gravanos tail. he says he was made by big paul so the Gambino books may have been closed up untll Gambino died in oct 76. goes down the cellar to big paul joe n and neil. now we got gaspipe who said he was made in 1974 the guy real old Genovese guy barone who flip cause chins kid wanted him dead said also he was made in 74 also fish cafaro. Michael franses goin all the way back 1993 to when his 1st book came out said it was 1975 Halloween he has never backd off that claim he was 24 or 25, could you imagine gottis guys havin to kiss his ass. then you had buster ardito the Genovese capo talking to his wired up lawyer friend pete p. "they let all the rats in when they open the books in 74". Im thinking carlo was dead set against opening the books and was the driving factor in having them closed in 58 or 59. ardito also was caught on the lawyers wire saing he came in 1958. and finally you got massino testimony someone put up online, very hard to hair.galante started making al those guys in 77 copa,lino,d'amico,massino.


Looking into it, Gravano said that the books were reopened in 1975 but never claimed (at least in the book) that he was made that year. He says that "There was a long waiting list of associates, and each Family was initially alloted ten new members....The following year [1976] the Families were permitted to replace made members who had been lost through attrition. For the next group, later the same year [1976] Toddo Aurello proposed Sammy."

///Although a little fuzzy, I believe Gravano to be saying that the first group of guys that were made, was in 1976. The second group of guys that were made, was in late 1976. Gravano was part of this second group. So, to Gravano´s credit, him saying that he was made in 1975, most likely is a misunderstanding from our part. His recollection of guys being made in 1976, and in late 1976, seems to be correct. So it´s only Michael Franzese´s claim of being made in 1975 that I have a problem with.

Interesting enough, if you take a look in the Tony Mirra files, it says that Mirra was made with his uncle very late December 1976 by Galante. Both Mirra and his uncle seems to be in the first class of Bonanno guys being made. Later in 1977, guys like Coppa, Lino, D´Amico, Massino etc followed in the second Bonanno group. My point is that no one seems to have been made in 1975, but later.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 07/27/13 08:31 PM

hairy no way im trying to argue with you over this, your a great poster. I just think its a good subject. do you agree the Genovese open there books in 1974. George barone said fat tony brought him in I forgot who he said also was there and you have fish cafaro fat tonys right hand say he was brought in 1974. casso infront of the senate said he was inducted in 1974 and vic amuso not till 77. when I listend to massino testimony he says 1975 him sonny black where hijacking trucks they ask him about sonny black massino says a wiseguy, made man. I wish they would just print it out the sound is bad.i want to read the mirra files soon. and back to miichael franses why would the guy lie? he said it was dibella who did the ceremony. I mean Halloween not hard to forget. I don't like Michael but he seems to tell the truth even in front of the senate committee, he forgets about murders thou. I always wonder if tommy dibella (old Colombo boss) is related to the boxing promoter from Brooklyn guys big time dibella ent. maybe grand kid or great nephew. hairy no other rats claim to have been inducted 1975. could you imagine Sammy gravano kissing some 24yr olds ass or dan marino or the corrozo's. if he was made guy before all them. I think I read in scarpas file allie boy was made in 1977 the bumped to capo 1979. carmines son.
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 07/27/13 09:29 PM

Originally Posted By: pmac
hairy no way im trying to argue with you over this, your a great poster. I just think its a good subject. do you agree the Genovese open there books in 1974. George barone said fat tony brought him in I forgot who he said also was there and you have fish cafaro fat tonys right hand say he was brought in 1974. casso infront of the senate said he was inducted in 1974 and vic amuso not till 77. when I listend to massino testimony he says 1975 him sonny black where hijacking trucks they ask him about sonny black massino says a wiseguy, made man. I wish they would just print it out the sound is bad.i want to read the mirra files soon. and back to miichael franses why would the guy lie? he said it was dibella who did the ceremony. I mean Halloween not hard to forget. I don't like Michael but he seems to tell the truth even in front of the senate committee, he forgets about murders thou. I always wonder if tommy dibella (old Colombo boss) is related to the boxing promoter from Brooklyn guys big time dibella ent. maybe grand kid or great nephew. hairy no other rats claim to have been inducted 1975. could you imagine Sammy gravano kissing some 24yr olds ass or dan marino or the corrozo's. if he was made guy before all them. I think I read in scarpas file allie boy was made in 1977 the bumped to capo 1979. carmines son.


I actually agree with you. The books were open in 1974 and all the five Families inducted new members that year. (Cafaro, Genese, Tommy Gambino, Barone and some other guys were let in.) But they were only a handful. However, the books were closed in 1975 but reopened in 1976. I guess Franzese was wrong on the year of his induction. It doesn´t mean that he intentionally lied. But his induction probably happened in 1977 and Tommy DiBella was the boss until 1980. Yes, DiBella was the son of Salvatore DiBella who some claim was the boss before Profaci. Can´t remember if this Salvatore DiBella was a boxing promotor though but I know he was some kind of a union boss in the South Brooklyn area in. Little Allie Boy was made in 1977 and was given his own crew by his father in 1981.

I find you you a very good poster too. You´ve got great knowledge and I know I have mentioned this before. We seem to have the same specific interests.

EDIT - Sorry, Barone was made in 1978. Not in 1974.
Posted By: Tony_Pro

Re: Mafia Books - 07/27/13 10:20 PM

Quote:


Davis have a knack of exaggerating. I guess most mob writers do. But the most annoying writer and so called "mob expert", is without a doubt Ernest Volkman, in my opinion. He takes the exaggeration to the highest level, makes one want to puke. Can´t stand him!


Ha, I couldn't finish the Gambino book and picked Volkman's Gangbusters not realizing it was him at the local library. The first half is pretty terrible, a lot of it is lifted straight of Luciano's and Bananno's books. But the part on the Corralo period seems solid since he probably just lifted most of his info from court records in the Vario and Commission cases. The whole invented passage about Tommy Lucchese's poor mother journeying to 107th St. to give her wayward son maranara sauce set's the stage for the place and times, but it's corny as hell.
Posted By: lic

Re: Mafia Books - 08/10/13 12:59 PM

black mass

Rat Bastards

Last Rites( gigi portalla)

legnds of winter hill

marked card

rougue mobster

street soldier- eddie mackenzie

my life in the mafia- vinnie teresa
Posted By: lic

Re: Mafia Books - 08/10/13 01:00 PM

some decent new england reads.
Posted By: Mick2010

Re: Mafia Books - 08/10/13 04:21 PM

Originally Posted By: lic
some decent new england reads.



how good is Rogue Mobster? Does it have extensive coverage of the mob war in Boston in the early 90s? Is this Silverman guy credible?
Posted By: lic

Re: Mafia Books - 08/10/13 05:14 PM

Thats a good question, silverman was really a nobody, he moved to florida and wrote marked card and rougue mobster... but the guys he wrote about were holding power through 1990-2007

its a wierd subject becuase its about guys whos story have never been told before and theres alot of twists and ties to it. Some would say its even jucier than whitey and flemmis story. by the 90's alot of the action in MA was moving to cities like medford,someville,malden,everett,revere instead of the traditional nieghborhoods of east boston, south boston, charlestown and the north end. it was a wierd time and people these days trying to write books about these crews from medford and revere have a tough time deciding wich players were worth writing about( in my opinion its the guys who actually had the balls to pull the triggers) BUT TO BE HONEST SILVERMAN WAS A NOBODY, but the guys in th book were the real deal. SOME OF THE OTHER MASS GUYS ON HERE WOULD PROBALY GET A KICK OUT OF IT.

BIG paul decologero- who ran his crew out f the unsuspecting suburbs of woburn and burlington.

Niel mazza
- a leftover from winter hill.

lonnie hillson- low level medford/everett guy

brian porreca- government informant killed by his handlers in las vegas fro hot dose had 10 g;s on him. was a pro boxer in the 80's and masterminded the carrot scam.

- kevin mucka mccormick a malden pimp and drug dealer- ran a very succesful prostittuuion ring. was tried for attempted murder in 1996 but was murderd himself in 1999 outside a malden bar

Mccormick used to pay off a malden cop named dave jordan but jordan went to the fbi and told them mccormick was payong him off

jordan the cop would later end up in federal prison himself fro robbng a coke dealer.

billy angelesco- suspect in several unsolved murders

gene giangrande- suspect in several unsolve dmurders

theN theres the two guys from medford AB BC.

richy sperlinga- sal sperlinga son

bobby rennell- low level somerville guy

gigi portalla and his crew- revere standout renegade faction

joey mongiello- left over from medford/somerville was with WHG.

COULD OF WROTE A BETTER BOOK MYSELF BUT WHOS GOT THE TIME, AND THERES THE DESECION OF WHOS WORTH WRITING ABOUT.

The younger guys from eastie, revere and medford were just as violent as the oldtimers were in there day but.. so many of those murders from 1989-up until now are unsolved thats why no one wants to write there story, and in true wiseguy fashion osme of them have never uttered aword..

was thinking about doing a chart of the bosotn guys fom the 90's but no one would be familar unless your from new england.
Posted By: lic

Re: Mafia Books - 08/10/13 05:18 PM

Another factor is that they all ended up being herion atticts or in prison or dead... so whats the piont.
Posted By: lic

Re: Mafia Books - 08/10/13 05:39 PM

some guys from cambridge and charlestown were apart of things too.. but they were more convicts than wiseguys. And theses days its spanish/asian/black gangs who got a hold on the drugs and prostitution.
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 08/14/13 12:44 AM

just finished mike russells book undercover cop....was a good read...but he is just so full of himself it makes it tough sometimes
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 08/14/13 01:43 AM

Cheech, I haven't read the book, but the reviews on the other Forums are flat out calling this guy a LIar, who they say was not even a State trooper, but instead was a snitch. Here are some reviews from pretty savy mob guys:

"Heres the bottom line on this guy - He was An east Orange cop - he was dirty - he got thrown off of the force - he was working in the pro shop at Kings court - he met and became friends with Bobby Alveggi (a cousin of the Taccettas) they began selling drugs together and stealing cars and breaking into cars....Russell broke into a Benz, that belonged to a legit guy who was around the Taccettas - there nothing in the brief case pretaining to mob stuff - he was asked to return the breif case - he got an attitude with Michael Taccetta - Some how Joe Ricciardi who was friends with Alveggi went to talk to Russell about getting back the breif case - one word lead to another and Ricciardi gave him a beating with his HANDS...there was no GUN he was never shot its all a lie - he then got in trouble again, so he was on Bloomfield Ave and somehow runs in to Andy Gerad - He then runs to the state police and offers to be an informant - he did create some cases (Gambling cases) the most I think anyone got was 24 months.

The guy is Jerkoff, wanna be - he was never an undercover cop in his life, he was never a state trooper. He is trying to gain a little fame and money. The book is full of mis0information and he write sit like abitter child who someone took his lunch money, by insults and bad mouthing every single guy in the book. This guy is abum, he could not be apimple on Joe Pistones ASS (donnie brasco) A real undercover cop who wore a wire and risked his life everyday for 9 years and whos family suffred as a result.

This guy was alow level two bit informer for the state police, that resulted in very little after wards.

He cliams he took a bullet to the head - NEVER HAPPENED

He Claims he was a State Trooper - NEVER was

Claims he called Michael Perna a rat to his face - NEVER happened

Claims Ralph Vaccaro said he was the future of the crew (LOL...Yeah OK)

Claims Tommy Ricciardi was a fag not capable of Killing (Ah, OK ask the dozen or more people he plead guilty to killing about that)

The GUY is atotal Loser and is Libal for some of the stuff in that book - wouldn't surprise me if he catches a law suit... will see?
Smarten Up
Associate

"ID's all the Campisi's as made Gambino guys"

LMAO

Another great point. The only Campisi's that were ever made were PiPi [Gambino/murdered 83] and Petey Black [Columbo/died natural causes]. There is already a law suit pending and ready to be filed against the publisher.

That's just a sample cheech. they have three threads on this guy.
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 08/17/13 03:57 PM

I believe it. Sounded like bullshit. Said he was meeting with bobby manna. Can't picture bobby letting this guy in the same room as him. Knew it was bullshit
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 08/18/13 03:04 PM

Originally Posted By: Mick2010
Originally Posted By: lic
some decent new england reads.



how good is Rogue Mobster? Does it have extensive coverage of the mob war in Boston in the early 90s? Is this Silverman guy credible?


Honestly, I really enjoyed reading it when I first got it because of all the familiar names. But once I posted about it, some other knowledgeable guys pointed out a decent amount of inconsistencies in Silverman's story. However, for someone not concerned about the facts and just wants to read a cool story, go for it I never said it wasn't entertaining
Posted By: lic

Re: Mafia Books - 08/18/13 05:06 PM

yeah like ive said in all my posts silverman was a phony, but it is cool to see someone write about these guys cause there story hasnt been told yet, and in the 90's these were the guys dealing in violence, trust me no one would of wrote abook about these guys if they all werent rotting in prison or in old age or have a serious drug problem or dead.

big paul decologero(IP)

anthony barry(IP)

gene giangrande

billy angelesco

joe donahue(DEAD)

niel mazza

lonnie hillson

joey mongiello

kevin hardy

kevin mucak mccormick(DEAD)

brian cahill(IP)

gigi portalla(IP)

like i siad before all serious dudes. I COULD OF WROTE A BETTER BOOK MYSELF.
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 08/19/13 12:49 AM

I just got Bill Bonanno's book . How is it ? I'm also thinking about buying Micheal Franzese's books too.
Posted By: Revis_Knicks

Re: Mafia Books - 08/21/13 06:33 PM

I haven't read franzese book but I've seen him on so many mob documentaries I feel like I already know his life story so I'm not going to read it. I would love to meet him though, seems like a nice genuine guy.
Posted By: Revis_Knicks

Re: Mafia Books - 08/21/13 06:33 PM

And he has the same exact accent as me.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 08/22/13 02:18 AM

Mike russel is a tool. Guy comes off as such a dick. He was a dirty cop who got caught and rolled. The mob guys were good to him, hes the reason he got beat down stealing from connected guys car and acting tuff wat a low life. Lie after lie in this book I did not buy, just making shit up. Tumacs a herion junkie for decades nowonder he gettin sued guy just talks shit about everyone. Do not by this book anyone. Cant wait for lil al thou.
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 08/22/13 06:25 AM

Too bad Greg Scarpa's daughter "Little" Linda isn't coming out with a book because I know it would be a good read . If Karen Gravano can come out with a book so can she.
Posted By: Revis_Knicks

Re: Mafia Books - 08/22/13 09:03 PM

I can't stand Greg Scarpa. I never knew him personally but just the fact that he was cooperating for his own good after killing all of those guys rubs me the wrong way. And he disrespected his wife and family by having another family behind their back. It's his life but I just can't respect someone like that. Originally they didn't want him the be made because he was northern italian also. Idk maybe he was the first northern italian to be inducted.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 08/22/13 10:42 PM

Originally Posted By: Revis_Island
I can't stand Greg Scarpa. I never knew him personally but just the fact that he was cooperating for his own good after killing all of those guys rubs me the wrong way. And he disrespected his wife and family by having another family behind their back. It's his life but I just can't respect someone like that. Originally they didn't want him the be made because he was northern italian also. Idk maybe he was the first northern italian to be inducted.


Agree 100% Yeah, even though he was cheating on his wife, he was also cheating on his kids too even though it seemed he loved his family. He was also cheating on LCN and cheating on the FBI. He was a real snake in the grass
Posted By: Revis_Knicks

Re: Mafia Books - 08/23/13 02:22 PM

^Agree with everything you said.
Posted By: LaLouisiane

Re: Mafia Books - 08/23/13 03:52 PM

Anyone ever read Mr New Orleans: The Life of a Big Easy Underworld Legend?
Posted By: DaneDane

Re: Mafia Books - 08/23/13 09:26 PM

No, but I just started reading Mafia Kingfish: Carlos Marcello and the Assassination of John F. Kennedy. Is Mr. New Orleans about Marcello? Or Silver Dollar Sam?
Posted By: DaneDane

Re: Mafia Books - 08/23/13 09:30 PM

Originally Posted By: MobMan
I just got Bill Bonanno's book . How is it ? I'm also thinking about buying Micheal Franzese's books too.


Which Bill Bonanno book?

I just recently finished reading Bill Bonanno's Bound by Honor and his wife, Rosalie's book Mafia Marriage (although she insisted the cover have mafia written in lower case because it was never meant to be a noun, or something like that, lol). I'm currently looking for Bill's other two books.
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 08/24/13 07:20 AM

Originally Posted By: DaneDane
Originally Posted By: MobMan
I just got Bill Bonanno's book . How is it ? I'm also thinking about buying Micheal Franzese's books too.


Which Bill Bonanno book?

I just recently finished reading Bill Bonanno's Bound by Honor and his wife, Rosalie's book Mafia Marriage (although she insisted the cover have mafia written in lower case because it was never meant to be a noun, or something like that, lol). I'm currently looking for Bill's other two books.

The Last Testament of Bill Bonanno.
Posted By: Rockytony67

Re: Mafia Books - 08/25/13 08:39 AM

Some new books I've come across, not read the first one but read the second.

A Bad, Bad Boy



The little known Southern California underworld of the mid-Twentieth Century comes to life in this unique, never before told story of San Diego Mafia hit man Frank Bompensiero. Born in Milwaukee to Sicilian parents, the Bomp, as he came to be known, was one of the most fearsome Caporegimes of the Los Angeles crime family.


"Gaga": The Real Whitey Bulger/Irish Mob Story



Francis X. “Gaga” Murray was a member of the McLaughlin gang and was involved in there war with Winter Hill, it's a good read if your interested in that period, but you do need some previous knowledge because it can be hard to follow who he's talking about, the first couple of chapters concern his military career and then it's down to business, only available on Kindle I think.
Posted By: LaLouisiane

Re: Mafia Books - 08/26/13 02:00 PM

Originally Posted By: DaneDane
No, but I just started reading Mafia Kingfish: Carlos Marcello and the Assassination of John F. Kennedy. Is Mr. New Orleans about Marcello? Or Silver Dollar Sam?


Negative its Kent "Frenchy" Broulliette, AKA Marcellos guy that ran the prostitution rings and was Edwin Edwards Cousin.
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 08/26/13 02:52 PM

This article appeared in the NJ Star ledger regarding Mike Russell and his book, Undercover Cop:
Tell-all book on infiltrating the mob may have some bullet-sized holes in it
Print By Dan Goldberg/The Star-Ledger
Email the author | Follow on Twitter
on August 25, 2013 at 7:30 AM, updated August 25, 2013 at 4:21 PM

Mike Russell writes that he helped take down wiseguy Vincent 'The Chin' Gigante, who is pictured here. Russell is not in this photograph.
Star-Ledger file photo

As an undercover New Jersey state trooper, Mike Russell says he infiltrated the mob and brought down dozens of wiseguys, all after taking a .32-caliber bullet to the head. It is quite the tale told in "Undercover Cop: How I Brought Down the Real-Life Sopranos," which was released Aug. 6.

Publisher's Weekly gave it a glowing review, writing, "This tell-all page-turner is all the better for being true."

Except it's not entirely true. Some important facts are at best stretched, at worst fabricated.

Mike Russell was never employed as a New Jersey state trooper, according to State Police Sgt. Brian Polite.

That isn't to say he didn't work with, or for, the State Police, but he was never a trooper as he claims on Page 3.
Nor was he ever a Newark cop, according to Newark Sgt. Ron Glover, as Russell claims to have been on Page 86.

Russell, in a phone interview from his home in Florida, acknowledged the error.

"The titles were bouncing all over the place," he said, but he maintained the crux of the story is about him and the mob, not the agency he worked for.

Speaking of titles, the book refers to Russell's State Police contact James "Big Jim" Sweeney as a Master Sergeant -- a rank that does not exist in the New Jersey State Police.

The crux of the story, if not the details, appears to be accurate. Russell, who says he was known as "Mikey Ga-Ga," was indeed influential in helping take down major figures in organized crime, said retired State Police Capt. Nick Oriolo, whose name is misspelled in the book.

Oriolo was his handler and described Russell's role as more akin to a confidential informant than a trooper. That doesn't diminish his importance in the case, the retired trooper said.

Russell did infiltrate the mob and did pass on valuable information, Oriolo said. But Oriolo estimates that only about 20 percent of the book is true. He does not recall Russell being shot in the head, which the book describes as a very emotional moment for the State Police sergeant, who was "blubbering" at Russell's bedside.

Oriolo remembers the scene differently. He remembers Russell being beat up almost beyond recognition, but not shot in the head.

"I never talked to (Russell's) wife about being shot," Oriolo said. "Real-life Sopranos? This reads more like his real-life fantasy."

Russell writes that the bullet, fired at point-blank range, did relatively little damage, entering his skull, bouncing off bone and exiting an inch above the entrance wound.

"Note to would be hitmen," he writes. "If you're going to whack someone, use a round that can kill."

The book is published by Thomas Dunne Books, an imprint of St. Martin's Press, a division of Macmillan, and the publisher is standing by the story.

Mike Russell was shot in the head, said Joe Rinaldi, associate director of publicity at St. Martin's Press.

"Mike Russell's publisher has every reason to believe `Undercover Cop' is substantially accurate," Rinaldi said in an e-mail. "According to Mike Russell's account, which is consistent with the 1988 HBO documentary, Mike was a New Jersey cop who worked undercover for the New Jersey State Police. The main focus of his book is an undercover operation that resulted in numerous mobsters pleading guilty and doing jail time."

Inconsistencies

Except -- in many places -- the book is not consistent with the HBO documentary in which Russell said he was a truck driver before his undercover work began, not a Newark cop. The movie, which can be found on YouTube, finds Russell saying he received 60 stitches because of the bullet wound he suffered in 1980. In the book, it's down to 28 stitches and though the year isn't mentioned, it is implied that it is the mid '80s.

In the documentary, Russell says he was an East Orange cop before trying something else with his life. That part checks out. He was, in fact, an East Orange cop, though his stint with that local department is never mentioned in the book.

There are other inconsistencies between the documentary and the book as well. Talking to HBO cameras, Russell says he made contact with Andy Gerardo, a top man in the Genovese crime family, after coming upon him at the scene of an auto accident where he was being attacked by "two black guys."

In the book, the two black men are mugging Gerardo when Russell intervenes. In the documentary, this is the genesis of the undercover work. In the book, Russell has been on the job for months, looking for a way to infiltrate the mob.
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2013/0 ... ld_up.html
Posted By: dixiemafia

Re: Mafia Books - 08/26/13 09:02 PM

I have The Godfather and the book at the Family Secrets trial, also have the ebook version of The Sixth Family but not sure if I could trade it as I think it is a locked down version. I wouldn't mind trading for the Anguilo book if anybody has it on the computer.
Posted By: littlemango

Re: Mafia Books - 08/29/13 06:49 PM

Good day gentlemen. I'm glad I found this site. I'm looking for some credible books to read.

I've read wiseguy, murder machine, donnie brasco, blood and honor, five families, man of honor (bonanno's book).

Anything New York, Philly, Chicago/Vegas would be what i'm looking for.

I ask because I know in this world there's a lot of nonsense and a lot of books and people that lack total credibility, so i'm trying to stick with books that people who know more about this than I do think are reputable (so basically I won't read anything by phillip carlo because his reputation is not good).

Also is there some place to share thoughts on specific books/stories? or Does it all get contained in this thread? I just finished blood and honor and obviously have many thoughts i'd like to discuss but am unsure where to take these opinions for discussion.

Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 08/29/13 07:03 PM

Originally Posted By: littlemango
Good day gentlemen. I'm glad I found this site. I'm looking for some credible books to read.

I've read wiseguy, murder machine, donnie brasco, blood and honor, five families, man of honor (bonanno's book).

Anything New York, Philly, Chicago/Vegas would be what i'm looking for.

I ask because I know in this world there's a lot of nonsense and a lot of books and people that lack total credibility, so i'm trying to stick with books that people who know more about this than I do think are reputable (so basically I won't read anything by phillip carlo because his reputation is not good).

Also is there some place to share thoughts on specific books/stories? or Does it all get contained in this thread? I just finished blood and honor and obviously have many thoughts i'd like to discuss but am unsure where to take these opinions for discussion.




I liked, Underboss, Surviving the Mob, Five Families, The Velachi Papers, Boss of Bosses, Making Jack Falcone, The Westies, anything by Capeci.
Posted By: lic

Re: Mafia Books - 09/15/13 06:40 PM

I used to love rading books with guys i know in em... alot of new england reads... but the inconcistences make me sick to my dick... any wannabe junkie fool can write a book and claim these days.... i just dont bother...

Mark silverman being the junkiest joker out of all of them

hope some one runs into in his HVAC company truck and stick some sheet metal up his rear end....
Posted By: funkster

Re: Mafia Books - 09/18/13 05:00 AM

Currently reading Deal With the Devil and I think its great.


Thinking of reading Five Families...worth it? From the few reviews I saw earlier in the thread looks like people enjoyed it.
Posted By: dixiemafia

Re: Mafia Books - 09/19/13 10:37 PM

Anybody got Underboss on their computer?
Posted By: Giancarlo

Re: Mafia Books - 09/22/13 02:27 AM

Originally Posted By: dixiemafia
Anybody got Underboss on their computer?

The Gravano book? I have it as a pdf file.

Looks good but for some reason they stripped the pictures out of it. Not sure why.

Pretty small file...only around 1.5 MB.
Posted By: Snakes

Re: Mafia Books - 09/25/13 10:14 PM

Originally Posted By: littlemango
Good day gentlemen. I'm glad I found this site. I'm looking for some credible books to read.

I've read wiseguy, murder machine, donnie brasco, blood and honor, five families, man of honor (bonanno's book).

Anything New York, Philly, Chicago/Vegas would be what i'm looking for.

I ask because I know in this world there's a lot of nonsense and a lot of books and people that lack total credibility, so i'm trying to stick with books that people who know more about this than I do think are reputable (so basically I won't read anything by phillip carlo because his reputation is not good).

Also is there some place to share thoughts on specific books/stories? or Does it all get contained in this thread? I just finished blood and honor and obviously have many thoughts i'd like to discuss but am unsure where to take these opinions for discussion.



As far as Chicago/Vegas are concerned, check out Casino, the book the movie was based on and When the Mob Ran Vegas.

Originally Posted By: funkster
Currently reading Deal With the Devil and I think its great.


Thinking of reading Five Families...worth it? From the few reviews I saw earlier in the thread looks like people enjoyed it.


Five Families is the Bible of mafia books, so... yes, get it. I read my copy once a year.
Posted By: LouietheJap

Re: Mafia Books - 09/30/13 02:05 AM

Originally Posted By: dixiemafia
Anybody got Underboss on their computer?

Anyone have 'Making Jack Falcone'?
Posted By: LCN1987

Re: Mafia Books - 10/01/13 12:42 PM

I just bought "Mob Boss: The Life of Little Al D'Arco, the Man Who Brought Down the Mafia" by Jerry Capeci on my kindle. Should be a great read today smile
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 10/01/13 08:20 PM

Originally Posted By: LouietheJap
Originally Posted By: dixiemafia
Anybody got Underboss on their computer?

Anyone have 'Making Jack Falcone'?


i have it, good read...recommended

only thing is he makes himself to be the best undercover ever like they all do
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 10/03/13 12:25 AM

Got the darco book hairy, he cousin put his name in when the books open in74 they had 20 spots to fill he.got nixed he says cause frank manzo nixed cause he was a ice cream scooper good read so far. He mad alot guys got made like the guy torty.
Posted By: LCN1987

Re: Mafia Books - 10/03/13 11:25 AM

Originally Posted By: pmac
Got the darco book hairy, he cousin put his name in when the books open in74 they had 20 spots to fill he.got nixed he says cause frank manzo nixed cause he was a ice cream scooper good read so far. He mad alot guys got made like the guy torty.

Yeah it's a great read. The SingSing segments are really intriguing so far. Can't wait to get to the Tony Ducks/Casso/Amuso parts.
Posted By: JCB1977

Re: Mafia Books - 10/03/13 11:41 AM

The Quiet Don by Matt Birbeck. First true book on Russell Bufalino. Finished it yesterday...INCREDIBLE!
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 10/03/13 11:59 AM

Originally Posted By: LCN1987
I just bought "Mob Boss: The Life of Little Al D'Arco, the Man Who Brought Down the Mafia" by Jerry Capeci on my kindle. Should be a great read today smile

I too got it on Kindle and so far it looks like it's going to be a good one. Enjoy
Posted By: LCN1987

Re: Mafia Books - 10/03/13 12:14 PM

Originally Posted By: bigboy
Originally Posted By: LCN1987
I just bought "Mob Boss: The Life of Little Al D'Arco, the Man Who Brought Down the Mafia" by Jerry Capeci on my kindle. Should be a great read today smile

I too got it on Kindle and so far it looks like it's going to be a good one. Enjoy

Thanks, you too smile
Posted By: TheIsland

Re: Mafia Books - 10/03/13 06:21 PM

Originally Posted By: JCB1977
The Quiet Don by Matt Birbeck. First true book on Russell Bufalino. Finished it yesterday...INCREDIBLE!


Did it talk about Frank Sheehan banging his wife while Russel watched smoking a pipe
Posted By: JCB1977

Re: Mafia Books - 10/03/13 06:26 PM

Not that I read!!! Sheerhan was obviously mentioned.
Posted By: TheIsland

Re: Mafia Books - 10/03/13 06:40 PM

Originally Posted By: JCB1977
Not that I read!!! Sheerhan was obviously mentioned.


He ate dinner at Russel's a lot. Slept in his bed too.
Posted By: JCB1977

Re: Mafia Books - 10/03/13 07:27 PM

I knew he was a very close confidant of Russell's, but sleeping in his bed? Where'd you get that info?
Posted By: LittleMan

Re: Mafia Books - 10/04/13 01:01 AM

Originally Posted By: LCN1987
I just bought "Mob Boss: The Life of Little Al D'Arco, the Man Who Brought Down the Mafia" by Jerry Capeci on my kindle. Should be a great read today smile


Looking forward to this book. Gaspipe insists that some of D'Arco's testimony is made up. Casso claims that the feds took his information and fed it to D'Arco to tell on the stand as if they were his experiences.

For the cheapos, like me, check out your local library. That's how I'm getting my copy.
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 10/04/13 08:39 PM

reading D'Arco now
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 10/04/13 10:39 PM

Alright finished darcos book. Nothing new. Find out alittle bout his son everything he tells has been written in the papers over 20yr. I thought al was gonna have stories nope he had a cousin,uncle who was a old powerfull soldier in the garment district. All rode his coattail.. Nepotism the guy told vario to put his name in 74 when the books open. All he did was arson for hire the guy never killed somone till 89 an he hit the guy wit a pipe neck shot guy. His kid was a dope fiend got made in 88 with the gemini twins senter n. Tester. Guy was weak so gas n vic killed bruno and mike salerno cause they were threats, stuck lil al in as acting boss and that was the end of brooklyn holding the power. Wish he talked more about the prince st guys they were the drug guys joe beck.
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 10/05/13 08:33 AM

Originally Posted By: pmac
Alright finished darcos book. Nothing new. Find out alittle bout his son everything he tells has been written in the papers over 20yr. I thought al was gonna have stories nope he had a cousin,uncle who was a old powerfull soldier in the garment district. All rode his coattail.. Nepotism the guy told vario to put his name in 74 when the books open. All he did was arson for hire the guy never killed somone till 89 an he hit the guy wit a pipe neck shot guy. His kid was a dope fiend got made in 88 with the gemini twins senter n. Tester. Guy was weak so gas n vic killed bruno and mike salerno cause they were threats, stuck lil al in as acting boss and that was the end of brooklyn holding the power. Wish he talked more about the prince st guys they were the drug guys joe beck.


I´m still waiting for the book to arrive. Been under the impression the book is a good read. Well, we´ll see...
Posted By: LCN1987

Re: Mafia Books - 10/05/13 12:13 PM

Originally Posted By: HairyKnuckles
Originally Posted By: pmac
Alright finished darcos book. Nothing new. Find out alittle bout his son everything he tells has been written in the papers over 20yr. I thought al was gonna have stories nope he had a cousin,uncle who was a old powerfull soldier in the garment district. All rode his coattail.. Nepotism the guy told vario to put his name in 74 when the books open. All he did was arson for hire the guy never killed somone till 89 an he hit the guy wit a pipe neck shot guy. His kid was a dope fiend got made in 88 with the gemini twins senter n. Tester. Guy was weak so gas n vic killed bruno and mike salerno cause they were threats, stuck lil al in as acting boss and that was the end of brooklyn holding the power. Wish he talked more about the prince st guys they were the drug guys joe beck.


I´m still waiting for the book to arrive. Been under the impression the book is a good read. Well, we´ll see...

It is a good read if you haven't lived in a hole for 2o years and read all these newspaper articles with a magnifying glass.

Funny story from the book: Casso was at a restaurant and wanted to order the most expensive wine/champagne they had. So the waiter comes back with a $10 000 bottle and asks Casso if he wants it because he tells him if he pops it he'll have to pay for it. He says sure. Then Casso orders a glass of cola and while the waiter is watching pours the cola in the glass with champagne/wine and the waiter nearly fainted, lol.
Posted By: TheIsland

Re: Mafia Books - 10/05/13 12:21 PM

Originally Posted By: LCN1987
Originally Posted By: HairyKnuckles
Originally Posted By: pmac
Alright finished darcos book. Nothing new. Find out alittle bout his son everything he tells has been written in the papers over 20yr. I thought al was gonna have stories nope he had a cousin,uncle who was a old powerfull soldier in the garment district. All rode his coattail.. Nepotism the guy told vario to put his name in 74 when the books open. All he did was arson for hire the guy never killed somone till 89 an he hit the guy wit a pipe neck shot guy. His kid was a dope fiend got made in 88 with the gemini twins senter n. Tester. Guy was weak so gas n vic killed bruno and mike salerno cause they were threats, stuck lil al in as acting boss and that was the end of brooklyn holding the power. Wish he talked more about the prince st guys they were the drug guys joe beck.


I´m still waiting for the book to arrive. Been under the impression the book is a good read. Well, we´ll see...

It is a good read if you haven't lived in a hole for 2o years and read all these newspaper articles with a magnifying glass.

Funny story from the book: Casso was at a restaurant and wanted to order the most expensive wine/champagne they had. So the waiter comes back with a $10 000 bottle and asks Casso if he wants it because he tells him if he pops it he'll have to pay for it. He says sure. Then Casso orders a glass of cola and while the waiter is watching pours the cola in the glass with champagne/wine and the waiter nearly fainted, lol.


Why would he nearly faint? Did he have to pay that money out of his own pocket? I'm assuming Casso didn't pay
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 10/05/13 01:14 PM

Originally Posted By: TheIsland
Originally Posted By: LCN1987
Originally Posted By: HairyKnuckles
Originally Posted By: pmac
Alright finished darcos book. Nothing new. Find out alittle bout his son everything he tells has been written in the papers over 20yr. I thought al was gonna have stories nope he had a cousin,uncle who was a old powerfull soldier in the garment district. All rode his coattail.. Nepotism the guy told vario to put his name in 74 when the books open. All he did was arson for hire the guy never killed somone till 89 an he hit the guy wit a pipe neck shot guy. His kid was a dope fiend got made in 88 with the gemini twins senter n. Tester. Guy was weak so gas n vic killed bruno and mike salerno cause they were threats, stuck lil al in as acting boss and that was the end of brooklyn holding the power. Wish he talked more about the prince st guys they were the drug guys joe beck.


I´m still waiting for the book to arrive. Been under the impression the book is a good read. Well, we´ll see...

It is a good read if you haven't lived in a hole for 2o years and read all these newspaper articles with a magnifying glass.

Funny story from the book: Casso was at a restaurant and wanted to order the most expensive wine/champagne they had. So the waiter comes back with a $10 000 bottle and asks Casso if he wants it because he tells him if he pops it he'll have to pay for it. He says sure. Then Casso orders a glass of cola and while the waiter is watching pours the cola in the glass with champagne/wine and the waiter nearly fainted, lol.


Why would he nearly faint? Did he have to pay that money out of his own pocket? I'm assuming Casso didn't pay


Mixing Cola and wine/champagne is called Bamboos over here. But you do that only with cheap wine/champagne, not the expensive ones. Casso...the classy guy... lol
Posted By: LCN1987

Re: Mafia Books - 10/05/13 04:05 PM

Yeah, Casso had a sick twisted humour. I won't spoil anything, but he was sort of funny, in a twisted cruel way.
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 10/08/13 03:52 PM

Originally Posted By: pmac
Alright finished darcos book. Nothing new. Find out alittle bout his son everything he tells has been written in the papers over 20yr. I thought al was gonna have stories nope he had a cousin,uncle who was a old powerfull soldier in the garment district. All rode his coattail.. Nepotism the guy told vario to put his name in 74 when the books open. All he did was arson for hire the guy never killed somone till 89 an he hit the guy wit a pipe neck shot guy. His kid was a dope fiend got made in 88 with the gemini twins senter n. Tester. Guy was weak so gas n vic killed bruno and mike salerno cause they were threats, stuck lil al in as acting boss and that was the end of brooklyn holding the power. Wish he talked more about the prince st guys they were the drug guys joe beck.



this is dead on
Posted By: funkster

Re: Mafia Books - 10/09/13 06:05 AM

Reading the D'Arco book. Will be reading Five Families next. What years does it cover?
Posted By: TonyG

Re: Mafia Books - 10/09/13 03:17 PM

Originally Posted By: pmac
Alright finished darcos book. Nothing new. Find out alittle bout his son everything he tells has been written in the papers over 20yr. I thought al was gonna have stories nope he had a cousin,uncle who was a old powerfull soldier in the garment district. All rode his coattail.. Nepotism the guy told vario to put his name in 74 when the books open. All he did was arson for hire the guy never killed somone till 89 an he hit the guy wit a pipe neck shot guy. His kid was a dope fiend got made in 88 with the gemini twins senter n. Tester. Guy was weak so gas n vic killed bruno and mike salerno cause they were threats, stuck lil al in as acting boss and that was the end of brooklyn holding the power. Wish he talked more about the prince st guys they were the drug guys joe beck.


I finished last night, and as pmac and others noted, nothing of recent significance that has not been known through testimony and newspapers. I was hoping the book would have more character development of guys like Amuso, Casso, Tony Ducks, Paul Vario, etc. It did not tell us anything new.

The one item that is supposed to be "new information" is the murder committed one of Lucky's buddies way back when. I won't provide details here to spoil for anyone.

One side note - not one mention of Salvatore Clemente - the guy in Manhattan Mob Rampage that was originally listed as an Luchese associate, and on the most recent version I saw, is now listed as a Captain.

All in all, a very good read if you want to learn about the Luchese family, and the dysfunctional psychopaths who took over after Tony Ducks and the admin went down in the Commission Case.
Posted By: LittleMan

Re: Mafia Books - 10/09/13 05:55 PM

Originally Posted By: TonyG

One side note - not one mention of Salvatore Clemente - the guy in Manhattan Mob Rampage that was originally listed as an Luchese associate, and on the most recent version I saw, is now listed as a Captain.


D'Arco doesn't explain what happened to Clemente? Does anyone here know?

As per Manhattan Mob Rampage, Clemente slurs his words and seems mentally challenged- kind of like a punch drunk Rocky Balboa. I figure that he might have gotten some brain damage from a vicious beat down or took a non lethal bullet to the head.
Posted By: funkster

Re: Mafia Books - 10/09/13 06:14 PM

Is Rugsy Vario still alive?
Posted By: SonnyL

Re: Mafia Books - 10/11/13 06:44 PM

Did anyone else notice that in George fresolones book he says that Nicky scarfo had Chuckie Merlino whacked, and he got a lot of other things wrong like guys names it was basically like all info was stuff he got second hand and had most of the details wrong
Posted By: Revis_Knicks

Re: Mafia Books - 10/15/13 05:02 PM

Any real good upcoming mafia books? Preferably about the New York mafia families? Or even the NJ families or philly families.
Posted By: Tony_Pro

Re: Mafia Books - 10/15/13 11:41 PM

Originally Posted By: Revis_Island
Any real good upcoming mafia books? Preferably about the New York mafia families? Or even the NJ families or philly families.


Anthony DeStefano just released a new book about Vinny Gorgeous Basciano this summer, haven't read it yet but I've heard good things.
Posted By: Rissa

Re: Mafia Books - 10/21/13 05:15 AM

Originally Posted By: Revis_Island
Any real good upcoming mafia books? Preferably about the New York mafia families? Or even the NJ families or philly families.


There's a new one out called The Mobster's Daughter. It's based in New York. I liked it. It's on Amazon.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 10/23/13 06:50 PM

I have finished the Al D'Arco book and enjoyed it, and yes, as PMAC has said, there are things in there we've already seen, but overall it's a good book and I would recommend it to others. As for the Vinny Gorgeous book, that too was a good book up to a point. I felt that there was more to the Basciano story than was told. I hope someone else will write another book on "Gorgeous" why not- look at all the Gotti books. Lastly I am now about 30% into the FBI/Scarpa book and so far it seems as though the author is hell bent on pointing out fuck ups by the FBI.
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 10/23/13 07:54 PM

Bill Bonnano's book "The Last Testament" was a good read .
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 10/23/13 09:56 PM

Really interested in west coast activity of Cosa Nostra. Going to pick up The Last Mafioso, about L.A. mobster Jimmy The Weasel Fratianno. Any other books about California cosa nostra anyone could recommend?
Posted By: HandsomeStevie

Re: Mafia Books - 10/25/13 01:24 PM

Can anybody tell me about Before bruno volume 3 1946-1959? i just ordered it even though i didnt read the first two but did anyone else enjoy it?
Posted By: don illuminati

Re: Mafia Books - 10/26/13 10:05 PM

Originally Posted By: HandsomeStevie
Can anybody tell me about Before bruno volume 3 1946-1959? i just ordered it even though i didnt read the first two but did anyone else enjoy it?


I read 'Blood and Honor', a very good read.
Posted By: LittleMan

Re: Mafia Books - 10/27/13 12:31 AM

Originally Posted By: bigboy
I have finished the Al D'Arco book and enjoyed it, and yes, as PMAC has said, there are things in there we've already seen, but overall it's a good book and I would recommend it to others.


I'm struggling to finish this book. It seems that a large amount of the book is from before he was appointed acting boss. And personally, my interest is during the time he was promoted to acting boss to when he flipped.

Originally Posted By: MobMan
Bill Bonnano's book "The Last Testament" was a good read .


Anybody else read this book? I read Bound By Honor, and found it interesting. Wondering if this is a rehash of similar info.
Posted By: MrDemeo

Re: Mafia Books - 11/14/13 06:54 AM

very good book
Posted By: JoeP

Re: Mafia Books - 11/14/13 01:53 PM

I thought the Darco book was really good.. best in quite some time. That new Vinny B book sucked IMO. I would really like to see the Leonetti book become a movie, we never had a good movie about philly.
Posted By: southend

Re: Mafia Books - 11/14/13 02:13 PM

Originally Posted By: OakAsFan
Really interested in west coast activity of Cosa Nostra. Going to pick up The Last Mafioso, about L.A. mobster Jimmy The Weasel Fratianno. Any other books about California cosa nostra anyone could recommend?


Consider picking up Revenge Is Mine, good book. Fratianno's story
Posted By: LittleMan

Re: Mafia Books - 11/14/13 07:01 PM

Originally Posted By: LittleMan
Originally Posted By: bigboy
I have finished the Al D'Arco book and enjoyed it, and yes, as PMAC has said, there are things in there we've already seen, but overall it's a good book and I would recommend it to others.


I'm struggling to finish this book. It seems that a large amount of the book is from before he was appointed acting boss. And personally, my interest is during the time he was promoted to acting boss to when he flipped.


I finished the book, and it ended up being a very good read. D'Arco was painted as a somewhat sympathetic figure, as they all are. But he seemed believable.

I wish the book went into more detail about his relationship with Paulie Vario. He worked with Paulie and even took over his crew....there must have been a lot of stories left out.

Also, the story relating to the Beck-Cuomo Ray's Pizzeria was very interesting. It was famous for their pizza, and it was surprising to read about how it was a front for drugs.

It was interesting that Little Davey Petillo was one of D'Arco's earliest mentors in the crime business. Petillo was the guy convicted with Luciano in the prostitution case.

Also, the book pulls no punches about the mob's heavy involvement with drugs. However, as usual, our hero gets pinched for narcotics despite getting a very raw deal from the judge and jury. We have the main character claiming that he wants nothing to do with narcotics... despite spending prison time for dealing H, having a son addicted and also dealing, and a daughter in law addicted. Reminded me a bit of Lucky Luciano insisting he had nothing to do with drugs despite having nobody believe him.

There were also contracting stories between Capeci and Carlo's books. Carlo's book accused D'Arco of lying on the stand, using Casso's stories as his own- in particular, claiming to be in commission meetings with the Chin. Capeci's book described D'Arco as being honest to a fault and was a star witness, who was highly sought after by prosecutors.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 11/14/13 11:56 PM

I finally managed to finish Deal with the Devil by Peter Lance. It was very slow and mostly boring. way too much repetition and legal jargon. The main premise of this whole book is that there was a crooked FBI agent- De Vecchio who cut way too much slack with Greg Scarpa a murderer in exchange for information. I think about 20% of the book was the index with numerous references. I will say that the author was extremely well researched. Do not recommend if you are late in life and don't have much time to waste.
Posted By: marino

Re: Mafia Books - 11/15/13 09:36 AM

I like to hear what is the best choice (both from Bill Bonanno):
Bound By Honor or The Last Testament or are they complementary to each other?
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 11/22/13 09:33 PM

I just got A Mob Story McPhee on Kindle and cannot put the book down. I am about 70% through it and hate to come to the end. For me, this is definitely a book which I will read 2 or 3 times. I am simultaneously re-reading "The Butcher" for the third or fourth time. I am not used to seeing mob books by women but have to say she has done an outstanding job. I highly recommend it to the rest of you guys and gals. It was my first introduction to the Bath Avenue crew.
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 11/22/13 09:50 PM

Originally Posted By: marino
I like to hear what is the best choice (both from Bill Bonanno):
Bound By Honor or The Last Testament or are they complementary to each other?


Bound by honor is an autobiography, while The Last Testament deals in detail with commission meetings Bill Bonanno attended, description of the history of the Mafia, the structure of a Mafia Family etc. One chapter deals with hitmen, another with initiation into the Mafia, the ritual used and the oaths taken. I´d say that The Last Testament is actually more of a scholar book (but with some holes, especially on the early history). They are both good reads. Two different kind of books, I´d say.
Posted By: JCB1977

Re: Mafia Books - 11/23/13 06:07 PM

I don't believe a word Bill Bonnano says, he's an arrogant, spoiled little fuck who portrays himself to be "in the know" on all family matters...I don't buy a cent of it...my opinion of course
Posted By: Tony_Pro

Re: Mafia Books - 11/23/13 08:02 PM

Originally Posted By: BryanBricks
Definantly Mafia Dynasty. Being a luchese guy i didnt meant much to me, but gambino was one powerhouse


It has some good stuff but Davis can play hard and fast with facts; there are couple of times he contradicts himself in the book (IIRC, he states Joe Bonnano was at Apalachin and not at Apalachin in two places in the book).
Posted By: LittleMan

Re: Mafia Books - 11/23/13 08:22 PM

Originally Posted By: HairyKnuckles
Originally Posted By: marino
I like to hear what is the best choice (both from Bill Bonanno):
Bound By Honor or The Last Testament or are they complementary to each other?


Bound by honor is an autobiography, while The Last Testament deals in detail with commission meetings Bill Bonanno attended, description of the history of the Mafia, the structure of a Mafia Family etc. One chapter deals with hitmen, another with initiation into the Mafia, the ritual used and the oaths taken. I´d say that The Last Testament is actually more of a scholar book (but with some holes, especially on the early history). They are both good reads. Two different kind of books, I´d say.


Thanks for the info. Based on this, I'm going to check out the Last Testament. And I agree with JCB, in that I find a lot of what Bill says to be fictional. But true or false, he has interesting stories.
Posted By: xs0u1x

Re: Mafia Books - 12/03/13 02:12 PM

read albert demeo's book and he says it was senter who had the collapsed lung and had a lot of breathing problems. but in murder machine it says joey had the collapsed lung.


which one is it?
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 12/03/13 08:49 PM

I too noticed that discrepancy in the DeMeo book, I think it was Murder Machine where in describing Joey Testa they said that in his younger days he got into a knife fight with a Puerto Rican and had been stabbed in the chest. Therefore I think Jr. DeMeo was just mistaken. Also, Testa looked kind of frail while Senter looked pretty fit.
Posted By: Revis_Knicks

Re: Mafia Books - 12/07/13 04:42 PM

Originally Posted By: LittleMan
Originally Posted By: LittleMan
Originally Posted By: bigboy
I have finished the Al D'Arco book and enjoyed it, and yes, as PMAC has said, there are things in there we've already seen, but overall it's a good book and I would recommend it to others.


I'm struggling to finish this book. It seems that a large amount of the book is from before he was appointed acting boss. And personally, my interest is during the time he was promoted to acting boss to when he flipped.


I finished the book, and it ended up being a very good read. D'Arco was painted as a somewhat sympathetic figure, as they all are. But he seemed believable.

I wish the book went into more detail about his relationship with Paulie Vario. He worked with Paulie and even took over his crew....there must have been a lot of stories left out.

Also, the story relating to the Beck-Cuomo Ray's Pizzeria was very interesting. It was famous for their pizza, and it was surprising to read about how it was a front for drugs.

It was interesting that Little Davey Petillo was one of D'Arco's earliest mentors in the crime business. Petillo was the guy convicted with Luciano in the prostitution case.

Also, the book pulls no punches about the mob's heavy involvement with drugs. However, as usual, our hero gets pinched for narcotics despite getting a very raw deal from the judge and jury. We have the main character claiming that he wants nothing to do with narcotics... despite spending prison time for dealing H, having a son addicted and also dealing, and a daughter in law addicted. Reminded me a bit of Lucky Luciano insisting he had nothing to do with drugs despite having nobody believe him.

There were also contracting stories between Capeci and Carlo's books. Carlo's book accused D'Arco of lying on the stand, using Casso's stories as his own- in particular, claiming to be in commission meetings with the Chin. Capeci's book described D'Arco as being honest to a fault and was a star witness, who was highly sought after by prosecutors.


Yeah I always got the feeling that the casso book was exaggerated way too much to make him look better. Like at one point in the book the author said something like "In mafiadom, Casso was a lot bigger than Sammy the Bull Gravano but the Feds had to use Sammy to testify against gigante rather than the favorable casso". I don't think casso was as big as Sammy. He was huge in his own right but not like that. Sammy was underboss of the Gambino's while Casso was underboss of the Lucchese's. Come on. I can't imagine that casso made more or had more power than Sammy. I'm sure there were lies in both the D'Arco and Casso book
Posted By: B_A_

Re: Mafia Books - 12/08/13 01:07 AM

Has anyone already read Zero Zero Zero by Roberto Saviano? I bought it ten days ago but I haven't started yet. But I did read an recent interview with Saviano: he seemed depressed. It was all too much: the stress, being in the run, the 24/7 bodyguards; he lost his life so to speak.
And he would never ever publish Gomorrah if he could do it all over again knowing what he knows now. Tragic.
Posted By: JCB1977

Re: Mafia Books - 12/08/13 04:39 AM

Just because Casso was Underboss to a smaller family, doesn't mean he didn't have his fingers in as many pies...plus, he "could have" demanded a larger percentage of the kick from his underlings. Gravano was Underboss for a very short period of time...obviously he had legitimate construction and demo companies, but Casso had his share as well. Hard to determine. Guys like Accardo and Gambino were on top for so long prior to RICO, if they were smart, could have been worth up to $100 million
Posted By: Dwalin2011

Re: Mafia Books - 12/08/13 05:26 PM

Originally Posted By: JCB1977
Just because Casso was Underboss to a smaller family, doesn't mean he didn't have his fingers in as many pies...plus, he "could have" demanded a larger percentage of the kick from his underlings. Gravano was Underboss for a very short period of time...obviously he had legitimate construction and demo companies, but Casso had his share as well. Hard to determine. Guys like Accardo and Gambino were on top for so long prior to RICO, if they were smart, could have been worth up to $100 million

A question: when they have interests in construction or other legitimate businesses, do they formally own companies registered to them or do they use front men while they are formally unemployed themselves, like in Italy? For example, Toto' Riina was one of the most powerful mobsters, but formally he was just a peasant without property, what about American mobsters, Casso and Gravano in this case?
Posted By: LittleMan

Re: Mafia Books - 12/08/13 08:19 PM

Originally Posted By: Revis_Island

Yeah I always got the feeling that the casso book was exaggerated way too much to make him look better. Like at one point in the book the author said something like "In mafiadom, Casso was a lot bigger than Sammy the Bull Gravano but the Feds had to use Sammy to testify against gigante rather than the favorable casso". I don't think casso was as big as Sammy. He was huge in his own right but not like that. Sammy was underboss of the Gambino's while Casso was underboss of the Lucchese's. Come on. I can't imagine that casso made more or had more power than Sammy. I'm sure there were lies in both the D'Arco and Casso book


When Sammy flipped, that was huge news. I really didn't know much about Casso flipping until Carlo's book came out. It wasn't followed by the media much, possibly because Gotti was a better known.

Carlo continually wrote about how Casso was respected for being fair on his deals. And how feared he was on the streets. Next thing you know, Jimmy Hydell was hired to whack Casso, by Angelo Ruggiero, over a bad drug deal (according to some theories). In addition, D'Arco bought some H from Casso, and it turned out to be crap. He got his money back, but still....

And while D'Arco was in jail, Casso was doing heroin deals with his son- without clearing it with D'Arco, first. And then, he wanted Al to cover the $80k that his son owed Casso for past drug deals. D'Arco was really pissed and felt disrespected. Casso would have gone nuts if someone was doing drug deals with his son behind his back.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 12/08/13 11:04 PM



I've just ordered my first Mafia book in a while, has anybody read this??
Posted By: LittleMan

Re: Mafia Books - 12/09/13 02:23 AM

Originally Posted By: Dwalin2011
For example, Toto' Riina was one of the most powerful mobsters, but formally he was just a peasant without property, what about American mobsters, Casso and Gravano in this case?


IIRC, Casso hid his money behind other people.

There was a nice house in LI, which was officially in the name of a business, for which he was a salesman. To appease the IRS, they had a room designated for a showroom, and Casso was a salesperson entertaining clients there. Both Casso and his wife kept their expensive clothes and jewelry in another person's apartment.

Casso put a townhouse in the name of his associate, Burt Kaplan. I believe in the end, after Casso flipped... Kaplan double crossed him and kept the townhouse. (Kaplan eventually received payment of around $600k.)
Posted By: conopizza

Re: Mafia Books - 12/09/13 03:04 AM

Just finished the Al D'Arco book and it's fucking GREAT. The trick is-- likely thanks to Al's amazing memory + co-writer Tom Robbins adding texture to Capeci's mob stuff-- it's a great Brooklyn/NYC memoir/history, not just a crime story.

1000% recommended, especially for those with an interest in context as well as action; read that way, the first part of the book which some found slow is just as interesting-- maybe even moreso-- than the rise & fall & revenge acting boss Al...

Also, though, we all know Casso was fucking psycho, this is a reminder of how crazy Amuso was too, almost up there with Persico.
Posted By: jace

Re: Mafia Books - 12/09/13 06:28 AM

Originally Posted By: conopizza
Just finished the Al D'Arco book and it's fucking GREAT. The trick is-- likely thanks to Al's amazing memory + co-writer Tom Robbins adding texture to Capeci's mob stuff-- it's a great Brooklyn/NYC memoir/history, not just a crime story.

1000% recommended, especially for those with an interest in context as well as action; read that way, the first part of the book which some found slow is just as interesting-- maybe even moreso-- than the rise & fall & revenge acting boss Al...

Also, though, we all know Casso was fucking psycho, this is a reminder of how crazy Amuso was too, almost up there with Persico.


I thought differently. Much of the history parts in the book are old stories being told again, for hundreth time. The authors made it seem as if Al D'Arco was teling tales never told before. They also make D'Arco sound like a hero, and the toughest of the tough. In one passage, he yells at Casso, and Casso turns meek. In others, Amuso is shown as so afraid of him he can't look him in the eye. A few ok parts, but not a very worthwhile book.
Posted By: conopizza

Re: Mafia Books - 12/09/13 02:10 PM

I hear you, Jace, but I think there's a limit to how much the authors can challenge Al or any other subject; it's up to us to determine whether Al's interpretation is believable.

Also, there are, unfortunately, limits of how many new stories we can turn up on dead men but it still needs to be put out. I don't know that, for that kind of book, you want Capeci/Robbins stopping to say "as explained in Selwyn Raab..."

One area where will differ is Al's non-crime autobiography: the neighborhoods and the the particulars of that type of immigrant family are NOT well-served in literature or in history; that's why I say it's a great addition to the BROOKLYN history shelf, period, in addition to its virtues as crime book.

I'm assuming the additional civic/social history are Tom's doings, since we know Capeci's style from his other books, though I think Al's unusual intellectual interests, for a gangster, are part of it also. (Like Fat Pete Chiodo too; wasn't he supposed to be a big reader?)
Posted By: lcn101

Re: Mafia Books - 12/12/13 03:26 PM

Originally Posted By: LittleMan

Carlo continually wrote about how Casso was respected for being fair on his deals. And how feared he was on the streets.


The book was hard to take seriously for this exact reason. Phillip Carlo wrote this book as if he were the captain of the Casso fan club:

"He became the mobster most talked about, pointed at, admired—a man of respect everyone wanted as a friend. If Casso became an enemy, you had to leave town or you were quickly dead. Unlike John Gotti, however, Casso didn’t flaunt himself."

"Though he didn’t officially have his own borgata, when Casso came to sit-downs, he was treated with the deference owed a respected boss. He was a nine-hundred-pound gorilla, a wise, wary mafioso."

"Gravano, like DeMeo, met all his obligations when dealing with Gaspipe. He, like DeMeo, respected Gaspipe, knew his reputation, and didn’t try to fuck him. He understood that doing that was a one-way trip to the morgue."
Posted By: LittleMan

Re: Mafia Books - 12/12/13 06:13 PM

Originally Posted By: lcn101

The book was hard to take seriously for this exact reason. Phillip Carlo wrote this book as if he were the captain of the Casso fan club:

"He became the mobster most talked about, pointed at, admired—a man of respect everyone wanted as a friend. If Casso became an enemy, you had to leave town or you were quickly dead. Unlike John Gotti, however, Casso didn’t flaunt himself."

"Though he didn’t officially have his own borgata, when Casso came to sit-downs, he was treated with the deference owed a respected boss. He was a nine-hundred-pound gorilla, a wise, wary mafioso."

"Gravano, like DeMeo, met all his obligations when dealing with Gaspipe. He, like DeMeo, respected Gaspipe, knew his reputation, and didn’t try to fuck him. He understood that doing that was a one-way trip to the morgue."


Lol, these exact quotes (and many others) left me rolling my eyes over Carlo's writing. Here's another one.....Tony Ducks badly wanted Casso to be his successor. When Casso declined, Ducks was saddened. But he promoted Amuso to the top spot only because he knew Gas would be there to advise and guide him. Based on Gas's involvement as an advisor, the family would be in good hands. (ROFL)

That's why I usually refer to the Gaspipe book as an autobiography, not a biography. It's as if Carlo just took whatever came out of Casso's mouth as fact with zero checking. There was no mention about how the leadership of Vic/Gas nearly brought down the family, and they'll go down in history as among the worst bosses in LCN.

I believe to get the full story on the Luccheses (or close to it), one needs to read both Carlo and Capeci's books. The one discrepancy that still confuses me is the physical description of D'Arco. Carlo described him as mousy and nerdy, which resulted in his nickname, The Professor. Capeci described him as a fitness nut, always pounding on the heavy bag, and bullied people in jail.
Posted By: Revis_Knicks

Re: Mafia Books - 12/16/13 06:04 PM

Yeah you could tell that the writing was very biased in the Casso book.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 12/16/13 10:05 PM

I guess Carlo had to be a little biased having grown up with the Casso family what with their parents being friends and neighbors.
Of course this doesn't make it right, but anyway I enjoyed reading the book. You know most books are going to have a little bias.
Posted By: Revis_Knicks

Re: Mafia Books - 12/18/13 05:21 PM

Of course. I also enjoyed the book a lot.
Posted By: LittleMan

Re: Mafia Books - 12/18/13 06:00 PM

Originally Posted By: bigboy
I guess Carlo had to be a little biased having grown up with the Casso family what with their parents being friends and neighbors.
Of course this doesn't make it right, but anyway I enjoyed reading the book. You know most books are going to have a little bias.


Agreed. In fact, that has to be why Gas gave Carlo the shot to write about his life story. He knew that Carlo was a family friend and would present Casso in a biased manner. The book has warts but it was a good read. Better than D'Arco's book, imo.

I wish Carlo went into more detail about how Casso was screwed by the feds after flipping. He briefly glossed over simply telling the truth about Gravano and McCane, getting in a fight in prison, and smuggling in contraband (although everyone did it), and snitching on the Colombo's murder plot against Judge Nickerson. There has to be much more to the story.

Anyone have more believable details on how and why Gas was rejected from the government witness program?
Posted By: xs0u1x

Re: Mafia Books - 12/19/13 05:03 PM

had anybody here read rita gigante's book?

I barely made it through it and was dissappointed.
Posted By: HandsomeStevie

Re: Mafia Books - 12/22/13 04:52 PM

ive been reading Before Bruno Vol, 3 by Celeste Morello and its really a great book. The Philadelphia family is very interesting period, but before Bruno is an era that you never hear much about.
Posted By: HandsomeStevie

Re: Mafia Books - 12/22/13 04:53 PM

The time period is between 1946-1959.
Posted By: HandsomeStevie

Re: Mafia Books - 12/22/13 04:54 PM

I never read Volumes 1 or 2.. I most likely will, but i was so interested in the time period when Bruno became the boss that I decided to just read book 3 first..
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 12/22/13 10:46 PM

As I mentioned above, Carlo was somewhat biased on the Casso book yet it was still a very interesting read. On his book about Tommy Pitaro, he received criticism o tbecause Pitaro said he lied about his {Pitaro) crimes. As I spent 2 months in Attica prison (With the Army) we noted that nearly all of the prisoners said that they were innocent and were falsely accused by liars. 'Given this background, I would give more credibility to Carlo than Pitaro.
Posted By: HandsomeStevie

Re: Mafia Books - 12/30/13 12:53 PM

Pitera was a psycho. I wouldnt believe anything that came out of his mouth.
Posted By: Tony_Pro

Re: Mafia Books - 01/01/14 08:23 PM

I'm reading the Pitera book now. Pretty good read but as usual Carlo plays hard and fast with facts, especially with background history. Who recounts the history of Bonnanos without even mentioning the Banana Wars? He also refers to Joe Bonnano as the "retired boss" as if he wasn't forced out of the family and exiled out of NYC. I mean when you're talking about the politics of that family those are some pretty important facts to gloss over.
Posted By: domwoods74

Re: Mafia Books - 01/04/14 07:00 AM

I've just finished reading mob boss , I found it a really entertaining read . Most of it was common knowledge but there r some stories I hadn't read before , I would recommend the book 7/10 . I've been reading this thread and regarding the casso amuso takeover , tony ducks never wanted to hand the reigns over to amuso / casso , when he knew he was getting 100 years he elected Anthony buddy luongo boss of the family , shortly after that amuso and casso had him whacked , when this happened tony ducks felt he had no choice but to hand over the family to them , casso was the most powerful guy in the family at that time
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 01/07/14 12:20 PM

has anybody read "Quitting the Mob" from Michael Franzese? Any recommendations? or just the same was he in all his interviews constantly repeats?
Posted By: LittleMan

Re: Mafia Books - 01/07/14 05:15 PM

Originally Posted By: mickey2
has anybody read "Quitting the Mob" from Michael Franzese? Any recommendations? or just the same was he in all his interviews constantly repeats?


I enjoyed his bio. I especially liked when he went into details about his dad, Sonny, and how he went from being a powerful mob figure to be in and out of jail. Michael basically said that the higher ups in the Colombo family were concerned about Sonny's ambition and power, so they found a way to keep him in jail....reminded me of a real life Feech La Manna.

Personally, I didn't like the stuff about falling in love with his wife, Camille, and how she was the inspiration for him going straight. It bordered on a romance novel when he was going on and on about his love for her.
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 01/07/14 05:27 PM

Does he admit that he cooperated with the Government?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 01/07/14 05:29 PM

Originally Posted By: LittleMan
Personally, I didn't like the stuff about falling in love with his wife, Camille, and how she was the inspiration for him going straight.

That's because a lot of that part was bullshit. He played up the Born-Again-Christian angle to the hilt. But the truth is, he met her through a wiseguy in the movie business wink.
Posted By: Giancarlo

Re: Mafia Books - 01/07/14 05:40 PM

According to his wifes book Franzese was cellmates with Rosario Gambino when they were both at Terminal Island. Camille and Gambino's wife Pina were hanging out together in LA according to her book and it sounded like the 2 families were pretty friendly. But if Franzese was a rat why would they put him in a cell with a guy like Gambino and not in protective custody?
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 01/07/14 05:52 PM

Originally Posted By: Giancarlo
According to his wifes book Franzese was cellmates with Rosario Gambino when they were both at Terminal Island. Camille and Gambino's wife Pina were hanging out together in LA according to her book and it sounded like the 2 families were pretty friendly. But if Franzese was a rat why would they put him in a cell with a guy like Gambino and not in protective custody?


Check out 37:52 on the Nat Geo sow. A quote from the United States Attorney:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oq9jfi8XXyc
Posted By: Giancarlo

Re: Mafia Books - 01/07/14 05:59 PM

Originally Posted By: Beanshooter
Check out 37:52 on the Nat Geo sow. A quote from the United States Attorney:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oq9jfi8XXyc

I know...i've seen that before. It just doesn't make sense to me that the feds would put a rat in a cell with a mafioso like Gambino. I don't know...it just seems odd to me.

Heres where Franzese's wife talked about Gambino and his wife.

http://books.google.com/books?id=oG-ngNrfQVYC&pg=PA109&lpg=PA109
Posted By: LittleMan

Re: Mafia Books - 01/08/14 12:28 AM

Originally Posted By: pizzaboy

That's because a lot of that part was bullshit. He played up the Born-Again-Christian angle to the hilt. But the truth is, he met her through a wiseguy in the movie business wink.


I seem to recall that he met her through a movie, but didn't realize that a wiseguy introduced them! lol

I read the book around twenty years ago, so my memory may be off. But speaking of his movie biz.... wasn't he business associates with the guy who played Luca Brasi in GF1? And I believe that he said that Luca was a connected man.
Posted By: Tony_Pro

Re: Mafia Books - 01/21/14 01:38 AM

Has anyone read "The Boys In Chicago Heights" (about the Outfit crew of the same name)? Worth picking up?
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 01/21/14 01:24 PM

The Vinny Basciano book was awful, really awful. There was no substance, whole decades of his life were glossed over, and no new info, it should of been a chapter in the Joey Massino book.

The Al D'arco book was disappointing but very readable. Too much hisforical stuff and not enough about the actual "life." I don't know how his junkie son got his button.

The Leonetti book was awesome, one of the best mob books I've read. Great insight into what was going on in that era starting with bruno getting wacked. The fight to take over the family with all the backstabbing and what not. The relationship with NY and all the stuff threy did. It did a great job of showing Scarfo as the psycho he was, Leonetti was just as evil if you ask me, though he downplays it.
Posted By: Snakes

Re: Mafia Books - 01/21/14 08:28 PM

"Kill the Dutchman!", a 1971 book by longtime New York Post author and editor Paul Sann is available online at the following website:

http://www.killthedutchman.net/

Since it's written by a newspaper journalist, the writing is a tad "sensational" but it's a good read nonetheless. Check it out.
Posted By: Gotti

Re: Mafia Books - 01/31/14 09:38 AM

Anyone read
Sam the Plumber: The Real-Life Saga of a Mafia Chieftain, and what were your thoughts?

Also, I bought the Gotti Tapes not too long ago and found it very interesting. Does anybody know any other books that have a lot of mobs transcripts in them?
Posted By: LittleMan

Re: Mafia Books - 01/31/14 06:23 PM

Originally Posted By: Gotti
Also, I bought the Gotti Tapes not too long ago and found it very interesting. Does anybody know any other books that have a lot of mobs transcripts in them?




The Way of the Wiseguy, by Joe Pistone (Donnie Brasco) includes a CD which has recordings of Donnie talking with mobsters. They captured phone conversations with Lefty, when Donnie was in hot water. The book is worth a read.
Posted By: PhillyMob

Re: Mafia Books - 02/03/14 02:15 PM

What's up everyone been looking at this site for a while. Just decided to post lol.

I agree the leonetti book. Mafia Prince was very good. Great insight to my hometown LCN. I am in the process of waiting for Underboss by Sammy gravano. I am now reading MOB Stories of death and betrayal from organized crime. It's ok just basically some stories that we all already no but it gets a little more into scarpa's relationship with the FBI.

Nice to be on a good sight with great facts and articles that everyone here gets.
Posted By: Brownn1

Re: Mafia Books - 02/03/14 04:22 PM

I just got the Mafia Encyclopedia third edition by Carl Sifakis for Xmas, and its a really good read. Has alot of info about mobsters that i didnt know about.
Posted By: Brownn1

Re: Mafia Books - 02/03/14 04:30 PM

I have that book also The way of the wise Guy. By Donnie Brasco, the CD is kinda funny. Just the way sonny get mad at him.
Posted By: PhillyMob

Re: Mafia Books - 02/03/14 09:51 PM

Almost done reading "the black hand" the bloody rise and redemption of Rene "boxer" enriquez a Mexican mob killer

Very good read if your interested in the Mexican mafia
Posted By: EricKumerow

Re: Mafia Books - 02/03/14 09:59 PM

Over the years I've read all of the Roemer books and a few others but here are the recent ones and a few thoughts.

Five Families - Seems like a legit documentary of the history of the families. Not a "ton" of depth on any of them, but certainly very comprehensive.

The Oufit - Definitely the most in depth book I've read about Chicago CN, one interesting thing that Russo went into was saying that Torrio after leaving Chicago to Capone was instrumental in founding the Commission and that he was guiding Luciano. I'd never heard that, not sure if it's true.

The Boys of the Chicago Heights - Worst book of the 4. Poorly written but documents one of the most brutal crews in CN history. If they didn't kill each other I'm sure they'd still be a force today.

When Corruption was King - This is a book I suggest everyone reads. Whether your an Outfit buff or not this book is pretty riveting. Just to know how far the tentacles of the Outfit reached, not just in Chicago, but statewide and national.

They don't have that pull anymore but still have associates in unions and in state government here as anyone in IL knows, but this book really explains the political pull they had, and doesn't ever go into the teamsters, etc. Good stuff.

Next up is Donnie Brasco, and I think Underboss.
Posted By: Midtown

Re: Mafia Books - 02/09/14 09:17 PM

I am a new member, but just thought I would list some of my favorites. I'm not interested in anything after the early 60's, and my reading reflects that. Some of these have no doubt surfaced here before.

1. Murder, Inc, Feder and Turkus. Not always accurate, but still a classic.
2. I'll Do My Own Damn Killin', Gary Sleeper. Great stuff on the Texas mob and the war between Benny Binion and Herb Noble. A fine book on a very neglected area.
3. Capone, John Kobler. Another oldie but goodie.
4. The Life and Times of Lepke Buchalter, Paul Kavieff. Very dry, well documented, and factual, which I like.
5. The Green Felt Jungle, Ovid Demaris and Ed Reid. Fun and informative. Guaranteed to destroy any romantic sucker illusions about the 'glories' of old Vegas.
6. Barbarians in Our Midst, Virgil Peterson. A classic and very thorough account of the Outfit in its glory days.
7. Washington Confidential, Jack Lait and Lee Mortimer. Pulpy and hysterical, but contains some information about gambling and vice in Washington and Baltimore and the little-known and less written-about outfits that ran the rackets in those places.
8. Tough Jews, Rich Cohen. Often sloppy and embarassingly fanboyish, but it is a fun read in places and contains some things that you can't find in Turkus and Feder.
9. The Murderers, Harry Anslinger. The dope racket as seen by the man who fought it for 30 years.
10. Kill the Dutchman, Paul Sann. Another familiar title, written by an old time reporter who knew the story.
11. and 12. Welcome to the Tiger Inn and Crimetown, USA, Allan R. May. The story of the Youngstown rackets from the 30's to the early 60's, two highly detailed works by an expert on the subject.
13. East Side, West Side, Alan R. Block. Covers the development of the mobs in New York from the late 20's to the early 40's. Heavy on theory in places, but has much precious information about Murder Inc., Mangano-Anastasia on the docks, and Zwillman et al in Jersey.

Posted By: LittleMan

Re: Mafia Books - 02/10/14 03:05 PM

How was Harry Anslinger's book?

I was unaware that he wrote one. It has potential if he covered Luciano, Genovese, Hoover, Havana conference, etc...
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 02/11/14 12:23 PM

just read joe pistone's second book, "unfinished business" - i was surprised how bad it was written in my opinion. He repeats every fact like 10 times, the timeline is in complete disarray, so he jumps from '78 to '81 back to '68...forgeddaboudit. But the stuff is very interesting and informative, no doubt.
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 02/11/14 12:25 PM

Currently reading Frankie Calabrese's Story, so far: fantastic written, very good and interesting stories. i do recommend "Operation Family Secrets"!
Posted By: Midtown

Re: Mafia Books - 02/11/14 05:40 PM

Originally Posted By: LittleMan
How was Harry Anslinger's book?

I was unaware that he wrote one. It has potential if he covered Luciano, Genovese, Hoover, Havana conference, etc...


If you are looking for details of major events and controversies, then I am afraid you will be disappointed. The book is mostly a collection of colorful stories (with names omitted)that illustrate the FBN's methods and successes, as Anslinger saw them. He does give some attention to the Lepke-Katzenberg network, which was a big FBN success. He does not discuss Hoover at all, really; Anslinger was too smart a bureaucrat to publish his disagreements with the FBI.

The book is well-written, though, and the best thing about it is that Anslinger's personality and attitudes come through very strongly. He gives some details about his younger days and his early encounters with dope and Italian mobs in his native Pennsylvania, and you see why he hated gangsters and dope smugglers so much. He was a very hard, tough man, and that is evident in his book.

I know Anslinger gets a terrible press from today's hipsters, but he was one of the mob's most dangerous enemies for 30 years and he made cases against some important bosses. He really deserves a full, modern biography, and I am amazed that no one has written one.
Posted By: LittleMan

Re: Mafia Books - 02/11/14 06:44 PM

Thanks for the reply. Too bad, he probably had some incredible stories to tell about mobsters involved with drug trafficking.
Posted By: short841

Re: Mafia Books - 02/12/14 11:00 PM

read al d'arcos book. I liked it but could of talked more about his time as capo and the boss. the ins and outs not the main historic parts.
So I have ordered Mafia Prince and Vinny Basciano book..even though there has been some bad reviews
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 02/13/14 03:13 AM

Has anyone ever read Andrew DiDonato's book ?
Posted By: Snakes

Re: Mafia Books - 02/13/14 01:00 PM

I have, it's pretty good. Reading that front-to-back with the Charles Carneglia book will give you a decent look at the Gambinos post-Gotti.
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 02/13/14 02:54 PM

Originally Posted By: short841
read al d'arcos book. I liked it but could of talked more about his time as capo and the boss. the ins and outs not the main historic parts.
So I have ordered Mafia Prince and Vinny Basciano book..even though there has been some bad reviews


The Vinny Basciano book is a dull one. The book is good for those who suffers from insomnia. Puts you to sleep in a minute!
Posted By: short841

Re: Mafia Books - 02/13/14 04:22 PM

ha so your saying to start on mafia prince? you read? Seems mostly positive reviews
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 02/16/14 04:33 PM

I just got 'Underboss' and I think it's a good read .
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 02/16/14 06:19 PM

Mafia Prince is a good book, as is Underboss by Sammy Gravano. I re-read Vinnie Gorgeous again and liked it better the second time. I still think there is more to the Vinnie Basciano story than was covered in the book. Maybe someone else will do a second book on him.
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 02/17/14 04:03 AM

American desperado.
Posted By: short841

Re: Mafia Books - 02/17/14 11:03 PM

anyone read mob killer? about carneglia?
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 02/18/14 06:39 PM

[quote=short841]anyone read mob killer? about carneglia? [/quote
yes I read it and it is an interesting read about this psycho. I recommend it to others with an interest in the mob (All of you) He liked to use a knife, unlike most mobsters.
Posted By: Kasparoza

Re: Mafia Books - 02/24/14 11:29 PM

Hey everyone-- I published my debut novel last year, For Blood And Loyalty, which takes place in our favorite world in Queens, New York over the summer of 1999. And, I need to get more exposure and reviews for it on Amazon.com. AKA, I will give a free eBook copy to anyone willing to help out by leaving an honest review on Amazon after reading it. If you're interested send me a PM and I will send you a book. THANKS!!! --Don Kasparoza

http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Loyalty-Don-...7423&sr=1-1
Posted By: domwoods74

Re: Mafia Books - 03/03/14 01:14 PM

I'm in the process of reading in the godfathers garden , it's a pretty good read so far
Posted By: short841

Re: Mafia Books - 03/09/14 10:52 PM

Just read Mafia Prince, and was great, Stunned that he met Nicky Jr while in witsec unless its bullshit?
Posted By: redtony654

Re: Mafia Books - 03/14/14 03:22 PM

Junior Corozzo’s family ties have gotten the mob lawyer into a bind.
A Brooklyn federal judge today booted the mob-scion attorney — whose dad is is reputed Gambino consigliere Joseph "Jo Jo" Corozzo and whose uncle Nicholas is a family capo — from the defense team of a Colombo wiseguy facing murder charges.
Federal prosecutors consider Joseph Corozzo Jr. to be the "house counsel" of the Gambinos but he's also know to represent wiseguys from other families.
In the current case, Junior Corozzo was representing Dino "Little Dino" Saracino, who is charged in Brooklyn federal court with two mob rubouts. Also the recent Queens case of long time Gambino Soldier Ernest "The Falcon" Seguna on armed robbery, the shack down of drug dealers and narcotics trafficing.
Prosecutors alerted Judge Brian Cogan to a potential conflict of interest with Corozzo, saying the lawyer had arranged a meeting between a mobster who is now a cooperating witness and Theodore "Teddy" Persico Jr., an acting Colombo capo.
Persico and the other mobster, identified by sources as Sebastian "Sebby" Saracino, met at Corozzo’s residence in the summer of 2009 and discussed illegal loansharking and gambling debts, prosecutors said.
Saracino is expected to testify for the government against his brother Dino.
After hearing the evidence, Cogan booted Corozzo from the Dino Saracino case.
The feds also announced that Corozzo is the subject of yet another criminal investigation relating to his mob connections.
A previous probe of the attorney dates back to 2008, when Brooklyn federal prosecutors said they had intercepted Corozzo on a secretly recorded tape that showed he was involved in the mob extortion of Hudson & McCoy, a Long Island fish restaurant.
Corozzo Jr. declined to comment.

http://fivefamiliesnyc.blogspot.com/

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/brook...H#ixzz1IbBrXtAR
Posted By: LaLouisiane

Re: Mafia Books - 03/14/14 03:27 PM

Yea it was okay, went into his using the acid and apparently put the bones in someones soup. Talked about his junk yards and stuff (I think that's what he owned it's been a while since I read it to be honest). It was a good read, had some interesting info.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 03/14/14 03:40 PM

Originally Posted By: GerryLang
The Vinny Basciano book was awful, really awful. There was no substance, whole decades of his life were glossed over, and no new info, it should of been a chapter in the Joey Massino book.

The Al D'arco book was disappointing but very readable. Too much hisforical stuff and not enough about the actual "life." I don't know how his junkie son got his button.

The Leonetti book was awesome, one of the best mob books I've read. Great insight into what was going on in that era starting with bruno getting wacked. The fight to take over the family with all the backstabbing and what not. The relationship with NY and all the stuff threy did. It did a great job of showing Scarfo as the psycho he was, Leonetti was just as evil if you ask me, though he downplays it.









I've been looking out for that book. Does he assassinate Casso and Amuso's characters like in Manhattan Mob Rampage? Talking crap about how Amuso was meek and Casso was a loon? The stuff about Amuso not being able to look D'Arco in the eyes has me rolling my eyes tbh. As did the sh*t about Amuso thinking he was "The Godfather".

As if Amuso got to where he was, pulling bodyguard duties for bigger guys when he was younger, making drug contacts all over the world, sticking his fingers in every pie and being named boss by being meek and not looking people in the eye.

And Casso was a functioning psychopath. He may have been borderline insane but it's a disservice to pretend he didn't have smarts.

D'Arco has some cheek coming out with stuff like this when he raised a junkie son and can't even be man enough to not use a silhouette when he's being interviewed.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 03/14/14 08:58 PM

Haven't read a mob book in awhile so bought rouge mobster about some guy mark Silverman who must be delusional. Just a dumb book about the Boston mob war in the 90tys. Says he got made by sonny rizzo in revere in 1995 at the age of 25. Just terrible book he says the luchese who were all screwed up by defectors in the earrly 90 tys was backing some crew to take out frank salemmi who was boss. Just a weird book. Do not buy. They wanted to take out frank so when Jr patriarca back as boss when he got out of jail. Jr broughtfrank in and made him capo and pushed him in as boss just strange book. You want a bBoston mob book underboss about jerry a that's it.
Posted By: GiacomoD

Re: Mafia Books - 03/15/14 08:15 PM

The donnie brasco book was pretty good.

BTW does anybody know a good site where you can download ebooks?
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 03/15/14 09:17 PM

Anyone know where I would be able to read the D'Arco book for free or download it without unleashing the apocalypse?
Posted By: Snakes

Re: Mafia Books - 03/15/14 11:15 PM

A lot of libraries have inter-library loan now. Basically you can request a book online and your library will borrow it from another library around the country. It's pretty awesome. A great way to read out of print books and rare books.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 03/21/14 09:55 PM

Anyone read Karen Gravano's book?
Posted By: GiacomoD

Re: Mafia Books - 03/21/14 11:42 PM

Karen Gravanos book is basically a copy of her fathers book Underboss. If you've read Underboss then don't waste your time reading mob daughter
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 03/23/14 10:17 PM

She just wrote it i guess for a quick buck..
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 03/24/14 10:41 PM

john veasy book is pretty good the guy is a nut and is sending threats threw the pages of the book constantly. I do believe he did get made burning the card and all. he said stanfa bought joey chang a chalkboard because he would just scream kill my brother mike all retarted after his shooting. even says joe chang would go to the cemetery and piss on his brothers grave. going to poke the wives of the merlino crew with a hiv needle crzy. he walked up to the news stand johnny chang owned and confronting him I kinda believe they guy he is a tool thou. he was in the philly war for 6months got made then flipped. no doubt in my mind his brother billy told merlino and co his brother john john was wearing a wire. someone must have told stanfa. who you take 3 bullets to the head and live is nuts. good book. he said Sammy gravano was making guys into like a rat family, I believe it cause he was caught on wire tap talking to another Gambino rat about making a family in Arizona. Sammy the bull was a weirdo serial killer. the book real short and real funny. he should have joined merlino side.
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 03/24/14 10:59 PM

I just ordered Andrew Didonato's book.
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 03/27/14 12:23 PM

Originally Posted By: pmac
john veasy book is pretty good the guy is a nut and is sending threats threw the pages of the book constantly. I do believe he did get made burning the card and all. he said stanfa bought joey chang a chalkboard because he would just scream kill my brother mike all retarted after his shooting. even says joe chang would go to the cemetery and piss on his brothers grave. going to poke the wives of the merlino crew with a hiv needle crzy. he walked up to the news stand johnny chang owned and confronting him I kinda believe they guy he is a tool thou. he was in the philly war for 6months got made then flipped. no doubt in my mind his brother billy told merlino and co his brother john john was wearing a wire. someone must have told stanfa. who you take 3 bullets to the head and live is nuts. good book. he said Sammy gravano was making guys into like a rat family, I believe it cause he was caught on wire tap talking to another Gambino rat about making a family in Arizona. Sammy the bull was a weirdo serial killer. the book real short and real funny. he should have joined merlino side.


cant believe that smart sammy wanted to build a family of RATS? thats a contradiciton in some way...
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 03/29/14 12:29 AM

I just finished Andrew Didonato's book , and I thought it was a page turner . I'm now gonna order the books written by Jack Garcia and Michael Franzese .
Posted By: vitovito

Re: Mafia Books - 03/30/14 11:05 AM

Neil Dellacroce,

[img:left]http://tinypic.com/ixf2vs&s=8[/img]
Posted By: Rocco1313

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/14 08:01 AM

How are Greg b smith books ?
Posted By: njcapo35

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/14 10:27 AM

Blood Oath by George Freselone IMO i thought was a good read. It's about the Nj branch of the philly family. What do others think about the book that have read it?
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 04/03/14 08:11 PM

I just bought Wiseguys . How is it ?
Posted By: Owney_Madden

Re: Mafia Books - 04/06/14 04:07 AM

Just finished White Shotgun by Attilio Bolzoni about the Sicilian Mafia. Its an unusual book in that its made up entirely from actual words spoken by Mafia. Confessions, court documents bugs letters even a mafia rule book are used to tell the story of the Sicilian Mafia from the 60s to the present.
Its not a book I would normally go for because it appeared to be to disjointed. In fact at full price I've knocked it back many a time. But I got it from a discount store at a tenth of its cost. And I have to admit it works The story is told in a chronological order from the building rackets and cigarette smuggling of the 60s though the Heroin boom and the war of the 90s. Right up to the bleak outlook faced at present.
The Story is kept moving with expert narrative from the author and is a top class addition to the Sicilian story. In fact it raises some interesting questions I may put to the main Forum at some stage when I get round to it. Well worth a read
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 04/08/14 02:55 PM

This is both sad and funny at the same time. There´s a book out on Sal Scala, the Gambino member who passed in 2007. The info in the book comes from copied articles found on the internet. In the overview it says: "Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia [fucking MafiaWiki!!!] or other free sources online." And look at the price. The book costs $98.21. The original price was $102! Who would want to pay $98.21 for a book that contents info already available on the net??? Talk about an optimistic writer/copyist!

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/salvatore-scala-lambert-m-surhone/1103717090?ean=9786135037159
Posted By: USICILIANU

Re: Mafia Books - 04/10/14 10:07 PM

What about the book on Greg Scarpa? Somebody read it?
Posted By: cornuto_e_contento

Re: Mafia Books - 04/11/14 05:10 PM

Originally Posted By: USICILIANU
What about the book on Greg Scarpa? Somebody read it?


Not yet but I will since my library has multiple copies.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 04/11/14 08:40 PM

http://books.google.ie/books?id=L62GGItm...one&f=false

Anyone read that book and listen to the accompanying CD? Any good?

I have to say that from reading the preview of the book, the writing style is cliched and kind of grating after a while; similar to Carlo.
Posted By: njcapo35

Re: Mafia Books - 04/11/14 09:53 PM

Originally Posted By: USICILIANU
What about the book on Greg Scarpa? Somebody read it?
Yeah it's pretty good imo, little repetitive in some parts but worth the buy.
Posted By: GaryMartin

Re: Mafia Books - 04/13/14 10:13 PM

"Everybody Pays," by Maurice Possley & Rick Kogan. Good book about the murder of Billy Logan by Harry Aleman and the resulting fallout.
Posted By: USICILIANU

Re: Mafia Books - 04/17/14 07:25 PM

is there a lot of details about Scarpa?
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 04/17/14 07:49 PM

His prejudices killed him.

http://listverse.com/2013/04/17/10-fascinating-facts-about-western-history/

http://articles.philly.com/1992-08-17/news/25988345_1_hospital-blood-bank-sebollena-gangster-blood

If you check the links at the bottom of his Wikipedia age, there is a fountain of info too.

The doctor that operated on Scarpa is possibly an even more deplorable human being than him. Ironic.

http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/malpractice-suit-sex-crimes-doc-article-1.762778
Posted By: USICILIANU

Re: Mafia Books - 04/17/14 09:43 PM

He surely was a bastard, but his life is very interesting, if it is true what they're saying about him, about what he did for the FBI and everything...
Posted By: ctsguy

Re: Mafia Books - 04/18/14 09:49 PM

I'm reading contract killer the story of tony the Greek frankos. Not bad some bs, the Greek didn't think much of joey gallo
Posted By: MikeyO

Re: Mafia Books - 04/20/14 08:47 AM

Originally Posted By: ctsguy
I'm reading contract killer the story of tony the Greek frankos. Not bad some bs, the Greek didn't think much of joey gallo


There's only a few peple who think very highly of Joey Gallo
Posted By: Rocco1313

Re: Mafia Books - 04/24/14 12:12 AM

There's very several books on Rothstein, can anyone recommend one?
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 04/27/14 09:22 PM

I just got Mafia Prince
Posted By: USICILIANU

Re: Mafia Books - 04/29/14 11:45 AM

What about the book about Pitera? Is it worth buying?
Posted By: njcapo35

Re: Mafia Books - 04/29/14 02:54 PM

Originally Posted By: USICILIANU
What about the book about Pitera? Is it worth buying?
It was ok. It's worth reading tho.
Posted By: funkster

Re: Mafia Books - 04/30/14 10:56 AM

Just pre-ordered Mob and the City...anyone hear anything about it?
Posted By: Snakes

Re: Mafia Books - 04/30/14 11:44 AM

Capeci said it's the best book he's ever read about the early years of the mob. Sounds like pretty high praise to me.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 04/30/14 12:06 PM

Originally Posted By: USICILIANU
What about the book about Pitera? Is it worth buying?

To me it was more than just OK. I thought it was a very good book and often go back to it to re-read some things. I don't think you will be dissapointed.
Posted By: funkster

Re: Mafia Books - 04/30/14 01:15 PM

Originally Posted By: Snakes
Capeci said it's the best book he's ever read about the early years of the mob. Sounds like pretty high praise to me.

Yeah, either its really good or the publisher paid Capeci good money to use his name along with that quote.

Not so interested in the well told Luciano creating modern day Cosa Nostra story, but very much interested in the 40s-50s heyday aspect of the book.
Posted By: Snakes

Re: Mafia Books - 04/30/14 01:30 PM

You can "look inside" over on Amazon. It looks to be a pretty good read. Do a keyword search for subjects that you are interested in from that time period and see what kind of results you get.
Posted By: Owney_Madden

Re: Mafia Books - 04/30/14 03:43 PM

Originally Posted By: ctsguy
I'm reading contract killer the story of tony the Greek frankos. Not bad some bs, the Greek didn't think much of joey gallo

I've read this one too. you are correct about the bs. I'd call it a work of fiction. Claims to have been on the Jimmy Hoffa hit even though he admits to being in jail at the time.
Posted By: funkster

Re: Mafia Books - 04/30/14 05:18 PM

Originally Posted By: Snakes
You can "look inside" over on Amazon. It looks to be a pretty good read. Do a keyword search for subjects that you are interested in from that time period and see what kind of results you get.

Never thought of doing that using the look inside feature. Great idea thanks.
Posted By: slumpy

Re: Mafia Books - 05/11/14 04:00 PM

Anyone read Supermob by Gus Russo? How is it?
Posted By: Meyer

Re: Mafia Books - 05/12/14 04:35 PM

Originally Posted By: slumpy
Anyone read Supermob by Gus Russo? How is it?


The book is seemingly well-written, but I wonder about the veracity of a good bit of the information it contains.

I think that he lets his political feelings slant his reporting.

I researched some of his famous statements and found no solid substantiation whatsoever (unless you find Kitty Kelly believable).

That caused me to doubt the accuracy of a good bit of the other information in the book that was so well written I had assumed to be true.

It also made me reluctant to read "The Outfit".

Send me a private message if you want more detail.
Posted By: goldhawkroad

Re: Mafia Books - 05/13/14 03:01 PM

"The outfit" may be "the essential work" on the Chicago mob, but at the same time I find it boring. Dont know what it is but Russos way of writing makes me think of the business litterature I read back in collage..not very intriguing.
Posted By: DonMega1888

Re: Mafia Books - 05/14/14 06:53 AM

Anyone read mafia son based on Greg scrapa jr?
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 05/15/14 12:06 PM

Originally Posted By: funkster
Originally Posted By: Snakes
Capeci said it's the best book he's ever read about the early years of the mob. Sounds like pretty high praise to me.

Yeah, either its really good or the publisher paid Capeci good money to use his name along with that quote.

Not so interested in the well told Luciano creating modern day Cosa Nostra story, but very much interested in the 40s-50s heyday aspect of the book.


Just started it. Seems very academic. There are 100 pages of notes/annotations in the back.

But it says that it tells the story of the low level soldiers which could be great. And says it will give new facts about the mob's role in the drug trade and other topics. I hope I can get through it.
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 05/16/14 07:37 PM

I think I read most of the good mob books . I gotta read Michael Franzese's book and the Jack Falcone book.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 05/16/14 07:49 PM

I'm currently reading Underboss.

Got to say, Gravano is a charismatic guy and I don't get the sense he is making himself out to be more than he was - granted I am only 70 odd pages into it.
Posted By: Ricky1319

Re: Mafia Books - 05/19/14 02:40 AM

Currently im reading the Last Mafioso. It is about Jimmy Fratianno. Almost half way through it and it is pretty good. Pretty interesting since he was out of Cleveland and im 35 minutes away from there and Youngstown(if anyone knows that Youngstown was a big mob city). Anyone read this one yet?

The next one i will be reading is Unlocked by Louis Ferrante. Anyone read this?

side note: i think i have only posted here a few times. I forgot the name of the website and finally found it again and remembered my password..Glad to be back
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 05/19/14 02:48 PM

I just bought Gaspipe and Murder Machine . Are those good reads?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 05/19/14 02:55 PM

Originally Posted By: MobMan
I just bought Gaspipe and Murder Machine . Are those good reads?

Yes on "Murder Machine," no on "Gaspipe." But you're free to draw your own conclusions smile.
Posted By: dixiemafia

Re: Mafia Books - 05/19/14 04:36 PM

Originally Posted By: Ricky1319
Currently im reading the Last Mafioso. It is about Jimmy Fratianno. Almost half way through it and it is pretty good. Pretty interesting since he was out of Cleveland and im 35 minutes away from there and Youngstown(if anyone knows that Youngstown was a big mob city). Anyone read this one yet?


Yes, good book in my opinion
Posted By: EVL

Re: Mafia Books - 05/20/14 02:54 PM

I've been reading Hortis's book, must say I don't understand the fuss over it. Any book that revels in the fact that it includes primary source research I have to wonder about. Every nonfiction book is supposed to have that although we know some probably use 20 other books as their source material. I still think Raabs is the definitive book on New York. Can anyone tell me what Hortis offers us that's new? I think Capeci was being quite generous but did he even read it? I don't believe he's written about it. He did for example write a long column about Mafia Summit which I think is excellent (the writer does make some juvenile factual errors). I just finished "Mob Boss" and thought it had some great insight. I'm also reading Havana Nocturn and am enjoying it a lot. Also still reading Mob and the City, also Mafia Republic. Next up, the Outfit. Any feedback on Mob & City?
Posted By: EVL

Re: Mafia Books - 05/20/14 03:19 PM

I flipped through the Last Mafioso. The Weasel got a hell of a deal to hire someone to write it. The parts I've read focus on his meeting Funzi Tieri, a man of much greater power; to me some simple details come across as fake. Funzi seems somewhat obsessed with Bonanno, according to Fratianno. Also, when he meets Funzi at a nightclub for example, Funzi introduces the Weasel to Tony Salerno, calling him "Fat Tony." I doubt in that situation anyone would introduce a fellow made man using a derogatory nickname used behind Salerno's back. Also how much dialog came directly from wiretaps? Every convo is loaded with incriminating details. I mean even tangential stuff casually tossed in. "Clever how Blackie took out Nardi!"
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 05/22/14 05:41 PM

Is Gangsters and Goodfellas: Wiseguys, Witness Protection, and Life on the Run by Henry Hill any good?
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 05/23/14 11:12 AM

Originally Posted By: EVL
I've been reading Hortis's book, must say I don't understand the fuss over it. Any book that revels in the fact that it includes primary source research I have to wonder about. Every nonfiction book is supposed to have that although we know some probably use 20 other books as their source material. I still think Raabs is the definitive book on New York. Can anyone tell me what Hortis offers us that's new? I think Capeci was being quite generous but did he even read it? I don't believe he's written about it. He did for example write a long column about Mafia Summit which I think is excellent (the writer does make some juvenile factual errors). I just finished "Mob Boss" and thought it had some great insight. I'm also reading Havana Nocturn and am enjoying it a lot. Also still reading Mob and the City, also Mafia Republic. Next up, the Outfit. Any feedback on Mob & City?


I'm 3/4 done with it. I think it's good, but like I said above, it's pretty academic. One of his main goals is to refute other mafia books. He's trying to correct misconceptions of the mafia that have been written by other authors. Some of his corrections are amazing, others more nitpicky.

I see this book as a much smaller five families that only focuses on the early part of the mob before the 1960s. It focuses on all aspects of mafia life, and provides backup for all its facts. It also makes a point of disproving common myths about the mafia, some included in five families. I think that's pretty new.
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 05/23/14 11:17 AM

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
I'm currently reading Underboss.

Got to say, Gravano is a charismatic guy and I don't get the sense he is making himself out to be more than he was - granted I am only 70 odd pages into it.


If you read other books on the gambinos, you will see that many of the other members describe him much differently than he describes himself. They say he is greedy and that he lied to his boss to get permission to kill other members - just to steal their companies - and that he did that many times.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 05/23/14 11:19 AM

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
Is Gangsters and Goodfellas: Wiseguys, Witness Protection, and Life on the Run by Henry Hill any good?

No.
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 05/23/14 11:26 AM

Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Originally Posted By: MobMan
I just bought Gaspipe and Murder Machine . Are those good reads?

Yes on "Murder Machine," no on "Gaspipe." But you're free to draw your own conclusions smile.


I agree. I think Murder Machine is one of the best books about the mafia ever. And a great read for anyone interested in true crime or serial killers.

Gaspipe is good as a companion piece to other books. If you are looking for a history of Casso's mafia career, you can get most of it from the good rat by jimmy breslin, five families by selwyn raab or the new book on al d'arco by capeci - all great books. If you are looking for every little fact about Casso, then go ahead and read Gaspipe.

But many people have said the book is biased and bends the truth. It's written by a close family friend of his who lived next door to him. I think Casso may have personally edited it.
Posted By: Owney_Madden

Re: Mafia Books - 05/23/14 02:19 PM

[quote=Ricky1319]Currently im reading the Last Mafioso. It is about Jimmy Fratianno. Almost half way through it and it is pretty good. Pretty interesting since he was out of Cleveland and im 35 minutes away from there and Youngstown(if anyone knows that Youngstown was a big mob city). Anyone read this one yet

It was the first mob book I read many moons ago. It is a good book. Jimmy had plenty of tails to tell. He was a star as well on the BBC documentary from back then as well "Crime Inc." I've read since that he was full of crap. But reading between the lines I think he was probably guilty of portraying himself slightly more heroically than other people remembered him.
Posted By: Tony_Pro

Re: Mafia Books - 05/23/14 08:16 PM

Originally Posted By: Owney_Madden
[ on the BBC documentary from back then as well "Crime Inc." I've read since that he was full of crap. But reading between the lines I think he was probably guilty of portraying himself slightly more heroically than other people remembered him.


That's the case to one extent or another with every rat who writes a book.
Posted By: MrLuciano

Re: Mafia Books - 05/23/14 09:30 PM

I just got done reading Mob Daughter! I like how it shows what it was like growing up the child of a huge Mobster figure at the time. Also like that it gives U insight on the whole Arizona drug ring.

Underboss is a better read however Mob Daughter isn't bad.


Now I'm reading Joseph Bonanno book and I'm still in the early stages!
Posted By: dixiemafia

Re: Mafia Books - 05/24/14 01:59 PM

Yep Jimmy makes himself look better just like Gravano did and all the others do as well. It makes them feel better about turning, it's just a human reaction.

As for him talking about Blackie taking out Nardi, Jimmy was floating around Cleveland according to the FBI IIRC around that same time. I think he had more to do with those bombings than he lets one believe. Most want to discount him like Gravano because they had so much info.
Posted By: charliesays

Re: Mafia Books - 05/24/14 03:00 PM

In regard to the Hortis book - Though I've not read the book yet, I can say from inside the 'authors circle' there are definitely some disputes and shall we say... not so kind disagreements over how great or not great it is. Also, I am no magician, do not claim to be a god of research, but I'm pretty confident that most books on the old mob, mine included, offer interesting material - to be further discussed and researched. Things I put in my Luciano book could, quite honestly, be found but apparently I am the only one who looked in the right places, but I will never claim to have some magical special powers! I just did what I did and hope readers find some interesting new stuff.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 05/24/14 03:23 PM

If I had to choose just one, which book should I get?

The Good Rat - Jimmy Breslin
Al D'Arco - Jerry Capeci
Five Families - Selwyn Raab
Mob Star - Jerry Capeci
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 05/25/14 10:30 AM

http://alfalib.com/book/88354.html

Found a PDF for The Good Rat by Jimmy Breslin. His writing style is less accessible than Capeci.
Posted By: Footreads

Re: Mafia Books - 05/25/14 10:46 AM

My friend is trying to write a book about our neighborhood where we grew up as kids. I think the name that he wants for it is "the death of a neighborhood"

Who knows whether he will ever finish it or not.

If he does it will from when we were kids and then continue from there. It would be something no one has every seen before except it was touched on in Once upon a time in America.

But his version would shoot any other version to shit.

I might even read it and I don't read books. Check that I would probably not read a book they put me to sleep.

But if they made a movie on it. No one would even remember goodfellas after seeing it pretty sure about that.
Posted By: Snakes

Re: Mafia Books - 05/25/14 04:07 PM

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
If I had to choose just one, which book should I get?

The Good Rat - Jimmy Breslin
Al D'Arco - Jerry Capeci
Five Families - Selwyn Raab
Mob Star - Jerry Capeci


Five Families, for sure. It gives you a crash course on the NYC mob from pre-Commission (although there are other books that go into greater detail there such as Critchley's The Origin of Organized Crime in America: The New York City Mafia, 1891-1931 and Mike Dash's The First Family: Terror, Extortion, Revenge, Murder and The Birth of the American Mafia) all the way to post-911.

I'd actually get Capeci's other book on Gotti, called Gotti: Rise and Fall. It only covers up until Gotti's imprisonment but that's about all you need anyway. It goes into much more detail than Mob Star.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 05/25/14 04:42 PM

Thanks, Snakes.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 05/25/14 07:23 PM

Just reading The Good Rat..

Noticing a lot of inaccuracies; like Gotti was in the social club and De Cicco was waiting in the car when he was blown up.

And Eppolito and Caracappa pulling the trigger on Hydell.

I'm only 85 pages in.
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 05/28/14 11:31 AM

I love the good rat, and have read it several times, but I always just skip over Breslin's silly anecdotes and just read the testimony excerpts.

Kaplan is really interesting and his testimony is amazing. Breslin has some funny stories, but they don't really compare...
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 05/28/14 11:32 AM

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
If I had to choose just one, which book should I get?

The Good Rat - Jimmy Breslin
Al D'Arco - Jerry Capeci
Five Families - Selwyn Raab
Mob Star - Jerry Capeci


These are all great books, but I agree Five Families is the best one and the one you should read first.
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 05/28/14 01:51 PM

Originally Posted By: charliesays
In regard to the Hortis book - Though I've not read the book yet, I can say from inside the 'authors circle' there are definitely some disputes and shall we say... not so kind disagreements over how great or not great it is. Also, I am no magician, do not claim to be a god of research, but I'm pretty confident that most books on the old mob, mine included, offer interesting material - to be further discussed and researched. Things I put in my Luciano book could, quite honestly, be found but apparently I am the only one who looked in the right places, but I will never claim to have some magical special powers! I just did what I did and hope readers find some interesting new stuff.


I thought some of the authors he disagreed with (or refuted) wouldn't be very happy about it. And I'd also be interested to know which points those authors now disagree with him on.

He tried to refute points from some of my favorite mafia books, such as Five Families (which most people agree is one of the best books on the mob).
Posted By: Italianheritage

Re: Mafia Books - 06/01/14 10:37 AM

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
If I had to choose just one, which book should I get?

The Good Rat - Jimmy Breslin
Al D'Arco - Jerry Capeci
Five Families - Selwyn Raab
Mob Star - Jerry Capeci


I really liked the Alphonse D'Arco book. I know it got mixed reviews on Amazon and here where people thought it was boring or did not contain a lot of new info. But I liked reading about how he grew up as a first generation Italian-American, and what life was like for Italians/Italian-Americans in a large city at the time.
Posted By: Revis_Knicks

Re: Mafia Books - 06/03/14 11:21 AM

Any upcoming mafia books that aren't out yet but you think are going to be good?
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 06/03/14 08:36 PM

Has anyone read Lynda Milito's book ? How is it ?
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 06/06/14 07:57 AM

The Arm has some work for you if you are willing to get your hands dirty.
Posted By: Underdog197333

Re: Mafia Books - 06/08/14 03:01 AM

Thanks I found him ! Whatt do you mean the arm has dirty work who are you referring too ?? I'm just looking for work a legit job.! Sarcasm I hope ! Hopefully you don't know something about him that I don't thanks again !
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 06/08/14 07:31 AM

Originally Posted By: Revis_Island
Any upcoming mafia books that aren't out yet but you think are going to be good?


http://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Luciano-Mysterious-Gangster-Legend/dp/1939521122

1 month old, was i heard is that this book has a lot of untold storys and new found, never heard facts in it
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 06/08/14 07:35 AM

same author

http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Inc-Chris-C...7245&sr=1-1

coming 2015
Posted By: Sal_Luca

Re: Mafia Books - 06/09/14 03:41 PM

Wow!! Really happy to be here guys. Loved reading about the US underworld (particularly pre-1980's LCN) since I was a kid. My access to material was pretty limited then, but in the past few months I have picked up a few of the books mentioned on this thread, and have several more on the way after reading some reviews here.

The Last Mafioso - My first book about the Mafia; re-reading it again now and still enjoying it. Lots of side-stories that kinda seem pointless (Sinatra drove my car)but will always be one of my sentimental favorites.

Wiseguy - I saw Pileggi on the Today Show promoting the book and got it ASAP. Great book in general but story is boring - obviously never a made guy (Hill) and heard lots of stories afterwards that I don't recall being in the book (Vario sleeping with Karen) and then plenty of 'conflicting facts' from HH after his 'fame'.

Casino - I like it better than Wiseguy but ordered The Black Book and the Mob after someone here recommended it to get a better picture of that era (one of my favorite).

Five Families - just got it recently (last 3 months) and use it as a encyclopedia of sorts...will read it cover-to-cover soon.

The Outfit - Started reading this (great history of Chicago 'underworld' before the fire) but put it down when some other books came in....will get back into it and use as reference

The last Testament of Luciano/
Lucky Luciano The Real and Fake Gangster - reading these at the same time to cross-reference the tales...Luciano's version (or is it??) and an independent 'historian'. He is the all-time greatest (IMO) and both are keeping me very interested.

I don't wanna get whacked on my first day for runnin' my mouth too much so I will not go into the books I have on the way, but as I read them I will contribute my two cents.

Again, very glad to see this forum is as active as it is and looking forward to learning more about my favorite part of American history.
Posted By: JCrusher

Re: Mafia Books - 06/09/14 04:04 PM

Really enjoyed Mafia Prince even though Phil tries to make himself look "innocent". Id like to read Joey Cantalupo's book since he had some interesting stories on Crime inc
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 06/11/14 05:05 AM

now reading bill bonannos "Bound by Honor: A Mafioso's Story" - very amusing to read. He tells basically the same story his father came up with in his 90minutes interview, bonannos were never involved in narcotics. 1 site about galante, his actions were not sanctioned, but he was obv not killed by bonanno either, bill states that his father said: its to late already, damage has been already done.. duh! not convincing at all
Posted By: Sal_Luca

Re: Mafia Books - 06/11/14 02:49 PM

I am going to finish my Luciano biographies this weekend and I am trying to decide which of these books to read next -

Blood and Honor

Family Secrets

Mob Boss

Takedown


Any opinions would be appreciated - I also have Crimetown USA, Man of Honor, and The Black Book and the Mob but I think I want to read some others first.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 06/11/14 05:57 PM

I got the Gotti book by Capeci and Mustain.

Is there much to look forward to from a guy that thinks he knows pretty much all there is to know about Gotti from dozens and dozens of articles and news clippings on Google?
Posted By: Sal_Luca

Re: Mafia Books - 06/13/14 07:50 AM

I am 3/4 of the way thru Lucky Luciano - The Real and Fake Gangster and it's a pretty good book. Each chapter has it's own 'notes' at the end of the book with sources (usually referencing a police report or newspaper article). A couple of the stories I had never heard before were interesting, but I had some issues with both of these 'new tales'. The first one involved an ambush of Frank Nitti that 'sprayed him with bullets' (doesn't mean he was hit) after Nitti walked out of a meeting where Luciano had given him an ultimatum (I can't find anything written about Nitti that even mentions the particular dispute) and there is nothing in the chapter notes that mention the incident). I don't want to ruin the book so I will just say the second new tale involves Luciano taking a midnite flight cross-country to possibly be responsible for a female brothel owner's mysterious death hours before she was to meet with police.
I hate to review a book 3/4 of the way into it but I just wanted to share what I have read so far. It had been my experience that when any historical figure is 're-visited' over and over again, the stories can over-lap in a good way or a bad way. If there were six books coming out over the next 2 years about George Patton, I don't think you would find out much we didn't already know. But with people whose lives are a little less 'on-the-record' (gangsters) then perhaps you would find a series of new releases less repetitive. However, when the book in question makes an effort to document through chapter notes a majority of his material, I get suspicious when the most compelling story (the dispute with Nitti) seems to be 'too new ' - and I tend to think of that as a red flag.

Sorry about the length but I just wanted to share my thoughts -
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 06/14/14 06:57 AM

Five Families - Selwyn Raab

very good written, but poor on some subjects, for example there are only like 3 pages about bugsy siegel..bug and meyer gang, hollywood george raft, vegas, flamingo to expensive, shot and killed. to be short.
Posted By: LittleNick

Re: Mafia Books - 06/15/14 07:53 AM

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
http://alfalib.com/book/88354.html

Found a PDF for The Good Rat by Jimmy Breslin. His writing style is less accessible than Capeci.

Thanks alot for this. Have any other pdf's by chance?
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 06/16/14 02:07 PM

Originally Posted By: Sal_Luca
I am going to finish my Luciano biographies this weekend and I am trying to decide which of these books to read next -

Blood and Honor

Family Secrets

Mob Boss

Takedown


Any opinions would be appreciated - I also have Crimetown USA, Man of Honor, and The Black Book and the Mob but I think I want to read some others first.


Takedown is my favorite out of these
Posted By: Snakes

Re: Mafia Books - 06/16/14 02:23 PM

Originally Posted By: mickey2
Five Families - Selwyn Raab

very good written, but poor on some subjects, for example there are only like 3 pages about bugsy siegel..bug and meyer gang, hollywood george raft, vegas, flamingo to expensive, shot and killed. to be short.


He only focused on the Five Families... it's in the title. If you want to read about Jewish gangsters you will need to go somewhere else.
Posted By: funkster

Re: Mafia Books - 06/20/14 01:27 AM

Reading Carlo's Pitera book, don't know why I didn't listen to everyone. This thing is steaming pile.
Posted By: Italianheritage

Re: Mafia Books - 06/20/14 01:49 AM

Originally Posted By: MobMan
Has anyone read Lynda Milito's book ? How is it ?


I have not read it; but based on the reviews I read on amazon there are better books out there to read.
Posted By: BloodlettersandBadmen

Re: Mafia Books - "The Outfit" - 06/25/14 03:54 PM

"The Outfit" by Gus Russo only $9.39 as a Kindle eBook.

This is one of my favorite books of all time. I was actually sad when I reached the end. It is the never-before-told story of the great Chicago crime family called The Outfit.

It is a common misperception that all the true-life organized crime stories have been written. Yet perhaps the most compelling gangster tale is one that has been, until now, too well-hidden. This is the story of the Outfit: the secretive organized crime cartel that began its reign in prohibition-era Chicago before becoming the real puppet master of Hollywood, Las Vegas, and Washington D.C.

The Outfit recounts the adventures and exploits of its bosses, Tony 'Joe Batters' Accardo (the real Godfather), Murray 'The Camel' or 'Curly' Humphreys (one of the greatest political fixers and union organizers this country has ever known), Paul 'The Waiter' Ricca, and Johnny Rosselli (the liaison between the shadowy world and the outside world). Their invisibility was their strength, and what kept their leader from ever spending a single night in jail. The Outfit bosses were the epitome of style and grace, moving effortlessly among national political figures and Hollywood studio heads-until their world started to crumble in the 1970s.

With extensive research including recently released FBI files, the Chicago Crime files of entertainer Steve Allen, first-ever access to the voluminous working papers of the Kefauver Committee, original interviews with the members of the Fourth Estate who pursued the Outfit for forty years, and exclusive access to the journals of Humphrey's widow, veteran journalist Gus Russo uncovers sixty years of corruption and influence, and examines the shadow history of the United States.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1582342...ZX5D2GTWMQS736S
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - "The Outfit" - 06/29/14 01:16 PM

I agree The Outfit is a very good book. I especially enjoyed reading about 'Curly' Humphreys.
Posted By: Sal_Luca

Re: Mafia Books - "The Outfit" - 07/01/14 10:21 AM

Can anyone recommend a good audio book? I have some credits at Audible I need to use - it looks like my choices so far are Donnie Brasco and The D'Arco book, although it is not read by him.
Posted By: Eugene_Dragna

Re: Mafia Books - "The Outfit" - 07/05/14 09:51 AM

Mafia S.A by Eric Frattini is fuckin' good.
Posted By: Owney_Madden

Re: Mafia Books - "The Outfit" - 07/06/14 01:47 PM

Just finished Mafia Republic by John Dickie. It's the story of the three main Italian crime groups from 1946 to the present. And I have to say its another absolute triumph following on from his other works Mafia Brotherhoods and Cosa Nostra. If you are looking for something that reads like a novel or is based along the "Vito got whacked because he disrespected the old man" type of thing it won't be for you. He takes an academic approach to the story and lays out what each group has been up to and how they have developed since the war.
The strongest group now appears to be The Ndrangeta partly because attrition has taken a huge toll of The Mafia and The Camorra. But partly because they have had a long term policy of setting up satellite groups throughout northern Italy and establishing cells in other countries.
Posted By: Paddy_James

Re: Mafia Books - "The Outfit" - 07/06/14 10:26 PM

A good book is The Devil Himself. Its a fictional novel about how gangsters helped keeled the docks safe during World War Two, and features guys like Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegil
Posted By: Paddy_James

Re: Mafia Books - "The Outfit" - 07/06/14 10:29 PM

A good book is The Devil Himself. Its a fictional novel about how gangsters helped keeled the docks safe during World War Two, and features guys like Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegil
Posted By: Eugene_Dragna

Re: Mafia Books - "The Outfit" - 07/11/14 05:07 PM

What about Joseph Pistone books? I want to read them but I dunno if they're good. I suppose than yes.
Posted By: BloodlettersandBadmen

Re: Mafia Books - "The Outfit" - 07/12/14 08:59 AM

I did a short video on Curly Humphreys on my YouTube Channel - Bloodletters and Badmen. Most of the research came from the book "The Outfit".

Watch it here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rmVKO5x-44&list=PLQhDH_WZbs1N0jqZ9y9naMtgUfZ3VoVbo
Posted By: dixiemafia

Re: Mafia Books - "The Outfit" - 07/12/14 11:45 AM

Originally Posted By: Eugene_Dragna
What about Joseph Pistone books? I want to read them but I dunno if they're good. I suppose than yes.


You mean the fictional ones? I read one that was ok but didn't really care for it. If you are talking about Donnie Brasco then yes it is a must read for anyone that likes the Bonanno's.
Posted By: Yankees1951

Re: Mafia Books - 07/16/14 12:35 AM

What's a good mafia book any good new mob books out?
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 07/17/14 09:57 AM

Originally Posted By: Yankees1951
What's a good mafia book any good new mob books out?


Have you read The Sinatra Club? http://www.amazon.com/The-Sinatra-Club-Inside-Mafia/dp/1451643160/ref=cm_lmf_tit_7

or Mafia Prince? http://www.amazon.com/Mafia-Prince-Insid...ds=mafia+prince

Both came out in 2014 and are quite good. The first book is a Goodfellas type tale about a Colombo associate and the second is about the nephew of the Boss of Philadelphia/Atlantic City who becomes underboss.
Posted By: BloodlettersandBadmen

Re: Mafia Books - 07/18/14 06:46 AM

I just finished Murder, Inc. by former prosecutor Burton Turkus. It is a history of the Brownsville Boys including Louis "Lepke Buchalter, Kid Twist Reles, Blue Jaw Magoon, Pittsburg Phil and others. Great book!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008C3Q...ODTZSQCNMCFSG7M
Posted By: Sal_Luca

Re: Mafia Books - 07/21/14 03:18 PM

I just ordered Lou Ferrante's book 'Unlocked' - has anyone read it yet?
Posted By: njcapo35

Re: Mafia Books - 07/22/14 05:38 PM

I read the book, didn't finish it because it wasn't that interesting to me....Everyone has their own opinion, but hey you might enjoy it.
Posted By: Alfanosgirl

Re: Mafia Books - 07/27/14 05:00 PM

I started reading about Richie the Boot In the Godfather Garden because these are the gangsters I know most about. So far it's ok, a little on the boring side. Then Lil d'Arco's book came out so I read that just finished that one. Capeci wrote it pretty interesting.
Posted By: Mick2010

Re: Mafia Books - 08/04/14 03:42 PM

these look interesting, too bad they are not out for a while:

Gotti's Rules: The Story of John Alite, Junior Gotti, and the Demise of the American Mafia by George Anastasia

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062346...RPVPBFOHWYUKBC3

and: Business or Blood: Mafia Boss Vito Rizzuto's Last War by Peter Edwards & Antonio Nicaso

http://www.amazon.com/Business-Blood-Maf...72BHYWGGMKG9W3F
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 08/04/14 04:00 PM

Is another Gotti book really needed? And who cares about Alite and the rest of those yuppies anyway.
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 08/05/14 12:14 PM

Originally Posted By: Mick2010
these look interesting, too bad they are not out for a while:

Gotti's Rules: The Story of John Alite, Junior Gotti, and the Demise of the American Mafia by George Anastasia

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062346...RPVPBFOHWYUKBC3

and: Business or Blood: Mafia Boss Vito Rizzuto's Last War by Peter Edwards & Antonio Nicaso

http://www.amazon.com/Business-Blood-Maf...72BHYWGGMKG9W3F




Nice! Love to see new books coming out.
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 08/06/14 02:24 AM

are there good books on the cleveland mob?
EDIT: which are NOT focused on the killing of danny green wink
Posted By: don illuminati

Re: Mafia Books - 08/14/14 02:06 AM

Originally Posted By: Owney_Madden
Just finished White Shotgun by Attilio Bolzoni about the Sicilian Mafia. Its an unusual book in that its made up entirely from actual words spoken by Mafia. Confessions, court documents bugs letters even a mafia rule book are used to tell the story of the Sicilian Mafia from the 60s to the present.
Its not a book I would normally go for because it appeared to be to disjointed. In fact at full price I've knocked it back many a time. But I got it from a discount store at a tenth of its cost. And I have to admit it works The story is told in a chronological order from the building rackets and cigarette smuggling of the 60s though the Heroin boom and the war of the 90s. Right up to the bleak outlook faced at present.
The Story is kept moving with expert narrative from the author and is a top class addition to the Sicilian story. In fact it raises some interesting questions I may put to the main Forum at some stage when I get round to it. Well worth a read


I'm reading a book called Midnight In Sicily by Peter Robb, got it for a dime in library discard pile. Interesting read about Sicilian culture, food and the heavy influenced of the mafia circa 1995 or thereabouts.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Mafia Books - 08/15/14 11:15 AM

Just got MAFIA PRINCE through Amazon. Looking forward to reading this one.
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 08/19/14 08:14 AM

just ordered "Boss of bosses" - the castellano book.. looking forward to read that piece!
Posted By: PetroPirelli

Re: Mafia Books - 08/21/14 10:14 PM

In your guys' opinion - what would be the top 5 best mafia books to date?
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 08/22/14 05:05 AM

outstanding are "Five Families" by Selwyn Raab and "The Outfit" by Gus Russo
Posted By: oldschool3

Re: Mafia Books - 08/22/14 06:54 AM

Agreed, especially if you're just starting out, Five Families is a great one...it really lays the ground work for understanding the origins and development of LCN.
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 08/22/14 09:28 AM

oh and David Critchley's "The Origin of Organized Crime in America- The New York City Mafia, 1891-1931"
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 08/26/14 11:01 AM

Originally Posted By: PetroPirelli
In your guys' opinion - what would be the top 5 best mafia books to date?


1. Five Families
2. Wiseguy (Goodfellas)
3. Murder Machine
4. Donnie Brasco
5. Takedown: The Fall of the Last Mafia Empire
Posted By: downtown

Re: Mafia Books - 08/27/14 12:22 PM

Has anyone ever read or even heard of a book written by William Bastone (Village Voice) (Smoking Gun) about Vincent Gigante and his Brothers ? I think that the title of the book was "Five Brothers the First Family of Organized Crime. This book was said to have been debuted in Canada on a very very limited release and then was pulled from further publication after Mr. Bastone was ASKED to reconsider future print run's, over coffee in a diner in NYC.
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 08/27/14 04:12 PM

Originally Posted By: downtown
Has anyone ever read or even heard of a book written by William Bastone (Village Voice) (Smoking Gun) about Vincent Gigante and his Brothers ? I think that the title of the book was "Five Brothers the First Family of Organized Crime. This book was said to have been debuted in Canada on a very very limited release and then was pulled from further publication after Mr. Bastone was ASKED to reconsider future print run's, over coffee in a diner in NYC.

Wow. Really interesting. It is mentioned in several places on the web but I don't know where I could buy it.

It appears to be written in 1993: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Family-Ties-Gigante-Brothers-American/dp/0060165944
Posted By: domwoods74

Re: Mafia Books - 08/29/14 04:10 PM

I'm looking for a cheap copy of the hammer conspiracies . Anybody know were I can get a copy ???
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 08/29/14 04:19 PM

You mean the Hammer Commission? If so Dom go on Amazon.com

Book Description
Publication Date: April 16, 2013
Mark's job seems pretty dull, working as an investigator into crimes committed against Church property, theft of holy objects, vandalism; nothing terribly exciting but he does get to travel the world.

That's just the window dressing. Mark does work for the Church, but as an elite member of a thousand year old secret society that hunts down devils, demons, and other evils. His job is not just to find them, but to remove, dispel, or kill them: he's on the front lines of the secret ongoing war between Heaven and Hell. However as wars go, it has been a fairly easy one for the last few decades, with nothing seriously evil having been summoned since the last world war.

But all of that is about to change, and the question for Mark may not be can he survive, but can he survive long enough.
Posted By: Dwalin2011

Re: Mafia Books - 08/29/14 04:24 PM

Originally Posted By: Beanshooter
You mean the Hammer Commission? If so Dom go on Amazon.com

I think he means the book about the Rochester mafia, about the murder of "The Hammer" Massaro, that one is indeed hard to find for a reasonable price.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Hammer-Conspir...er+conspiracies
Posted By: domwoods74

Re: Mafia Books - 08/30/14 10:29 AM

That's the one dwalin , would love a copy but I ain't paying silly Money for it
Posted By: njcapo35

Re: Mafia Books - 08/30/14 12:00 PM

Originally Posted By: BennyB
[/quote]
Wow. Really interesting. It is mentioned in several places on the web but I don't know where I could buy it.

It appears to be written in 1993: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Family-Ties-Gigante-Brothers-American/dp/0060165944

I sent him a E-mail to see if i could get a copy or a pdf and he replied back, Sorry the book was never published.
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 09/02/14 06:43 AM

just bought
"Octopus: The Long Reach of the International Sicilian Mafia" by claire sterling
and
"The First Family: Terror, Extortion and the Birth of the American Mafia" by Mike Dash.
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 09/02/14 05:03 PM

latest mafia books I have read.the Sinatra club,about sal polisi. the quite don, about Russell bufalino, dominic calabreses book (the one who ratted out his father) about the Chicago outfit, looking for d'arcos book.heard its great.
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 09/02/14 05:18 PM

Last one I read was American Desperado. It was an eye opener into society, as all mob books are. This particular book was almost the wildest mob book I've ever read. The only one wilder was Murder Machine with all of the irresponsible unplanned murders and hair brained money making schemes.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/02/14 05:38 PM

Originally Posted By: mickey2
just bought
"Octopus: The Long Reach of the International Sicilian Mafia" by claire sterling
and
"The First Family: Terror, Extortion and the Birth of the American Mafia" by Mike Dash.



The First Family is an excellent read about Giuseppe Morello..
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 09/11/14 09:54 AM

finished boss of bosses. was decent. 3 out of 5 stars
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 09/11/14 09:58 AM

Does someone here read vincent theresa's books?
Posted By: Owney_Madden

Re: Mafia Books - 09/11/14 01:28 PM

mickey2
I've read My life in the Mafia.
One way or another I think Vinny was full of shit. Seems to claim he was feared and respected by everybody in the New England underworld. Claimed he was tight with Patriarca and Tameleo. I doubt he was anything like the power he makes out in the book.
Posted By: oldschool3

Re: Mafia Books - 09/11/14 04:21 PM

Poser.
Posted By: Joey_Cusack

Re: Mafia Books - 09/11/14 07:33 PM

I've read Wiseguy, The Westies, and King of the Godfathers. Still trying to get Murder Machine.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 09/11/14 07:34 PM

Originally Posted By: Joey_Cusack
I've read Wiseguy, The Westies, and King of the Godfathers. Still trying to get Murder Machine.


Is The Westies any good?
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 09/11/14 07:37 PM

Best mob book I ever read! Excellent writing by TJ English
Posted By: oldschool3

Re: Mafia Books - 09/11/14 08:35 PM

Vinnie Teresa's book was a waste of time....wiseguy, underboss, boss of bosses, and mafia dynasty were some of my favorites but the definitive book IMO has gotta be the Five Families.
Posted By: Snakes

Re: Mafia Books - 09/11/14 08:58 PM

First mob book I ever read was Murder Machine; second was Five Families. There a few things that Raab exaggerates but for the most part it's an excellent introductory piece on the NYC families.
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 09/11/14 09:15 PM

Which ex mobsters do you feel would write a good book and you would enoy reading?

I say Joe Massino and Mikey Scars. What say you?
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 09/11/14 10:49 PM

how about Anthony senter, joey tests.
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 09/12/14 05:01 AM

Those two I'm sure would be able to write one hell of a book Binnie.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/12/14 09:17 AM

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
Originally Posted By: Joey_Cusack
I've read Wiseguy, The Westies, and King of the Godfathers. Still trying to get Murder Machine.


Is The Westies any good?


Excellent Book..
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 09/12/14 12:24 PM

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
Originally Posted By: Joey_Cusack
I've read Wiseguy, The Westies, and King of the Godfathers. Still trying to get Murder Machine.


Is The Westies any good?


Excellent Book..

Agreed. It's great.
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 09/12/14 12:29 PM

Originally Posted By: mickey2
Does someone here read vincent theresa's books?

I thought "My Life in the Mafia" was pretty good. I take it with a grain of salt. It was written in the 70's. His true status in the mafia is unclear. Sometimes you get the sense some things might be incorrect. Also, if you look up pictures of him, you see he was enormously obese, and I don't think he mentioned that anywhere in the book.

That being said, I really enjoyed a lot of the stories. He wrote a lot about gambling junket scams that he pulled. I never heard about that before. And I haven't read many books about the Italian mob in New England, so the different characters interested me.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 09/12/14 04:21 PM

I just downloaded a PDF of Mob Star (Gotti) by Jerry Capeci.

As I already own Rise and Fall (Gotti) by the same author, I was wondering if there is any point in even reading this?

Does reading it still have its merits even if Rise and Fall came 8 years after?
Posted By: oldschool3

Re: Mafia Books - 09/12/14 08:27 PM

Does anyone remember the book Hoffa Found..about 20 yrs old...where Tony the Greek claimed to murder Hoffa with Joe Sulivan and Jimmy Coonan?
Posted By: B_A_

Re: Mafia Books - 09/13/14 09:56 PM

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
I just downloaded a PDF of Mob Star (Gotti) by Jerry Capeci.

As I already own Rise and Fall (Gotti) by the same author, I was wondering if there is any point in even reading this?

Does reading it still have its merits even if Rise and Fall came 8 years after?

Good question, I also wondered about that. I've read Rise and fall a long time ago-it is very good, but downloaded the updated version of Mob Star (from 2002) and never read it because of that reason.
Posted By: Owney_Madden

Re: Mafia Books - 09/14/14 05:48 AM

Oldschool3 I've not read that book but I have read one by Tony the Greek. He's another Ice man. He claims to have been involved with Gotti Joe Gallo The Westies and Joe Sullivan. He claimed to have clipped half of New York and Hoffa even though he admitted to being in jail when he disappeared. So I would think his Hoffa book is another work of fiction.
Posted By: Alfanosgirl

Re: Mafia Books - 09/14/14 04:03 PM

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Originally Posted By: mickey2
just bought
"Octopus: The Long Reach of the International Sicilian Mafia" by claire sterling
and
"The First Family: Terror, Extortion and the Birth of the American Mafia" by Mike Dash.



The First Family is an excellent read about Giuseppe Morello..


Mike Dash's book is great. I wonder why it is not considered on the MUST read list. Maybe it's one of the few that people know about, who knows.
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 09/15/14 06:21 AM

Originally Posted By: Alfanosgirl
Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Originally Posted By: mickey2
just bought
"Octopus: The Long Reach of the International Sicilian Mafia" by claire sterling
and
"The First Family: Terror, Extortion and the Birth of the American Mafia" by Mike Dash.



The First Family is an excellent read about Giuseppe Morello..


Mike Dash's book is great. I wonder why it is not considered on the MUST read list. Maybe it's one of the few that people know about, who knows.


i also think "octopus" is very underrated. Those two deserve a bright spotlight above them!
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 09/15/14 06:22 AM

and tim newark wrote 3 books about luciano?? wtf! guess all of em stuffed with the same facts, just different cover??
Posted By: Alfanosgirl

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/14 07:47 PM

I'm going to check into that book you mentioned but the Luciano books I heard are n/g. Burn em on a cold day so you get your moneys worth. Just kidding.
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 09/23/14 02:05 AM

Just finished Donnie Brasco: Unfinished Business.

Not the best book by Mr Pistone in my opinion. This book was full of personal attacks and unprovable innuendo against any and all enemies of one former agent namely Lindley Devecchio. In my humble opinion there might be a very high likelihood that the charges against Devecchio had a basis in fact and that he may indeed have been in league with Gregory Scarpa.

Other than that, the book was supremely entertaining almost throughout. Pistone's own natural dialect comes through. You feel like your old friend is telling you the best stories in the world while sitting at a bar or by a campfire. Enlightening about the corruption in our society. This book highlights the fact that organized crime has tentacles into the federal government and police departments, but only to certain corrupted individuals. The closest organized crime comes to merging with the federal or local governments is when the highest official of such protects the bosses of the syndicates or if that boss is a confidential informant themselves with a degree of immunity against prosecution from other law enforcement agencies. But there was never an omnipotent all seeing Mafia fully merged with government.

Recommended
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 09/23/14 05:44 AM

Alfa, didn't Pistone also say this in his book?

On the orders of his own capo, Dominick (Sonny Black) Napolitano, Pistone headed out to find Indelicato - with a .25-caliber automatic.

It turned out the caller had bum information, but the former lawman admits he would have pulled the trigger on Indelicato before jeopardizing his life or the operation. "If Bruno's there, he's gone," Pistone writes.

"If I have to put a bullet in his head, I will, and I'll deal with the federal government and the Staten Island DA later. ... There's no doubt they both would charge me for murder. The Bureau would brand me a rogue agent and hang me out."

During his six years infiltrating Sonny Black's vicious crew, Pistone dug up enough evidence to put away nearly 200 mobsters, all while making life-or-death decisions on how far to take his role-playing.

http://www.thechicagosyndicate.com/2007/01/joe-pistone-confesses-to-crimes-as-mob.html
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 09/23/14 05:56 AM

Quote:
Alfa, didn't Pistone also say this in his book?

On the orders of his own capo, Dominick (Sonny Black) Napolitano, Pistone headed out to find Indelicato - with a .25-caliber automatic.

It turned out the caller had bum information, but the former lawman admits he would have pulled the trigger on Indelicato before jeopardizing his life or the operation. "If Bruno's there, he's gone," Pistone writes.

"If I have to put a bullet in his head, I will, and I'll deal with the federal government and the Staten Island DA later. ... There's no doubt they both would charge me for murder. The Bureau would brand me a rogue agent and hang me out."

During his six years infiltrating Sonny Black's vicious crew, Pistone dug up enough evidence to put away nearly 200 mobsters, all while making life-or-death decisions on how far to take his role-playing.


Yes Bean, that is almost a word for word quote, and it's profound.

He said something similar on the Arsenio Hall Show, and that is on video. Arsenio nodded when he heard the comment, but seemed disgusted in some way that he didn't want to show. At least that's what I saw.

Throughout Joe's bibliography, he describes how hits go down, as if he was in the room.

I don't intent to besmirch the good name of this mighty FBI agent, a member of New York City's first SWAT team, but I think the reason the FBI pulled the plug on his operation was because they didn't want any allegations of wrongdoing against Joe Pistone from Mobsters to have any validation. What do I mean by that? What I mean is, is that if Joe would have become a made member of the Bonannos, anyone who accused him of participating in hits would be able to embarrass the FBI by pointing to the fact that he was made as circumstantial proof. So they pulled the plug to cover their tracks in advance. But then again, what do I really know? I am a conspiracy theorist.

I think what we need to understand is that Joe Pistone wasn't infiltrating the Mafia because what they did was "wrong", nor was his mission to protect the "bad guys". His mission was to protect the victims of organized crime, and that he did.
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 09/23/14 06:07 AM

It is interesting that Pistone defended DeVecchio are you also aware that he aslo defended Connoly?
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 09/23/14 07:08 AM

Quote:
It is interesting that Pistone defended DeVecchio are you also aware that he aslo defended Connoly?


Yes.

The way I see this, is that Joe Pistone truly believes that unless these men are proven guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt, that their badges and honor should not be questioned.

You have to remember that he was one of 45 FBI agents who showed their brotherhood and support toward Devecchio when he was on trial.

Is there a possibility that Pistone knew Devecchio was guilty as sin and yet still tried to unravel his friend from being convicted with the enemy (Scarpa)? It's possible. It's possible he felt Devecchio went too far and got caught up in the gangster thing accidentally, unintentionally. It is even possible that he felt that his friend sinned but did not commit an unforgivable sin and that lying to society on his friend's behalf to justify his misdeeds and clear his name was his duty as a brother law enforcement officer. My own opinions on the matter are evolving. I would be lying if I told you I almost didn't buy a copy of "Deal with the Devil" a short while ago. That would not be true because I almost did.
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 09/23/14 08:06 PM

Hey Bean, Connoly was convicted, wasn't he?

I've gotta do more homework. But Joe Pistone shouldn't be putting his name behind characters like that.
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 09/24/14 05:23 PM

alfa romeo great book review, thank you for it, haven't read the book, but, don't think piston should take the side of these guys in the fbi who have done wrong. especially these two connoly, devecchio, how can anybody excuse what they did, with connoly it seemed as though he worked for whitey bolger. and devecchios dealings with scarpa are inexcuseable.
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 09/24/14 07:12 PM

I agree with you Binnie. Obviously I am a Pistone fan and supporter. I am being as generous with him as I possibly can.
Posted By: dixiemafia

Re: Mafia Books - 09/25/14 02:42 PM

Alfa yes John Conolly is serving a big sentence in Florida for being a part of a murder plot. He was one of the dirtiest FBI agents EVER.

This is just Pistone "blindly" supporting one of his own.
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 09/26/14 08:43 AM

got today my copy of "uncle frank - the czar of the underworld" /leonard katz. you can smell that 40years that book has under its belt..
Posted By: Dwalin2011

Re: Mafia Books - 09/26/14 09:20 AM

Originally Posted By: dixiemafia
Alfa yes John Conolly is serving a big sentence in Florida for being a part of a murder plot. He was one of the dirtiest FBI agents EVER.

This is just Pistone "blindly" supporting one of his own.

I think the murder sentence has recently been overturned, and the racketeering sentence he has already served, so does it mean he has already been released? I still think he is guilty of the murder as well though.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/26/14 02:47 PM

Just reading The Outfit by Gus Russo, Excellent book..
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 09/26/14 03:03 PM

deniro, those that haven't read that book may be surprised as to just how much influence the outfit had over Chicago, was there ever another city where the hoods were that dominant?
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 09/26/14 03:05 PM

Originally Posted By: mickey2
got today my copy of "uncle frank - the czar of the underworld" /leonard katz. you c an smell that 40years that book has under its belt..
anything a bout frank Costello is a great read. he no doubt was the smartest one of all the gangsters.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 09/26/14 04:03 PM

Originally Posted By: Binnie_Coll
deniro, those that haven't read that book may be surprised as to just how much influence the outfit had over Chicago, was there ever another city where the hoods were that dominant?


Probably not..
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 09/27/14 01:22 PM

did anyone here read gus russo's "supermob"?
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 09/27/14 01:53 PM

mickey2 yes, I read i,t its about Sidney korshak, the Chicago outfits man in Hollywood. korshak answered to murray Humphreys.he was a very powerful guy, the Chicago mob also controlled lew wasserman another powerful figure in Hollywood.
Posted By: dixiemafia

Re: Mafia Books - 09/27/14 03:15 PM

Originally Posted By: Dwalin2011
I think the murder sentence has recently been overturned, and the racketeering sentence he has already served, so does it mean he has already been released? I still think he is guilty of the murder as well though.


Yes it was overturned because there was a 4 year statute on 2nd degree murder with a weapon in Florida, his lawyer wanted him released and the State wanted to appeal it and keep him inside while they figure it all out. There has been no word since then I don't think. I can't find him on the Florida inmate search though, so I imagine his case is still in limbo while they await further rulings.
Posted By: Tony_Pro

Re: Mafia Books - 09/27/14 04:07 PM

Originally Posted By: Italianheritage
Originally Posted By: MobMan
Has anyone read Lynda Milito's book ? How is it ?


I have not read it; but based on the reviews I read on amazon there are better books out there to read.


It's okay if you want some info about Gravanos and Milito's early years and a made guys life from the POV of a wife. Otherwise it's just ranting about Milito's family, about Gravano (though that be can understood-he whacked her husband) and Lydia's own mental health problems.
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 09/28/14 10:04 AM

Originally Posted By: Binnie_Coll
mickey2 yes, I read i,t its about Sidney korshak, the Chicago outfits man in Hollywood. korshak answered to murray Humphreys.he was a very powerful guy, the Chicago mob also controlled lew wasserman another powerful figure in Hollywood.


i'll definetely read it in near future. sidney korshak is a very interesting character, as well as the whole hollywood-outfit connection
Posted By: slumpy

Re: Mafia Books - 10/02/14 03:27 PM

Hey guys, I was recently given a copy of "Inside The Dark Heart" by A.G.D Maran; Anyone know anything about this guy? How accurate can I expect his book to be?
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 10/02/14 04:13 PM

Is Mafia Cop: The Story of an Honest Cop Whose Family Was The Mob worth a read out of perverse curiosity?
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 10/02/14 05:02 PM

Quote:
Is Mafia Cop: The Story of an Honest Cop Whose Family Was The Mob worth a read out of perverse curiosity?


I remember it to be mildly entertaining. But that was before their allegations broke, before they were busted.

Don't buy it. Borrow it from the library. Don't spend a dime towards the Epillito and Caraccapa families.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 10/02/14 06:16 PM

The Brotherhoods: The True Story of Two Cops Who Murdered for the Mafia is a much better book..

http://www.amazon.com/The-Brotherhoods-Story-Murdered-Mafia/dp/1416523383
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 10/06/14 11:08 PM

Just finished reading Making Jack Falcone by Joachin Garcia for the 2nd time. Very entertaining.

This book should be included with many others that suggest FBI corruption at the highest level. Like in Murder Machine, like in Donnie Brasco, this story is about how a massive sweep and wiretapping operation got cut short by shadowy bureaucrats at the top with piss poor excuses as to why. A must read for anyone wearing the rainbow glasses of the false notion that the Mafia is dead or that corruption doesn't exist at the highest levels of law enforcement to protect said Mafia.

After reading this book, one will suspect that the big mafia busts wherein scores of hoods are paraded down the perp walk for all the media to see are nothing but PR stunts and a distraction engineered to protect the king pins at the top of organized crime.
Posted By: MrMorbid

Re: Mafia Books - 10/16/14 12:08 AM

A few organized crime related books I've been reading as of late include: Off Color: The Violent History of Detroit's Notorious Purple Gang by Daniel Waugh. I'm only 90 pages into Off Color. So far its been a fascinating book on Detroit's Purple Gang. Another book I'm reading on my Kindle Fire is The Mob and the City: The Hidden History of How the Mafia Captured New York by Alexander Hortis. This book is providing fresh insight into the inner workings of organized crime in NYC.
Posted By: djdt77

Re: Mafia Books - 10/16/14 04:30 PM

Just read Murder Machine and found it a great read,it was through reading posts on this forum that i became aware of the book so decided to join,i have learnt so much from this site and look forward to reading more!
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 10/16/14 04:36 PM

im just finishing [ five families ] great read.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 10/17/14 04:13 PM

went to my library got frank Costello prime minster of the underworld this book sucks only cool thing is the photo of his tomb blown up a year after he died. you know the feds must have got the truth about it from massino. who did it and why.
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 10/17/14 06:07 PM

Just finished Bill Bonanno's Last Testament. Not recommended. You won't discover anything new, and he repeats many of the lies his father told. Don't buy it.
Posted By: JoeTheBoss

Re: Mafia Books - 10/22/14 08:11 PM

any books on the pittsburgh mob, scranton mob, milwaukee mob or the new orleans mob?
Posted By: dixiemafia

Re: Mafia Books - 10/23/14 03:05 AM

JoeTheBoss, try Mafia Kingfish for the NOLA mob.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 10/27/14 04:30 PM

so john alite has a book coming out soon was hoping for a sal vitale book or maybe one of these Colombo turncoats. frank coppa book on that family would be good to but I think his son didn't turn and is still a member. frank coppa was around forever I read. you know jurnior gotti gonna have a lot to say about the alite book. he's a dogg.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 10/27/14 05:43 PM

Many mobsters whose stories I'm interested in hearing. Alite is not one of them.

So I think I am finally going to splash out on 3 or 4 mob books after failing miserably to find any of them in local bookshops.

Out of the following, which should I get?

D'Arco
Leonetti
Caramandi
Five Families
Brotherhoods
Massino
Basciano
The Goodfella Tapes
The Sixth Family
Scarpa
Kill The Irishman
The Westies
Blood and Honor

http://www.amazon.com/Mobfather-Story-Wife-Caught-Mafia/dp/0821743481

Is this one by Del Giorno's wife and son any good?
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 10/27/14 08:46 PM

Start with the Five Families by Selwyn Raab.

It gives a great foundation for understanding the rest of the books which are mostly stories dealing with more recent history.

Five Families is the size of a thick textbook. My advice is to buy a copy, get comfortable, and put on some interesting music.

Enjoy reading the stories within it to a good soundtrack. It will be better than a movie.

For the last mafia book I read, I had History by Groove Armada Grum Remix on in the background for a good deal of it.
Posted By: domwoods74

Re: Mafia Books - 10/28/14 07:08 AM

I've got all those books moe and there all really good books
Posted By: dixiemafia

Re: Mafia Books - 10/28/14 02:41 PM

The Sixth Family was good if you wanting to learn about Montreal.
Posted By: bostonmob

Re: Mafia Books - 10/29/14 12:27 PM

Check this one out about the Boston Mafia

http://www.amazon.com/Dirty-Money-Mr-Joe...ey+joe+lafratta
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 10/30/14 03:42 PM

Originally Posted By: JoeTheBoss
any books on the pittsburgh mob, scranton mob, milwaukee mob or the new orleans mob?


here is one that you will enjoy, and it covers some of the territories you're interested in.



" the quite don " is an interesting read of Russell buffalino, whose territories included some of what you are interested in. he was very strong with the teamsters. and, very powerful. although not flashy ala gotti.
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 10/31/14 07:22 AM

I have to mention this one...

"The Last Testament of Lucky Luciano".

A lot has been discussed and debated about this book, it's factual errors and inconsistencies with proven chronology. Understandably, it has many detractors.

The authors are Martin A Gosch and Richard Hammer.

Martin Gosch was a film producer from Hollywood.

Richard Hammer was a book author whose books once became a film.

The story goes that Charlie Luciano wanted to make a film about himself that for various reasons, never got made. One story says that Meyer Lansky vetoed it from the States. To me this is unlikely since as a Jew Lansky had no veto powers in the Mafia.

In Salvadore Vizzini's book, "Vizzini, the Story of America's N0. 1 Narcotics Agent", he quotes Luciano directly...

Salvadore Vizzini: "But what about the movie? You said there was a hundred thousand or more in it for you. That's a lot of money, Charlie."

Charlie Luciano:"Yeah, I know. But when I read the script I told them no. They wanted to phony it up, just like they did with Capone. The real story's better, but they probably wouldn't believe it if they heard it. Not that they're going to. Anyway, I don't need the money that bad."

Therefore Charlie Luciano is telling us right there that the Last Testament is fiction.

What I think happened is that Luciano had a change of mind possibly and met Gosch again to discuss the movie, and then died before it could be completed. Gosch then turned around and used the movie script he and Charlie were working on to make up a phony biographical novel.

It is part truth and part Hollywood fantasy.

To get caught up in a debate about why the book is not "trustworthy" completely misses the point. The book originally was not that. It originally was just a movie script.
Posted By: DBCooper

Re: Mafia Books - 11/03/14 10:32 AM

Originally Posted By: Alfa_Romeo
I have to mention this one...

"The Last Testament of Lucky Luciano".

A lot has been discussed and debated about this book, it's factual errors and inconsistencies with proven chronology. Understandably, it has many detractors.

The authors are Martin A Gosch and Richard Hammer.

Martin Gosch was a film producer from Hollywood.

Richard Hammer was a book author whose books once became a film.

The story goes that Charlie Luciano wanted to make a film about himself that for various reasons, never got made. One story says that Meyer Lansky vetoed it from the States. To me this is unlikely since as a Jew Lansky had no veto powers in the Mafia.

In Salvadore Vizzini's book, "Vizzini, the Story of America's N0. 1 Narcotics Agent", he quotes Luciano directly...

Salvadore Vizzini: "But what about the movie? You said there was a hundred thousand or more in it for you. That's a lot of money, Charlie."

Charlie Luciano:"Yeah, I know. But when I read the script I told them no. They wanted to phony it up, just like they did with Capone. The real story's better, but they probably wouldn't believe it if they heard it. Not that they're going to. Anyway, I don't need the money that bad."

Therefore Charlie Luciano is telling us right there that the Last Testament is fiction.

What I think happened is that Luciano had a change of mind possibly and met Gosch again to discuss the movie, and then died before it could be completed. Gosch then turned around and used the movie script he and Charlie were working on to make up a phony biographical novel.

It is part truth and part Hollywood fantasy.

To get caught up in a debate about why the book is not "trustworthy" completely misses the point. The book originally was not that. It originally was just a movie script.


thanks for the Info. Did someone read "Mafia Kingfish: Carlos Marcello and the Assassination of John F. Kennedy" from John H. Davis?
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 11/03/14 12:30 PM

I read 'contract on America" by david schiem" its about carlos Marcello also,
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 11/06/14 12:54 PM

Theres a new Vito Rizzuto book coming out, I'm sure most of you are aware by now, it chronicles his final months on this world, and the final war and bloodshed he brought to Canada and his enemies and the guys who crossed him after he went away. Looks really good, was gonna pre-order, but realized that it isnt written by the guys who wrote The Sixth Family, so it may not be as good. So I'm just going to wait and see what the reviews are when its out.

Out of all the LCN books I've read, the Vinny Gorgeous book was by the worst. It was just so boring, and really,I don't think it told a lot about what Basciano did and brought to the Bonnano's. It loosely covers his reign as acting boss, the talks with Massino in prison, and the Polizzi murder. The later chapters also have more to do with Dom Cicale than anything else Way too much time was spent on the Blue Thunder cade, and I wouldve preferred to learn more about why guys like Philly Lucky and Big Trinny chose to bring him around and involve him in the life at such a young age. And the impact those two had on his life. It was cool learning that Bruno Indelicato returned to NY, and was still a heavyweight within the family and basically Basciano's right hand and Cicales mentor, eeven with Massino (the guy who ordered his dads killing) still in the picture as boss.

The D'Arco book is exaggerated, from what I've heard, he as never that close to Hickey DiLorenzo or the Beck brothers. Pretty sure Amuso & Casso never feared the guy either. And that story of he and Casso crying together in a park before Casso went on the lam, comical bullshit. Also I'm pretty sure the story he told of his friend Ralph Musci, beating up Benny Eggs, while Benny Eggs was a Capo or possibly at the mentioned time period, underboss, and Musci and D'Arco werent even made at the time is pure bullshit. They would've been dead and we'd have never heard of Al D'Arco. He says they were going to murder him which led to him flipping, he and Sal Avellino. But he says prior to that meeting, he had already taken the card of an FBI agent, which probably means he was going to rat anyway. He then says he called Avellino the day after and Avellino knew he was going to be killed along with Al. Yet wr know Avellino continued to earn and be with the Lucchese's, why would he stick around guys he knew wanted him dead?

Just ordered Five Families and Operation Family Secrets and I Heard You Paint Houses. Looking forward to getting into those very soon.
Posted By: dixiemafia

Re: Mafia Books - 11/06/14 02:20 PM

Family Secrets wasn't bad, all you are basically going to learn is things about the Calabrese family. Was still a good look into that family though.
Posted By: jipjones

Re: Mafia Books - 11/06/14 02:29 PM

I just recently bought deal with the devil the fbi secret 30 yr relationship wit scarpa I'm hoping they go into detail about the Colombo wars of the 90s and to learn a lot about scarpa in his early days. Ne one kno if its a good read
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 11/06/14 05:02 PM

its a good read, he was one of a kind, and it goes into the wars. he was a one man wrecking crew. not sure if I believe the part about him and the fbi, and the klan though.
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 11/06/14 05:04 PM

Originally Posted By: dixiemafia
Family Secrets wasn't bad, all you are basically going to learn is things about the Calabrese family. Was still a good look into that family though.


Dixie, it that the one where the son testifies against his old man about his dealings in Chicago?
Posted By: Pache

Re: Mafia Books - 11/06/14 06:00 PM

Is Breakshot: A Life in the 21st Century American Mafia good? I was thinking about reading it, anyone knows about it?
Posted By: dixiemafia

Re: Mafia Books - 11/06/14 06:21 PM

Originally Posted By: Binnie_Coll
Dixie, it that the one where the son testifies against his old man about his dealings in Chicago?


Yep wore a wire while in prison with him and got him to talk about murders he participated in. Eventually his Uncle also testified against his Dad as well.

I'm with you Binnie, I think it's horseshit the FBI would ask him to go to Mississippi where he would stand out like a huge sore thumb back then, to dig up info. I think that is pure b.s.
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 11/06/14 07:26 PM

you bet it is Dixie, ive been back there enough to know better, all my cousins were born in rebbeca ga. and my kin from Oklahoma,and Arkansas,

and Mississippi, I been there I know them people, and its makes a good story. but, no way!
Posted By: dixiemafia

Re: Mafia Books - 11/07/14 02:42 AM

I figured you had family in Georgia considering you were a UGA fan and live in the NW. Mississippi has a weird group, and rural MS back then would have been even worse so there is no way Scarpa just lolly gags into town and kidnaps the dude for the feds.
Posted By: JW24

Re: Mafia Books - 11/07/14 10:29 AM

I am sure these two books have been mentioned many times but I just recently finished reading them both a 2nd time and will be reading them again in the future

BLACK MASS

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Mass-Whitey-...ords=Black+Mass

HITMAN

http://www.amazon.com/Hitman-Martorano-E...R2RW515712XSFYW

BLACK MASS is about Whitey Bulger and Steve Flemmi and the FBI

HITMAN is about John Martarano who was a hitman and gangster in the Boston Mob/Organized Crime scene. Both are page turners and well written. Hitman is funny in some parts as it sheds light on just how crazy and insane one has to be to live the life of a criminal

Any other excellent Boston or New England mob books?
Posted By: dixiemafia

Re: Mafia Books - 11/07/14 02:39 PM

JW, I got Underboss on eBay for like 4 bucks with shipping (hardback too). It was about the North End and mainly Jerry Angiulo and his family and his tie to Ray Sr. and the Feds going after him.

Well worth the read and has some good pictures in it too, just skip the chapters that are about the Feds themselves because it just drags on and makes you lose interest. The parts about Angiulo though was actually good.

Just reading about them trying to bug and video his actions on Prince Street made it well worth the read.
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 11/07/14 10:11 PM

Have any of you read the book by Joe Dogs Iannuzzi ?
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 11/08/14 12:40 AM

Originally Posted By: MobMan
Have any of you read the book by Joe Dogs Iannuzzi ?


yes, I read it, if I remember he was beaten real bad. I read it a while back. not a bad read.
Posted By: joey_doves

Re: Mafia Books - 11/10/14 11:54 PM

Has anyone read the book about Sam Giancana called "Double Cross"? It was written by Mooney's younger brother Chuck. I'm reading it right now; beginning is good, talks about Giancana growing up in the Patch in Chicago, eventually becoming a soldier in the Outfit. There's some inaccuracies though and I have a feeling its gonna go downhill when I get to the CIA/ JFK part...
Posted By: rickydelta

Re: Mafia Books - 11/11/14 08:02 AM

Yeah good book there some truth in there we will never know about the CIA JFK Hit Must are Dead if not all And THE Files are Hidden for A long time And when they do come Out they be blanked out lyndon johnson was one on that hit plus loads of upperworld Members look for who made Money on the wars what come in the 60s that a start grin
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 11/11/14 04:04 PM

anyone read dominic cicale ebook. I don't know how to kindle or however the fuck you ebook. just wanted to here what he says about vito still sending money to someone in nyc and who is the boss today. its only 4bucks so I would check it out rat or not just to see what he says about the family today, and the peoplein power.
Posted By: Alfanosgirl

Re: Mafia Books - 11/11/14 08:18 PM

Originally Posted By: pmac
anyone read dominic cicale ebook. I don't know how to kindle or however the fuck you ebook. just wanted to here what he says about vito still sending money to someone in nyc and who is the boss today. its only 4bucks so I would check it out rat or not just to see what he says about the family today, and the peoplein power.


Save your $ fk that book
Posted By: DBCooper

Re: Mafia Books - 11/12/14 08:02 AM

Originally Posted By: joey_doves
Has anyone read the book about Sam Giancana called "Double Cross"? It was written by Mooney's younger brother Chuck. I'm reading it right now; beginning is good, talks about Giancana growing up in the Patch in Chicago, eventually becoming a soldier in the Outfit. There's some inaccuracies though and I have a feeling its gonna go downhill when I get to the CIA/ JFK part...


I finished it. It´s a pretty good read. On the first pages I hated him for "collective-raping". I thought that he is the biggest scumbag, worse than Sammy Gravano!


I always found the boss-position of Monney and the outfit always high questionalbe. I resently read that Giancana was the Boss and Accardo and Ricca just advisors.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 11/13/14 12:57 PM

db let the board know who cicale claims vito rizzuto was still sendind tribute to in nyc. personaly I think he was to who I don't know but you cant just piss off 600+ made guys in nyc living 6hours away from you and just start your own family when we read or heard massino sent his underboss and company there in 2001 or so when they met with montreal expos brookln pitcher franco heard he got his button last week. maybe he was sending money orders to baldo amato in prison for some canteen. ramen noodles getting exspensive
Posted By: joey_doves

Re: Mafia Books - 11/14/14 12:47 AM

The book seems exaggerated in some way, because I don't think Mooney would have disclosed international schemes and deals with the president (if true) to his little brother who was an outfit wannabe.
Posted By: joey_doves

Re: Mafia Books - 11/14/14 12:55 AM

I think Double Cross does accurately depict Mooney as a domineering, abusive, controlling figure to his family members. He could beat them almost to death and they would actually feel sorry for breaking his rules.
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 11/15/14 07:29 PM

just finished "mafia summit" story of apalachin. good read
gil reavill wrote it. great research.
Posted By: antimafia

Re: Mafia Books - 11/19/14 01:46 PM

Toronto Star reporter Peter Edwards's eRead Vito Rizzuto: Canada's Country Club Mobster, published in November 2012 approximately six weeks after Rizzuto's release from jail, is now available for free from the newspaper's microsite dedicated to archiving some of the Star Dispatches that were previously only available for purchase.

Here's the link to the 53-page PDF:

http://stardispatches.com/2012/11/vrizzuto.pdf

This eRead may be a good primer for Edwards and Antonio Nicaso's upcoming book slated for a February 2015 publication, Business or Blood: Mafia Boss Vito Rizzuto's Last War.
Posted By: dixiemafia

Re: Mafia Books - 11/19/14 03:16 PM

Thanks anti for the link!! Will be a GREAT read!
Posted By: antimafia

Re: Mafia Books - 11/19/14 03:43 PM

Originally Posted By: dixiemafia
Thanks anti for the link!! Will be a GREAT read!


You're very welcome. Enjoy!
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 11/24/14 05:25 PM

http://www.amazon.com/Kefauver-Chairman-Investigating-Committee-1950-May/dp/B000NWW5RQ

anyone read this?
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 11/24/14 08:57 PM

Thanks for that link antimafia.


A little off topic or on...I personally don't believe Vito Rizzuto was kicking up to anyone, let alone Joe Massino. And Vito didn't "start his own family", the Rizzuto enterprise in itself was a running machine long before Vito took the keys to the car. Vitale also states such that after Sciasia was killed, money stopped coming from Montreal, entirely.
Posted By: cw

Re: Mafia Books - 11/29/14 04:19 PM

Do any of you use shelfari I use it to keep track of my books.
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 11/29/14 07:07 PM




I always found the boss-position of Monney and the outfit always high questionalbe. I resently read that Giancana was the Boss and Accardo and Ricca just advisors. [/quote]

mooney was not more powerful than either accardo, or ricca,
in many fbi tapes giancana defers to both of them.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 12/06/14 08:20 AM

I am recovering from surgery and am bored out of my mind, so... even with all the negative comments here, I ordered the e-book and so far it isn't too bad. I'm in the early stages of it and he talks a lot about Vinnie Basciano. Hope the rest is just as good. By the way, it's a very short book.
Posted By: Alfanosgirl

Re: Mafia Books - 12/06/14 03:29 PM

Originally Posted By: bigboy
I am recovering from surgery and am bored out of my mind, so... even with all the negative comments here, I ordered the e-book and so far it isn't too bad. I'm in the early stages of it and he talks a lot about Vinnie Basciano. Hope the rest is just as good. By the way, it's a very short book.


You're a TRADER panic ha ha just kidding. You are NOT supposed to buy THAT book.
Hope you have an easy recovery. I would be bored too.
Posted By: njcapo35

Re: Mafia Books - 12/06/14 05:19 PM

Was wondering if anybody has read this?...If so, can you give some feedback on it. Thanks

Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 12/06/14 09:29 PM

big boy I don't have a kindle and wouldn't know how to download ebook anyway I just wanted to know what cicale says about who vito was still talking to after georges murder. there was way to much money to be mad for him to just cut off nyc. read somewhere vinny gorgeous new George ws gonna get whacked so he hit him up for a big loan, is that true ,howuch? and I remember hereing vito didn't like vinny or is that all wrong. just read that quick 53 page book someone posted the link to cool free read. think people think vito only dealt with maasino but he had deals going on with all the families. one was a Persian rug scam with the decav family in the 90tys. yaeh cicale says vito still was sending someone tribute in nyc I don't find that hard to believe maybe 10000 k in a card.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 12/13/14 09:53 PM

I finally got around to ordering some books.

Here's what I ordered:

Gangbusters
Mafia Cops
For The Sins of my Father
King of the Godfathers

Did I do good?
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 12/13/14 11:12 PM

I just finished Vinny Gourgous, it was solid.

Leaves you feeling bad for him, which it should. He was railroaded.

DP
Posted By: sickstylemob12

Re: Mafia Books - 12/21/14 02:24 AM

What about buy sell and trade books?
I know I have a few books I've already read and would trade for books that I wanna read.
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 12/21/14 09:23 AM

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden

For The Sins of my Father
King of the Godfathers

Did I do good?


found those two pretty decent. albert paints a very ... interesting picture of his father
Posted By: Sal_Luca

Re: Mafia Books - 12/29/14 11:27 AM

I just finished Takedown Fall of the Last Mafia Empire and I loved it....finished it in 3 days (about 10x faster than usual) - literally couldnt put it down. The property-rights extortion the Genoveses and Gambinos were running on private garbage pick-ups was indeed an empire that had been a huge-cash cow for decades, one which they had hoped to pass down for generations.

Very informative as far as this particular racket -
Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 12/29/14 01:10 PM

Albert DeMeo's book was surprisingly good, I really enjoyed reading it. I always knew Murder Machine was a little exaggerated to say the least. Jerry Capeci was a little full of it and took too much liberties by judging Roy and the crew in his own light. Of course some stuff is biased because Roy was his father, but overall I found it to be believable.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 12/29/14 01:11 PM

Originally Posted By: njcapo35
Was wondering if anybody has read this?...If so, can you give some feedback on it. Thanks

I read the book a long time ago but thought it was pretty good. It is written from a law enforcement point of view, but so are so many of these books.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 12/29/14 01:22 PM

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
I finally got around to ordering some books.

Here's what I ordered:

Gangbusters
Mafia Cops
For The Sins of my Father
King of the Godfathers

Did I do good?
Sins of my father is the story of Roy DeMeo written by his son and mainly deals with his relationship with Roy so naturally he paints him in a good light. It was interesting to hear the story of how the "Gemini twins" ran him off the road and threatened him over the phony VIN plates they thought Roy had hidden. This is after they killed roy. The second book you ordered- "King of the godfathers" is a good read about Joey Massino. I think you will enjoy both of these books. I don't know about the other two.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 12/29/14 01:26 PM

Originally Posted By: DuesPaid
I just finished Vinny Gourgous, it was solid.

Leaves you feeling bad for him, which it should. He was railroaded.

DP
Vinnie was screwed by that fat fuck Massino, but on the other hand just think of all the stuff Vinnie got away with. You shouldn't feel too sorry for him.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 12/30/14 10:31 PM

He really should have been done with all of it after getting off the first big trial and walking out free and clear. He had a few businesses going well and should have took a back seat.

He could have had a nice life with his family.

DP
Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 01/01/15 10:16 AM

Guys is the book Mob Killer on Charles Cargneglia any good? I've always thought he was quite an odd guy.
I'm also interested in "a Mob of his Own: Mad Sam DeStefano and the Chicago Mob's "Juice" Rackets" for anybody who's read it, is it worth getting? I mean a book about Mad Sam that can't be bad.
Posted By: Extortion

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/15 01:26 PM

Originally Posted By: pmac
big boy I don't have a kindle and wouldn't know how to download ebook anyway I just wanted to know what cicale says about who vito was still talking to after georges murder. there was way to much money to be mad for him to just cut off nyc. read somewhere vinny gorgeous new George ws gonna get whacked so he hit him up for a big loan, is that true ,howuch? and I remember hereing vito didn't like vinny or is that all wrong. just read that quick 53 page book someone posted the link to cool free read. think people think vito only dealt with maasino but he had deals going on with all the families. one was a Persian rug scam with the decav family in the 90tys. yaeh cicale says vito still was sending someone tribute in nyc I don't find that hard to believe maybe 10000 k in a card.


if you dont know how to use a kindle app or a kindle and couldnt find out how you must be an idiot
Posted By: Extortion

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/15 01:26 PM

Originally Posted By: Malandrino
Guys is the book Mob Killer on Charles Cargneglia any good? I've always thought he was quite an odd guy.
I'm also interested in "a Mob of his Own: Mad Sam DeStefano and the Chicago Mob's "Juice" Rackets" for anybody who's read it, is it worth getting? I mean a book about Mad Sam that can't be bad.


Mob Killer is a solid read, I own it.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/15 01:42 PM

I know it sounds hackneyed but Charles Carneglia truly looks like a psychopath.
Posted By: alexandarns

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/15 01:45 PM

read 20 page online,not bad.Those East NY guys are all crazy.His brother John was acctually a stand up guy,he owned a junk yard on fountain ave,east ny.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/15 02:36 PM

Just got an e mail from Ed Scarpa that hes doing a book on Frank Gangi, Tommy Pitaro's former partner. This ought to be interesting. He did a good job on his first book.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 01/03/15 12:08 PM

Originally Posted By: bigboy
I am recovering from surgery and am bored out of my mind, so... even with all the negative comments here, I ordered the e-book and so far it isn't too bad. I'm in the early stages of it and he talks a lot about Vinnie Basciano. Hope the rest is just as good. By the way, it's a very short book.


I have this downloaded to my Kindle but have not read it yet. I just recently finished Vinny Gourgeous: ( Anthony M. Destephano). It was good, it kept me interested.

I am now reading Mob Boss: Capeci, really good. I like hearing the stories of how the older guys came up, even their very yound memories and story of growing up.

I am seing a few other books mentioned in this thread I will try.

I want to read Murder Machine but have been waiting for it to come to kindle.
I dont think that is going to happen so I plan on picking up a copy.

DP
Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 01/03/15 01:41 PM

Originally Posted By: bigboy
Just got an e mail from Ed Scarpa that hes doing a book on Frank Gangi, Tommy Pitaro's former partner. This ought to be interesting. He did a good job on his first book.


Didn't most of the stuff on Phil Carlo's book come from Gangi and that DEA agent? Obviously it can't be much worse than his book, but I'm not getting my hopes up.. Gangi's story is already well-known.

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
I know it sounds hackneyed but Charles Carneglia truly looks like a psychopath.


He's your regular Charles Manson lookalike.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 01/03/15 02:11 PM

Originally Posted By: bigboy
Just got an e mail from Ed Scarpa that hes doing a book on Frank Gangi, Tommy Pitaro's former partner. This ought to be interesting. He did a good job on his first book.

You mean Ed Leiber? Leiber's his real name. In reality, he's about as Italian as Chef Boyardee. The guy is a no-talent fraud. That he gave Dom Cicale a soapbox to stand on speaks volumes about his character.

He's also a coward in my book because he just outed one of his old sources who was supposedly an ex-cop. As is turns out, the guy wasn't a cop a all. Just some lonely Internet nobody trying to feel important online.

But that's not the point because Scarpa/Leiber claimed on his blog that the guy called him him hysterical crying---like a little girl---when he was outed for lying about his law enforcement past. Leiber later deleted the entire entry (as he often does when he's caught lying, etc.). But the damage was already done.

You seem like a nice guy, Big Boy. I'd stay clear of that asshole if I were you. If he ever got a hold of your personal information there's no telling what he might do with it.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 01/03/15 03:20 PM

Pizzaboy- Thanks for your good advice and kind words. I am glad you are back on the net as you seem to always come up with good information. Have a great new year.
Posted By: Alfanosgirl

Re: Mafia Books - 01/03/15 04:16 PM

It's Pizza yayyyy pizza is back in town how I've missed u my friend smile
Good advice. Stay clear of that guy. Hope you are getting better BigBoy. I know you mentioned you had surgery.

Ed Lieber I cannot stand that guy. He's the reason why I changed my name and stopped posting on the other site. The guy used my video in one of his lame blogs without my permission. I had it out with him on that other gangsters site but have since deleted my comments. What a douchebag that guy is!!!!!

Hey I hear DomWoods is gonna buy us all copies of Scarpo/Lieber's book
lol lol lol ha ha I know how much he can't stand him either

(Sorry Dom but I couldn't resist)
Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 01/03/15 04:35 PM

I don't think even his alias last name "Scarpo" is Italian.. if so it's gotta be a very unpopular name, it's certainly one that I've never heard before. Scarpa, or Scarfo then that's a different story lol
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Mafia Books - 01/03/15 04:42 PM

Originally Posted By: Malandrino
I don't think even his alias last name "Scarpo" is Italian.. if so it's gotta be a very unpopular name, it's certainly one that I've never heard before. Scarpa, or Scarfo then that's a different story lol

You hit it right on the head, buddy. His pen name (even though he swears it's not), is a composite between Scarfo and Scarpa. It's as transparent as Scotch tape.

He's Jewish---and I LOVE the Jews. Of all the European immigrants that came here with our grandparents, we have the most in common with the Jews: Food, family and guilt lol.

My Mother used to say that except for Jesus and pork chops, the Jews are just like us lol.

But the fact that Leiber LIES about his heritage displays a self-hate that makes me respect him even less than I already do.
Posted By: funkster

Re: Mafia Books - 01/03/15 05:04 PM

Where did he post, RD?
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 01/03/15 07:55 PM

Originally Posted By: bigboy
Just got an e mail from Ed Scarpa that hes doing a book on Frank Gangi, Tommy Pitaro's former partner. This ought to be interesting. He did a good job on his first book.



Lol eff that guy, he's a joke. Ed "Scarpa" isn't his real name, and Dom Cicale is full of as much shit as he is.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 01/03/15 08:44 PM

Almost finished For the Sins of My Father by Albert De Meo.

I haven't really enjoyed this as much as I thought I would. It is a bit of a slog to get through. There is nothing earth shattering here. A lot of tedium. It's only 270 odd pages long too, so there is no reason why the subject matter should be inducing boredom.

Some of what he says doesn't really ring true for me either, like when he tries to portray himself as some kind of victim and portrays the feds in an unflattering light. And I'm kind of suspicious of the story about Senter & Testa running him off the road and pistol whipping him too. It's very convenient that it was his best friend - who just happened to be driving by - who was the one who found him.

And the anecdote about him intimidating Senter in a restaurant? Please. As if Senter would be f***ing scared of De Meo. His father was a feared guy but I don't think his son was cut out for this.

Some of the stories I just mentioned sounded like padding out the book and adding excitement where there is none.

If I had to rate it, I would probably give it 2.5/5

Hackneyed and poorly written. Hopefully Gangbusters & King of the Godfathers will be better.
Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 01/03/15 09:45 PM

I liked it, plenty of stuff sounded a lot more believable than some stuff in Murder Machine/Dom Montiglio's version of the events.
Not very entertaining as a book by any means, but for us who are interested in the story, it was pretty solid, imo.

I believe the story of Joey and Anthony running him off the road after he called Nino Gaggi to ask him about guns Roy kept hidden, telling him he knew who his father's killers were... stupid move and he got more than a smack in the mouth. The injuries were serious enough that they required plenty of surgeries and it was a miracle his eye survived. They pretty much left him for dead and bleeding, though I doubt they wanted him dead... I think they wouldn't care much either way.
He didn't really intimidate Anthony, he just spotted him in a table nearby while Anthony was spying at him... he went over and said hi and Anthony apparently went pale because it was a pretty awkward situation.. maybe he did exaggerate it a bit, who knows?

I disagree about the feds, they did in fact harass him continuously and made his life a living hell, even though he was barely 17 when his dad was whacked. I wouldn't say those kind of actions are beneath the feds in any way.. they had it in for him and wanted him to flip. He's lucky they didn't railroad him and put him in jail for a couple of months/year on some bullshit charge. Regardless, it did have its weak points obviously but I'd give it a 3.5/5 easily.

Moe, we seem to be reading the same books the last couple of weeks.. I'm also planning to start King of Godfathers and then maybe Mob Star about Gotti.
Posted By: BarrettM

Re: Mafia Books - 01/03/15 10:33 PM

Reading Dicarlo, the first family of Buffalo. The most comphrehensive mob book I've ever read. Great research, great information. Stops to actually humanize the characters and the environment they live in.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 01/04/15 12:17 AM

Originally Posted By: BarrettM
Reading Dicarlo, the first family of Buffalo. The most comphrehensive mob book I've ever read. Great research, great information. Stops to actually humanize the characters and the environment they live in.


Available on Kindle, I am going to put this on the list for next after the book I'm reading now. Thanks for the recommendation.

DP
Posted By: goldhawkroad

Re: Mafia Books - 01/05/15 02:01 PM

The thing about murder machine is although its a great book it suffers from being partly narrated from montiglios perspective. Gaggi must have hated the way he turned out, a junkie. For the Sins of My father..i think its pretty interesting but nothing Near MM.
Posted By: goldhawkroad

Re: Mafia Books - 01/06/15 03:17 PM

While enjoying the holidays I went through "accardo the genuine godfather" by Roemer once again. Roemers sidestories and namedropping aside, its a must read If you are interested in the history of the outfit. Just take the story when mad Sam Stefano urinates in roemers coffee and roemer is thinking "well them italian roasted beans are sure tasting weird", haha.

Binders "Chicago outfit" i enjoyed, russos "The outfit" i found a bit boring. "The boys in Chicago heights was great. would love if someone wrote "the definitive work" on the different street crews, something in the style of 5 families ny raab but on Chicago.

Or is there already something out there that I have missed?
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 01/08/15 06:48 PM

I just finished "the mob and the city" by alex hortis. he has been on this site a number of times, its a very good read, and he has done a lot of research. published just last spring.
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 01/08/15 07:38 PM

Binnie, I know you really enjoy reading. Can you name your top 10 Mob books?
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 01/09/15 01:12 AM

Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
Yes Turnbull, there definately are several inconsistancies throughout the book. The Capone thing always bugged me too. But all in all I still enjoyed it. I'll have to put the other Lansky book on my list. Turnbull, have you ever read "JOEY" about Joe Gallo? I just got the book and it is next to read on my list.


Don Cardi cool


ive read "joey" its the best book out there about joey gallo, he was not a smart man, he did 9 years in the joint because of his many foulups.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 01/09/15 01:56 PM

Originally Posted By: BarrettM
Reading Dicarlo, the first family of Buffalo. The most comphrehensive mob book I've ever read. Great research, great information. Stops to actually humanize the characters and the environment they live in.
Barrett, based on your positive comments about this book and the fact that I used to live in Buffalo, I bought this book on Kindle. Have read the first few chapters and agree- It's a great book. I like the way it starts out with the author meeting DiCarlo at Santaserio's restaurant/bar. I've eaten there many times. Thanks
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 01/09/15 03:28 PM

This is a great Thread, I read the post's like a wish list of books.

Thanks.

DP
Posted By: TheRedZone

Re: Mafia Books - 01/09/15 04:06 PM

I'm looking for a good book on the Outfit after reading two of Roemer's books, which were good in some aspects but extremely spotty in others, should I try and get Russo's 'Outfit', or the Calabrese book, or perhaps another that I'm not aware of?

Thanks guys
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 01/09/15 07:43 PM

Originally Posted By: Beanshooter
Binnie, I know you really enjoy reading. Can you name your top 10 Mob books?
.

ok, ill give it a shot, some are rather old but, they were good, can't remember all the authors though'

"the don" by William brashler about sam giancana.
"joey" by goddard, about joey gallo
"the pleasant avenue connection" cant recall author.
"the mob and the city" alex hortis.
"contract on America" by david scheim, about jfk and Marcello
"the quiet don" author can't recall, about buffalino
"the valachi papers" by peter maas.
"the last testament of lucky Luciano" by hammer and gosch.
some say this is fictionalized, but good read.
"the oufit" by gus russo. about Chicago mob.
"the last Mafioso" by ovid demaris. about frattiano.
"the green felt jungle" by demaris

ive read dozens upon dozens, still reading!
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 01/09/15 07:54 PM

Great list Binnie. I've only read two on that list. I guess I have a lot more reading to do. Next on my list, "Joey". Thank you.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 01/09/15 08:35 PM

Great list. I am going to work off this.

I just received a book and think I am going to put down the Kindle for this one.

Right now I am reading, ( Mob Boss, The Life of Little Al D'Arco) on Kindle.

I have been wanting to read this new one for awhile and it just showed up on my Desk.

http://i1364.photobucket.com/albums/r730/Edistsew/IMG_8032_zps8d8f1855.jpg

DP

Posted By: Revis_Knicks

Re: Mafia Books - 01/11/15 04:34 PM

Any recommendations for any newer mafia books out there?
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 01/11/15 07:09 PM

New York: the mob and the city - Alex hortis
Originally Posted By: Revis_Island
Any recommendations for any newer mafia books out there?
Posted By: Extortion

Re: Mafia Books - 01/14/15 07:34 PM

anyone read this...a whopping $100+ for this book http://www.amazon.com/The-Hammer-Conspiracies-Frank-Aloi/dp/0866490469
Posted By: PhillyMob

Re: Mafia Books - 01/15/15 09:50 PM

Haven't read that yet but I have About 10 books being delivered from Amazon. Anyone read deal with the devil. With Greg scarpa. I'm reading mob killer right now about Charles Carnegia.
Posted By: PhillyMob

Re: Mafia Books - 01/16/15 04:07 PM

Anybody read Mafia Summit yet? I should have that delivered in the next couple days.
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 01/16/15 06:10 PM

Originally Posted By: PhillyMob
Anybody read Mafia Summit yet? I should have that delivered in the next couple days.


yes, ive read it, its a factual story of appalachin who was there, who was arrested, what they were there for, I think you will like it for its take on the event itself.

the guy that wrote it did a lot of research. good read.
Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 01/16/15 06:19 PM

Originally Posted By: PhillyMob
Haven't read that yet but I have About 10 books being delivered from Amazon. Anyone read deal with the devil. With Greg scarpa. I'm reading mob killer right now about Charles Carnegia.


Read about 40 pages in, then stopped and left it for another day. No idea, it just got a little too factual and boring... some pages were just FBI memos and documents. However, I liked the idea that A LOT of info came from him, not Valachi.. and was then put in Valachi's mouth.
Posted By: Dwalin2011

Re: Mafia Books - 01/16/15 07:21 PM

Speaking of the "Deal with the devil" book, there is one thing that interested me for years, yet almost nobody seems to have an opinion on the subject: did Scarpa indeed frame Orena and Amato for the Ocera hit he had done himself, did he frame them for something THEY had actually done but used fabricated evidence / perjured testimony or were Orena and Amato guilty as charged? The book supports the idea that they were indeed innocent and framed, but what about the tape where Bonfiglio was ranting about not being rewarded by Amato for his role in the hit? The book "conveniently" says nothing about it. Could it be possible that Orena, Amato and Scarpa were in it together and Scarpa later laid blame on the accomplices? But the book suggests Orena and Scarpa hated each other, no way would they conspire together.
What do you think?
Posted By: PhillyMob

Re: Mafia Books - 01/17/15 01:40 AM

Thank you for replies. Looking forward to reading them.
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 01/17/15 06:01 PM

Originally Posted By: Dwalin2011
Speaking of the "Deal with the devil" book, there is one thing that interested me for years, yet almost nobody seems to have an opinion on the subject: did Scarpa indeed frame Orena and Amato for the Ocera hit he had done himself, did he frame them for something THEY had actually done but used fabricated evidence / perjured testimony or were Orena and Amato guilty as charged? The book supports the idea that they were indeed innocent and framed, but what about the tape where Bonfiglio was ranting about not being rewarded by Amato for his role in the hit? The book "conveniently" says nothing about it. Could it be possible that Orena, Amato and Scarpa were in it together and Scarpa later laid blame on the accomplices? But the book suggests Orena and Scarpa hated each other, no way would they conspire together.
What do you think?


I also read the book about scarpa, it says he helped the FBI in the case of the 3 civil rights workers who were murdered in Mississippi in 1964.

it didn't happen, therefore I think much of his book is B.S. but he did help a great deal in winning the war of the columbos for snake persico, he was a one man wrecking machine. but, don't take everything he says as gospel.
Posted By: Extortion

Re: Mafia Books - 01/18/15 01:31 AM

No one's read Hammer Conspiracies, its $100 and really old. I bet there is some cool stuff in there...might get it with next paycheck.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 01/18/15 05:40 PM

I just finished "DeCarlo" about the Buffalo NY mob. Wow what a book. One of the most well researched books I have ever read. I probably liked it more than most people would as I knew a lot of the people mentioned there. While I knew my wife's next door neighbor was allegedly mobbed up we did not know he was a capo. The guy who lived three doors away was a loan shark who by the way played the sax at my wedding reception. Eve if you don't have any connection to Buffalo, this is a great book and would make a great addition to any "Mob library" and is available on Kindle
Posted By: Extortion

Re: Mafia Books - 01/18/15 08:11 PM

Originally Posted By: bigboy
I just finished "DeCarlo" about the Buffalo NY mob. Wow what a book. One of the most well researched books I have ever read. I probably liked it more than most people would as I knew a lot of the people mentioned there. While I knew my wife's next door neighbor was allegedly mobbed up we did not know he was a capo. The guy who lived three doors away was a loan shark who by the way played the sax at my wedding reception. Eve if you don't have any connection to Buffalo, this is a great book and would make a great addition to any "Mob library" and is available on Kindle


Cool, I will check this out soon.
Posted By: NickyWhip

Re: Mafia Books - 01/18/15 09:25 PM

I posted a link to an online free copy of "brotherhood" which is the bust of carracapa and Epolito. IT's in the most recent "casso" thread.

I also just finished Takedown - which is about busting up the garbage cartel in the 90s. Genovese and Gambino stuff.

I thought both books were informative. It's interesting to read books by the "other side". Most of the mob books have a lot of street talk and macho bravado. The law enforcement books call the mobsters dummies and oportunists, etc.

But, there is good bit of embellishing and macho bravado from the cops/detectives too. Especially in Takedown.

OVerall very good. both had good subject matter
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 01/19/15 02:02 AM

Originally Posted By: bigboy
I just finished "DeCarlo" about the Buffalo NY mob. Wow what a book. One of the most well researched books I have ever read. I probably liked it more than most people would as I knew a lot of the people mentioned there. While I knew my wife's next door neighbor was allegedly mobbed up we did not know he was a capo. The guy who lived three doors away was a loan shark who by the way played the sax at my wedding reception. Eve if you don't have any connection to Buffalo, this is a great book and would make a great addition to any "Mob library" and is available on Kindle


sounds great, im going to get it.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 01/19/15 02:05 PM

Hey! It was me that posted that link to the free copy of Brotherhoods!

I demand a sit down.
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 01/19/15 05:09 PM

hey, moe, whatever happened to the murdering cops caccartara, and Epilitto?
Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 01/19/15 05:18 PM

They're serving life sentences.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 01/19/15 05:58 PM

did john jr book drop today I tried to look on amazon nothing figured I could take a look inside read a couple free pages 500+ jr telling some things. I read in the paper he talks about chin how his father would never act like him. I was thing jr was gonna steer clear of any talk about bosses that still have friends and family active. wonder what he says on vic and gas and massino. probably gonna be interesting. wonder if he talks about his days as acting boss for 6yrs. longer then his dad was boss on the street.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 01/19/15 06:01 PM

I thought the scarpa book is great if you want to no the complete history of the Colombo family. its fact filled maybe a little boring here and there but there probably never been a bigger informant in the mafia. you think about it there was probably a scarpa in all the boros/families. Gambino had 250 guys in 1980 1 or2 must have been feeding the gov.
Posted By: NickyWhip

Re: Mafia Books - 01/20/15 10:43 AM

"Get back in your hole Davey!!!" - Tony Soprano.

Far be it from me to take credit for another man's offerings. THat would not be COSA NOSTRA of me.

I imagine Phil Leonetti cutting his meatball into quarters and uncle Nicky looking down his nose at him: "Philip, we cut them in half! Definitely not cosa nostra!"


Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
Hey! It was me that posted that link to the free copy of Brotherhoods!

I demand a sit down.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 01/20/15 08:45 PM

The Frank Lino testimony of the 3 Capos Murder in King of the Godfather's is gripping.

Aside from Bruno Indelicato, Tommy Pitera was the only ally of the 3 Capos who refused to meet Massino in the aftermath of the murder.
Posted By: PhillyMob

Re: Mafia Books - 01/24/15 12:11 AM

Just got a bunch if books delivered. Just wrapped up mafia summit and mob killer. I was wondering if someone could suggest my next read. This what's in my lineup for now.

Mob Boss. Al D'Arco
Boss of Bosses Paul Castellano
For the sins of my father Al DeMeo
Deal with the Devil. Greg Scarpa
Mafia Dynasty Rise and Fall of Gambino Family
King of the Godfathers. Joe Massino
The Enforcer. Anthony Spilotro

Gonna order some more. Anybody have suggestions on what to order next.
I'm out on injury from work so I got a lot of time on my hands lol.
Posted By: Oscarthedago

Re: Mafia Books - 01/24/15 11:46 AM

If anybody is interested in reading the first ever book on Youngstown, OH, try reading Crimetown USA from 1933-1963 by Allan May. Part 2 being written now from 1963-1999

http://www.amazon.com/Crimetown-U-S-A-Mahoning-Organized-1933-1963/dp/0983703752
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 01/24/15 11:54 AM

I finished King of the Godfathers.

I enjoyed it but I think DeStefano would have been better condensing and combining the material from the Massino and Basciano books.

Not enough time was spent covering Massino co-operating and betraying Basciano.

And I haven't read the Basciano book but I am going to guess that there was barely enough material for a book solely about him.
Posted By: ThreeTomatos

Re: Mafia Books - 01/24/15 01:18 PM

Originally Posted By: Oscarthedago
If anybody is interested in reading the first ever book on Youngstown, OH, try reading Crimetown USA from 1933-1963 by Allan May. Part 2 being written now from 1963-1999

http://www.amazon.com/Crimetown-U-S-A-Mahoning-Organized-1933-1963/dp/0983703752



I just bought the Gotti Book read a little bit of it. Was thinking of getting American Desperado I haven't heard one bad review about it. Maybe I'll get this book instead or both. Sick of this NY Stuff.
Posted By: Oscarthedago

Re: Mafia Books - 01/24/15 02:21 PM

Originally Posted By: ThreeTomatos
Originally Posted By: Oscarthedago
If anybody is interested in reading the first ever book on Youngstown, OH, try reading Crimetown USA from 1933-1963 by Allan May. Part 2 being written now from 1963-1999

http://www.amazon.com/Crimetown-U-S-A-Mahoning-Organized-1933-1963/dp/0983703752





I just bought the Gotti Book read a little bit of it. Was thinking of getting American Desperado I haven't heard one bad review about it. Maybe I'll get this book instead or both. Sick of this NY Stuff.


Fantastic history of OC in Youngstown, where Pittsburgh/Cleveland/Detroit/Buffalo all had representatives in the Youngstown area throughout 1940's-1960's until Pittsburgh & Cleveland went to war in 1977 for total control of the lucrative Youngstown rackets. The war lasted 5 years, left alot of bodies and Pittsburgh moved into Youngstown and parts of Cleveland after the upper echelon of Cleveland went to prison.

A few other books to try:

1. Corn Sugar and Blood- The Rise and Fall of the Cleveland Mafia by Rick Porello

http://www.amazon.com/The-Rise-Fall-Clev...43JNJZ6DH1T5QXQ

2. To Kill the Irishman: The War that Crippled the Mafia- by Rick Porello

http://www.amazon.com/Kill-Irishman-that...easin=966250893

3. Superthief by Rick Porello-

http://www.amazon.com/Superthief-Master-...6HHQM5WY2Q4HRMY

4. Brancato: Mafia Street Boss by Frank Monastra (The Story of Frank Brancato)

http://www.amazon.com/Brancato-Mafia-Str...6HHQM5WY2Q4HRMY

5. Inside the Vault-The True Story of a Master Bank Burglar by Amil Dinsio

http://www.amazon.com/Inside-Vault-Story...G9QBSM1BCFRWR1V

6. The Sly-Fanner Murders: The Birth of the Mayfield Road Mob; Cleveland's Most Notorious Mafia Gang

http://www.amazon.com/Sly-Fanner-Murders...easin=983703744

**If you're going to read these books, read them in the order I have attached them as alot of the books build off of Rick Porello's first book, Corn, Sugar & Blood
Posted By: PhillyMob

Re: Mafia Books - 01/25/15 08:38 AM

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
I finished King of the Godfathers.

I enjoyed it but I think DeStefano would have been better condensing and combining the material from the Massino and Basciano books.

Not enough time was spent covering Massino co-operating and betraying Basciano.

And I haven't read the Basciano book but I am going to guess that there was barely enough material for a book solely about him.


I haven't read either of them yet but I am surprised that Vinnie got a whole book.
Anyone read that Vinnie Basciano book yet? Any good?
Posted By: ShotgunTheRifle

Re: Mafia Books - 01/25/15 11:46 AM

Anyone know why the Before Bruno books seem to be so expensive. Its either the 1st or the 3rd not 100% sure. But haven't be able to find it for under 60 dollars.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 01/25/15 03:20 PM

I thought the Vinny b book was solid. You want to know what happens after Massimo its there. There not a lot of wire tap shit cause he was very smart when it came to taps wires. Mostly his trials. And cicale. I rather read from destefano then you know who.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 01/25/15 03:33 PM

It was about 250 pages into the Massino book before you got to the Basciano stuff.

He could easily have waited on that for a year or two, fleshed it out instead of rushing it and then you have a 400-450 page book that isn't too long and isn't too short.

It needed a better resolution.
Posted By: PhillyMob

Re: Mafia Books - 01/26/15 04:03 AM

Originally Posted By: ShotgunTheRifle
Anyone know why the Before Bruno books seem to be so expensive. Its either the 1st or the 3rd not 100% sure. But haven't be able to find it for under 60 dollars.


I was just looking on Amazon. I don't know why the hell it's so expensive. I think there are 3 before Bruno books and that one is the most expensive.
Posted By: ThreeTomatos

Re: Mafia Books - 01/26/15 01:27 PM

Originally Posted By: Oscarthedago
Originally Posted By: ThreeTomatos
Originally Posted By: Oscarthedago
If anybody is interested in reading the first ever book on Youngstown, OH, try reading Crimetown USA from 1933-1963 by Allan May. Part 2 being written now from 1963-1999

http://www.amazon.com/Crimetown-U-S-A-Mahoning-Organized-1933-1963/dp/0983703752





I just bought the Gotti Book read a little bit of it. Was thinking of getting American Desperado I haven't heard one bad review about it. Maybe I'll get this book instead or both. Sick of this NY Stuff.


Fantastic history of OC in Youngstown, where Pittsburgh/Cleveland/Detroit/Buffalo all had representatives in the Youngstown area throughout 1940's-1960's until Pittsburgh & Cleveland went to war in 1977 for total control of the lucrative Youngstown rackets. The war lasted 5 years, left alot of bodies and Pittsburgh moved into Youngstown and parts of Cleveland after the upper echelon of Cleveland went to prison.

A few other books to try:

1. Corn Sugar and Blood- The Rise and Fall of the Cleveland Mafia by Rick Porello

http://www.amazon.com/The-Rise-Fall-Clev...43JNJZ6DH1T5QXQ

2. To Kill the Irishman: The War that Crippled the Mafia- by Rick Porello

http://www.amazon.com/Kill-Irishman-that...easin=966250893

3. Superthief by Rick Porello-

http://www.amazon.com/Superthief-Master-...6HHQM5WY2Q4HRMY

4. Brancato: Mafia Street Boss by Frank Monastra (The Story of Frank Brancato)

http://www.amazon.com/Brancato-Mafia-Str...6HHQM5WY2Q4HRMY

5. Inside the Vault-The True Story of a Master Bank Burglar by Amil Dinsio

http://www.amazon.com/Inside-Vault-Story...G9QBSM1BCFRWR1V

6. The Sly-Fanner Murders: The Birth of the Mayfield Road Mob; Cleveland's Most Notorious Mafia Gang

http://www.amazon.com/Sly-Fanner-Murders...easin=983703744

**If you're going to read these books, read them in the order I have attached them as alot of the books build off of Rick Porello's first book, Corn, Sugar & Blood


Wow...I just saw this..I'll def. pick up one of these. Thank You so Much Oscar.
Posted By: Oscarthedago

Re: Mafia Books - 01/26/15 05:54 PM

How ya doing John? Bored? By the way, I filed a formal report...keep it up, should be fun to watch.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 02/03/15 12:18 PM

I have mentioned this before, the Vinnie "Gorgeous" book is very interesting and is a good read but as I said, I think there is much more to the Vinnie Basciano life to tell about.
The Massino book was also a good read. Mob Killer is excellent and does a good job of telling the story of this nut case mob killer Charles Carniglia.
I read the Alite book last week and have started the Junior Gotti book yesterday. The Alite book is good but you have to accept that there is exaggerations and lies in it.-worth buying. ON the Jr. Gotti book, I am only 25% into it. It is very well laid out and written and I think does what it is intended to do and that is to make Jr look like the boy next door. He tells a good story but I was annoyed to see his comments that the Gambino family and his in particular detest anyone who is involved with drugs in any way. I think it has been pretty well documented that the mob regularly deals in drugs. So...Philly, enjoy your shipment of books
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 02/03/15 10:53 PM

[quote=bigboy]I have mentioned this before, the Vinnie "Gorgeous" book is very interesting and is a good read but as I said, I think there is much more to the Vinnie Basciano life to tell about.


I just finised this book recently and also found it interesting and a good read.

What more do you feel or know is left or left out, would find that interesting also.
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 02/08/15 09:19 PM

Can someone chime in? I would like to know if this book is anywhere as good as it's been hyped up to be:

Lucky Luciano: Mysterious Tales of a Gangland Legend

This book claims to have never before seen photos and never before heard information, as pertains to Salvatore Lucania.

Is it true?

PS: Please don't give away the books secrets here, if any. Thanks
Posted By: Dwalin2011

Re: Mafia Books - 02/09/15 04:11 PM

New Milwaukee mafia book, will be available on Kindle soon, a little later (in March) also in paper form:
http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-Mafia-Mo...milwaukee+mafia

Not to be confused with another Milwaukee mafia book by the same author which is mostly a collection of pictures.
Posted By: reginald_denny

Re: Mafia Books - 02/09/15 07:05 PM

Originally Posted By: bigboy
Pizzaboy- Thanks for your good advice and kind words. I am glad you are back on the net as you seem to always come up with good information. Have a great new year.
Yeah I wouldn't get on the phone and cry with him or anything I heard this guy who goes on mafia message boards and sticks up for child molesters and pretends to be an ex cop does that .... I wouldn't do that
Posted By: goldhawkroad

Re: Mafia Books - 02/11/15 05:48 AM

A bit strange Joe Aiello is on the cover of a Milwaukee mob book? Is there any other connection btw him and Millwaukee than Milwaukee gunman Angelo La Mantio?

Besides of Aielo being Cosa Nostra he was solely a Chicago bootlegger.
Posted By: BarrettM

Re: Mafia Books - 02/12/15 01:36 AM

"DiCarlo" is the most comprehensive, impressively-sourced mob book I've ever laid eyes on.
Posted By: Mick2010

Re: Mafia Books - 02/14/15 12:09 PM

Originally Posted By: BarrettM
"DiCarlo" is the most comprehensive, impressively-sourced mob book I've ever laid eyes on.



there are 2 Dicarlos though right? one pre 1938, one post 1938, are they both worth getting?
Posted By: LaLouisiane

Re: Mafia Books - 02/14/15 12:27 PM

Originally Posted By: BarrettM
"DiCarlo" is the most comprehensive, impressively-sourced mob book I've ever laid eyes on.


Is it set up like Raab's "Five Families"? Or a nonfiction that follows the same lines?
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 02/15/15 05:57 PM

Originally Posted By: bigboy
I have mentioned this before, the Vinnie "Gorgeous" book is very interesting and is a good read but as I said, I think there is much more to the Vinnie Basciano life to tell about.
The Massino book was also a good read. Mob Killer is excellent and does a good job of telling the story of this nut case mob killer Charles Carniglia.
I read the Alite book last week and have started the Junior Gotti book yesterday. The Alite book is good but you have to accept that there is exaggerations and lies in it.-worth buying. ON the Jr. Gotti book, I am only 25% into it. It is very well laid out and written and I think does what it is intended to do and that is to make Jr look like the boy next door. He tells a good story but I was annoyed to see his comments that the Gambino family and his in particular detest anyone who is involved with drugs in any way. I think it has been pretty well documented that the mob regularly deals in drugs. So...Philly, enjoy your shipment of books


gotti jr. says in his book the Gambino family detested drugs?does he mention his uncles dealing in heroin, or ruggerio selling heroin? his dad took heroin profits.

this guy don't sound to sharp, I think will pass on his book.
Posted By: BarrettM

Re: Mafia Books - 02/15/15 06:08 PM

I'm embarassed to admit I skipped past 5 families wink probably the only forumer who forgot to read it.

It's a biography of Joseph DiCarlo on the same level as any great historical novel because it's so in depth. You're not just getting bit and pieces of the mobster's criminal lives but their personal lives as well. So therefore you get a lot more info than you would find in most any other mob book. A good example of the attention to detail in this book is every pistol permit or every mobster and where they got it issued is included. There's also a ton of information on the Castellamarese war from primary sources, lots of info that wasn't even in the Valachi Papers. And in general it talks so much more about what really made the mobsters function rather than just who got murdered and when.

It is two parts. The first part begins when DiCarlo is born in Sicily and ends right after prohibition when the mob moves to gambling. The second book is the 30's to the 60's. I would definitely get the first one and see what you think. It's the best researched mob biography Ive read. There's 150 pages of citations and its telling of the Castellamarese war and the prohibition era was is second to none.

What I like best is it took the Buffalo mob, which no one has ever been so interested in, and made it interesting.
Posted By: Dwalin2011

Re: Mafia Books - 02/15/15 08:35 PM

Insane prices for the Frank "Buster" Wortman book:

http://www.amazon.com/Frank-Buster-Wortm...+buster+wortman

400 dollars!!!

Last November it was about 20 or something and I was too lazy to get it!!! My eternal gratitude to anyone who manages to find a link to a shop with a "normal" price for this book. I see this damned "400$" everywhere I click
Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 02/15/15 08:43 PM

Originally Posted By: BarrettM
I'm embarassed to admit I skipped past 5 families wink probably the only forumer who forgot to read it.


Lol, you ain't the only one. I was going crazy about Five Families since I never read it and when I got it, I read a chapter or two and then forgot about it.
It was good, it's just that I already know most of the things, especially early-era Castellammarese war and 30-40's stuff. Of course I'll finish it, but I might probably have to skip a chapter or two to hold my interest.

That's what I hate about some Mafia books, they go into a prelude and basically ancient history of the mob even when the book's about something/somebody else entirely. When you know this stuff already like most of us, it's very boring to read about it again and again on every book, the same shit, just phrased differently.
Which is why I enjoyed a lot more books like Donnie Brasco, Wiseguy, Underboss and even some of Philip Carlo's like Gaspipe. They are more concise, articulate and on-point and they don't go into a prelude about the Commission's origin whenever it's first mentioned.
Also, reading about a mobster's bio is always interesting, but I don't want to know every single detail, like when did Casso or Massino hit puberty or had their first crush, come on.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 02/15/15 09:50 PM

I had the same reaction at first. But, the real value of "Five Families" is the much later stuff--for example, how the FBI finally got its ass in gear; how Giuliani put together the Commission case, and all the machinations of the Mob from the Seventies onward. Priceless stuff.
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 02/20/15 05:56 AM

Just finished Peter Lance's Deal With The Devil.

I must say, his expose, if you can call it that, is explosive. The reason why, is that literally on practically every page, he is documenting a lie, proving that someone lied because they contradicted themselves somewhere along the way.

But he doesn't prove the premise of the book which is to shew that FBI handler DeVecchio intended to make Scarpa the boss of the Colombo family so that he could have a top echelon mole on the Commission. It's just not believable. Not because it isn't feasible, but rather because you need more evidence to prove so far reaching a goal.

Peter's evidence for this grand scheme on DeVecchio's part is simply that DeVecchio might have had something to do with instigating the opening shots of the 3rd Colombo war. But even if true, it only proves that DeVecchio wanted to foment a war. The rest is literary sensationalism.

The book is a confusing difficult read. I can't believe I got through it. One paragraph might contain only two very long sentences.....no exaggeration. Here is a sample of a Peter Lance paragraph that just makes you shake your head in anguish...

""While that piece seemed somewhat sympathetic to Cutolo's point of view, for most of the year Capeci had been merciless covering another scandal out of 26 Federal Plaza that seemed designed by the feds to explain the leaks now threatening so many war prosecutions. A year before Cutolo's acquittal, Detective Joe Simone, who with his partner, had been responsible for a third of the collars during the conflict, was shocked to learn that he was the target of FBI charges that he'd sold his badge to the Colombos."" - Deal With The Devil by Peter Lance.

Unbelievable.

The whole book is written in the above manner. Literally. It's an aggravating book to read. You can't read it fast. If you do, you will just be reading words with no coherent meaning. Each paragraph will confuse you (no matter what speed you read), and you will need to circle back and reread sentences and paragraphs 2 and 3 times over and over to grasp the main idea and move on. I don't know why Peter Lance wrote the book that way. His writing style makes me think that he had no idea what he was writing about.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 02/21/15 08:38 PM

Alfa you agree that if anyone wants to know about the Colombo war and whose who this is the only book. I don't think scarpa could make any power moves. I just Read gotti wanted him dead in 88 89. But let it go. For all gotti hits he sub out a few to other families. Willy boy. Weiss. Think he knew orena had to do it. I thought it was interesting. And I read cicales book it 50 pages 10 about him. He says about 2000 massino told rizzuto to open a strip club up there. I'm positive the Montreal posters could answer if rizzuto secretly owned a strip club or 2 up there. He says rizzuto was still sending Christmas tribute till he went to jail which I believe maybe not a lot but something and Vinny gorg took a loan of George from Canada cause he new he was a dead man. How you write a mob book and not include your induction. Books real bad its like a long running article. If you don't want to talk about the mafia in the Bronx don't write a book. He pics an chooses what to say or what the feds allow him to. And he shits on everyone in the family like he was the only killer when that's a family that's function in all 5 boros+
Posted By: Dwalin2011

Re: Mafia Books - 02/21/15 09:23 PM

A new book about Al Capone's brother Vincenzo who chose a different path in life by kicking the butt of his brother's "colleagues":

http://www.amazon.com/Two-Gun-Hart-Long-...ard+hart+capone

Interesting, I never knew Capone had an "antimafia" brother. Will be definitely buying the book. By the way, is it true what wikipedia says, that he was kicked out of Homer, Nebraska law enforcement just because of his brothers' reputation? What bastards, can't even let a person to make up for the family's negative reputation.
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 02/22/15 05:39 AM

Originally Posted By: pmac
Alfa you agree that if anyone wants to know about the Colombo war and whose who this is the only book. I don't think scarpa could make any power moves. I just Read gotti wanted him dead in 88 89. But let it go. For all gotti hits he sub out a few to other families. Willy boy. Weiss. Think he knew orena had to do it. I thought it was interesting. And I read cicales book it 50 pages 10 about him. He says about 2000 massino told rizzuto to open a strip club up there. I'm positive the Montreal posters could answer if rizzuto secretly owned a strip club or 2 up there. He says rizzuto was still sending Christmas tribute till he went to jail which I believe maybe not a lot but something and Vinny gorg took a loan of George from Canada cause he new he was a dead man. How you write a mob book and not include your induction. Books real bad its like a long running article. If you don't want to talk about the mafia in the Bronx don't write a book. He pics an chooses what to say or what the feds allow him to. And he shits on everyone in the family like he was the only killer when that's a family that's function in all 5 boros+


It's funny you mention Gotti because Deal With The Devil downplays Gotti's involvement in Colombo family politics. I think that position shows a bit of naivete on Peter Lance's part. Once Orena was in trouble, he ran to the Commission, not Carmine Persico. So obviously other family bosses were behind the attempted rise of Little Vic Orena and his attempt at a bloodless coup by polling the captains. Orena was a puppet.
Posted By: PhillyMob

Re: Mafia Books - 02/22/15 09:17 AM

I finished reading king of the godfathers. Is there any point to buy the rise and fall of Joey massino or are they pretty much the same things?
Posted By: njcapo35

Re: Mafia Books - 02/22/15 12:50 PM

Originally Posted By: PhillyMob
I finished reading king of the godfathers. Is there any point to buy the rise and fall of Joey massino or are they pretty much the same things?



It's pretty much the same thing. The book you read by DeStefano, i think is the better one out of the two, but if you have the time to kill and a couple bucks than it's worth it.
Posted By: PhillyMob

Re: Mafia Books - 02/22/15 03:22 PM

Ok thanks. I'm reading the enforcer tony Spilotro right now. Not bad so far. I like the roemer books so far. I read the tony Accardo one he had and that was pretty good as well.
Posted By: goldhawkroad

Re: Mafia Books - 02/24/15 01:59 PM

Its pretty good. When Roemer stays out of his namedropping and sidestories he provides interesting inside stuff. His books should have been edited a bit more though. His Accardo book is good. Spilotro is described as scum in The Enforcer but Accardo who most likely was just as evil is portrated with admiration. He came across some bad fellas in his days Roemer: spilotro, accardo, Gus Alex, mad Sam, phil alderiso, buccieri and even Joe bonnano.
Posted By: PhillyMob

Re: Mafia Books - 02/26/15 01:13 AM

Yes very true. I just finished enforcer. Was a good read. I'm gonna order man against the mob and war of the godfathers. Any info on them? I'm sure I'll like them being that I enjoyed his two that I did read.
Posted By: goldhawkroad

Re: Mafia Books - 02/26/15 07:06 AM

Havent read them yet. Going to. Interested in everything about The Outfit.
Posted By: Dwalin2011

Re: Mafia Books - 02/26/15 05:58 PM

Saw this book about history of organized crime in Seattle, centered mostly on Frank Colacurcio and characters he interacted with:

http://www.amazon.com/Seattle-Vice-Strip...ds=seattle+vice

However, I noticed some reviewers say too much facts in the book sound like unverified gossip. If you have read it, could you tell me how many errors are there? It's one thing if they just got some details wrong, it's another if half of the book is made up.
I checked some pages available for free and saw Jerry Langella being labeled as a GAMBINO member and being suspected in ordering the hit on Joe Barboza (why would New York care about a hit in San Francisco that came from Providence?). If that's the only MAJOR error and if it's not claimed to be the truth, but just gossip, I can "forgive" the book, but if all of it is like that, I would better save the money.
On the other hand, it's the only book on Seattle gangland, so it's tempting, but only if most errors are minor.

Has anybody read this, could you express your judgement?

P.S. Maybe they confused Langella with Angiulo, since both were named Gennaro?
Posted By: Snakes

Re: Mafia Books - 02/26/15 06:48 PM

Originally Posted By: PhillyMob
Yes very true. I just finished enforcer. Was a good read. I'm gonna order man against the mob and war of the godfathers. Any info on them? I'm sure I'll like them being that I enjoyed his two that I did read.


War of the Godfathers is fiction. Avoid it.
Posted By: PhillyMob

Re: Mafia Books - 02/27/15 06:40 AM

Originally Posted By: Snakes
Originally Posted By: PhillyMob
Yes very true. I just finished enforcer. Was a good read. I'm gonna order man against the mob and war of the godfathers. Any info on them? I'm sure I'll like them being that I enjoyed his two that I did read.


War of the Godfathers is fiction. Avoid it.


Ok snakes thanks. I think that one got bad reviews on amazon.
Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 03/01/15 11:09 AM

I had a chance to get a few books I haven't read since where I live it's very tough to find any OC books, especially about the American CN. I got Murder Machine, Mob Killer, Al D'arco's book, Vinny Gorgeous and Gotti's Rules.

I also wanted to get Casino the book and maybe Phil Leonetti's one since I've always found the Philly mob pretty interesting.
I've already read many of the books mentioned here, but they have always been ebooks in PDF format, EPUB, etc so these are my first real hardcover books.

I had a look at each of them, they seemed alright. About 10 pages in M.Machine, it's real damn good.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 03/01/15 12:33 PM

I downloaded "Anthony's boy" by Joey Calco. He supposedly wrote it himself and it shows. Not really well written, however I did enjoy reading it. It is another take about the Bath Avenue crew. If you get in Kindle it is only about $4.00, so you can't go wrong.
explains why he had to murder his best friend.
Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 03/01/15 03:27 PM

Does he talk in detail about Spero? Always wanted to know more about him.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 03/01/15 05:13 PM

Shit I wish I had a kindle I would like to read about him and bath ave. Ain't he in jail. Lots guys writing books in jail nowadays. Nothing but time. I'm curious to about spero. But if he's Anthony's boy why he never get his button but the other bath ave kid did. about to fly out to Cali wish I had gotten the new rizzuto book but got that shit alive book I repete don't by it. Skim it at Barnes it stupid. Like alite was a bitter lover. Big boy shere some details on the Anthony book.
Posted By: bronx

Re: Mafia Books - 03/01/15 09:07 PM

calco was a crack head nut ..he was with spero,devious guy.. very jealous of his child hood friends..he knew paulie would get made before him..no problem for calico to get him out of the way.
Posted By: goldhawkroad

Re: Mafia Books - 03/02/15 09:51 AM

Originally Posted By: Malandrino


I also wanted to get Casino the book and maybe Phil Leonetti's one since I've always found the Philly mob pretty interesting.


I think Mafia Prince was really good.
Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 03/02/15 03:13 PM

I read some preview pages of Anthony's Boy and I gotta say, calling it ridiculous would be too much of an understatement. It is horribly written, which I guess would be forgivable if he'd actually have some interesting material to say and would stop exaggerating every single thing.
Also he often refers to his incident is Florida as "the night of the Calzone" I shit you not, as if he's talking about "the Second Coming" or the "Judgement Day." I know it's probably meant to be humorous, but it's not.

If I had an online account and some spare change lying around maybe I'd pay up to about 2.5$, but 4$ seems like a ripoff for this. Then again, this is just my opinion based on the preview Amazon lets you see... maybe it does get better, I have no idea.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 03/06/15 02:43 AM

I'm telling all who reads this blog or is this a messengening board that's for the Internet's to resolve. But I know fish tacos are just not good. But the best 2 books on white guy crime is mafia prince and lil Al's book by capeci. They should ba e wrote the book al and leonetti 15 years ago. But both books good. Why the fuck they put coleslaw in every sandwich o er here gross. Cabbage sucks. And I'm Irish fuck Cali cagage
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 03/06/15 02:48 AM

East coast west coast time weird here pti and afth on early. They don't got Canadian club. Over her. My young girl likes fireball weak. Gg readers stop eating so much carbs and steal a. MW. Joke.us open 2021 Torrey pines. The waters freezing but masshole will be swimming with the surfers in the morning.
Posted By: PhillyMob

Re: Mafia Books - 03/11/15 06:11 PM

Just grabbed paddy whacked from the library. How good was this cause it looks like it's gonna be a good read.
Posted By: BarrettM

Re: Mafia Books - 03/15/15 06:12 PM

Just ordered "Mob City" about a previously unkown skirmish between the Chicago and New York families in 1930s Reno. Should be interesting!

Read Mafia and the Machine and Mobsters in Our Midst, two KC books and recommend them both.
Posted By: Julius

Re: Mafia Books - 03/17/15 05:25 PM

Madonna...i have some reading to catch up. Thaks for all the references.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 03/20/15 06:32 PM

I am about half way through Mob Boss, this Al D'Arco story covers alot of ground and views of the life from a solid position.

Good book, better than most.
Posted By: BarrettM

Re: Mafia Books - 03/22/15 03:55 PM

Just found out Joe Bonanno tried to get back in to la cosa nostra through a Denver family member. so

Going to take a look at Rocky Mountain Mafia and Smaldone, which I amazoned a few weeks back. These worth reading?

Also Mob City never came...

Also a warning to all. dont get quiet don. its bad
Posted By: PhillyMob

Re: Mafia Books - 03/22/15 05:18 PM

Quiet don is about Russell Buffalino I believe. I was gonna get it. But if more people give same review I will probably pass
Posted By: BarrettM

Re: Mafia Books - 03/22/15 10:05 PM

I mean the reason I buy mob books is for the extra information you find that you can't find just from a google search you know? I heard you paint houses provided a lot more info. The only new thing I learned from quiet don was the names of Russell's mistresses but it lacked in mob info.

Is Before Bruno worth a read?
Posted By: PhillyMob

Re: Mafia Books - 03/25/15 11:46 AM

I was interested in I heard you paint houses. I think I'm gonna order that. Haven't read before Bruno yet.
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 03/26/15 01:32 AM

I just bought Gotti's Rules . I wanna know how is it ?
Posted By: Primo

Re: Mafia Books - 03/30/15 06:57 AM

I read the Philip Carlo book on Pitera. It was Ok. But after learning more about Carlo and his BS it tainted my view of that book I think and made it hard to believe anything that was written.

I thought leonetti's was one of the best I read along with the one written about the rizzuto family called business or blood, it was also very good in my opinion and worth reading. Very long but I finished it in 2 evenings.

The quiet don I never finished. So slow and boring and convoluted and focused more on material that was not of interest or about the boss himself.

DiDinato's book I read and it was Ok. I'd give it about a 6.5 out of ten. Hard to know what to believe. But it gives insight into the life of an average made guy in the 90's - 2000's. And it was not so boring or uninteresting you could not read it , like the quiet don was.
Posted By: MemphisMafia

Re: Mafia Books - 03/30/15 04:56 PM

Leonetti's book is without question a great read.Although,in my opinion he is full of shit.I believe Nicky "Crow" and Delgiorno versions that say Leonetti was very aggressively pushing for Salvie Testa's killing.And I don't believe that he started having second thoughts about his life before they were arrested.I believe he saw a way out and used it after the fact.I also like the "Crows" book as well.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 03/30/15 04:59 PM

I would trust Caramandi & Del Giorno's accounts before I would trust Leonetti.

Leonetti would f*ing rat as soon as he faced any significant sentence.
Posted By: MemphisMafia

Re: Mafia Books - 03/30/15 05:02 PM

Absolutely,Moe
Posted By: jjpuppet

Re: Mafia Books - 03/31/15 11:03 PM

just read a great book on the tampa mafia circa 1970s,the last lonely eagle its about the assassination of dick cloud who was an ex tampa police officer. one of the best books I ever read,
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/15 01:02 PM

Did what I said I wouldn't got gotti Jr's book. I wish I could just start a thread on it but I don't have a clue. So I start with john really makes jimmy brown out to be a badass. Sammy said jimmy brown was a pussy that would answer to a black guy. Jr says after his father gets life its brown who has the clout. And wants to whack out Sammy old crew but Jr gets him to pass. Says the mafia cops killed bobby b. Casso killed testa to cut off amuso power and amuso found out. Not to much about alive but he did chase him out of queens and alite is a super liar and so is that agent. Book should be call gotti mistrials: the story of my Rico. Bronx said to pass on this book as gotti doesn't talk about any mob guys that are alive. Like he skips out 88 to 98 he on the panel of a crime family. Its ok . not worth 20$. He leaves out all the mafia politics that could put him in trouble with guys today. Sammy's crew did all turn to rats and there no love lost between him n watts. Watts must be steaming in his cell.
Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/15 08:03 PM

Please, ehh.. Junior is at least JUST AS MUCH of a liar as Alite. They're both scumbags who have contributed nothing to society... and they're both rats, no matter how someone might feel about it. There's no middle ground in ratting... you either rat or you don't. Like PB compared it a while ago, it's like saying you're just "a little pregnant."
Looking forward to start reading a new book, about 40 pages in Al D'Arco's book and it's a little slow, very detailed etc but honestly I don't think Al is interesting/notorious enough of a character to have like hundreds of pages only dedicated to his early life and otherwise boring life events. I had the same problem with Murder Machine an Montiglio... not interesting enough for 1/3 of the book to be about him, I think that's one of Capeci's mistakes. The parts on Nino and his early life though, I'd gladly read.
And Montiglio even went to 'Nam so yeah he's not a boring guy by any means, but c'mon not 150 pages just about him.
Posted By: bronx

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/15 08:38 PM

well said PMAC, jimmy brown was a sneak, he fucked with JR a lot.mislead him into some areas . brown was old school CN..hated gotti SR , jr more so, but could do nothing but sit back and wait it all out..
Posted By: bronx

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/15 08:39 PM

Malandrino, great name by the way, you are on the spot regardless how anyone else feels, there is no now it's 2015 mentality..you open your mouth you ratted..
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/15 08:53 PM

John paints a good picture. In 92 browns gaining power after Sammy flips he has a meeting his guys and jrs in a warehouse in queens and gets brown to back down off of killing any guys close to Sammy still on the street. And all but his brother in law who he said told him to rat never rated and is doing life today for a Sammy hit. Brown had his own cousin killed and these guys were old. Jr got lucky cause Marino and brown and watts all got sweet deals for murder and plead out to 6 yrs.leaving the gottis in charge for the rest of the 90tys. I thinking if the corrozos threw there weight behind brown it would have been war. Malad I'm not saying gotti isn't a liar but he just leaves the shit he would have to lie about out of his book and yaeh he's a rat.his uncles must be sick. He kills alite in some story about Joe defede going to a sit down with the gambinos for alite. Gotti catches a lot of bs. Once john got his button and his dad boss I'm guessing that's when the coke stick ups weren't cool no more. Side note remember reading peter gotti went to browns wake.
Posted By: bronx

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/15 10:56 PM

pmac.. it was scars who pushed JR to save sammys guys... corozzos , marino, brown watts got together and wanted them dead.. they knew it was scars behind it and were not happy he had JRs ear and influenced him..read scars material.pete never should have went to browns wake..a lot of guys did not go..
Posted By: yigido

Re: Mafia Books - 04/03/15 09:13 AM

Originally Posted By: Malandrino
Please, ehh.. Junior is at least JUST AS MUCH of a liar as Alite. They're both scumbags who have contributed nothing to society... and they're both rats, no matter how someone might feel about it. There's no middle ground in ratting... you either rat or you don't. Like PB compared it a while ago, it's like saying you're just "a little pregnant."
Looking forward to start reading a new book, about 40 pages in Al D'Arco's book and it's a little slow, very detailed etc but honestly I don't think Al is interesting/notorious enough of a character to have like hundreds of pages only dedicated to his early life and otherwise boring life events. I had the same problem with Murder Machine an Montiglio... not interesting enough for 1/3 of the book to be about him, I think that's one of Capeci's mistakes. The parts on Nino and his early life though, I'd gladly read.
And Montiglio even went to 'Nam so yeah he's not a boring guy by any means, but c'mon not 150 pages just about him.
I had the exactly same taughts at the beginning of D'arcos book, it got better eventually. But there are apparently some mistakes/lies in the book like many other mob books.
Posted By: PhillyMob

Re: Mafia Books - 04/05/15 07:09 AM

Yea I agree with D'arcos book. Started out very slow. I think I even skipped a couple pages. But like someone said it picked up later in the book.
Posted By: goldhawkroad

Re: Mafia Books - 04/07/15 02:41 PM

Currently reading Family Affair: Greed, Treachery, and Betrayal in the Chicago Mafia. Very good and even better if you already are a bit updated on Outfit stuff such as Chicago Heights crew, the chop shop wars, 26th Street Crew and the legend of Tony Spilotro. Some good sidestories, such as the botched attemt on Chicago Heights bigwig Al Pilotto.
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 04/07/15 10:46 PM

sounds interesting, ill have to pick that one up.
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 04/09/15 07:35 AM

Linda Scarpa is coming out with a book about her dad .
Posted By: goldhawkroad

Re: Mafia Books - 04/09/15 08:03 AM

Originally Posted By: Binnie_Coll
sounds interesting, ill have to pick that one up.


You should def pick it up. Done with it now and I must say it was a very positive surprise. Whereas "The Outfit" by Russo is more of an attempt to be the "definitive work" on the subject, this pretty unpretentious little book is focusing on the 1970s through the 1990s, ending with the "family secrets" trial and the outfits current situation in the new millenium.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 04/10/15 09:35 PM

Larry mazza Greg scarpas right hand was shopping a book you take him his daughter and wife you might get a OK story if they would leave out the embellish ing
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 04/10/15 10:17 PM

Originally Posted By: goldhawkroad
Originally Posted By: Binnie_Coll
sounds interesting, ill have to pick that one up.


You should def pick it up. Done with it now and I must say it was a very positive surprise. Whereas "The Outfit" by Russo is more of an attempt to be the "definitive work" on the subject, this pretty unpretentious little book is focusing on the 1970s through the 1990s, ending with the "family secrets" trial and the outfits current situation in the new millenium.


always interested in the Chicago outfit, I really don't think anybody has come to grips with how powerful they really were, or how brutal and murderous paul ricca was.

thank you for the mention of the book, will search for it.
Posted By: yigido

Re: Mafia Books - 04/12/15 02:42 PM

Anyone read Howard Blum's Gangland? Is it accurate/reliable or is it just a book with many factual errors?
Posted By: HairyKnuckles

Re: Mafia Books - 04/12/15 03:26 PM

Originally Posted By: yigido
Anyone read Howard Blum's Gangland? Is it accurate/reliable or is it just a book with many factual errors?


It´s been awhile since I read it. I can´t remember that book having a lot of factual errors though. There are other Gotti books from that era (early/mid 1990s) that are far more unbearable than Howard Blum´s. (Wolkman´s for example.) This one is pretty well researched and if I remember correctly, you can find a lot of wire transcripts in it.

Nice to see you posting on a regular basis again, Yigido. I remember when I first joined this place, you were the first one to welcome me aboard.
Posted By: yigido

Re: Mafia Books - 04/13/15 03:01 AM

Originally Posted By: HairyKnuckles
Originally Posted By: yigido
Anyone read Howard Blum's Gangland? Is it accurate/reliable or is it just a book with many factual errors?


It´s been awhile since I read it. I can´t remember that book having a lot of factual errors though. There are other Gotti books from that era (early/mid 1990s) that are far more unbearable than Howard Blum´s. (Wolkman´s for example.) This one is pretty well researched and if I remember correctly, you can find a lot of wire transcripts in it.

Nice to see you posting on a regular basis again, Yigido. I remember when I first joined this place, you were the first one to welcome me aboard.
Thanks man. Its posters like you that made me post again, appreciate your input to these forums.
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 04/14/15 06:43 PM

I just bought book about Jack Garcia . How is it ?
Posted By: bronx

Re: Mafia Books - 04/14/15 10:22 PM

excellent read..depalma, what a character
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 04/15/15 10:22 AM

If you want to read about Gotti during that period of time then I suggest "Mob Star" which I think was by Capici. I read it along time ago and enjoyed it,
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 04/15/15 10:33 AM

While not a "Mafia book" I just read "Corruption Officer" by Gary Howard."From jail guard to prisoner". This was written by a black resident of Harlem's housing projects who lands a job with the NYC prison system and is assigned to Rikers Island. A Marine war veteran, he starts out pretty well, but when the gal he had two kids with learns he got a good job, she took him to court and the judge awarded child support so high that his paycheck shrunk to less than $50.00 a week. This caused him to turn to smuggling in cigarettes to start and led to cocaine , whiskey Etc. He talks of the female CO's selling their asses for $$$. Naturally he gets caught and then is sentenced to prison himself. Lots of interesting stories in here and the book got a lot of good reviews even though it is written in ubonics. I think the people on this site would enjoy reading it. Couldn't put it down.
Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 04/15/15 01:32 PM

Originally Posted By: bigboy
If you want to read about Gotti during that period of time then I suggest "Mob Star" which I think was by Capici. I read it along time ago and enjoyed it,


I flipped through a dozen pages, it seemed quite good, like most of Capeci's stuff. Even though I know half the stuff it's supposed to cover I think I might read it sometime. For all his bullshit John was an interesting guy to read about... I even have a theory that he himself never pulled the trigger, he was probably in on a hit and that's it, then he got made and didn't have to be in on hits anymore.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 04/15/15 05:43 PM

Mal. I agree with your theory that Gotti never pulled the trigger, although he was responsible for many murders.
Posted By: goldhawkroad

Re: Mafia Books - 04/28/15 04:39 AM

Got myself some new books on the Chicago Outfit:

Family Secrets - The case that crippled the Chicago Mob by Jeff Cohen. Halfway in to it, mostly based on the testimony of "Nicky Breeze" Calabrese. Either hes on one of his juice rackets adventures or is he killing someone. The 26th Street Crew under "The Hook" was a vicious bunch, thats for sure.

C-1 and the Chicago Mob, by Vincent L. Inserra
Havent read it yet but hope it will be resourceful.
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 04/29/15 09:54 AM

Any opinions on these recent books?

Cosa Nostra News: The Cicale Files, Volume 1: Inside the Last Great Mafia Empire
Life (and death) inside the Mafia... Dominick Cicale was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. From a young age he was closely associated with the Genovese crime family, considered the most powerful Mafia group in America. Fate intervened. In 1999 Cicale forged a tight alliance with Vincent “Vinny Gorgeous” Basciano, then an up-and-coming member of the Bronx faction of the Bonanno crime family. Under Basciano’s tutelage, Dominick rode the fast track: he was inducted into the American Cosa Nostra and swiftly rose from soldier to capo, amassing great wealth and power. Cicale befriended and associated with numerous high-ranking figures within all of New York's Five Families as he plotted and schemed in a treacherous world where each day could be his last. This installment views startling details surrounding the brutal gangland murder of Gerlando “George from Canada” Sciascia and its resulting impact on relations between the Bonanno family in New York and its Montreal -based “outpost” established by the Mafia Commission in 1931. The cast of characters includes high-ranking Mafiosi such as Joseph Massino (The Last Don), Salvatore “Sal the Iron Worker” Montagna, Vito Rizzuto, Michael "The Nose" Mancuso, "Vinny Gorgeous" (a nickname never used in his presence) and Cicale himself.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PFF18I8/ref=pe_1276050_137976210_em_1p_1_ti

The Mystery of the Lufthansa Airlines Heist:: A Wiseguy Reveals the Untold Story
Where is the $6 million stolen during the infamous Lufthansa Airlines robbery on Dec. 11, 1978? For the first time, a Mafia insider will reveal what happened to the loot. In this short-format book, Dominick Cicale, an ex-Bonanno crime family capo, discloses untold details about the robbery, which was immortalized in the movie "Goodfellas." Cicale also offers candid insights about the heist mastermind Jimmy Burke and mob figures including John Gotti and John Gotti Jr. The 14,000-word book includes excerpts from a never-before-published interview with mob associate Henry Hill, the subject of the book "Wiseguy." Co-authored by Cicale and Robert Sberna, whose book, House of Horrors, was named the 2012 True Crime Book of the Year by Foreword Reviews.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VSMSUA6/ref=pe_1276050_137976210_em_1p_5_ti

Mobsters in Our Midst
The story of the rise and fall of Kansas City’s longest-reigning mob boss and the powerful crime family that he controlled, as told by the FBI agent who helped bring down Nick Civella and his cronies.
This long-awaited sequel to William Ouseley’s “Open City: True Story of the KC Crime Family, 1900-1950″ comes packed with intrigue, never-before-published detail and compelling, archival photographs.
Ouseley spent 25 years in the FBI, more than 20 of those investigating and prosecuting organized crime figures in Kansas City. He has testified as an expert witness in federal court and before a U.S. Senate investigation panel.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SCOPKY2/ref=pe_1276050_137976210_em_1p_6_ti


Business or Blood: Mafia Boss Vito Rizzuto's Last War
Bestselling crime writers Peter Edwards and Antonio Nicaso reveal the final years of Canada's top mafia boss, Vito Rizzuto, and his bloody war to avenge his family and control the North American drug trade.
Until Vito Rizzuto went to prison in 2006 for his role in a decades-old Brooklyn triple murder, he ruled the Port of Montreal, the northern gateway to the major American drug markets. A master diplomat, he won the respect of rival mafia clans, bikers and street gangs, and criminal business thrived on his turf. His family prospered and his empire grew--until one of North America's true Teflon dons finally lost his veneer. As he watched helplessly from his Colorado prison, the murders of his son and father made international headlines; the killings of his lieutenants and friends filled the pages of Canadian news; and the influence of the 'Ndrangheta, the Calabrian Mafia, spread across Montreal faster than the blood of Rizzuto's crime family. In 2012, Vito Rizzuto emerged from prison, a 66-year-old man who could carefully rebuild his criminal empire or seek bloody revenge and damn the consequences. From the events leading to his imprisonment to his shocking death in December 2013, Business or Blood is the final chapter of Vito's story.
http://www.amazon.com/Business-Blood-Maf...B50J0T5R89MQ1H1

Dirty Money
Autobiography of Joe LaFratta. His father was the head of one the largest Mafia illegal gambling rings on the East Coast and he was groomed to follow in his fathers footsteps. He learned early on the Mafia was on the decline and adapted his criminal tactics to accomplish mind blowing illegal profits in ventures the Mafia never dreamed of. This book gives insight into the new face of Organized Crime, and how it works hand in hand with corporate America, corrupt politicians, and so called "respectable citizens".

Get a look inside the real Boston Mob.
http://www.amazon.com/Dirty-Money-Joe-La...B50J0T5R89MQ1H1
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 05/06/15 05:36 AM

Originally Posted By: goldhawkroad
C-1 and the Chicago Mob, by Vincent L. Inserra
Havent read it yet but hope it will be resourceful.


iam also on the lookout for that book. finally got the valachi papers (for 2$), so iam satisfied for now wink
Originally Posted By: BennyB
Any opinions on these recent books?



forget about the first 2, read that kansas book. i dont know abut the last 2 of your list, could be good
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 05/08/15 04:15 PM

Louis Ferrante book? How is it ?
Posted By: Alfanosgirl

Re: Mafia Books - 05/15/15 01:41 PM

You know who could write a great book, that organized crime director from Jersey, Robert Buccino. Ever see that guy on those mob docs or read any interviews on him?




Posted By: PhillyMob

Re: Mafia Books - 05/21/15 12:24 AM

Originally Posted By: MobMan
Louis Ferrante book? How is it ?


Was wondering about that myself.
Posted By: goldhawkroad

Re: Mafia Books - 05/21/15 07:02 AM

Originally Posted By: PhillyMob
Originally Posted By: MobMan
Louis Ferrante book? How is it ?


Was wondering about that myself.


You mean Tough Guy or one of his other books?

I have only read Tough Guy and its mostly about his life as a gang leader and eventually Gambino associate. Also a section of when he ends up in jail, I thought that was the most interesting part of the book - how he changed by reading and almost became an intellectual. Wouldnt rate it especially high as a "mafia book": his transformation as a person is the books usp in my opinion.
Posted By: PhillyMob

Re: Mafia Books - 05/21/15 11:57 PM

I didn't realize he had a couple of them. I was talking about unlocked. Just checked Damn he got like 4 or 5.
Posted By: goldhawkroad

Re: Mafia Books - 05/22/15 04:52 AM

Originally Posted By: PhillyMob
I didn't realize he had a couple of them. I was talking about unlocked. Just checked Damn he got like 4 or 5.


Hes making a career out of it. Books, tv, whats next.

This one was pretty good I think;

Lou Ferrante ¦ Inside the Gangsters Code - The Camorra Mafia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcC34VuhxaA
Posted By: PhillyMob

Re: Mafia Books - 05/23/15 09:23 AM

I saw him on a documentary that I watched about the camorra. He was in Italy but I forget the title. So I guess he had been busy.
Posted By: nash143

Re: Mafia Books - 05/24/15 05:59 AM

Can anyone recommend a book on The Pizza Connection?

Has anyone read 'Last Days of the Sicilians'?
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 05/31/15 08:17 PM

Originally Posted By: MobMan
Louis Ferrante book? How is it ?


You mentioned Jack Garcia and Lou Ferrante. Don't be eating when you read their books. You will be laughing and will spit food. I exaggeratea bit, but not by much.
Posted By: bronx

Re: Mafia Books - 05/31/15 10:20 PM

GARCIA'S was a great read,, octopus was great
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 06/01/15 04:28 PM

The pizza connection book great read probaly find it at the library. Lot lawyer stuff.
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 06/04/15 01:01 PM

Finally read Alite's book: Gotti's Rules. Here's my review:

I liked this book because it has new facts and stories about the NY mob. I didn't like it because it was hard to follow and there were gaps in the story.

It's always interesting to read mob books that aren't about a boss or major figure. The associates are more involved in the business or nuts and bolts of the mafia. I like learning about the different associates, the power structures, etc... This book had some of those stories, and that's mainly what I liked about it.

But there were problems in the way the story was told. Most mob books like this are told in order from start to finish, but this one left out portions and skipped around. For instance, Alite was Albanian? How did that influence his life? What was his childhood like? This was left out. What exact things led up to Alite and Junior Gotti having a falling out? This was unclear. I often was confused about where I was in the timeline and how we got there.

And finally, the main problem most people will have with this book is Alite is lying or the book is one-sided. I don't care if he was lying. Give a life-long criminal the opportunity to tell his story and there's probably going to be a lot of lying. But this is where the author is supposed to balance it out with opinions from other people, facts, etc... For instance, Alite says that although he was having problems with the Gottis when he moved to Jersey and/or Florida, he wasn't "chased out of Queens." I feel like the author just took his word for it.

Also, throughout the book the author says several times something like "Junior Gotti doesn't admit he did anything wrong, but Alite admits everything he ever did." Ok, point taken. But throughout the book, Alite paints himself as the "cool" criminal, and Junior and his father as moronic criminals. So it is one-sided in that way. Alite admits he did a lot of crimes and towards the end, admits he has anger issues and is seeing a therapist. It would've been interesting to learn more about Alite's problems: Why was he so violent and crazy? What happened? Is this why his childhood was basically left out of the story?
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 06/05/15 02:20 PM

Beeny b I hated that book like you said one sided. Great under related book by George is mobfather the whole family saga of tommy del his ex wife and 2 kids go scoop it you can find. A lot of shit he said on the stand thats not talked about like sindone had the votes for boss over testa and scarfo just not NYC.
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 06/08/15 01:28 PM

Thanks. Sounds great. I'll get it.
Posted By: Dwalin2011

Re: Mafia Books - 06/09/15 04:17 AM

I am currently reading "Galveston's Maceo Family Empire: Bootlegging and the Balinese Room".
http://www.amazon.com/Galvestons-Maceo-F...galveston+maceo
The reviews on amazon are average, but I don't think it's a bad book, I find it quite interesting, never heard of the Maceo brothers and the Galveston mafia branch before.
Posted By: AJK

Re: Mafia Books - 06/10/15 04:48 PM

I just finished Mafia, Inc by Andre Cedilot and Andre Noel. I've owned the book since 2011 but hadn't gotten around to reading it until now. That was one hell of a book. Very well done and very well researched. I couldn't have ended it at a perfect time, either as Business or Blood came in the mail yesterday. I'm about to start reading it.
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 06/11/15 12:49 AM

here are two good books about the mob.

"unlocked" by Louis ferrante, a young wiseguy who did ten years of hard time, in federal prisons. he went through hell, he was always getting ratted on, when he got busted in new York, and when he was inside prison, great read, takes away any romance of O.C.

"mr new Orleans" by Michael randazzo. the story of frenchy, who was mobbed up with marcellos family in louisana, he speaks of jim garrison, and his take of the killing of JFK. naming Marcello as plotting against kennedy. very good read.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 06/14/15 07:25 PM

picked up unlocked at the book store for 2 seconds i dont like writing a book about that life but changes the names to protect them thats horse shit. next. hes on fox news every once an awhile. probaly gonna hit amazon for the rizzutto book for my trip down mia. might try the library first to save 20 bucks. i throw the books in the old people home down the street when im done. slow couple weeks for the mob which is ggod for them i guess. alite and gotti are almost out the news 1 of the 2 will probaly pull a publicity stunt by the end of summer.
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 07/04/15 06:16 PM

natales book is coming sooner or later.. ill get a copy i think. what do you guys think? top or flop? grin
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 07/04/15 07:20 PM

Originally Posted By: mickey2
natales book is coming sooner or later.. ill get a copy i think. what do you guys think? top or flop? grin


If he is truthful about it and admits that it was Joey who ran the family then I'll read it.
Posted By: JW24

Re: Mafia Books - 07/13/15 06:40 AM

Currently reading an excellent book about Steve Flemmi who was a Top Echelon Informant along with Whitey Bulger, Boston Mafia, New England Crime scene. A cant put down book with great stories and pics. The book is basically what Stevie Flemmi told authorities about his over 40 year career in crime.:

http://www.amazon.com/Rifleman-Howie-Car...ywords=Rifleman

Also along the same theme I highly recommend:

http://www.amazon.com/Hitman-Martorano-E...d_bxgy_14_img_z

and

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Mass-Whitey-...2TYJJDJ9KZNNEQA

All 3 are must reads and really exposes just how professional criminals are able to have careers by working with law enforcement.

One more:

http://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Alliance-FB...Deadly+Alliance

The Black Mass book is being made into a movie. Deadly Alliance is THE book that exposed Whitey Bulger and Steve Flemmi as informants.
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 07/16/15 10:05 PM

I read Louis Ferrante's book Unlocked, and what I didn't like about it was that he changed the names in the book. He told a good story, and I like how he changed his life while inside prison. Plus he didn't Rat on his friends when he could of .
Posted By: Belette

Re: Mafia Books - 07/18/15 03:13 AM

I have a question about The Last Testament of Lucky Luciano. This book is considered to be inaccurate and basically fiction, but is it fiction made up by Luciano or the author? I ask because to me it's interesting even if it's inaccurate as long as it's based on Lucky's views(and intentional lies) rather than just complete fiction made up by the author.
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 07/18/15 04:01 AM

Originally Posted By: Belette
I have a question about The Last Testament of Lucky Luciano. This book is considered to be inaccurate and basically fiction, but is it fiction made up by Luciano or the author? I ask because to me it's interesting even if it's inaccurate as long as it's based on Lucky's views(and intentional lies) rather than just complete fiction made up by the author.


I read that book years ago, I know of one instance in the book where Luciano didn't lie.

he says they [frank Costello and Lucky] hired the cops to kill abe reles for 50,000 dollars, that part is true.

a lot of researchers have issues with the book but, there is a lot of truth in it also.
Posted By: Belette

Re: Mafia Books - 07/18/15 04:06 AM

Originally Posted By: Binnie_Coll
Originally Posted By: Belette
I have a question about The Last Testament of Lucky Luciano. This book is considered to be inaccurate and basically fiction, but is it fiction made up by Luciano or the author? I ask because to me it's interesting even if it's inaccurate as long as it's based on Lucky's views(and intentional lies) rather than just complete fiction made up by the author.


I read that book years ago, I know of one instance in the book where Luciano didn't lie.

he says they [frank Costello and Lucky] hired the cops to kill abe reles for 50,000 dollars, that part is true.

a lot of researchers have issues with the book but, there is a lot of truth in it also.


Yeah I've just heard that it's supposed to be read as fiction. But to me there's a big difference if the fiction comes from Luciano or the writer. As an example, even though Bonannos book has a lot of crap, it's still his words so you can kind of analyze his character. If it was just made up by his ghost writer, it would be worth nothing.
Posted By: Bostongeorge

Re: Mafia Books - 07/21/15 04:26 AM

I just bought the Vinny gorgeous book have any of you read it yet and what are your thoughts?
Posted By: mikeyballs211

Re: Mafia Books - 07/21/15 04:37 AM

Yea I read it, its okay he didnt have that much lcn history to speak of in my opinion and he was acting boss for a short time but its an easy read..u really understand how full of shit Cicale was after reading it bc he makes himself out to be half frank frank costello half joey gallo which is complete bs as im sure PB and others can attest to and have ad nausem
Posted By: Bostongeorge

Re: Mafia Books - 07/21/15 04:57 AM

Thanks bro i read the book the author wrote on Massino and thought it was one of the better books I have read on the subject.
Posted By: mikeyballs211

Re: Mafia Books - 07/22/15 03:44 AM

No problem buddy I mean if its like kindle e book its like 7 bucks its a decent one time read but he really didn't have that much of note in lcn short reign, but if u read it lemme know what u think curious of another opinion on shit guys read..but I also like books that other have mixed opinions on like " I Heard you Paint Houses" is my fav mob book but idk lotta others disagree on its validity
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 07/31/15 01:41 AM

Poked threw a book at Barnes new one on the art heist in Boston basically comes down to donati stealing the art to get vinny the animal a reducing in his sentence. But he was murdered by Frank salemmi forces a few months after the heist then its a fucking mess. Lot of dead mobster ends. Boston globe writer so its fact checked author goes on to say vinny animal Howie winter and some other heavyweights have been doing there on investigations for years. Check it out.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 08/01/15 07:23 PM

I just ordered Murder Machine and The Last Mafioso by Jimmy Fratiano off Amazon. I know Murder Machine gets rave reviews, but how about The Last Mafioso?
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 08/03/15 06:01 AM

What's next wave of Mafia Books ?
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 08/10/15 01:15 AM

Natales book next year and Bromx recommended a book by Destefano I think about the history of the mob. I think. Bronx can correct me.if I'm wrong..
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 08/10/15 01:58 AM

Cheech I bumped into a old billy grasso guys associates book about ct. long story grasso was a bad ass but the genovese in gotti glory got the jump on him. It's not a good book not bad little bout wild bill and northern ct guy. went to a beach down there yesterday the water was super.
Posted By: bronx

Re: Mafia Books - 08/10/15 02:23 AM

correct, tony gives some nice summary's in his latest work. he is also working on another book with a former made guy, but won't say who..he has never worked with anyone before.
Posted By: goldhawkroad

Re: Mafia Books - 08/12/15 02:28 PM

Couple of Outfit books:

organized crime in chicago, beyond the mafia by lombardo. Kind of a socialogical explanation for OC in Chicago. Includes an interesting section of the original street crew neighberhoods of the outfit: Taylor street, Grand ave and so on.

The mafia court, corruption in Chicago by Hughes. More of an ordinary chronical of the usual faces, had hoped for more of a detailed story of the inner workings of the corruption.
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 08/14/15 11:23 AM

can someone write a honest objective review of alite's book and point out the weaknesses/strengths? Thanks smile
Posted By: cheech

Re: Mafia Books - 08/15/15 12:38 PM

Originally Posted By: pmac
Cheech I bumped into a old billy grasso guys associates book about ct. long story grasso was a bad ass but the genovese in gotti glory got the jump on him. It's not a good book not bad little bout wild bill and northern ct guy. went to a beach down there yesterday the water was super.



Hope you're enjoying the summer pmac. You're always classy and never get into it with anyone that rare here. What book was it. I'm curious if i have it.
Thanks
Posted By: goldhawkroad

Re: Mafia Books - 08/16/15 11:42 AM

Originally Posted By: goldhawkroad
Couple of Outfit books:

organized crime in chicago, beyond the mafia by lombardo. Kind of a socialogical explanation for OC in Chicago. Includes an interesting section of the original street crew neighberhoods of the outfit: Taylor street, Grand ave and so on.

The mafia court, corruption in Chicago by Hughes. More of an ordinary chronical of the usual faces, had hoped for more of a detailed story of the inner workings of the corruption.



"Organized crime in Chicago" is a must read for anyone interested in The Outfit. Breaks down the various street crews and is a perfect complement to books such as "The Outfit" and "family secrets". Get it!!
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 08/20/15 05:27 PM


Just read BLACK MASS about Bostons Bulger and Flemmi. A decent read but ends when Bulger has just been caught after years on the run . So an updated version would likely contain a lot more info.

What surprised me is that Bulger and Flemmi were ratting together. Have any LCN members ratted this way? You know , both sitting together whilst talking to fbi/ police.
Posted By: Testa

Re: Mafia Books - 08/20/15 08:27 PM

Got around 20 pages left on Gotti's rules. Overall a good book with good insight in how associates work and how they survive in the streets and it's not just about the boss. The thing I don't like about it is that the story is all over the place some times and it's hard to follow the story time to time. But like I said, overall it's good.

I ordered Mafia prince by Leonetti yesterday, hopefully I'll get it the next week.
Posted By: TheRedZone

Re: Mafia Books - 08/22/15 08:36 PM

I've skimmed through alot of pages here and google searched, but does anybody here know of a book specifically detailing the Colombo regime under Persico? any help would be appreciated!
Posted By: gangstereport

Re: Mafia Books - 08/22/15 10:15 PM

Originally Posted By: Testa
Got around 20 pages left on Gotti's rules. Overall a good book with good insight in how associates work and how they survive in the streets and it's not just about the boss. The thing I don't like about it is that the story is all over the place some times and it's hard to follow the story time to time. But like I said, overall it's good.

I ordered Mafia prince by Leonetti yesterday, hopefully I'll get it the next week.



mafia prince is one of the best books on the philly mob you should enjoy it wink
Posted By: bonanno

Re: Mafia Books - 08/23/15 01:47 PM

which book about Frank Costello is mostly relevant?
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 08/31/15 05:51 PM

Originally Posted By: bonanno
which book about Frank Costello is mostly relevant?

I've wondered this too. During his reign as boos seems to be one of the most successful periods of the american mob so I'd like to read a book about him but not sure which is the best.
Posted By: bonanno

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/15 10:06 AM

The Last Testament of Lucky Luciano -- is it fake or real?
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/15 11:57 AM

Pickup up Murder Machine again today, Started it a while back but wanted to read Juniors book first.

Gotti JR book was Ok.
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/15 08:13 PM

Originally Posted By: DuesPaid
Pickup up Murder Machine again today, Started it a while back but wanted to read Juniors book first.

Gotti JR book was Ok.



Murder machine and is one of the best mafia books ever. Enjoy.
Posted By: gangstereport

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/15 09:21 PM

i enjoyed gotti jr interesting the last few chapters the feds played it real nasty to get him cheated and lied but I found when talking about is father a little boring

al D`arco book was my favourtes ever really well wrote and I learned about a lot of guys I never knew about. I enjoyed blood and honour and mafia prince was good. Ron prevites book was one of my favourites gave a real insight into the joey merlino mob.

the calbrease book was good by his son frank junior

the book on Massimo and vinny basancio were very good

alites book was one of the worst

kenjis book was ok don't like kenji

jimmy frantninos book is very good the first one

Andrew didontartos book was average
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/15 10:07 PM

Originally Posted By: gangstereport
i enjoyed gotti jr interesting the last few chapters the feds played it real nasty to get him cheated and lied but I found when talking about is father a little boring

al D`arco book was my favourtes ever really well wrote and I learned about a lot of guys I never knew about. I enjoyed blood and honour and mafia prince was good. Ron prevites book was one of my favourites gave a real insight into the joey merlino mob.

the calbrease book was good by his son frank junior

the book on Massimo and vinny basancio were very good

alites book was one of the worst

kenjis book was ok don't like kenji

jimmy frantninos book is very good the first one

Andrew didontartos book was average


You've read a lot. Have you read The Sinatra Club? Quick and easy very fun read about Queens Colombo associate with connections to Gambino and Luchese associates.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/15 10:37 PM

Originally Posted By: gangstereport
i enjoyed gotti jr interesting the last few chapters the feds played it real nasty to get him cheated and lied but I found when talking about is father a little boring

al D`arco book was my favourtes ever really well wrote and I learned about a lot of guys I never knew about. I enjoyed blood and honour and mafia prince was good. Ron prevites book was one of my favourites gave a real insight into the joey merlino mob.

the calbrease book was good by his son frank junior

the book on Massimo and vinny basancio were very good

alites book was one of the worst

kenjis book was ok don't like kenji

jimmy frantninos book is very good the first one

Andrew didontartos book was average


You believe what he says that easily?
Posted By: gangstereport

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/15 11:00 PM

no I have not i will have a look at it thanks

the books i have read would go in this order

1)mob boss (al D`arco former luchese boss) 10/10
2)The Last Mafioso: 10/10 (great insight into the mob at that time jimmy frantinos book former los angles mob boss)
3)last godfather 9/10 (joey Massimo former mob boss)
4)mafia prince 9/10(Philip leonetti former philly underboss)
5) Last gangster 8/10(ron previte mob soldier/capo)
6)blood and honour (nicky crows mob soldier)
7)operation family secrets 8/10 (about the calbrease crew and family written by the son very good
8)Vinny gorgeous 7/10 (good insight on the acting boss of the bonanos vinny basancio)
9)whity bulgers book 9/10
10)surviving the mob 7/10 Andrew didontaro Gambino assoiate did not like the guy but was interesting to see a lot of guys like little nicky corezzo personaily
11)murder machine 7/10 (good read)
12) Gotti 7/10 (good read)
13)junior gottis book 7/10 (good read)
14) Russel Buflanio 7/10 (good read
15)i heard you paint houses 7/10 (average read
16)gottis rules 1/1o ( a book by a lying thug scumbag and a reporter who sold his reputation for money he knew thebook would generate because of the gotti connection sicking
Posted By: gangstereport

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/15 11:07 PM

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
Originally Posted By: gangstereport
i enjoyed gotti jr interesting the last few chapters the feds played it real nasty to get him cheated and lied but I found when talking about is father a little boring

al D`arco book was my favourtes ever really well wrote and I learned about a lot of guys I never knew about. I enjoyed blood and honour and mafia prince was good. Ron prevites book was one of my favourites gave a real insight into the joey merlino mob.

the calbrease book was good by his son frank junior

the book on Massimo and vinny basancio were very good

alites book was one of the worst

kenjis book was ok don't like kenji

jimmy frantninos book is very good the first one

Andrew didontartos book was average


You believe what he says that easily?




I assume your talking about junior gotti.



No when he talks about his father and he leaves out a lot of what he did


yes when he talks about alite


and I believe everything he says about the trials read the book before you judge that ted otto should be put on trial he was trying to get the guy whacked
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/15 11:54 PM

I don't doubt that Alite is a liar. I think both of them are liars.

It probably helped Gotti more than the Feds having someone like Alite testifying against him.

Gotti is very deceptive and duplicitous. Watch his 60 Minutes interview. Maybe the guy truly believes what he is saying and that his father is some martyr, but everything he says he is lying through his teeth.
Posted By: gangstereport

Re: Mafia Books - 09/07/15 09:43 AM

Once again read my post

I said I dont believe what he says about his father.


I said I do believe in what he says about the trials and until you read the book you won't understand my opinion

The first half of juniors book is shit he says how much of a god his father is after he goes to prison in the 90s that's when the book gets good because it shows how dirty the Feds played it in his trial
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 09/08/15 08:30 PM

Originally Posted By: BennyB
Originally Posted By: DuesPaid
Pickup up Murder Machine again today, Started it a while back but wanted to read Juniors book first.

Gotti JR book was Ok.



Murder machine and is one of the best mafia books ever. Enjoy.


Thanks B, its movin right along the way a good book should.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 09/08/15 11:08 PM

Well, after about two months, The Last Mafioso and Murder Machine have finally arrived at my home (fucking amazon, fucking bank card company)& i'll get started on those tomorrow....I couldnt finish Shadow of My Father, it's boring to me for some reason. The whole "noble son/I was La Cosa Nostra after my father went away" angle is such bullshit from Junior. I still got a couple of chapters left on Alites book. Which was very good early on, but then the gunfights and prison stories start to get spoken on and its all kind of embellished to me, that it made it hard for me to read through. Think I'll tough it out though. Operation Family Secrets by Frank Jr. is among my least favorite mob books, however "Operation Family Secrets: The case that crippled The Chicago Outfit" by Jeff Coen, is amazing.


Does anyone know if there are any other books about the Stanfa mob other than Prevites "The Last Gangster" and "The Goodfellas Tapes"?
Posted By: rickydelta

Re: Mafia Books - 09/09/15 12:08 PM

Murder Machine is a good book Good Read enjoy smile
Posted By: goldhawkroad

Re: Mafia Books - 09/09/15 01:02 PM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Operation Family Secrets by Frank Jr. is among my least favorite mob books, however "Operation Family Secrets: The case that crippled The Chicago Outfit" by Jeff Coen, is amazing.


Sounds like you should pick up "Family Affair: Greed, Treachery, and Betrayal in the Chicago Mafia" and "Organized Crime in Chicago
Beyond the Mafia". Perfect complements to "Operation Family Secrets" and of course "The Outfit" by Russo.
Posted By: Testa

Re: Mafia Books - 09/09/15 05:46 PM

Just finished Mafia Prince. I really recommend it, perfect book to get an insight in the Scarfo crew and his era.

Can someone help me find a new book? I really wanna read about the Genovese or some kind of book about a big power struggle in the LCN.

If I don't find anyone I like I'll probably order Murder Machine.
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 09/09/15 06:08 PM

Originally Posted By: Testa
Can someone help me find a new book? I really wanna read about the Genovese or some kind of book about a big power struggle in the LCN.

Try one of these wink
http://www.amazon.com/Best-Books-about-Mafia/lm/R39XESMMU3WWRK
Posted By: gangstereport

Re: Mafia Books - 09/09/15 06:52 PM

Originally Posted By: Testa
Just finished Mafia Prince. I really recommend it, perfect book to get an insight in the Scarfo crew and his era.

Can someone help me find a new book? I really wanna read about the Genovese or some kind of book about a big power struggle in the LCN.

If I don't find anyone I like I'll probably order Murder Machine.


http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Last-Gangster-George-Anastasia/dp/0060764953

last gangster by geogre antastia is the book for you



its about the bloody power struggle the philly mob went through during the 90s and how the merlino mob and ralph natatle operated



if you fancy a kind of new york twist i advise

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mob-Boss-Jerry-Capeci/dp/1250006864


first hand account of former luchese acting boss al d`arco and how the casso/amuso reign went and how they killed people the power struggle with the bronx/brooklyn history about many new york gangsters and storys and the casso and amuso parnoia
Posted By: NickyWhip

Re: Mafia Books - 09/09/15 07:06 PM

I think his sister, not the blonde but the other one, says you can tell he's lying when he's blinking.

If you look at that 60 mins video, it's all he's doing. Blinkers. LOL.

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Gotti is very deceptive and duplicitous. Watch his 60 Minutes interview. Maybe the guy truly believes what he is saying and that his father is some martyr, but everything he says he is lying through his teeth.
Posted By: Testa

Re: Mafia Books - 09/09/15 07:09 PM

Thanks for the help guys! I'll look into some of the books and come back here once I ordered one!
Posted By: Testa

Re: Mafia Books - 09/09/15 07:16 PM

Nevermind, I just ordered Mob Boss.
Posted By: gangstereport

Re: Mafia Books - 09/09/15 07:23 PM

you will enjoy it
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 09/09/15 11:49 PM

Mob Boss is seriously embellished IMO. D'Arco was nothing more than a puppet, yes man for Casso & Amuso. Of course in the book, he claims otherwise. And I'm not sure what to make of his claims of all his dealings with real Genovese heavyweights during the 70's. The guy lived in apartment tenements all his life, was never really a good earner, and wasn't made until he was in his 50's. And at least one of his claims is flat out wrong, and that's the origins of the American Mafia, and it being New Jersey with some secret society called "The Church". Good book though if you're looking for a book about a lower rung guy, instead of a boss, which is what D'Arco was for most of his life.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 09/10/15 01:25 AM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Mob Boss is seriously embellished IMO. D'Arco was nothing more than a puppet, yes man for Casso & Amuso. Of course in the book, he claims otherwise. And I'm not sure what to make of his claims of all his dealings with real Genovese heavyweights during the 70's. The guy lived in apartment tenements all his life, was never really a good earner, and wasn't made until he was in his 50's. And at least one of his claims is flat out wrong, and that's the origins of the American Mafia, and it being New Jersey with some secret society called "The Church". Good book though if you're looking for a book about a lower rung guy, instead of a boss, which is what D'Arco was for most of his life.
Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Mob Boss is seriously embellished IMO. D'Arco was nothing more than a puppet, yes man for Casso & Amuso. Of course in the book, he claims otherwise. And I'm not sure what to make of his claims of all his dealings with real Genovese heavyweights during the 70's. The guy lived in apartment tenements all his life, was never really a good earner, and wasn't made until he was in his 50's. And at least one of his claims is flat out wrong, and that's the origins of the American Mafia, and it being New Jersey with some secret society called "The Church". Good book though if you're looking for a book about a lower rung guy, instead of a boss, which is what D'Arco was for most of his life.


The fact is , he was a Boss.

Living in an apartment, where he lived was chosen, a way of life that many never traded in for many reasons. Even The Chin and many other people who have and had plenty of resources to live anywhere "chose" to live where they have family, protection, stability and a feeling of security that is priceless.

Judging someone for that reason is rediculous.

I did live in the same type of neighborhood and understand this completely.

On another note, I wonder who , without the right skills, could have survived working for those two mutt losers.

You?
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 09/10/15 03:37 AM

Originally Posted By: bonanno
The Last Testament of Lucky Luciano -- is it fake or real?
I happen to own that book for about 20 yrs. now, & have read it periodically maybe 7 or 8 times throughout the yrs. & sometimes i feel as if he's (lucky luciano) bullshitin' about certain things, then on the other hand, a lot of it rings true if you know his history & operations..all in all I would recommend finding & purchasing it for keeps..a bedside fixture for all interested.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 09/10/15 04:05 AM

The Brotherhood of Evil:The Mafia by Frederic Sondhern jr.,written in 1959 right after appalachian,when all the old guys were STILL alive, with a forward by Harry J Anslinger, Lucky's old nemesis...if u want a first hand account of the law's view back then of the "so called Mafia",..Hoover was still in denial,...was a very hard to find, found in an old book warehouse w/ about a million (literally) books,,but the owner was up on the value & rareness of the compisition..charged me 35 bucks after trying to jack him down a bit..would'nt budge after that.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 09/10/15 09:28 AM

Originally Posted By: DuesPaid
Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Mob Boss is seriously embellished IMO. D'Arco was nothing more than a puppet, yes man for Casso & Amuso. Of course in the book, he claims otherwise. And I'm not sure what to make of his claims of all his dealings with real Genovese heavyweights during the 70's. The guy lived in apartment tenements all his life, was never really a good earner, and wasn't made until he was in his 50's. And at least one of his claims is flat out wrong, and that's the origins of the American Mafia, and it being New Jersey with some secret society called "The Church". Good book though if you're looking for a book about a lower rung guy, instead of a boss, which is what D'Arco was for most of his life.
Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Mob Boss is seriously embellished IMO. D'Arco was nothing more than a puppet, yes man for Casso & Amuso. Of course in the book, he claims otherwise. And I'm not sure what to make of his claims of all his dealings with real Genovese heavyweights during the 70's. The guy lived in apartment tenements all his life, was never really a good earner, and wasn't made until he was in his 50's. And at least one of his claims is flat out wrong, and that's the origins of the American Mafia, and it being New Jersey with some secret society called "The Church". Good book though if you're looking for a book about a lower rung guy, instead of a boss, which is what D'Arco was for most of his life.


The fact is , he was a Boss.

Living in an apartment, where he lived was chosen, a way of life that many never traded in for many reasons. Even The Chin and many other people who have and had plenty of resources to live anywhere "chose" to live where they have family, protection, stability and a feeling of security that is priceless.

Judging someone for that reason is rediculous.

I did live in the same type of neighborhood and understand this completely.

On another note, I wonder who , without the right skills, could have survived working for those two mutt losers.

You?


Al D'Arco was a glorified capo. He didn't make any decisions of his own while being "boss", every decision and call he made was what Casso & Amuso told him to do. I'm not judging D'Arco because he lived in apartments, that was just an example along with everything else I mentioned as to why I think parts of his story were embellished. Calling him a "boss" with a straight face is laughable, to me at least. He was placed there in an acting role, all the decisions came from Casso & Amuso, he was quickly demoted from that acting boss spot not too long after, then ran to the feds under fear of being placed on the hit list. Fat Pete flat out disobeyed Amuso & Casso when it came down to it. D'Arco survived by being merely a lap dog for the two men. He never generated any real money outside of his Burger stand, or so he claims. So it's hard to say if his low income tenement living was a choice or not. I do know that he basically got into his last one for free through the Windows scam. But again, like I said, I'm not judging him for that. Fact is, Al D'Arco is much more Nick Caramandi than an Angelo Bruno. And like I said again, the book is great as I'm regards to the story of a lower rung made man, one who basically had to scheme all his literal life out of necessity as opposed to want.

@ Bonanno, you can download the Last Testament of Luciano online for free, through Google if you search hard enough. Over the years the book has become less and less desirable as it seems the author really had no with Luciano like what the book implies and how those words may not even be Lucianos. But I'm of the opinion they are, and that he just jerked the author about certain things. Just throwing that out there.
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 09/10/15 04:54 PM

Originally Posted By: hoodlum
The Brotherhood of Evil:The Mafia by Frederic Sondhern jr.,written in 1959 right after appalachian,when all the old guys were STILL alive, with a forward by Harry J Anslinger, Lucky's old nemesis...if u want a first hand account of the law's view back then of the "so called Mafia",..Hoover was still in denial,...was a very hard to find, found in an old book warehouse w/ about a million (literally) books,,but the owner was up on the value & rareness of the compisition..charged me 35 bucks after trying to jack him down a bit..would'nt budge after that.

got it wink
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 09/10/15 04:56 PM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Originally Posted By: DuesPaid
Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Mob Boss is seriously embellished IMO. D'Arco was nothing more than a puppet, yes man for Casso & Amuso. Of course in the book, he claims otherwise. And I'm not sure what to make of his claims of all his dealings with real Genovese heavyweights during the 70's. The guy lived in apartment tenements all his life, was never really a good earner, and wasn't made until he was in his 50's. And at least one of his claims is flat out wrong, and that's the origins of the American Mafia, and it being New Jersey with some secret society called "The Church". Good book though if you're looking for a book about a lower rung guy, instead of a boss, which is what D'Arco was for most of his life.
Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Mob Boss is seriously embellished IMO. D'Arco was nothing more than a puppet, yes man for Casso & Amuso. Of course in the book, he claims otherwise. And I'm not sure what to make of his claims of all his dealings with real Genovese heavyweights during the 70's. The guy lived in apartment tenements all his life, was never really a good earner, and wasn't made until he was in his 50's. And at least one of his claims is flat out wrong, and that's the origins of the American Mafia, and it being New Jersey with some secret society called "The Church". Good book though if you're looking for a book about a lower rung guy, instead of a boss, which is what D'Arco was for most of his life.


The fact is , he was a Boss.

Living in an apartment, where he lived was chosen, a way of life that many never traded in for many reasons. Even The Chin and many other people who have and had plenty of resources to live anywhere "chose" to live where they have family, protection, stability and a feeling of security that is priceless.

Judging someone for that reason is rediculous.

I did live in the same type of neighborhood and understand this completely.

On another note, I wonder who , without the right skills, could have survived working for those two mutt losers.

You?


Al D'Arco was a glorified capo. He didn't make any decisions of his own while being "boss", every decision and call he made was what Casso & Amuso told him to do. I'm not judging D'Arco because he lived in apartments, that was just an example along with everything else I mentioned as to why I think parts of his story were embellished. Calling him a "boss" with a straight face is laughable, to me at least. He was placed there in an acting role, all the decisions came from Casso & Amuso, he was quickly demoted from that acting boss spot not too long after, then ran to the feds under fear of being placed on the hit list. Fat Pete flat out disobeyed Amuso & Casso when it came down to it. D'Arco survived by being merely a lap dog for the two men. He never generated any real money outside of his Burger stand, or so he claims. So it's hard to say if his low income tenement living was a choice or not. I do know that he basically got into his last one for free through the Windows scam. But again, like I said, I'm not judging him for that. Fact is, Al D'Arco is much more Nick Caramandi than an Angelo Bruno. And like I said again, the book is great as I'm regards to the story of a lower rung made man, one who basically had to scheme all his literal life out of necessity as opposed to want.

@ Bonanno, you can download the Last Testament of Luciano online for free, through Google if you search hard enough. Over the years the book has become less and less desirable as it seems the author really had no with Luciano like what the book implies and how those words may not even be Lucianos. But I'm of the opinion they are, and that he just jerked the author about certain things. Just throwing that out there.

Agree 100%. they chose him because they wanted someone who they could order around and wouldn't threaten their power. Was he really a good replacement for Paul Vario??
Posted By: gangstereport

Re: Mafia Books - 09/10/15 04:56 PM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Originally Posted By: DuesPaid
Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Mob Boss is seriously embellished IMO. D'Arco was nothing more than a puppet, yes man for Casso & Amuso. Of course in the book, he claims otherwise. And I'm not sure what to make of his claims of all his dealings with real Genovese heavyweights during the 70's. The guy lived in apartment tenements all his life, was never really a good earner, and wasn't made until he was in his 50's. And at least one of his claims is flat out wrong, and that's the origins of the American Mafia, and it being New Jersey with some secret society called "The Church". Good book though if you're looking for a book about a lower rung guy, instead of a boss, which is what D'Arco was for most of his life.
Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Mob Boss is seriously embellished IMO. D'Arco was nothing more than a puppet, yes man for Casso & Amuso. Of course in the book, he claims otherwise. And I'm not sure what to make of his claims of all his dealings with real Genovese heavyweights during the 70's. The guy lived in apartment tenements all his life, was never really a good earner, and wasn't made until he was in his 50's. And at least one of his claims is flat out wrong, and that's the origins of the American Mafia, and it being New Jersey with some secret society called "The Church". Good book though if you're looking for a book about a lower rung guy, instead of a boss, which is what D'Arco was for most of his life.


The fact is , he was a Boss.

Living in an apartment, where he lived was chosen, a way of life that many never traded in for many reasons. Even The Chin and many other people who have and had plenty of resources to live anywhere "chose" to live where they have family, protection, stability and a feeling of security that is priceless.

Judging someone for that reason is rediculous.

I did live in the same type of neighborhood and understand this completely.

On another note, I wonder who , without the right skills, could have survived working for those two mutt losers.

You?


Al D'Arco was a glorified capo. He didn't make any decisions of his own while being "boss", every decision and call he made was what Casso & Amuso told him to do. I'm not judging D'Arco because he lived in apartments, that was just an example along with everything else I mentioned as to why I think parts of his story were embellished. Calling him a "boss" with a straight face is laughable, to me at least. He was placed there in an acting role, all the decisions came from Casso & Amuso, he was quickly demoted from that acting boss spot not too long after, then ran to the feds under fear of being placed on the hit list. Fat Pete flat out disobeyed Amuso & Casso when it came down to it. D'Arco survived by being merely a lap dog for the two men. He never generated any real money outside of his Burger stand, or so he claims. So it's hard to say if his low income tenement living was a choice or not. I do know that he basically got into his last one for free through the Windows scam. But again, like I said, I'm not judging him for that. Fact is, Al D'Arco is much more Nick Caramandi than an Angelo Bruno. And like I said again, the book is great as I'm regards to the story of a lower rung made man, one who basically had to scheme all his literal life out of necessity as opposed to want.

@ Bonanno, you can download the Last Testament of Luciano online for free, through Google if you search hard enough. Over the years the book has become less and less desirable as it seems the author really had no with Luciano like what the book implies and how those words may not even be Lucianos. But I'm of the opinion they are, and that he just jerked the author about certain things. Just throwing that out there.




At the end of the day it is a very good book on that era and he served as acting boss even if a puppet for nearly a year and a capo for several years.

His time as a soldier is interesting as well

Still one of th best books in recent time a very good insight into the lucheses esp casso and amuso
Posted By: gangstereport

Re: Mafia Books - 09/10/15 07:02 PM

Originally Posted By: BennyB
Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Originally Posted By: DuesPaid
Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Mob Boss is seriously embellished IMO. D'Arco was nothing more than a puppet, yes man for Casso & Amuso. Of course in the book, he claims otherwise. And I'm not sure what to make of his claims of all his dealings with real Genovese heavyweights during the 70's. The guy lived in apartment tenements all his life, was never really a good earner, and wasn't made until he was in his 50's. And at least one of his claims is flat out wrong, and that's the origins of the American Mafia, and it being New Jersey with some secret society called "The Church". Good book though if you're looking for a book about a lower rung guy, instead of a boss, which is what D'Arco was for most of his life.
Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Mob Boss is seriously embellished IMO. D'Arco was nothing more than a puppet, yes man for Casso & Amuso. Of course in the book, he claims otherwise. And I'm not sure what to make of his claims of all his dealings with real Genovese heavyweights during the 70's. The guy lived in apartment tenements all his life, was never really a good earner, and wasn't made until he was in his 50's. And at least one of his claims is flat out wrong, and that's the origins of the American Mafia, and it being New Jersey with some secret society called "The Church". Good book though if you're looking for a book about a lower rung guy, instead of a boss, which is what D'Arco was for most of his life.


The fact is , he was a Boss.

Living in an apartment, where he lived was chosen, a way of life that many never traded in for many reasons. Even The Chin and many other people who have and had plenty of resources to live anywhere "chose" to live where they have family, protection, stability and a feeling of security that is priceless.

Judging someone for that reason is rediculous.

I did live in the same type of neighborhood and understand this completely.

On another note, I wonder who , without the right skills, could have survived working for those two mutt losers.

You?


Al D'Arco was a glorified capo. He didn't make any decisions of his own while being "boss", every decision and call he made was what Casso & Amuso told him to do. I'm not judging D'Arco because he lived in apartments, that was just an example along with everything else I mentioned as to why I think parts of his story were embellished. Calling him a "boss" with a straight face is laughable, to me at least. He was placed there in an acting role, all the decisions came from Casso & Amuso, he was quickly demoted from that acting boss spot not too long after, then ran to the feds under fear of being placed on the hit list. Fat Pete flat out disobeyed Amuso & Casso when it came down to it. D'Arco survived by being merely a lap dog for the two men. He never generated any real money outside of his Burger stand, or so he claims. So it's hard to say if his low income tenement living was a choice or not. I do know that he basically got into his last one for free through the Windows scam. But again, like I said, I'm not judging him for that. Fact is, Al D'Arco is much more Nick Caramandi than an Angelo Bruno. And like I said again, the book is great as I'm regards to the story of a lower rung made man, one who basically had to scheme all his literal life out of necessity as opposed to want.

@ Bonanno, you can download the Last Testament of Luciano online for free, through Google if you search hard enough. Over the years the book has become less and less desirable as it seems the author really had no with Luciano like what the book implies and how those words may not even be Lucianos. But I'm of the opinion they are, and that he just jerked the author about certain things. Just throwing that out there.

Agree 100%. they chose him because they wanted someone who they could order around and wouldn't threaten their power. Was he really a good replacement for Paul Vario??



There was better options but he was picked because of his friendship with vic. Al was there puppet but do you blame him?that was me I would be amuso and cassos puppet I mean he was trying you survive and he knew the friendship would bring a higher ranks meaning more money he advanced in the mob because of the friendship he got unlucky in the end but it shows its not always the most able who get the higher spots its there connections like a lot of things in life
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 09/14/15 08:13 PM

I thought the book is excellent. Sure, he was a puppet for Amuso & Casso, but the still had a lot of dealings with a lot of people and tells a good story. While I never cared much for Casso and Amuso, this book showed what greedy unloyal assholes they are.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 09/15/15 10:46 AM

His dealings are questionable though. Not too long after the book came out, a poster on the Real Deal used research and facts to debunk Al's claims of how close he was to the Beck brothers. Turns out, they weren't very close at all. One has to ask if that applies to many of the other relationships he spoke about as well. Think about it, Al claims his unmade friend, associate Ralph Musci knocked out Vincent Gigante when he was a made soldier. As close as the Chin was to the head honcho, Genovese, Musci would've been killed in all likelihood had that really happened.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 09/16/15 03:15 PM

I find it hard to believe that Casso cried when he met D'Arco before going in the wind. I also find it hard to believe Amuso felt in any way threatened by Al. I also find his Kimberly Hotel anecdote - particularly as it pertains to Sal Avellino - a stretch. Enlisting Crea and Daidone for a coup is debatable.

Didn't he claim Venero Mangano was knocked on his ass by somebody or did someone else say that?

This is a guy who was outed as a bully who picked on Jew kids in prison by Sal Miciotta.

You know what's a great book? Brotherhoods.

D'Arco's book is a brisk read too - in all fairness..
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 09/16/15 04:40 PM

Ralph Musci is also the guy who Al claims knocked out Venero Mangano.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/15 02:07 AM

Was checking out al book today after I read it almost a yr ago like pizza said in a thread it does describe the NYC climit area I don't no what I looking it gives a great visual in your head if you no anything about books in reading takes you there I guess. Ya al isn't probaly telling 100% truth but probaly the best book with a well known turncoat in a very long time. Unless massino or one of his underlings vitale rite a book it will be awhile. Al did have a few connections.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/15 02:09 AM

Just the little bit about his section 8 house in little Italy and all the other mob guys getting in there. I find that funny cause its true I wonder what is it Mott street apartment building looks today probaly 5 10k amonth.
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 09/21/15 02:24 PM

Just finished reading "Kill The Irishman" by Rick Porello.

The reviews said the book was written horribly, more like a crime blotter and less like a storyline. But it didn't read that way to me. The recounting of events in the bombing war that went back and forth between Danny Greene and his enemies was fast paced, exciting, and to the point.

That said, I don't agree that Danny Greene was the tipping point that brought down the nationwide conspiracy known as the mafia. The book portrays Greene as the final straw, the last victim that would wreak havoc on the stability of the mob and lead to it's near total collapse. I don't agree with that at all. Seems more like a ploy to pump Greene up to be something he wasn't....all in an effort to pump the book about Greene into something it isn't.

The retelling of his sordid affairs before he become embroiled in a war against the weak Cleveland mafia was also disappointing. He was no Robbin Hood, taking from the rich and giving to the poor while defying the mafia. He was stealing from the poor, during his career in his labor union. That revelation sort of deflated any image the reader was hoping for before they opened the book.

Is this book a recommended read? Yes, but not so good that you need to spend money on it.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 09/22/15 10:00 PM

ever look at "mafia marriage" by rosalie (profaci) bonanno ? interesting,but,like her husband & father in law,another LIAR,,"in our world",,blah,blah,blah....
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 09/23/15 06:12 AM

Quote:
ever look at "mafia marriage" by rosalie (profaci) bonanno ? interesting,but,like her husband & father in law,another LIAR,,"in our world",,blah,blah,blah....



That told me a bunch right there. What could she possibly have to contribute?
Posted By: nash143

Re: Mafia Books - 10/10/15 12:46 PM

Having read the chapter in Mafia Prince where Leonetti suddenly announces he has a son, I wondered if anyone know of any further info?

Was Leonetti married or was Little Philip from a relationship?
When Leonetti goes into WP, he takes his son with him. What about Little Philip's mother?
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 10/11/15 04:56 AM

always wondered myself...
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 10/11/15 11:44 PM

Pretty sure he was with the same woman majority of his life. I think her names Maria, the one he began dating after he murdered Vincent Falcone, him being her ex-boyfriend. I think she's also the mother of his kid.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 10/13/15 04:04 AM

I totally forgot the actual book that got me here 20 yrs. later..THE PLUMBER by Joe Salerno..blew me away..& u can't find some of the pics in that book anywhere..I know it was written by fact.I always believed salerno..He was the 1rst example of a witness scared straight ...nicky clouded the fuck out of his head..(Hey joe ,u wanna b part of this??..someday joe, were gonna own all this..fuckin'atlantic city)..u wanna b a gangster?..you gotta a gun u can bring us joe?......,,,,,,,,the same fuckin'gun that phil used to kill falcone
Posted By: nash143

Re: Mafia Books - 10/14/15 05:35 PM

Reading The Plumber at the moment. Just got to the bit where Joe reveals all to the Cops. You're right Hoodlum - Scarfo is the master manipulator!
Posted By: gangstereport

Re: Mafia Books - 10/14/15 06:45 PM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Pretty sure he was with the same woman majority of his life. I think her names Maria, the one he began dating after he murdered Vincent Falcone, him being her ex-boyfriend. I think she's also the mother of his kid.



no maria is not the mother of his child. Philip made his girlfriend who i do not know the name of as he never went into detail pregant when he was 19. He did not start dating her till after vince well he was in his mid 20s by then
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 10/15/15 04:49 PM

Originally Posted By: nash143
Reading The Plumber at the moment. Just got to the bit where Joe reveals all to the Cops. You're right Hoodlum - Scarfo is the master manipulator!
hard book to find ,,u lucked out my man
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 10/23/15 05:59 AM

Just finished reading the mind blowing book "The Big White Lie: The Deep Cover Operation That Exposed the CIA Sabotage of The Drug War" by veteran DEA agent, Michael Levine.

Wow.

Anyone who hasn't read it should. It's funny. It's scary. It's angry. It's deliciously intriguing. It is filled with tense situations. It is filled with surprises. This is the type of book that you can't put down until you are done reading it. You literally take it everywhere with you.

I won't give away more than the title, but there is a lot more in the book than just the implications behind the title. The power structure of underworld society is a bit more convoluted than even what many a conspiracy theorist might suspect: At many different nexus points, the underworld sphere crosses over into the governmental sphere, meaning the actors are operating in both the criminal world and the governmental world, simultaneously, because they are both one and the same.

Michael Levine is an expert writer.

This book reads like a blockbuster movie.
Posted By: CabriniGreen

Re: Mafia Books - 10/23/15 06:36 AM

Thanks Alfa I will read it, it seems like only certain people are built to handle this type of information, it just straight up scares the shit outta people...
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 10/23/15 07:09 PM

Originally Posted By: CabriniGreen
Thanks Alfa I will read it, it seems like only certain people are built to handle this type of information, it just straight up scares the shit outta people...


I bought the eBook from Amazon for less than 5 dollars. What a great treat being able to have it delivered to your Kindle for Mobile, and then reading it on your smartphone. Once you've purchased a book, and you downloaded the Kindle App, through Kindle you can see all of your purchases and download a book with hundreds of pages in just a few seconds. Then it's on your smartphone permanently and you can read your book with or without an internet connection.

Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 10/28/15 09:00 PM

If any one's interested this is a podcast about crime, and there's a few mob books involved. There old books but some bits of interest.

I've tried but can't work out how you link a podcast, so GOOGLE
BLOGTALK RADIO TRUE MURDER

These are the mob books talked about by there authors,:
BUSINESS OR BLOOD about. RIZZUTTOS

MURDER INC. by C. CIPPOLINI
LUCKY LUCIANO by above

KING OF THE GODFATHERS. .about. MASSINO
VINNY GORGEOUS. both by DE STEFFANO

MOB KILLER. about. CARNEGLIA

ROGUE MOBSTER. M.SILVERMAN

TAMPA BAY ORGANIZED CRIME

GANGSTERS OF BOSTON
Posted By: gangstereport

Re: Mafia Books - 10/29/15 01:18 AM

i enjoyed mob killer by carnelgia though i would have liked them to talk more about charles i guess there is a limit you can talk about

charles was one crazy fuck
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 10/29/15 07:01 AM

Originally Posted By: gangstereport
i enjoyed mob killer by carnelgia though i would have liked them to talk more about charles i guess there is a limit you can talk about

charles was one crazy fuck


I don't believe Carneglia actually wrote that one.

And yes, he was a monster that probably should have been whacked by law enforcement on sight.
Posted By: dinocrocetti

Re: Mafia Books - 10/29/15 02:49 PM

New book on New Kensington, PA and the Mannarino brothers.

http://www.akvhs.org/Marsili%20book%202.htm
Posted By: gangstereport

Re: Mafia Books - 10/30/15 03:51 PM

Originally Posted By: Alfa Romeo
Originally Posted By: gangstereport
i enjoyed mob killer by carnelgia though i would have liked them to talk more about charles i guess there is a limit you can talk about

charles was one crazy fuck


I don't believe Carneglia actually wrote that one.

And yes, he was a monster that probably should have been whacked by law enforcement on sight.



no he did not write the book he never ratted or anything

defo a monster he was a junkie but the gottis kept him around because he was a killer and john carneligas brother

they got him on four murders though feds think he killed alot more kevin mchanon said he talked about killings tramps and burning there bodies in acid a nutjob
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 10/31/15 08:56 PM

Just ordered The First Family off Amazon by Mike Dash. It'll feed my recent interest in pre-Luciano NY Mafia.
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 11/01/15 03:26 PM

Just finished reading "Deep Cover" by Michael Levine.

Get this book.

Inside of it, it is mentioned that in South America, there were (and still are?) whole underground cities whose primary purpose was mass cocaine production.

Massive cocaine factories hidden from aerial view by flora, the only way to reach which is by flying into openings down into hidden landing strips underneath the forest. You cannot see the landing strips from the air.

Inside of it is mentioned "The Corporation", which is a group of producers that supplied the Medellin Cartel among others.

The name of the reputed head of The Corporation at the time the book was written.

...and more.

Recommended. 5 Stars.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 12/09/15 05:31 PM

Just started reading Blood Oath, by George Fresolone. I don't know if they updated the book for later copies or whatever. But I have an original that was sent to me in the mail, and there's some blatant inaccuracies in it early on. Two examples are this, it clearly states Nicky Scarfo had Salvatore "Chuckie" Merlino killed. That isn't true. It also says Charles "Lucky" Luciano went on to meet a violent death before Frank Costello took over control of the family, followed by Genovese. That isn't true either.
Posted By: Alexgg

Re: Mafia Books - 12/09/15 06:12 PM

Hello.

I come from Germany and have great interest in this books.

Is there books in German?

Seeking the books:

Bloodlines: The Rise and the Fall of the Mafia's Royal Family

Blood Brothers: History and Business of the 'Ndrangheta

Fratelli di Sangue, Storia e Affari della 'Ndrangheta mafia la più potent del mondo

Fratelli di Sangue, La 'Ndrangheta tra arretratezza e modernità:

Greetings
Posted By: HandsomeStevie

Re: Mafia Books - 12/10/15 07:11 AM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Just started reading Blood Oath, by George Fresolone. I don't know if they updated the book for later copies or whatever. But I have an original that was sent to me in the mail, and there's some blatant inaccuracies in it early on. Two examples are this, it clearly states Nicky Scarfo had Salvatore "Chuckie" Merlino killed. That isn't true. It also says Charles "Lucky" Luciano went on to meet a violent death before Frank Costello took over control of the family, followed by Genovese. That isn't true either.


Damn I just ordered a used copy of Blood Oath off Amazon and I am really looking forward to reading it so when I get it ill let you know if my copy says anything crazy like that. I hope it dont though... How is it otherwise?
Posted By: Snakes

Re: Mafia Books - 12/10/15 01:47 PM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Just started reading Blood Oath, by George Fresolone. I don't know if they updated the book for later copies or whatever. But I have an original that was sent to me in the mail, and there's some blatant inaccuracies in it early on. Two examples are this, it clearly states Nicky Scarfo had Salvatore "Chuckie" Merlino killed. That isn't true. It also says Charles "Lucky" Luciano went on to meet a violent death before Frank Costello took over control of the family, followed by Genovese. That isn't true either.


How do you mess this up? Someone who has been studying the mob for two days would know this statement is wrong.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 12/11/15 12:33 AM

Originally Posted By: HandsomeStevie
Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Just started reading Blood Oath, by George Fresolone. I don't know if they updated the book for later copies or whatever. But I have an original that was sent to me in the mail, and there's some blatant inaccuracies in it early on. Two examples are this, it clearly states Nicky Scarfo had Salvatore "Chuckie" Merlino killed. That isn't true. It also says Charles "Lucky" Luciano went on to meet a violent death before Frank Costello took over control of the family, followed by Genovese. That isn't true either.


Damn I just ordered a used copy of Blood Oath off Amazon and I am really looking forward to reading it so when I get it ill let you know if my copy says anything crazy like that. I hope it dont though... How is it otherwise?


People say it's underrated. Reading it so far, it's a good read, but there's some things that are complete contradictions of things we know to supposedly be true today. Like, he says when Testa took over he moved to eliminate all the guys who were close to Bruno, as he felt they could be a powerful "pro-Bruno" camp, he says Frank Sindone was a part of this came he was killed because of his closeness to Bruno and the fact that he was looked at as Bruno's logical successor, instead of himself. Yet, we now commonly hear that Sindone was a part of the murder plot on Bruno. Fresolone says that theory is backward. Says Johnny Keys Simone was done in for the same reason. He claims Testa extended this to other guys who were considered "pro-Bruno" and powerful enough to matter, he says Pete Casella was a part of this camp, and that Pete Casella killed Testa first, because he feared Testa would kill him. Nothing is said of the whole Chickie Narducci offering him a million dollars to retire and name him boss after Testa was whacked, as being the primary reason behind Testa's murder. Claims Casella & his brother Tony were the masterminds behind that murder, not Narducci. Along with Casella fearing Testa would have him hit, he claims Casella felt that he should've been boss, and felt he was the better choice over Testa, because he had done 20 years in a stand up fashion. That means he was a guy who actually wanted to be boss, which means he wouldn't have went for the whole "I'll pay you to make me boss" thing. He says after Testa's death, that it really looked as if Harry The Hunchback would've been made boss, he claims he began to lobby the captains around him, and that had it been up to Philly, he probably would've been made boss. He says Chickie Narducci was killed for this reason, because Nicky Scarfo felt Narducci was going to align himself with Riccobene. He also claims that a lot of guys weren't happy with the fact that NY had so much say with who should be boss, and that a lot of guys felt that as their own family, the decision should be left up to them.

I'm only in the third chapter, but those are a few of the interesting things that I've come across so far.
Posted By: HandsomeStevie

Re: Mafia Books - 12/11/15 04:49 AM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Originally Posted By: HandsomeStevie
Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Just started reading Blood Oath, by George Fresolone. I don't know if they updated the book for later copies or whatever. But I have an original that was sent to me in the mail, and there's some blatant inaccuracies in it early on. Two examples are this, it clearly states Nicky Scarfo had Salvatore "Chuckie" Merlino killed. That isn't true. It also says Charles "Lucky" Luciano went on to meet a violent death before Frank Costello took over control of the family, followed by Genovese. That isn't true either.


Damn I just ordered a used copy of Blood Oath off Amazon and I am really looking forward to reading it so when I get it ill let you know if my copy says anything crazy like that. I hope it dont though... How is it otherwise?


People say it's underrated. Reading it so far, it's a good read, but there's some things that are complete contradictions of things we know to supposedly be true today. Like, he says when Testa took over he moved to eliminate all the guys who were close to Bruno, as he felt they could be a powerful "pro-Bruno" camp, he says Frank Sindone was a part of this came he was killed because of his closeness to Bruno and the fact that he was looked at as Bruno's logical successor, instead of himself. Yet, we now commonly hear that Sindone was a part of the murder plot on Bruno. Fresolone says that theory is backward. Says Johnny Keys Simone was done in for the same reason. He claims Testa extended this to other guys who were considered "pro-Bruno" and powerful enough to matter, he says Pete Casella was a part of this camp, and that Pete Casella killed Testa first, because he feared Testa would kill him. Nothing is said of the whole Chickie Narducci offering him a million dollars to retire and name him boss after Testa was whacked, as being the primary reason behind Testa's murder. Claims Casella & his brother Tony were the masterminds behind that murder, not Narducci. Along with Casella fearing Testa would have him hit, he claims Casella felt that he should've been boss, and felt he was the better choice over Testa, because he had done 20 years in a stand up fashion. That means he was a guy who actually wanted to be boss, which means he wouldn't have went for the whole "I'll pay you to make me boss" thing. He says after Testa's death, that it really looked as if Harry The Hunchback would've been made boss, he claims he began to lobby the captains around him, and that had it been up to Philly, he probably would've been made boss. He says Chickie Narducci was killed for this reason, because Nicky Scarfo felt Narducci was going to align himself with Riccobene. He also claims that a lot of guys weren't happy with the fact that NY had so much say with who should be boss, and that a lot of guys felt that as their own family, the decision should be left up to them.

I'm only in the third chapter, but those are a few of the interesting things that I've come across so far.


Sounds good! Cant wait til my copy gets here. I tracked it and it said the 14th-30th but I ordered it on the 6th and its not coming from very far away..
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 12/11/15 02:02 PM

Originally Posted By: HandsomeStevie
Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Originally Posted By: HandsomeStevie
Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Just started reading Blood Oath, by George Fresolone. I don't know if they updated the book for later copies or whatever. But I have an original that was sent to me in the mail, and there's some blatant inaccuracies in it early on. Two examples are this, it clearly states Nicky Scarfo had Salvatore "Chuckie" Merlino killed. That isn't true. It also says Charles "Lucky" Luciano went on to meet a violent death before Frank Costello took over control of the family, followed by Genovese. That isn't true either.


Damn I just ordered a used copy of Blood Oath off Amazon and I am really looking forward to reading it so when I get it ill let you know if my copy says anything crazy like that. I hope it dont though... How is it otherwise?


People say it's underrated. Reading it so far, it's a good read, but there's some things that are complete contradictions of things we know to supposedly be true today. Like, he says when Testa took over he moved to eliminate all the guys who were close to Bruno, as he felt they could be a powerful "pro-Bruno" camp, he says Frank Sindone was a part of this came he was killed because of his closeness to Bruno and the fact that he was looked at as Bruno's logical successor, instead of himself. Yet, we now commonly hear that Sindone was a part of the murder plot on Bruno. Fresolone says that theory is backward. Says Johnny Keys Simone was done in for the same reason. He claims Testa extended this to other guys who were considered "pro-Bruno" and powerful enough to matter, he says Pete Casella was a part of this camp, and that Pete Casella killed Testa first, because he feared Testa would kill him. Nothing is said of the whole Chickie Narducci offering him a million dollars to retire and name him boss after Testa was whacked, as being the primary reason behind Testa's murder. Claims Casella & his brother Tony were the masterminds behind that murder, not Narducci. Along with Casella fearing Testa would have him hit, he claims Casella felt that he should've been boss, and felt he was the better choice over Testa, because he had done 20 years in a stand up fashion. That means he was a guy who actually wanted to be boss, which means he wouldn't have went for the whole "I'll pay you to make me boss" thing. He says after Testa's death, that it really looked as if Harry The Hunchback would've been made boss, he claims he began to lobby the captains around him, and that had it been up to Philly, he probably would've been made boss. He says Chickie Narducci was killed for this reason, because Nicky Scarfo felt Narducci was going to align himself with Riccobene. He also claims that a lot of guys weren't happy with the fact that NY had so much say with who should be boss, and that a lot of guys felt that as their own family, the decision should be left up to them.

I'm only in the third chapter, but those are a few of the interesting things that I've come across so far.


Sounds good! Cant wait til my copy gets here. I tracked it and it said the 14th-30th but I ordered it on the 6th and its not coming from very far away..


Said mines wouldn't arrive until the 14th, but I got it on the 7th.
Posted By: HandsomeStevie

Re: Mafia Books - 12/15/15 08:41 AM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Just started reading Blood Oath, by George Fresolone. I don't know if they updated the book for later copies or whatever. But I have an original that was sent to me in the mail, and there's some blatant inaccuracies in it early on. Two examples are this, it clearly states Nicky Scarfo had Salvatore "Chuckie" Merlino killed. That isn't true. It also says Charles "Lucky" Luciano went on to meet a violent death before Frank Costello took over control of the family, followed by Genovese. That isn't true either.


I got Blood Oath last night Saturday night when I came home from work it was in the mail box. so it took exactly a week, but my other two books still havent arrived yet. Only read a few pages but already I did come across it saying Chuckie Merlino was killed by Scarfo..
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 12/16/15 02:48 AM

Fresolone's description of Nicky Jr: "He was spot-spoken and unusually polite, but at the same time he was ambitious and --as I would learn later-- he had a real mean streak in him just like his father."


Once again, another account of Nicky Scarfo Jr that contradicts the image that some like to put off as a meek, little pushover whom only was a wiseguy because his father told him to be. If Fresolone's account is anything to go by, sounds like Nicky Jr was a wiseguys wiseguy.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 12/16/15 07:30 PM

I finally got Five Families. Three chapters in and pretty impressed so far.

Anyone ever read Closing Argument: Defending (and Befriending) John Gotti, and Other Legal Battles I Have Waged by Rene Saporta and Bruce Cutler or Mob Lawyer by Frank Ragano and Selwyn Raab?
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 12/22/15 05:57 PM

I like Blood Oath. But I just can't get over that inacccuracy of the claim that Nicky Scarfo had Chuckie Merlino whacked. Fresolone says it more than once too, throughout the book. In the chapter "Wired" pg. 184, he's discussing Nicky Jr being shot, and this is what he says "I felt it was much more likely the shooter was either Joey Merlino or someone hired by him. Nicky Sr. had had Joey's father Chuckie whacked, and Joey still took it very hard."...How, how can someone who was supposedly super close to Patty Specs & Anthony Piccolo make that mistake?

Overall, the book is a good read, but that's just one of the things that really just slightly sit in the back of my mind that makes me wonder what Fresolone actually knew.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 12/23/15 05:17 AM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
I like Blood Oath. But I just can't get over that inacccuracy of the claim that Nicky Scarfo had Chuckie Merlino whacked. Fresolone says it more than once too, throughout the book. In the chapter "Wired" pg. 184, he's discussing Nicky Jr being shot, and this is what he says "I felt it was much more likely the shooter was either Joey Merlino or someone hired by him. Nicky Sr. had had Joey's father Chuckie whacked, and Joey still took it very hard."...How, how can someone who was supposedly super close to Patty Specs & Anthony Piccolo make that mistake?

Overall, the book is a good read, but that's just one of the things that really just slightly sit in the back of my mind that makes me wonder what Fresolone actually knew.
Maybe what fresolone meant the whole time in his mind was that scarfo "took down" chuckie, & it is known that joey took that very hard??
Posted By: gangstereport

Re: Mafia Books - 12/23/15 09:25 PM

joey is lucky to be alive from what i read he was shitting himself (anyone would shit themselves this is nicky scarfo) the crow and charlie white had to tell him to stop coming around he was hiding joey before scarfo got busted. Marty took a beating from scarfo junior and scadfi because he was associating with joey merlino
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 12/24/15 07:40 AM

Originally Posted By: hoodlum
Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
I like Blood Oath. But I just can't get over that inacccuracy of the claim that Nicky Scarfo had Chuckie Merlino whacked. Fresolone says it more than once too, throughout the book. In the chapter "Wired" pg. 184, he's discussing Nicky Jr being shot, and this is what he says "I felt it was much more likely the shooter was either Joey Merlino or someone hired by him. Nicky Sr. had had Joey's father Chuckie whacked, and Joey still took it very hard."...How, how can someone who was supposedly super close to Patty Specs & Anthony Piccolo make that mistake?

Overall, the book is a good read, but that's just one of the things that really just slightly sit in the back of my mind that makes me wonder what Fresolone actually knew.
Maybe what fresolone meant the whole time in his mind was that scarfo "took down" chuckie, & it is known that joey took that very hard??


I thought about that, but it's blatantly written more than once that Scarfo had Merlino killed. Fresolone also specifically said Scarfo had Joey's father whacked. I don't know how he could've meant "took down" considering that.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 12/24/15 11:50 PM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Originally Posted By: hoodlum
Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
I like Blood Oath. But I just can't get over that inacccuracy of the claim that Nicky Scarfo had Chuckie Merlino whacked. Fresolone says it more than once too, throughout the book. In the chapter "Wired" pg. 184, he's discussing Nicky Jr being shot, and this is what he says "I felt it was much more likely the shooter was either Joey Merlino or someone hired by him. Nicky Sr. had had Joey's father Chuckie whacked, and Joey still took it very hard."...How, how can someone who was supposedly super close to Patty Specs & Anthony Piccolo make that mistake?

Overall, the book is a good read, but that's just one of the things that really just slightly sit in the back of my mind that makes me wonder what Fresolone actually knew.
Maybe what fresolone meant the whole time in his mind was that scarfo "took down" chuckie, & it is known that joey took that very hard??


I thought about that, but it's blatantly written more than once that Scarfo had Merlino killed. Fresolone also specifically said Scarfo had Joey's father whacked. I don't know how he could've meant "took down" considering that.
Fresolone was all fuckin' mixed up obviously in his head.. & a fuckin' rat 2 boot.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 12/24/15 11:53 PM

Originally Posted By: hoodlum
Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Originally Posted By: hoodlum
Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
I like Blood Oath. But I just can't get over that inacccuracy of the claim that Nicky Scarfo had Chuckie Merlino whacked. Fresolone says it more than once too, throughout the book. In the chapter "Wired" pg. 184, he's discussing Nicky Jr being shot, and this is what he says "I felt it was much more likely the shooter was either Joey Merlino or someone hired by him. Nicky Sr. had had Joey's father Chuckie whacked, and Joey still took it very hard."...How, how can someone who was supposedly super close to Patty Specs & Anthony Piccolo make that mistake?

Overall, the book is a good read, but that's just one of the things that really just slightly sit in the back of my mind that makes me wonder what Fresolone actually knew.
Maybe what fresolone meant the whole time in his mind was that scarfo "took down" chuckie, & it is known that joey took that very hard??


I thought about that, but it's blatantly written more than once that Scarfo had Merlino killed. Fresolone also specifically said Scarfo had Joey's father whacked. I don't know how he could've meant "took down" considering that.
Fresolone was all fuckin' mixed up obviously in his head.. & a fuckin' rat 2 boot.
Past news also said b4 he croaked, he was cleaning celebrities mansions,(Cher, for instance)..
Posted By: Andreoli

Re: Mafia Books - 12/26/15 09:19 PM

I've been thinking about buying two mob books: "Five Families" and "Way Of The Wiseguy". I heard a lot about them. I wanna know what I'm buying, though. That's why I'm posting. Are these sources correct? You know, book covers and all that: http://www.amazon.com/Five-Families-Resurgence-Americas-Powerful/dp/0312361815 and http://www.amazon.com/Way-Wiseguy-Joe-Pistone/dp/0762423846. I just want to make sure before buying. I'm not from America so I'd need a hand.

Thank you.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 12/26/15 09:54 PM

Yes, both books are the real deal. "The Five Families" is a definitive, authoritative book on the NY Mafia families--a must-read. "Way of the Wiseguy" is a quick, pleasant, not very profound read.
Posted By: njcapo35

Re: Mafia Books - 12/29/15 03:01 AM

Has anyone read this book?

http://colombobook.com/ ...If so, is it worth the buy?
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 12/30/15 04:06 AM

Originally Posted By: Turnbull
Yes, both books are the real deal. "The Five Families" is a definitive, authoritative book on the NY Mafia families--a must-read. "Way of the Wiseguy" is a quick, pleasant, not very profound read.
Five families is the most definitive of all mob books ever in my op.S.Rabb cant be beat in any forum i.m.opinion..Top shelf .!
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 12/30/15 04:11 AM

Originally Posted By: hoodlum
Originally Posted By: Turnbull
Yes, both books are the real deal. "The Five Families" is a definitive, authoritative book on the NY Mafia families--a must-read. "Way of the Wiseguy" is a quick, pleasant, not very profound read.
Five families is the most definitive of all mob books ever in my op.S.Rabb cant be beat in any forum i.m.opinion..Top shelf .!
Although,George Anastasia's "Blood & Honor" I have read about a 136 times in the past 20 some odd yrs.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 01/01/16 06:01 PM

Whats the name of Nicola Gentiles book?
Posted By: BillyBrizzi

Re: Mafia Books - 01/01/16 07:49 PM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Whats the name of Nicola Gentiles book?


Vita di Capomafia
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 01/01/16 11:48 PM

Linda Scarpa's book is out, and it's a very good read .
Posted By: njcapo35

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/16 03:31 AM

Originally Posted By: MobMan
Linda Scarpa's book is out, and it's a very good read .


Is there any new info on Scarpa?..or is it more about Linda?


Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/16 06:47 AM

Originally Posted By: njcapo35
Originally Posted By: MobMan
Linda Scarpa's book is out, and it's a very good read .


Is there any new info on Scarpa?..or is it more about Linda?




It's more about Linda, but it talks about her family too .
Posted By: njcapo35

Re: Mafia Books - 01/03/16 03:14 AM


Thanks for the response, MobMan...I might have to give that one a whirl.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 01/20/16 11:17 PM

New Greg scarpa book by his daughter is dumb. The books 300 pages and she mentions her uncle whose Greg's brother a made guy once or twice her own brother Greg Jr comes up twice. Just a boring book hey you don't want to talk about all your fathers victims whose families still live around you on Staten island don't write it. The whole book she dodges answering shit or telling what she knows is the truth. Just a bad book it is well written thou. One little facts she tells and its the most interesting part of the book is carmine sessa knew he was dying and still treated him well and when orena wanted sessa dead scarpa wasn't gonna let anything happen and had sessa back more then anyone else.
Posted By: BostonGodfather781

Re: Mafia Books - 01/22/16 09:51 PM

Some of my favorites that I just finished

"The underboss" by Gerard Oneil and Dick Lehr

" Killing Pablo" by Mark Bowden

"Smoke" by Meli Cadi

"American Desperado" by John Roberts and Evan Wright

"Zero zero zero" by Robert Saviano

And I even picked up "The Lufthansa heist" by Hill and Simone


My fav was American desperado .. needs to be a Hollywood film
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 01/23/16 09:40 PM

I just downloaded Five Families on my Kindle and so far I think it will be a good book. I have heard it mentioned for so many years and for some reason never picked it up. Looking forward to the rest of it.
Posted By: BostonGodfather781

Re: Mafia Books - 02/01/16 09:32 PM

Picked up " White Devil " by Bob Halloran
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 02/01/16 10:55 PM

Originally Posted By: BostonGodfather781
Picked up " White Devil " by Bob Halloran


I just read the description and ordered it to my kindle, sounds good.

Never really interested in Asian organized crime but the story sounds very interesting with him being he only white to be not only a member but becomming the highest ranking authority.

Thanks BG
Posted By: Chance

Re: Mafia Books - 02/23/16 05:27 PM

Bigboy, Five Families is a great book. IMO probably the best book on modern mafia here in the US at least as far as New York goes.

Sorry if this was posted earlier. I skimmed thru a few pages and couldn't find what I was looking for. Few months back I was in Barnes and Noble and I found this huge book (looked way thicker then Raab's "Five Families") that talked about the mafia, cammora and I think ndranghata over in Italy. Skimming over the book looks like it gave a good history and detailed how they work and how they are different from each other. Does anybody have any clue what this book is? I can't remember the name or author for the life of me but I'd really like to get the book.
Posted By: goldhawkroad

Re: Mafia Books - 02/28/16 10:52 AM

Currently Reading Mob cop. Really good, would go as far as to say its a must have for anyone interested in the history of the Outfit.
Posted By: Curiosity

Re: Mafia Books - 03/05/16 03:43 AM

Opinions on Blood Oath by George Fresolone? Is it a good, interesting read? Any wiretap transcripts in it?
Posted By: Axper

Re: Mafia Books - 03/06/16 12:52 PM

Any good Armenian Power books?
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/16 03:12 AM

Is the Casso book by Philip Carlo any good? And what about his book on Tommy Karate?
Posted By: goldhawkroad

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/16 02:52 PM

The Casso book "gaspipe" is sort of an idol portrait since Carlo seemed to idolize him. Partly ridiculous. The one about Pitera is better, mainly because Pitera was such a weird guy, no typical wiseguy but more of a total psycho/serialkiller who made it into the Bonnano crime family. i guess the credibility of both books is highly questionable.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 03/08/16 04:04 AM

I enjoyed reading both.

The butcher even more.

Good reads, movies are always blown out a bit from the truth so what's the difference when books do it.

And who ever knows what really went down with all these guys, they are all full of shit, the writers can only put together what they get from sources.
Posted By: BillyBrizzi

Re: Mafia Books - 03/08/16 04:50 AM

Originally Posted By: Chance
Bigboy, Five Families is a great book. IMO probably the best book on modern mafia here in the US at least as far as New York goes.

Sorry if this was posted earlier. I skimmed thru a few pages and couldn't find what I was looking for. Few months back I was in Barnes and Noble and I found this huge book (looked way thicker then Raab's "Five Families") that talked about the mafia, cammora and I think ndranghata over in Italy. Skimming over the book looks like it gave a good history and detailed how they work and how they are different from each other. Does anybody have any clue what this book is? I can't remember the name or author for the life of me but I'd really like to get the book.


I think the book you're talking about is Blood Brotherhoods by John Dickie. It covers the history of Italy's 3 main mafia organizations: Cosa Nostra, Camorra and the 'Ndrangheta. Dickie is Europe's preeminent expert on the Italian Mafia, I read his previous book Cosa Nostra, it is a must have for anyone interested in the history of the Sicilian Mafia and its effect on the lives of everyday Sicilians..

Here's the link to the Amazon page of the book:

http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Brotherhoods-Rise-Italian-Mafias/dp/0340963948
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 03/08/16 05:21 AM

I Posted a while ago ....my wife got me 6000 DAYS OF US by Rosina Rucci,,she read it b4 i could get my hands on it ,more of a love story between Salvie Testa & her ..but not a bad read considering she was VERY close 2 salvie..& she gives up some behind the scenes of who, what, where, when & why of certain things. Anybody check it yet?
Posted By: Axper

Re: Mafia Books - 03/08/16 10:57 AM

Originally Posted By: Axper
Any good Armenian Power books?

Anyone please?
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 03/09/16 05:13 AM

Originally Posted By: hoodlum
I Posted a while ago ....my wife got me 6000 DAYS OF US by Rosina Rucci,,she read it b4 i could get my hands on it ,more of a love story between Salvie Testa & her ..but not a bad read considering she was VERY close 2 salvie..& she gives up some behind the scenes of who, what, where, when & why of certain things. Anybody check it yet?
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 03/10/16 02:19 AM

No, have not.

But I'm gunna look for it.

Do you know if available on Kindle.?
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 03/10/16 02:23 AM

Available on Kindle, only 128 pages.

$9.99

Going to order it now.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 03/10/16 02:36 AM

Originally Posted By: DuesPaid
No, have not.

But I'm gunna look for it.

Do you know if available on Kindle.?
Dude, I don't even know what kindle is..is that the "read on your tablet kind of thing"..but Rosina's book is very thin,read it in 2 days,& the wife found it on Barnes & Noble's website 4 very cheap,came in great condition..I would recommend it 4 any 1 who is interested in Salvie's personal life..they met when they were children,& I have the personal belief that Rosina was 1 of the reasons why Salvie dropped Maria Merlino @ last minute,..well, I'll let u figure it out after ur own observations.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 03/10/16 02:45 AM

Originally Posted By: DuesPaid
Available on Kindle, only 128 pages.

$9.99

Going to order it now.
U beat me 2 it dues..God bless u..Us 1rst born Irish have some Love & luck,..if I may ask..where r your parents from??..or ru off the boat as well?..Partry,Co.Mayo myself.,..now for many yrs. in Phila.,Pa.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 03/10/16 03:26 AM

Decided against both Philip Carlo books for now and bought "DEAL With The Devil" the story about Greg Scarpa Sr. And the FBI.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 03/10/16 02:06 PM

Carlo books are badly written and of dubious substance.

Brotherhoods is the book you want to buy if you want to learn more about Casso and Amuso.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 03/11/16 01:32 AM

Originally Posted By: hoodlum
Originally Posted By: DuesPaid
Available on Kindle, only 128 pages.

$9.99

Going to order it now.
U beat me 2 it dues..God bless u..Us 1rst born Irish have some Love & luck,..if I may ask..where r your parents from??..or ru off the boat as well?..Partry,Co.Mayo myself.,..now for many yrs. in Phila.,Pa.


Very cool, West Meade, farmland. Dear old Da grew up on a dairy farm.

He landed in Brooklyn in the late 50's and did an amazing job raising 7 kids and keeping his wife happy.
Posted By: Axper

Re: Mafia Books - 03/25/16 07:06 AM

Originally Posted By: Axper
Any good Armenian Power books?
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/16 06:27 PM

http://blogcritics.org/book-review-funeral-hotdish-by-jana-bommersbach/

Sammy Gravano features in a new fiction book.
Posted By: MemphisMafia

Re: Mafia Books - 04/03/16 04:04 AM

I almost picked up the Scarpa book the other day.Instead got mafia Dynasty and Little Al D arco book.Let us know how Deal With The Devil turns out I am sure I will go ahead and pick it up eventually
Posted By: mackinblack007

Re: Mafia Books - 04/03/16 07:32 AM

http://www.amazon.com/Chin-Crimes-Mafia-...ds=vincent+chin new chin book, I'm gonna have to read it.
Posted By: Testa

Re: Mafia Books - 04/03/16 05:35 PM

anyone know a good book about the genovese and the chin?

and also, should i pick up the murder machine?
Posted By: rickydelta

Re: Mafia Books - 04/04/16 01:51 PM

Yeah murder machine is a good read smile
Posted By: Snakes

Re: Mafia Books - 04/04/16 01:52 PM

Originally Posted By: Testa
anyone know a good book about the genovese and the chin?

and also, should i pick up the murder machine?


A new Chin book is coming out next month:

http://www.amazon.com/Chin-Crimes-Mafia-Vincent-Gigante/dp/1617739219
Posted By: Testa

Re: Mafia Books - 04/04/16 09:21 PM

what's the difference between the new Murder machine vs the old one from the 90's?
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 04/05/16 02:12 AM

Originally Posted By: Testa
what's the difference between the new Murder machine vs the old one from the 90's?


I am just finishing it, did not know there were two versions.
Posted By: Chance

Re: Mafia Books - 04/06/16 05:56 AM

Originally Posted By: BillyBrizzi
Originally Posted By: Chance
Bigboy, Five Families is a great book. IMO probably the best book on modern mafia here in the US at least as far as New York goes.

Sorry if this was posted earlier. I skimmed thru a few pages and couldn't find what I was looking for. Few months back I was in Barnes and Noble and I found this huge book (looked way thicker then Raab's "Five Families") that talked about the mafia, cammora and I think ndranghata over in Italy. Skimming over the book looks like it gave a good history and detailed how they work and how they are different from each other. Does anybody have any clue what this book is? I can't remember the name or author for the life of me but I'd really like to get the book.


I think the book you're talking about is Blood Brotherhoods by John Dickie. It covers the history of Italy's 3 main mafia organizations: Cosa Nostra, Camorra and the 'Ndrangheta. Dickie is Europe's preeminent expert on the Italian Mafia, I read his previous book Cosa Nostra, it is a must have for anyone interested in the history of the Sicilian Mafia and its effect on the lives of everyday Sicilians..

Here's the link to the Amazon page of the book:

http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Brotherhoods-Rise-Italian-Mafias/dp/0340963948


Yes! That's the book I was asking about. I knew once I saw the cover again I'd remember it. I checked Barnes and Noble again a couple weeks ago but couldn't find it so I'll have to order it from them or Amazon. I'll also check out his other book you mentioned. I've really been starting to get more curious about the mafia and other organized crime groups in Italy. Thanks for the help Billy!
Posted By: Testa

Re: Mafia Books - 04/06/16 06:07 PM

I was looking to buy Murder Machine, but there is one from 1993, one from 2011 and one from 2013. Which one should I get?
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 04/07/16 04:52 AM

Probably the most updated one, which would be the 2013 edition.


One of the books I'm currently reading is, Gomorrah. Unlike the Sicilian Mafia or the 'Ndrangheta, I never knew the Camorra had so many female bosses, or female bosses period. Some of them carried out some pretty badass acts. Like Pupetta Maresca who murdered the man who she suspected of killing her husband.
Posted By: satch7

Re: Mafia Books - 04/10/16 09:05 AM

Originally Posted By: hoodlum
Originally Posted By: DuesPaid
No, have not.

But I'm gunna look for it.

Do you know if available on Kindle.?
Dude, I don't even know what kindle is..is that the "read on your tablet kind of thing"..but Rosina's book is very thin,read it in 2 days,& the wife found it on Barnes & Noble's website 4 very cheap,came in great condition..I would recommend it 4 any 1 who is interested in Salvie's personal life..they met when they were children,& I have the personal belief that Rosina was 1 of the reasons why Salvie dropped Maria Merlino @ last minute,..well, I'll let u figure it out after ur own observations.




I agree with you, salvie woke up when a certain question was asked by ms merlino. I wish she would have put some pics in the book. I enjoyed it
Posted By: satch7

Re: Mafia Books - 04/10/16 09:06 AM

mafia wives was pretty interesting also.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 04/12/16 06:06 AM

Originally Posted By: satch7
mafia wives was pretty interesting also.
thanx 4 the feed on rosinas book,i didnt think anyone read it..yes, i also hoped 4 pics,,Mafia wives author?
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 04/13/16 12:04 PM

To add to my collection of books in relation to Philly LCN. I just recently ordered The Plumber by Joe Salerno. Anyone read that before?
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 04/14/16 02:55 AM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
To add to my collection of books in relation to Philly LCN. I just recently ordered The Plumber by Joe Salerno. Anyone read that before?
That was the book that got me into this hobby 20 yrs. ago...My wife just got me the "updated" version & it still is a good read from Salerno's point of view..Leonetti later said that everything that joe said was in fact true..good book.
Posted By: TheRedZone

Re: Mafia Books - 04/16/16 08:05 PM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
To add to my collection of books in relation to Philly LCN. I just recently ordered The Plumber by Joe Salerno. Anyone read that before?


If you're into the Scarfo era, it's a good get for sure, most of the latter part of the book deals with Salerno's woes with the marshall's administrated WITSEC, which can get lengthy due to his whiny nature, but it does go into the testimony he gave to get Gerace removed from the union, and as an added bonus, you get parts of the transcripts of testimony/cross-exam. from United States of America v. Nicodemo Scarfo et. al. trial from Salerno.

Another one you'd enjoy is 'Breaking the mob', from philly detective Friel, he strictly investigated homicides along with the FBI in a taskforce, so you get extra details I didn't find in any other philly mob books.

Enjoy!
Posted By: Axper

Re: Mafia Books - 04/17/16 02:22 AM

Any AP13 books? Please, or any kind of armenian organized crime.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 04/17/16 04:28 AM

Originally Posted By: TheRedZone
Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
To add to my collection of books in relation to Philly LCN. I just recently ordered The Plumber by Joe Salerno. Anyone read that before?


If you're into the Scarfo era, it's a good get for sure, most of the latter part of the book deals with Salerno's woes with the marshall's administrated WITSEC, which can get lengthy due to his whiny nature, but it does go into the testimony he gave to get Gerace removed from the union, and as an added bonus, you get parts of the transcripts of testimony/cross-exam. from United States of America v. Nicodemo Scarfo et. al. trial from Salerno.

Another one you'd enjoy is 'Breaking the mob', from philly detective Friel, he strictly investigated homicides along with the FBI in a taskforce, so you get extra details I didn't find in any other philly mob books.

Enjoy!
Exactly, on transcripts thing, i forgot all about that..but now that i remember, it was addictive ..& friels book was a good memory from 20 some yrs. ago,, it had off the wall pics like the one recently posted w/carl "pappy" ippolito & bruno etc..rare photos thread.
Posted By: satch7

Re: Mafia Books - 04/22/16 07:29 AM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Probably the most updated one, which would be the 2013 edition.


One of the books I'm currently reading is, Gomorrah. Unlike the Sicilian Mafia or the 'Ndrangheta, I never knew the Camorra had so many female bosses, or female bosses period. Some of them carried out some pretty badass acts. Like Pupetta Maresca who murdered the man who she suspected of killing her husband.


you will like mafia wives then they talk about her, rosetta cutalo and bunch of other women. lots of pictures also. a english woman is the author and she interviewed a lot of family,friends and the women themselves
Posted By: BostonGodfather781

Re: Mafia Books - 04/22/16 06:36 PM

Picked up " Smugglers Blues, a true story of the Hippie Mafia" by Richard Stratton few days ago


Few favorites from the past:

"The underboss" by Gerard Oneil and Dick Lehr
" Killing Pablo" by Mark Bowden
"Smoke" by Meli Cadi
"American Desperado" by John Roberts and Evan Wright
"Zero zero zero" by Robert Saviano
"The Lufthansa heist" by Hill and Simone
"White devil" by Bob Halloran
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 04/22/16 10:35 PM

After all these years, I finally broke down and read the five families, and immediately wished that I had gotten it years earlier. The earl history was a little boring but it got much better as you read on, and I would recommend it to anyone.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 04/27/16 04:14 PM

Originally Posted By: bigboy
After all these years, I finally broke down and read the five families, and immediately wished that I had gotten it years earlier. The earl history was a little boring but it got much better as you read on, and I would recommend it to anyone.
A must have 4 enthusiasts like us.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 05/03/16 06:52 PM

Hey guys, hows it hangin'? I had a question for anyone, I just recently ordered a used copy of Mob Rule: Inside The Canadian Mafia by James Dubro. Anyone ever read it? How is it? Anti, anyone?
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 05/05/16 02:40 PM

I have read it. You will like it. It is a biography on Paul Volpe but it also includes a large chapter on other prominent Ontario Ndrangheta members. Some good photo's also. 1985 copyright.
Posted By: dinocrocetti

Re: Mafia Books - 05/05/16 06:21 PM

Originally Posted By: Ciment
I have read it. You will like it. It is a biography on Paul Volpe but it also includes a large chapter on other prominent Ontario Ndrangheta members. Some good photo's also. 1985 copyright.


there is a new book out on the Calabrian Mafia in Australia called Evil Life. I ordered it from the publisher in Australia as Amazon won't have it available until June its phenomenal
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 05/06/16 01:54 PM

Thanks Dino I will look for it !
Posted By: CabriniGreen

Re: Mafia Books - 05/07/16 08:50 AM

@ Sinatra

It's an eye opener right? I think most people watched that Soprano episode, with the woman boss Annalisa, not realizing that's more the norm than abnormal over there...
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 05/07/16 10:57 AM

Originally Posted By: CabriniGreen
@ Sinatra

It's an eye opener right? I think most people watched that Soprano episode, with the woman boss Annalisa, not realizing that's more the norm than abnormal over there...


They don't normally look like Sofia Milos though.
Posted By: Mick2010

Re: Mafia Books - 05/28/16 10:19 PM

Mob rule is excellent. One of my all time faves among oc books. Highly recommend it. Good account of volpe and the commisso brothers. Also has some info on rocco perri and Chuck yanover at the end.

Anyone read in the godfather garden? opinions? Or the Joe dogs book?
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 05/30/16 08:40 AM

I have Ianuzzi's book, have yet to finish it. Its okay, I have no complaints about it. Its really about Tommy Agro for the most part, and there are some boring parts like when Ianuzzi talks about him and his wife's relationship and how she felt towards all his goomah's. Same for Godfathers Garden, which is a really good book IMO, I have a soft spot for it as its the first mob book I ever had the pleasure to read, good insight on the early days of Mafia activity in Jersey, and even more good info on Jerry Catena, his relationship with Richie Boiardo, they supposedly hated each other. And even some Gyp DeCarlo stories in there.
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 05/31/16 11:03 AM

Just ordered the new book on the Detroit Mob, “Early Organized Crime in Detroit: Vice, Corruption, and the Rise of the Mafia,” Contains a good pic of Detroit mafia kingpins Joseph Zerelli, left, and Vito "Black Bill" Tocco in a 1931 police arrest photo.

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/article/OP/20160529/NEWS/160529550
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 06/02/16 10:11 AM

I just bought that on my kindle , Beanshooter. I went on kind of a splurge yesterday. I cracked and bought the new book about the Chin as well, which so far, has started off good. I also purchased The Neighborhood Outfit, Organized Crime Chicago Heights, by Louis Corsino, which is the second book and most recent, in relation to the Chicago Heights crew of the Outfit. I'm finding that early on, they enjoyed a bit of autonomy from the Outfit of Chicago, the main city. I also bought Lanza & The San Francisco Mob. So I'm going to enjoy a good bit of reading , lol.


In regards to the photo you're referring to, which is shown early in the book, its not very rare. I assume you're referring to the one where they both had on these ridiculous furry black coats. If so, I first saw that photo in Scott Burnstein's Detroit Mafia doc.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 06/07/16 12:14 AM

I just read "Mafia Prince" by Phil Leonetti. As I hadn't really concentrated on the Philly mob, this was very interesting to me as it relates to the Scarfo era. The author is Scarfo's nephew so had inside information on the workings of the Scarfo crew. Recommended for others to read.
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 06/07/16 12:18 AM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub

In regards to the photo you're referring to, which is shown early in the book, its not very rare. I assume you're referring to the one where they both had on these ridiculous furry black coats. If so, I first saw that photo in Scott Burnstein's Detroit Mafia doc.


Thanks Sinatra Club. First time for me seeing that photo. Let me know which of those books you would recommend.
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 06/07/16 12:24 AM

Originally Posted By: bigboy
I just read "Mafia Prince" by Phil Leonetti. As I hadn't really concentrated on the Philly mob, this was very interesting to me as it relates to the Scarfo era. The author is Scarfo's nephew so had inside information on the workings of the Scarfo crew. Recommended for others to read.


I enjoyed Mafia Prince too considering the book had missing paragraphs, typos and that annoying reference of making the gun gesture with the hands in every other sentence. I believe had Leonetti been found not guilty, he would have stayed in the Mob. He only ratted because he didn't want to go to jail.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 06/07/16 05:12 AM

Originally Posted By: Beanshooter
Originally Posted By: bigboy
I just read "Mafia Prince" by Phil Leonetti. As I hadn't really concentrated on the Philly mob, this was very interesting to me as it relates to the Scarfo era. The author is Scarfo's nephew so had inside information on the workings of the Scarfo crew. Recommended for others to read.


I enjoyed Mafia Prince too considering the book had missing paragraphs, typos and that annoying reference of making the gun gesture with the hands in every other sentence. I believe had Leonetti been found not guilty, he would have stayed in the Mob. He only ratted because he didn't want to go to jail.
Also,he states quite a bit how much his uncle ("my uncle HATED") just about everyone..but alas,being a self proclaimed good student of the scarfo yrs., i love the book & have tread over it's pages countless times.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 06/08/16 09:09 PM

Heres mg review of chins book. Its ok nothing new few nuggets here n there but you must remeber its a biography. The brother priest doesn't even say anything just admiration. The trial part was good liked how Weinstein rips the prosecutors did any of your witnesses even know vincent. Sammy meets him a fes times and then theres pete savino who i wish they could publish his testimony he was a interesting guy and got his hands dirty. He plead out to 8 murders he shot up a contrustion site with a Uzi and he reLly new chin. Guy was in on killing a made guy and got a pass was around alot of big guys wonder how close he was to getting made. Also question what was chins position before fat tony who i think became boss in 1981 has a stroke then chin visits the hospital with his guys santora and manna
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 06/08/16 09:10 PM

Keyboard on my phone is small so i just keep typing fuck ups
Posted By: TheRedZone

Re: Mafia Books - 06/08/16 11:54 PM

Just got done with two books:


Family Secrets, Jeff Cohen: Great great insight into that particular case involving the chinatown crew of the Outfit, you're taken along for the ride in this book through the whole story, including the murders, trial moments, wiretaps, everything.

Blood Brothers, Peter Edwards: Good book, more or less an introduction of the Montreal Cotroni family(and its lesser OC predecessors). It highlights the importance of that family's ties to New York back in the day, and also emphasizes the huge power Vic exerted over the political and business world in Montreal but also Ontario. Not a very extensively documented OC family and I was a little bummed the book was so short, but still a good get if you find at decent price.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 06/09/16 03:31 AM

I throw it out there again a great book on the nyc gambino fmily and a recent book that book on charles carneglia good red bring it to the beach i think its mob killer the aurthor sat threw the trial a good book.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 06/09/16 01:13 PM

Where you manage to purchase Blood Brothers from? I've been trying to find it, they have zero copies available on Amazon. I did however recently purchase "Northern Connection: Inside Canada's Most Violent Mafia Family" by Peter Edwards, which according to antimafia, is the 2006 update of the Blood Brothers book. Can't wait until that gets sent here to my house.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 06/10/16 01:40 AM

Recently finished All American Mafioso: The Johnny Rosselli Story. Brilliantly written and well researched book. Lots of new information on Rosselli. Definitely one of the most interesting figures in the American Mob

Also read this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Bugs-Bull-Rats-In...bugs+bulls+rats
Supposedly written by a made man under a pseudonym, this gives you a revised history of the mob in NY. If it's legit, some good new info on the Gambino and Genovese families. Still only worth buying it on kindle though.
Posted By: TonyManero

Re: Mafia Books - 06/14/16 03:27 PM

A lot of good untold stories in it ? I came across it by accident on internet, awhile ago. Planned on getting it b/c a book about Salvie Testa definitely has my interest.
Posted By: rickydelta

Re: Mafia Books - 06/14/16 03:44 PM

Yeah I got that book The All American Mafioso The Johnny Rosselli Story good book grin I remember reading about him too in the Book the Outfit how he boasted & laughing about Whacking the Wrong Guy he told the the Hump Wife grin
Posted By: TheRedZone

Re: Mafia Books - 06/15/16 12:21 AM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Where you manage to purchase Blood Brothers from? I've been trying to find it, they have zero copies available on Amazon. I did however recently purchase "Northern Connection: Inside Canada's Most Violent Mafia Family" by Peter Edwards, which according to antimafia, is the 2006 update of the Blood Brothers book. Can't wait until that gets sent here to my house.


I managed to grab a copy off of amazon a month or so ago, albeit a used copy since a new one would have cost upwards of fifty bucks.

I'm intrigued by your statement that the book you mentioned is a mere update of Blood Brothers since it seems to be a fairly bigger book, and also one that I had my sights on for awhile but settled for the cheaper option. I think we should verify if they're really the same(or so) once you receive it, and if they're not I'll help you find a link to the other, shoot me a PM anytime if you want.
Posted By: Testa

Re: Mafia Books - 06/22/16 09:35 AM

Anyone read Business or Blood: Mafia Boss Vito Rizzuto's Last War, yet that could give an opinion on it?
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 06/23/16 10:36 AM

In the Godfather Garden by Richard Linnett. Top notch mob book right here. Very well researched and written, with plenty of interesting and new info. I especially liked the entire chapter on Gerry Catena.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 07/03/16 02:05 AM

The Godfather's Daughter by Rita Gigante. Light and enjoyable book. I knew it was going to be more about her personal journey than about Chin so I wasn't disappointed. At some points it became too religious and spiritual for me, but there' still some little tidbits of information about her dad to balance it out. For example, he used to communicate with his men by meeting them and writing notes on pieces of paper then burning the paper. One thing I liked was that she was pretty honest about what her father did for a living and didn't try to glorify him like the Gottis do with their dad.
Posted By: Flushing

Re: Mafia Books - 07/04/16 06:11 PM

Here is a link from the NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/02/nyregi...maker.html?_r=0

The authors still manage to make the article themselves, aka "new Brooklyn".
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 07/05/16 05:46 AM

Anyone read that new book about the Chin ?
Posted By: goldhawkroad

Re: Mafia Books - 07/07/16 06:42 PM

Mobman: yeah, you should get it. Its good.

208 sullivan Street (his old HQ) is now a hipster tea shop. I went there a few weeks ago and bought some organic tea smile

Actually there was some old painting on the wall, looked like an italian harbour or something. Must have been there back in the day when the place was the Triangle Social Club.
Posted By: dixiemafia

Re: Mafia Books - 07/07/16 10:02 PM

Originally Posted By: Testa
Anyone read Business or Blood: Mafia Boss Vito Rizzuto's Last War, yet that could give an opinion on it?


Good read, worth getting.
Posted By: DonKostic

Re: Mafia Books - 07/17/16 07:07 PM

Is there anywhere online I can find Way of the Wiseguy by Joe Pistone?
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 07/18/16 03:46 AM

Originally Posted By: DonKostic
Is there anywhere online I can find Way of the Wiseguy by Joe Pistone?
Keep trying if u r insistent, but I've had the book 4 many yrs & only read it a couple times...it's a montage of wiseguy wisecracks,certain sayings they have,the way most dress,what they prefer 2 eat,how 2 pronounce the certaintys(cappicola,,is gabagool)..carry ur money in a roll,not a wallet..ala donnie brasco,,,dumb shit u probably already know. Not worth it,imo.
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 07/23/16 07:46 PM

Frank DiMatteo learned that killing “is just business.” He tells his story in the memoir “The President Street Boys: Growing Up Mafia,” out Tuesday from Kensington Publishing.

http://nypost.com/2016/07/23/what-its-really-like-growing-up-in-the-mafia/
Posted By: Alfanosgirl

Re: Mafia Books - 07/23/16 08:12 PM

Originally Posted By: Beanshooter
Frank DiMatteo learned that killing “is just business.” He tells his story in the memoir “The President Street Boys: Growing Up Mafia,” out Tuesday from Kensington Publishing.

http://nypost.com/2016/07/23/what-its-really-like-growing-up-in-the-mafia/


What's up Beans!! Hey, do yourself a favor and don't buy that book or even mention it. You know why, cuz that cuz is no gangster lmao. He's a wannabe. wink
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 07/23/16 11:14 PM

Hi AG, hope you are staying cool during this heat wave! I heard him on a Radio show and I was wondering who the hell he was. Thanks for the tip. Stay cool!
Posted By: BennyB

Re: Mafia Books - 07/28/16 06:14 PM

I recently read "Chin" the new book about Gigante. It ws ok, but it had little new information. The only stuff that was new to me was information from after he went to prison. Ok book for someone who is just looking to fill in a big collection, but not good for a beginner.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 07/29/16 12:01 AM

6000 Days of Us by Rosina Rucci, Salvie Testa's girlfriend. This a very short but well-written book. Interesting to hear about the Philly Mob from an outsider's perspective and ultimately very sad. For those not interested in a love story there is still some good info on the Philly Mob, such as how close the Testas and Narduccis were. It's shame what happened.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 07/31/16 06:00 AM

Originally Posted By: MightyDR
6000 Days of Us by Rosina Rucci, Salvie Testa's girlfriend. This a very short but well-written book. Interesting to hear about the Philly Mob from an outsider's perspective and ultimately very sad. For those not interested in a love story there is still some good info on the Philly Mob, such as how close the Testas and Narduccis were. It's shame what happened.
Hello mighty dr///,,I've posted about this book way back..I know ur kinda of a new guy..i've been trying 2 get some of my postees 2 find this book..yes,it is a great book 4 those who r interested in salvies private & younger life w/ a chick whom i believe he ultimetly left maria merlino for..even my wife read this one,being that is was a chick book as well as a mob character memoir. someone who knows salvie so lovingly well as also his secret life was a great read..hope others find thier way 2 this book as it really is inexpensive 4 paperback.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 08/01/16 08:06 PM

Originally Posted By: hoodlum
Originally Posted By: MightyDR
6000 Days of Us by Rosina Rucci, Salvie Testa's girlfriend. This a very short but well-written book. Interesting to hear about the Philly Mob from an outsider's perspective and ultimately very sad. For those not interested in a love story there is still some good info on the Philly Mob, such as how close the Testas and Narduccis were. It's shame what happened.
Hello mighty dr///,,I've posted about this book way back..I know ur kinda of a new guy..i've been trying 2 get some of my postees 2 find this book..yes,it is a great book 4 those who r interested in salvies private & younger life w/ a chick whom i believe he ultimetly left maria merlino for..even my wife read this one,being that is was a chick book as well as a mob character memoir. someone who knows salvie so lovingly well as also his secret life was a great read..hope others find thier way 2 this book as it really is inexpensive 4 paperback.


I actually heard about it through reading your earlier posts hoodlum. Thanks for letting us know about it wink
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 08/03/16 05:00 AM

Originally Posted By: MightyDR
Originally Posted By: hoodlum
Originally Posted By: MightyDR
6000 Days of Us by Rosina Rucci, Salvie Testa's girlfriend. This a very short but well-written book. Interesting to hear about the Philly Mob from an outsider's perspective and ultimately very sad. For those not interested in a love story there is still some good info on the Philly Mob, such as how close the Testas and Narduccis were. It's shame what happened.
Hello mighty dr///,,I've posted about this book way back..I know ur kinda of a new guy..i've been trying 2 get some of my postees 2 find this book..yes,it is a great book 4 those who r interested in salvies private & younger life w/ a chick whom i believe he ultimetly left maria merlino for..even my wife read this one,being that is was a chick book as well as a mob character memoir. someone who knows salvie so lovingly well as also his secret life was a great read..hope others find thier way 2 this book as it really is inexpensive 4 paperback.


I actually heard about it through reading your earlier posts hoodlum. Thanks for letting us know about it wink
No problem dude..Now im in the middle of Rita Gigante's book...first I thought i was going 2b not interested,,then got swept away in her own self sorrows & great story..not 4 everyone..but 4 those who have a heart..this 1 is a doozy..1 night after a bullshit filled night of my job ,I sunk into the tub w/epsom salts,a glass of red,candles that my wife lit..& Rita's book.. a 1 hour soak & a percocet later,,I was living in the chins life ,only, i was in the tub maxed out..good book so far ..i'm half way thru it.
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 08/07/16 12:54 AM

Originally Posted By: rickydelta
Yeah I got that book The All American Mafioso The Johnny Rosselli Story good book grin I remember reading about him too in the Book the Outfit how he boasted & laughing about Whacking the Wrong Guy he told the the Hump Wife grin


read that book quite recently, surprised he had that much power in Hollywood, and las vegas, he was smooth, not a bully like spilotro, and his kind, rosselli developed many friendships with powerful people, made the outfit millions.

quite a contrast between he and sam giancana, compared to rosselli giancana was a savage animal.
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 08/07/16 12:58 AM

Originally Posted By: BennyB
I recently read "Chin" the new book about Gigante. It ws ok, but it had little new information. The only stuff that was new to me was information from after he went to prison. Ok book for someone who is just looking to fill in a big collection, but not good for a beginner.


anxious to read that one, one thing that amazed me was that chin was a good light heavyweight fighter, his record can be found on boxrec. com
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 08/07/16 01:36 AM

Originally Posted By: Binnie_Coll
Originally Posted By: rickydelta
Yeah I got that book The All American Mafioso The Johnny Rosselli Story good book grin I remember reading about him too in the Book the Outfit how he boasted & laughing about Whacking the Wrong Guy he told the the Hump Wife grin


read that book quite recently, surprised he had that much power in Hollywood, and las vegas, he was smooth, not a bully like spilotro, and his kind, rosselli developed many friendships with powerful people, made the outfit millions.

quite a contrast between he and sam giancana, compared to rosselli giancana was a savage animal.
Just comin' 2 the 3/4 mark of Rita gigante's memoir...never thought i'd like it as much as i do ..very flavorful..w/ an insiders look @ the brain behind the scene of the genoveses... also ,the daughter has a whole different light 2 shed on the whole story..see how the chin dealt w/a homosexual child ( gay daughter who was afraid 2 come out of the closet).. & a mistress(4 many yrs.)....very interesting 2 say the least..
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 08/08/16 12:18 PM

New book on the 1986 NY Giants. "According to author Jerry Barca, a favored hangout for players was The Bench, a go-go bar in Carlstadt, N.J., owned by Genovese crime family associate Vicent Ravo — a “den of debauchery” where sex and other vices were for sale. Team star Lawrence Taylor and fellow linebackers Brad Van Pelt and Brian Kelley were tight enough with Ravo — who'd been arrested for assault, kidnapping, rape and homicide — that they wrote letters of reference when the mobster pleaded guilty to a weapons charge in 1984. Taylor vacationed in the Bahamas with Ravo, and at his request made appearances at a Mob-connected furniture store and kid's birthday party".

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment...ticle-1.2740233
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 08/08/16 10:32 PM

Just found "All-American Mafioso", about Johnny Rosselli, at the library. I'm skipping all of the parts about his upbringing. Getting right to the LA and Vegas stuff.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 08/12/16 07:16 AM

The Rosselli book is pretty good so far. Already provided a piece to a puzzle I've been trying to find for some time. How was Dragna ever recognized as a boss at the formation of the Commission when he was so disrespected? The answer is obvious. Johnny Rosselli. Rosselli was the brains behind everything the LA family was doing in the early '30s. The Outfit set it up perfectly, letting Dragna be boss while Rosselli was really making the moves. Same old story with the mob, as recently as the fictional Sopranos, with Junior the head stooge while Tony runs things. Just got to the chapter where Siegel moves out west. A real page turner. Recommend it to anyone interested in the west coast families.
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 08/12/16 06:14 PM

isn't that book 40years old?
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 08/12/16 11:50 PM

1991. So, 25 years old, by my high school math.

Not sure why it would matter.

I mean, here are some books that are over 40 years old:

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Mark Twain

A Tale of Two Cities- Charles Dickens

The Bible...
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 08/28/16 06:05 AM

Black Mass by Dick Lehr and Gerard O'Neill. As someone who is not very familiar with the Whitey Bulger story and Boston LCN I thought this was a really informative and well-written book.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 08/28/16 06:17 AM

Pass on "Lanza's Mob", about the SF family. Hardly anything in there about the family itself. Mostly a rehash of organized crime in SF pre and during prohibition, which there was a lot of. Once the commission was formed, the Lanza Family had been very pedestrian. Almost entirely into legitimate business.
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 08/30/16 10:59 AM

Originally Posted By: OakAsFan
Pass on "Lanza's Mob", about the SF family. Hardly anything in there about the family itself. Mostly a rehash of organized crime in SF pre and during prohibition, which there was a lot of. Once the commission was formed, the Lanza Family had been very pedestrian. Almost entirely into legitimate business.


a trans-attorny writes about the mob oh that irony lol
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 08/30/16 11:04 AM

Originally Posted By: OakAsFan
1991. So, 25 years old, by my high school math.

Not sure why it would matter.

I mean, here are some books that are over 40 years old:

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Mark Twain

A Tale of Two Cities- Charles Dickens

The Bible...


oak, u do realize that huckleberry finn and so is fiction, right? Whereas Organized crime should belong to the true crime section, and the internet for information gain (beginning in the mid-late 90s) is invaluable for such a task. That was my point. Before the 90s, u had either to completely trust your source (The last mafioso comes to mind) or do years of research in local libraries. Not to forget, sites like maryferrel are priceless.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 08/30/16 11:37 PM

Originally Posted By: mickey2
Originally Posted By: OakAsFan
1991. So, 25 years old, by my high school math.

Not sure why it would matter.

I mean, here are some books that are over 40 years old:

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Mark Twain

A Tale of Two Cities- Charles Dickens

The Bible...


oak, u do realize that huckleberry finn and so is fiction, right? Whereas Organized crime should belong to the true crime section, and the internet for information gain (beginning in the mid-late 90s) is invaluable for such a task. That was my point. Before the 90s, u had either to completely trust your source (The last mafioso comes to mind) or do years of research in local libraries. Not to forget, sites like maryferrel are priceless.


That's a good point mickey2. When reading older books on the mob you always run the risk of dealing with old myths that have been proven wrong. The flip side is, older authors had access to some sources that aren't available anymore.

But when it comes to All American Mafioso: The Johnny Rosseli Story, being old does not affect it negatively at all. The author has interviewed multiple sources and done extensive research.
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 08/31/16 06:23 PM

Originally Posted By: MightyDR

But when it comes to All American Mafioso: The Johnny Rosseli Story, being old does not affect it negatively at all. The author has interviewed multiple sources and done extensive research.


I just read the introduction from amazon and there is already a myth. The kennedys, JFK and RFK, were NOT aware of the kill modus operandi of the CIA. The CIA itself admitted that in its Inspector General Report to the Church Committee.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 09/01/16 01:23 AM

Originally Posted By: mickey2
Originally Posted By: MightyDR

But when it comes to All American Mafioso: The Johnny Rosseli Story, being old does not affect it negatively at all. The author has interviewed multiple sources and done extensive research.


I just read the introduction from amazon and there is already a myth. The kennedys, JFK and RFK, were NOT aware of the kill modus operandi of the CIA. The CIA itself admitted that in its Inspector General Report to the Church Committee.



I will admit, the author goes a bit too far when it comes to the attempted Castro assassination. Still a great book though wink
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 09/01/16 11:47 AM

Originally Posted By: MightyDR
Originally Posted By: mickey2
Originally Posted By: MightyDR

But when it comes to All American Mafioso: The Johnny Rosseli Story, being old does not affect it negatively at all. The author has interviewed multiple sources and done extensive research.


I just read the introduction from amazon and there is already a myth. The kennedys, JFK and RFK, were NOT aware of the kill modus operandi of the CIA. The CIA itself admitted that in its Inspector General Report to the Church Committee.



I will admit, the author goes a bit too far when it comes to the attempted Castro assassination. Still a great book though wink


let me guess, rosselli was a shooter on the grassy knoll too?
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 09/02/16 01:22 AM

Originally Posted By: mickey2
Originally Posted By: MightyDR
Originally Posted By: mickey2
Originally Posted By: MightyDR

But when it comes to All American Mafioso: The Johnny Rosseli Story, being old does not affect it negatively at all. The author has interviewed multiple sources and done extensive research.


I just read the introduction from amazon and there is already a myth. The kennedys, JFK and RFK, were NOT aware of the kill modus operandi of the CIA. The CIA itself admitted that in its Inspector General Report to the Church Committee.



I will admit, the author goes a bit too far when it comes to the attempted Castro assassination. Still a great book though wink


let me guess, rosselli was a shooter on the grassy knoll too?


They didn't go that far lol If I remember correctly though there's a fair bit about the Kennedy assassination.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 09/03/16 04:02 AM

I don't research anything without anticipating at least a 10% b.s. rate in what I'm reading, possibly more in some cases.

I'll take any information that gets me in the vicinity of the gold. I'll find it from there.
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 09/06/16 12:38 AM

Originally Posted By: mickey2
Originally Posted By: MightyDR
Originally Posted By: mickey2
Originally Posted By: MightyDR

But when it comes to All American Mafioso: The Johnny Rosseli Story, being old does not affect it negatively at all. The author has interviewed multiple sources and done extensive research.


I just read the introduction from amazon and there is already a myth. The kennedys, JFK and RFK, were NOT aware of the kill modus operandi of the CIA. The CIA itself admitted that in its Inspector General Report to the Church Committee.



I will admit, the author goes a bit too far when it comes to the attempted Castro assassination. Still a great book though wink


let me guess, rosselli was a shooter on the grassy knoll too?


mickey 2.... ive read many, many,books on the kennedys and the assassination and I'm not quite sure that I can believe any source that states that the kennedy brothers had no knowledge of plots against the life of fidel castro.

after all my reading, I firmly believe believe that the kennedy brothers knew full well, and hastened the plots against castro.
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 09/08/16 11:56 AM

Originally Posted By: Binnie_Coll

mickey 2.... ive read many, many,books on the kennedys and the assassination and I'm not quite sure that I can believe any source that states that the kennedy brothers had no knowledge of plots against the life of fidel castro.

after all my reading, I firmly believe believe that the kennedy brothers knew full well, and hastened the plots against castro.


No. They did not.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 09/08/16 07:13 PM

Hey, mickey, do you have any book recommendations?
Posted By: mickey2

Re: Mafia Books - 09/10/16 02:19 PM

Originally Posted By: OakAsFan
Hey, mickey, do you have any book recommendations?


Kennedy Assassination?

The Devil's Chessboard: Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America's Secret Government
https://www.amazon.com/Devils-Chessboard...ds=allen+dulles



JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died and Why It Matters
https://www.amazon.com/JFK-Unspeakable-W...s=james+douglas


Destiny Betrayed: JFK, Cuba, and the Garrison Case
https://www.amazon.com/Destiny-Betrayed-...words=dieugenio


Posted By: ItalianIrishMix

Re: Mafia Books - 09/11/16 07:42 PM

Growing up Mafia - Frank Dematteo

I was a little skeptical about buying this one because the story is told from the viewpoint of Frank who was born in 1956. I figured how much could he possibly know or remember about The Gallo crew? But, I must say, I am about 70 pages in and it definitely gives you a very good image of what it was like being in the crew. I believe he is able to do this better than I expected IS because his dad was part of the Gallo crew. I believe he was always picking his brain....So far, so good!
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 09/12/16 01:25 AM

Originally Posted By: mickey2
Originally Posted By: OakAsFan
Hey, mickey, do you have any book recommendations?


Kennedy Assassination?

The Devil's Chessboard: Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America's Secret Government
https://www.amazon.com/Devils-Chessboard...ds=allen+dulles



JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died and Why It Matters
https://www.amazon.com/JFK-Unspeakable-W...s=james+douglas


Destiny Betrayed: JFK, Cuba, and the Garrison Case
https://www.amazon.com/Destiny-Betrayed-...words=dieugenio




So I take it you support the Garrison theory. I do, too. Nobody had a bigger motive to kill JFK than our military brass. And they were much more capable of pulling it off than the mob, even the mob in those days. I still the mob was involved with heavy stuff in those days. Operations Mongoose and Family Jewels are plausible, imo.
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 09/22/16 09:42 PM


I just read the Book "The Butcher".

This guy Tommy Pitera is one sick individual.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 09/25/16 12:26 AM

I understand that Detective Joe Coffee has written a mob book. Don't know the title but am wondering if anyone here has read it and what are your thoughts. He ought to have had a lot of good information. Thanks in advance for any help.
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 09/25/16 11:01 AM

Originally Posted By: bigboy
I understand that Detective Joe Coffee has written a mob book. Don't know the title but am wondering if anyone here has read it and what are your thoughts. He ought to have had a lot of good information. Thanks in advance for any help.


I didn't read it but this is what the title is called:
The Coffey Files: One Cop's War Against the Mob Hardcover – Feb 1992
by Joseph J. Coffey, Jerry Schmetterer
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 09/27/16 12:18 AM

Thanks, guess I'll give it a shot. Can't be that bad.
Posted By: Dwalin2011

Re: Mafia Books - 09/29/16 08:13 PM

Have recently found this site here, where all 3 books of the "Before Bruno" trilogy by Celeste Morello are available for online reading for free; might be useful, since those books aren't available for sale in electronic format, while the paper version is often rather expensive.

https://digital.library.villanova.edu/Collection/vudl:428061
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 09/30/16 05:41 AM

Originally Posted By: Dwalin2011
Have recently found this site here, where all 3 books of the "Before Bruno" trilogy by Celeste Morello are available for online reading for free; might be useful, since those books aren't available for sale in electronic format, while the paper version is often rather expensive.Somewhere's i posted a while ago on i think this thread that i bought the b-4 bruno 2nd edition,1931-1959 @the italian market here in philly from Celeste herself,this was back in 2009..she used 2 set up shop w/a little table & sell her wares on saturdays,,autographed the book & spoke 2 my wife & I 4 a few minutes about the old guys in the neighborhood..also commented how much she loved salvie testa's blue eyes.. go figure,,nice enough lady though. Good reads.

https://digital.library.villanova.edu/Collection/vudl:428061
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 09/30/16 05:44 AM

I messed up that post above..my post begins after dwalin's last word of (expensive)..sorry guy's,im not savvy on the keys.old school.
Posted By: BillyBrizzi

Re: Mafia Books - 10/19/16 09:13 PM

Just read Gravano's Underboss for the first time, it was alright, but didn't find out anything I already knew..

Just began with 'The Last Godfathers' by John Follain. It's about the rise and fall of the Corleonesi. I'm at page 80 at the moment but I can't put it away, it's one of the best true crime books I've ever read. His prose is superb. When he, for example, describes the assassination of Falcone, something I already know how and when it took place, he still manages to create suspense and get you right in the middle of it.
I can really recommend this book to everybody who wants to know more about the Sicilian Mafia..
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 10/24/16 10:07 AM

Meyer Lansky: The Thinking Man's Gangster by Robert Lacey. This was a terrific biography which did a great job at deconstructing the myths surrounding Lansky and providing an honest account of his life. With all my years of organized crime research I didn't think I would find anything new but was surprised at every turn. Highly recommended.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 10/24/16 08:21 PM

I just finished "The Coffee files". I found it interesting even though I didn't learn much new information. I learned about his trip to France investigating a Mob guy and the part about guarding Joe Frazier while he was in NYC for the Ali fight. I already knew about all the politics in the NYPD. Still, I would recommend this book for any m ob buff.
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 11/11/16 10:36 PM

I had previously downloaded the Dominic Cicale book and have since seen the comments on here. It did seem to have a lot of BS and the author rehashed a lot of mob history that everyone is familiar with
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 11/12/16 07:32 AM

"Sinatra, The Chairman" - James Kaplan. Sinatra biography, post 1954. (second part to Kaplan's "The Voice", which covers Sinatra's birth to 1953")

This book is bigger than a phone book. I wouldn't recommend trying to read it cover to cover. Definitely a collectible for the die hard fan. If you get it at a library or something, however, it has a great index, and a ton of material on Frank's mob connections.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 11/13/16 02:06 PM

I can't recommend Brotherhoods enough. Probably the best mob book I have ever read.
Posted By: alexandarns

Re: Mafia Books - 11/13/16 03:17 PM

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
I can't recommend Brotherhoods enough. Probably the best mob book I have ever read.


The one about Casso, Eppolito and carracappa, etc?
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 11/23/16 05:43 AM

Just finished the 6th Family not too long ago.

I don't recommend the book, for three reasons.

Number one, it's a most difficult read, with sentences that snake back and forth like a maze.

Number two, the book is not even in chronological order on top of having sentence structure that is nearly incomprehensible.

Number three, the book is too fixated on Vito Rizzuto, like an infatuation or something. I believe Vito's role and importance were way overstated in this book.

The book contradicts itself in the sense that Vito Rizzuto is elevated to be the godfather of all Italians in organized crime in Canada, calls the collective "the 6th family". Then later it becomes clear that many different autonomous organized crime families from different parts of Italy are involved.

I just don't recommend the book, period.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 11/24/16 12:53 AM

Not exactly a mafia book, but still organized crime, I recently finished the autobiography of Freeway Ricky Ross. Enjoyable read. He glosses over some important parts of his life such as the CIA/Blandon affair and his time in prison and spends a lot of time detailing less important things (school days). However, a lot of focus is put on his crack business, which is what I really wanted to hear about. Recommended to anyone interested in reading about drug dealers.
Posted By: Footreads

Re: Mafia Books - 11/27/16 02:14 PM

The only time I ever heard someone called the sixth family was when the book the history of the mafia came out. When did that book come out I don't remember it was when we still had books stories here at kings plaza that was years ago.

My wife still reads books not that amazon thing. Although she has that.

I don't read books. But I was looking for anything to do with soccer I don't read those either. But people I know that are not into the game send me soccer stuff smile

That is when I saw that book history of the mafia by someone that had a weird name began with a Z if I recall.

In it I saw something about the ny purple gang no one even New who they were back then. Neither did the author he said they were called the 6th family.

That was the point of my run on post. I never heard anyone call them that before I t read it in that book. They had a whole 4 lines about them. smile it interested me so much I took the book. I did not say I bought the book. Then I through it away that night.
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 11/27/16 11:35 PM

Originally Posted By: Footreads
The only time I ever heard someone called the sixth family was when the book the history of the mafia came out. When did that book come out I don't remember it was when we still had books stories here at kings plaza that was years ago.

My wife still reads books not that amazon thing. Although she has that.

I don't read books. But I was looking for anything to do with soccer I don't read those either. But people I know that are not into the game send me soccer stuff smile

That is when I saw that book history of the mafia by someone that had a weird name began with a Z if I recall.

In it I saw something about the ny purple gang no one even New who they were back then. Neither did the author he said they were called the 6th family.

That was the point of my run on post. I never heard anyone call them that before I t read it in that book. They had a whole 4 lines about them. smile it interested me so much I took the book. I did not say I bought the book. Then I through it away that night.


That's my point Foots. I really think the author just made it up.
Posted By: Dwalin2011

Re: Mafia Books - 11/28/16 12:14 AM

It's so annoying that Italian mafia books are hardly ever translated in English. There would be plenty of stuff to discuss, but I never found even one Italian forum about the subject. People read those books in Italy, but there doesn't seem to be any site/blog/forum to discuss them. On the English speaking forums it would be a "gold mine" of information, but nobody bothers to translate the books. Only "Gomorra" by Saviano and "Boss of bosses" by Attilio Bolzoni and Giuseppe D'Avanzo I think. Maybe there are others, but only a few...
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 11/28/16 03:38 PM

I agree with you there are not that many.

During a book sale I came across this book "Men of Honour" by Judge Giovanni Falcone 1992. This is another that was translated.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 11/29/16 10:29 PM

Originally Posted By: Alfa Romeo
Just finished the 6th Family not too long ago.

I don't recommend the book, for three reasons.

Number one, it's a most difficult read, with sentences that snake back and forth like a maze.

Number two, the book is not even in chronological order on top of having sentence structure that is nearly incomprehensible.

Number three, the book is too fixated on Vito Rizzuto, like an infatuation or something. I believe Vito's role and importance were way overstated in this book.

The book contradicts itself in the sense that Vito Rizzuto is elevated to be the godfather of all Italians in organized crime in Canada, calls the collective "the 6th family". Then later it becomes clear that many different autonomous organized crime families from different parts of Italy are involved.

I just don't recommend the book, period.



The term "Sixth Family" was created by the authors, but not when the book came out. The authors of Sixth Family and it's successor, "Business Or Blood" are actual Canadian crime reporters, and they had been using the term in some of their articles based on the Montreal Mafia.

The book NEVER, at ANY POINT claims that Vito Rizzuto was the "godfather of all Italians in Organized Crime". It's established early on, that the group he eventually went on to lead, as being the outsiders in the early parts of their criminal lives in Montreal, stating that the Calabrians ran things and were the power. It goes on to tell how they went on to lead the Montreal Mafia, specifically Montreal and NOT Canada, through the mistakes of former Calabrian leaders, the intervention of Sicilian Mafia bosses, and the fact that they were after all, BONANNOS, and were eventually backed by the powers of the family back in NY. In fact, the book makes clear, at least I think, that the Rizzutos and the Montreal Mob itself was at one point a simple faction of a NY family, it makes sure to mention that there were other Canadian Mafia groups that were connected to Buffalo, and 'Ndrangheta clans in Calabria.

The book also highlights exactly how Vito came to be the power in the Montreal underworld, that he factually was, through alliances with other Montreal criminal groups, like the Hells Angels. And how he eventually became a recognized force by law enforcement and other criminals in the whole of Canada, through smart alliances, and working with those other Italian groups that had already been or became established in Toronto and Ontario, like the Siderno group and the Musitano's. Not by just taking over things himself through brute force and just because.

If you want to learn about the Montreal Mafia, and the Montreal underworld as a whole, there are few better books than The Sixth Family. However as the title states, its about the Montreal Mafia, and whether you'd like to believe it or not, Vito Rizzuto and his father before him were important parts of that group and it's history, so it's going to be more fixated on the Montreal Mafia, than anything else.

I don't see how the book is difficult to read at all, but if you want something thats based on the same subject, a little more chronological, and less about the Rizzuto's, even though essentially they are heavily mentioned and discussed in this book as well, then I'd suggest Mafia Inc.
Posted By: leelamothe

Re: Mafia Books - 11/30/16 04:52 AM

Folks, great to see this discussion going on so long after The Sixth Family was released. (My name, by the way, is Lee Lamothe. I don't need to wear a cowardly internet balaclava -- I don't fear presenting my opinions/ideas/responses under my actual name. I stand by my books -- both long journalism and crime novels. My motto: this is me, if you don't like it, then bring it.)

I don't know who this Alfa Romeo person is -- I'm sure he's written many books about organized crime and has at least one leg to stand on. (I don't believe he's an actual Alfa Romeo -- a fine automobile I drove in Sicily while researching the Rizzuto family.) (And further bracket comments: I've figured out, quite easily, who many of the folks are who comment under ridiculous names.

Grab up your nuts and say who you are ... If you don't have the stones to do it, then how seriously can you expect to be taken? A coward behind a screen name can say anything. As said to me in many conversations with folks who live in the underworld: man the fuck up.)

I have no intention of defending The Sixth Family: those who know, know. And I'm out of the game now -- retired -- but a lot of Canadian crime writers aren't. They're the ones out there lifting the hod and carrying the water. If there's risk, they're the ones taking it. If you haven't done much except for internet mouth-offs, well ... take a look at yourself and see how much you've committed to the game. You should be ashamed. Name yourself. Defend yourself.

Lee Lamothe
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 11/30/16 10:19 PM

Mr. Lamothe

If you are who you say you are; then I am honored to be communicating with you.
I own two of your books and enjoyed them both.
You say your now retired but since I may have your attention and if you do not mine. I wonder if I a can pick your brain with a couple of questions; in case you might still be in the know by talking to some of your friends.

In October it was reported by journalists that the Montreal Hells Angels and the Ontario Ndrangheta were on the verge of forming an alliance in Montreal.
Do you know whether that has already occurred yet ?
If yes which Ontario Ndrangheta family is behind this?
Can you share some light as to which Montreal Italian mafia clan or clans at the moment is fighting the the Montreal Sicilian clan ?

Thanks
Posted By: leelamothe

Re: Mafia Books - 12/01/16 06:28 AM

Ciment --this is a looooooong reply; the new French Beaujolais wine has come out today and I'm test-driving it. Pip pip.

Please identify yourself. Don't be afraid. (you can email me through my website www.leelamothe.com Click on the contact page.)

I've written literally hundreds of stories for the Toronto Sun; I've written a dozen books -- both true crime and pretty edgy crime novels, man. I put my name on each book or story like driving a nail into it. Come out of the shadows. Grab up your nuts. Name yourself, unless your name somehow shames you. Are you Alice No Nuts? Billy No Balls?

I am indeed Lee Lamothe -- retired. Or as one of my characters in a novel -- Free Form Jazz -- is described: Forgotten but not gone. (I am -- not to self-promote -- writing the ndrangheta novel that hasn't been finished to date ... But that's another tale ...)

Re the ndrangheta in Toronto: a few months ago my wife and I were at the Four Seasons hotel in Toronto; we saw Cosimo Commisso at D bar."; no "cover" folks with him; the following week we were shopping in Yorkville and saw Remo Commisso strolling up Bay Street with a lady friend -- again, no cover team. We plugged in behind him -- why not? He glanced back a few times, but my wife's in a wheelchair (great cover, eh?; this worked great when we were private investigators ...) and how dangerous could that be? It was a lazy Sunday. Clearly the ndrangheta folks in Toronto aren't in fear -- although they might have been several months ago.

To put this in perspective: several years ago before Eddie Melo was assassinated, my wife and I were at a bar in north Toronto; Eddie and his lawyer walked in and tried to send us a round of drinks; we declined -- I was still a reporter at the time -- and my wife, Lucy White, was a reporter at the Financial Post covering insider trading. But what stayed with us was his politeness -- I had, after all, recently written a totally inaccurate story about some unfortunate events in his workplace. I was wrong. He accepted it, and, in a telephone conversation offered to "come down there and sharpen your fucking pencils for you"; as a threat it was pretty okay with me (the cops had a wire up on his phone; and asked me later did I want to press charged ...Ahhhh, no, not so much ...) I wore the smelly brown helmet for that one -- I believed the cops, who apparently we guessing as much as I was ... -- and as I said: I'm retired.

But my world intersects with the "guys" on a regular basis, simply because I love food.(One of the ndrangheta folks, who own a restaurant in Little Italy, preparing to thrown me out of his resto, paused when I said, I'm not in the game any more: I just want to learn how to you make Veal Saltimbuccco; he called out his chef and said, "Show this little fuck how you do it ...) I run into the boys occasionally but I'm not worried: they do their thing, I do mine.(When I left the trade, I went to various mob joints I'd sat on late night shifts -- bakeries, meat markets, etc. and said, "I'm out of the game, I did my job .. You got probs? Let's straighten it out now ..." Kinda neat: I ended up with a year's worth of prosciutto, parmesan, olive oil, and to this day I never paid for baked goods on St. Clair. My bill comes to eighteen bucks? No problem. I give the guy a twenty, he gives me back four fives. What am I to do? I'm a fucking retiree. Every nickel counts, right?

Short tale: the ndrangheta -- Commissos and the rest of the new "cimini" have Toronto by the nuts. My own feeling is that the Hamilton group -- Violis -- settled their scores with the Rizzuto's as a matter of family honour. No sane person could look at the Rizzuto murders as anything but revenge. But if there's profit to be made, well that's the gravy on that meatloaf.(Further, I see Mr. Campoli, Vito Rizzuto's "man in Toronto" at his development office up on Avenue Road in North Toronto -- he's as serene as a parish priest with no witnesses. (When, as an old duffer on a pension, I have time to waste, I park uptown and check out various places, including Mrs. Rizzuto's place near Mr.Campoli's office. There's a great bagel place across the road ... I have to say, from my admittedly amateur investigation: there's a huge stretch of Avenue Road in Toronto that's hooked into the Sicilian (Camilleri/Rizzuto/Campoli) and Calabrian mob (Zito, Stalteri_ ...) And if anyone wanted to do some research: interesting that an all-star Canadian hockey legend is ... very friendly with Mr. Campoli -- their sons play in a league together ... and they're all over the wiretaps.

To your question: The HA are interesting as relate to the Toronto organized crime groups. Adrian Humphreys and I have many hundreds of hours of wiretaps/room/car probes of Rizzuto's folks in Toronto and leaders of the HA over a car probe in Toronto's club land. Listening to, for example, Joe Bravo talking with the head of the Ontario HA about a serious meeting of the "Clabs" at a Toronto hotel is pretty enlightening. Joe Bravo seemed to have a lot of respect for the Clabs; not so much for the HA.

While I have some personal connections and respect going back to the 1960s in Toronto of bikers who became HA folks(mostly the Vags who I still today count as friends), I have to say (having been to South America, NYC, and Sicily ...) Naw, the HA and the other bikers -- and I met some in Bangkok who are "chartered" (I think there re six of them) -- they're local yokels; real criminal types but .. .limited). Some good strong folks in there, but go to upcountry Burma -- specifically Hoa Tao, six kilometers from the Chinese/Yunnan border) and say "hells angels" and Wa tribe goes,in their headhunter dialogue while checking out your hat size: Who the fuck?" But say Sicilian mafia of Canada and they go ... "How much? What bank?"

I could go on, more and more. A great life of exceptional folks, both cops and crooks. But I've morphed myself into a visual artist -- life goes on, right? I spent a quarter century at it ... And a thousand stories that make absolutely no difference It's a game. I have my beliefs and they come from my own experience.

I greatly love the back and forth on the site especially about the Canadian mafia books. I don't so much love the stupid criticism. There are great people out there who risk their ... maybe not their lives, but their well-being and personal security: Paul Cherry of the Montreal Gazette, Kim Boland of (I think) the Vancouver Province, Michel Auger, and anyone who writes long-form journalism about organized crime. (In Toronto: not so much, except my writing partner Adrian Humphreys, the rest are essentially stenographers for the cops .. they don't go outside, God forbid. They live on press releases. They wouldn't know a gangster unless one of them held them up. There are less and less of them -- this work requires time and a commitment from their news organization. I was lucky: I had a city editor who said, "Just go and do the fucking work ..." He was fearless; thusly, so was I.

When my writing partner and I did a major take-out on a mob boss, the city editor, John Paton, offered us personal security. Of course we didn't take it. Why would we? We weren't afraid then, we aren't afraid now. We sign what we do.

Jeez. What late night wine will do to you. I'm out of it, out of the game; but still interested. I wish I could help, man. But no one knows what goes on in the underworld except the underworld. We have to hope for a rat. But, I swear, it won't a Calabrese or Sicilian rat. It'll be a biker. No question. And then we'll only know a tenth of the story.

There's heroes and there's zeroes. Too many zeroes.

Lee Lamothe
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 12/01/16 09:40 AM

Man, that must be some great wine your drinking.
Enjoy your Beaujolais mon ami!
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 12/04/16 09:14 PM

Journalist’s tell-all on mobster tied to JFK might have gotten her killed.

According to the author, Dorothy Kilgallen was the victim of foul play, likely orchestrated by New Orleans Mafia don Carlos Marcello, who feared the results of her 18-month investigation for a tell-all book that would accuse Marcello of masterminding the JFK and Lee Harvey ­Oswald assassinations.

http://nypost.com/2016/12/04/dorothy-kilgallens-tell-all-on-a-mafia-don-might-have-got-her-killed/
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 12/05/16 10:03 PM

Thanks for the attempt at summarization Sinatra. I appreciate the tip on the next Canadia Cosa Nostra book to read.

The author of Sixth Family classes all of the disparate clans and families in Canada under the umbrella of Vito Rizzuto as "global super boss". The author even classifies the Caruana C[untrera clans as being part of the Sixth Family. That right there was clear evidence of a broad brush being used. That's my opinion. Obviously the Caruana C[untrera clans are distinct mafia families.
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 12/05/16 10:12 PM

Just finished "The Coffey Files." Enjoyed it. On a scale of 1 to 10 for entertainment, I would give it a 7.5.

It's a little short for a book. But it gives fresh angles on some of the well known stuff.

For instance, Capeci wrote a masterpiece in Murder Machine, but he omitted details that Coffey didn't. Maybe Capeci didn't want to mention Demeo's blood drinking/tasting because he was ashamed of the factoid and didn't want it to diminish his masterpiece. Coffey didn't respect hoodlums, so he let their secrets out.


I don't know about "Coffee's Martial Law", but Joe Coffey was otherwise an exemplary man and police officer. I think any of us can learn from him by studying his journey.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 12/05/16 10:50 PM

It says that Freddie DiNome died of autoerotic sexual deviation and not suicide, too.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 12/06/16 12:01 AM

Originally Posted By: Alfa Romeo
Thanks for the attempt at summarization Sinatra. I appreciate the tip on the next Canadia Cosa Nostra book to read.

The author of Sixth Family classes all of the disparate clans and families in Canada under the umbrella of Vito Rizzuto as "global super boss". The author even classifies the Caruana C[untrera clans as being part of the Sixth Family. That right there was clear evidence of a broad brush being used. That's my opinion. Obviously the Caruana C[untrera clans are distinct mafia families.


The Sixth Family is a literal term to describe the immediate intermarried family I'm pretty sure, which were in fact the leaders of the Montreal Mafia & underworld cocaine & heroin scene, at the time. And the Caruana-[BadWord]'s are married into the Rizzuto clan & vice versa. Sooo, they kind of aren't that distinct at all, but cool beans.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 12/06/16 12:02 AM

Originally Posted By: Alfa Romeo
Just finished "The Coffey Files." Enjoyed it. On a scale of 1 to 10 for entertainment, I would give it a 7.5.

It's a little short for a book. But it gives fresh angles on some of the well known stuff.

For instance, Capeci wrote a masterpiece in Murder Machine, but he omitted details that Coffey didn't. Maybe Capeci didn't want to mention Demeo's blood drinking/tasting because he was ashamed of the factoid and didn't want it to diminish his masterpiece. Coffey didn't respect hoodlums, so he let their secrets out.


I don't know about "Coffee's Martial Law", but Joe Coffey was otherwise an exemplary man and police officer. I think any of us can learn from him by studying his journey.



Or maybe, just maybe it's bullshit.
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 12/06/16 04:03 AM

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
It says that Freddie DiNome died of autoerotic sexual deviation and not suicide, too.


Yes but again, Murder Machine might have said he hung himself but never explained why. They left it up to the reader. By throwing in that autoerotic stuff, you are only adding a motive.
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 12/06/16 04:07 AM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Originally Posted By: Alfa Romeo
Just finished "The Coffey Files." Enjoyed it. On a scale of 1 to 10 for entertainment, I would give it a 7.5.

It's a little short for a book. But it gives fresh angles on some of the well known stuff.

For instance, Capeci wrote a masterpiece in Murder Machine, but he omitted details that Coffey didn't. Maybe Capeci didn't want to mention Demeo's blood drinking/tasting because he was ashamed of the factoid and didn't want it to diminish his masterpiece. Coffey didn't respect hoodlums, so he let their secrets out.


I don't know about "Coffee's Martial Law", but Joe Coffey was otherwise an exemplary man and police officer. I think any of us can learn from him by studying his journey.



Or maybe, just maybe it's bullshit.


The reason I don't believe it's bullshit is simple Sinatra...

Capeci also hinted at blood rituals being performed by Dracula Guglielmo in his book. He didn't elaborate. In Coffey's book, a murder is described where right after Demeo stabbed Paul Castellano's son in law with an instrument, he drags the guy to the bathroom to drain his blood in the tub. At that moment is when Coffey's book says Demeo tasted some of the blood.

Obviously the account of the murder was given by a member of the Demeo crew, someone who was there, a killer.

You can call it bullshit, but you have to also call Capeci's mention of Dracula Guglielmo's blood rituals bullshit too. And if it's all bullshit, then maybe neither of these books are for you.

Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 12/06/16 05:46 PM

Actually Murder Machine is quite the good book, very informative and doesn't actually dwell into the many myths of the DeMeo crew. The blood ritual being one of them, Capeci never says in the book, in reference to Guglielmo that he performed blood rituals. Or maybe I must've missed that part. Coffey is a known to embellish details of his stories and out right make things up sometimes. Besides, he says Roy tasted some of the blood, some people taste their blood after a finger cut, that doesn't make them ritualistic blood suckers. And I wonder who could've told Coffey such a thing besides the only other rat in the crew whom is still alive, which is Dominick Montiglio, whom is also a known fabricator, his tale of the supposed Gambino meeting in which Paul Castellano was crowned official boss has also come under some scrutiny in recent years, as well.
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 12/06/16 07:27 PM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Actually Murder Machine is quite the good book, very informative and doesn't actually dwell into the many myths of the DeMeo crew. The blood ritual being one of them, Capeci never says in the book, in reference to Guglielmo that he performed blood rituals. Or maybe I must've missed that part. Coffey is a known to embellish details of his stories and out right make things up sometimes. Besides, he says Roy tasted some of the blood, some people taste their blood after a finger cut, that doesn't make them ritualistic blood suckers. And I wonder who could've told Coffey such a thing besides the only other rat in the crew whom is still alive, which is Dominick Montiglio, whom is also a known fabricator, his tale of the supposed Gambino meeting in which Paul Castellano was crowned official boss has also come under some scrutiny in recent years, as well.


There's nothing in Mustain and Capeci's book that implies Roy was tasting blood. The allusions are made about his cousin Guglielmo. Here's the quote..."The others called him Dracula, and not just because he had silver hair and a deep voice." The implication there is pretty blatant.

Mention of Dracula's blood rituals may have been made outside of Murder Machine. But when you read the above quote and it's implications, what difference does it really make?

My point is that if you put weight on MM, then that lends some amount of credibility to Coffey's anecdotes also.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 12/09/16 10:21 PM

Yea, Murder Machine makes NO mention of DeMeo or Guglielmo conducting blood rituals. Not even Guglielmo...."The others call him Dracula, and not just because he had silver hair and a deep voice." So because of that line, you seem to believe Capeci & Mustain were adding credence to this "blood ritual/tasting" myth, that you mention Coffey speaking on in his book. It isn't because of the fact that Guglielmo's apartment was where majority of the murders actually took place inside the Gemini Lounge? Or not because Guglielmo himself is quoted as telling members of the DeMeo crew, that his floors were covered in a lot of history, when they'd be cleaning up the blood off the floors?

I put a lot more weight in MM than I would of anything Joe Coffey says, and again, Murder Machine doesn't mention DeMeo, Guglielmo or anyone else taking part in any "blood rituals".
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 12/10/16 07:29 PM

No disrespect Sinatra, but Coffey was one of the lead investigators so it probably lends his anecdote some credence.
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 12/10/16 10:31 PM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Yea, Murder Machine makes NO mention of DeMeo or Guglielmo conducting blood rituals. Not even Guglielmo...."The others call him Dracula, and not just because he had silver hair and a deep voice." So because of that line, you seem to believe Capeci & Mustain were adding credence to this "blood ritual/tasting" myth, that you mention Coffey speaking on in his book. It isn't because of the fact that Guglielmo's apartment was where majority of the murders actually took place inside the Gemini Lounge? Or not because Guglielmo himself is quoted as telling members of the DeMeo crew, that his floors were covered in a lot of history, when they'd be cleaning up the blood off the floors?

I put a lot more weight in MM than I would of anything Joe Coffey says, and again, Murder Machine doesn't mention DeMeo, Guglielmo or anyone else taking part in any "blood rituals".


Well think about it Sinatra. You propose here that Guglielmo was nicknamed Dracula by the other club members because it was his apartment where most of the killing took place. That could be, but they were all there doing the killing in that same apartment. So why would they feel that the owner of the apartment needed to be called Dracula? I'm not saying it's impossible, only that it seems unlikely. One club member owns the apartment used in most of the killings, so his mob nickname is...Dracula? That seems a little far fetched. Now what wouldn't surprise me is if it came out that some of the Demeo crew members were practicing Satanists. That would explain the fixation on blood a bit better.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 12/11/16 01:35 PM

It shouldn't be THAT much of a reach that De Meo would drink blood.

If he wasn't in the mafia he probably would have been a serial killer.

He was heading down that route before the mob gave him an outlet for it.

Name any mobster and 9 times out of 10 they have never even personally got their hands dirty on a hit, and if they did, it was either the impersonal method of shooting someone or as part of a hit team.

De Meo dismembered bodies, and by all accounts he liked doing it.

They used to casually eat slices of pizza while they sawed an arm off.

Come to think of it, Chris Rosenberg was another budding serial killer whose homicidal tendencies were harnessed by the mob.
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 12/12/16 09:55 AM

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
It shouldn't be THAT much of a reach that De Meo would drink blood.

If he wasn't in the mafia he probably would have been a serial killer.

He was heading down that route before the mob gave him an outlet for it.

Name any mobster and 9 times out of 10 they have never even personally got their hands dirty on a hit, and if they did, it was either the impersonal method of shooting someone or as part of a hit team.

De Meo dismembered bodies, and by all accounts he liked doing it.

They used to casually eat slices of pizza while they sawed an arm off.

Come to think of it, Chris Rosenberg was another budding serial killer whose homicidal tendencies were harnessed by the mob.


Good points Moe. What I remember reading, I think in MM, is that the Demeo crew would be eating pizza while wearing surgical gloves spattered with blood. I'm pretty sure but feel free to fact check that one.
Posted By: CabriniGreen

Re: Mafia Books - 12/12/16 10:58 AM

@ Alfa

I think you took that book way too PERSONALLY, lol. They are CANADIAN WRITERS AND REPORTERS, this is going to skewer the perspective a little, but none of the information is made up, or blatantly fabricated, good lord man.


The book plainly states that Vito ran into a wall in Ontario, they had to hit Paniepento? I probably butchered the name....

See part of this is like so many others, you make this revolve around the entrenched strenghth of a family, and not about WHO IS CONTROLLING THE DOPE, who is importing the dope, who has the connections to the suppliers and producers, who are the distributors. Literally, NY was the distribution hub, not the Production center, or the transit point like Montreal was. And the trade is controlled from the supply end in a city like NY.

You ever read Blood and Honor? It's from the perspective of a low level soldier in the Philly family. If you listen to this guy, the whole mob world of philly was Camac and Moore, I think the corner was? And it was, to a STREET LEVEL guy like him. Read Leonettis book and AC is the center of the Philly mob universe. I bet Brooklyn was ground zero for Henry hill with the Lucheses, but we KNOW the power in the family was in Manhattan and jersey, maybe the Bronx too.

Valachis perspective was skewered, so was the guy who wrote Mob Summit. He was from upstate NY, to him Buffalo was like, the top of the mountain. You gotta read between the lines, it's like a cop debriefing an informant. He's gonna know what he knows from HIS perspective inside the life. His perspective might be totally different from a another guy involved in the same criminal organization.


You gotta take this into consideration before you read ANY mob book. Who wrote it, and what's the agenda behind it. You read Murder Machine, then read Sins of My Father and it's like literally about two different people.


It's like Sinatra said' you really don't have to take the word of Sixth Family, there are plenty of books, articles and whatnot on the subject.

Also, I HIGHLY recommend you read about Sicily, because you kinda want to make the heroin trade revolve around NY, but like I've said before, there are no opium poppies in NY. Only the NY based gangsters WHO HAD DIRECT TIES TO SICILY AND THE OPIUM FIELDS OF THE MIDDLE EAST, and Corsican refiners controlled the dope trade. You seem to think the BONNANOS ,OWNED IT, because they were the Bonnano Family?

Look at the calabrians today in NY. Do the NY families provide initial financing ( probably for fronts) and logistical support, as well as money laundering services? I'm positive. But I don't think ANYONE would say the Genovese OWN the Calabrian cocaine trade. How would they, if they don't have a relationship with Colombian producers? John Roberts was mafia royalty, and he didn't kick up much to his uncles. HE was in with the Colombians. Not the Gambino family.

The Gambinos have a larger stake, but they have DIRECT TIES to South America, AND Sicily, AS WELL as the NY base.

Luciano's domination of drugs wasn't due to the fact he was in NY, and the Maseria family owned the dope trade ( that to me is the critical flaw of you analysis..) it was due to the fact HE HAD CONTACTS IN CHINA, first through Rothstein, then on his own. It wasn't a MAFIA THING, ( Not until he got deported, and even then you couldn't say it was a LUCIANO FAMILY thing, cause Lucky was supplying Costa Nostra as a whole, well him and Coppola..)I seriously think it's the major racket he brought to the table, not fuckin whiskey. Who couldn't import whisky back then?





@ Moe

That is a great book, but a book I always found very confusing.
WERE THE GUYS CASSO WACKED OUT RATS FOR REAL? The author seems to think so, ( perspective, see?) but a lot of mob historians and researchers say he was branding guys rats to kill em. What's the truth?
( I always wanted to get Pizzaboys take on that book, never remembered..)

Also, to the author, Kaplan was a fuckin criminal mastermind, but I've heard others say he was basically Cassos lackey. Again, WHATS THE TRUTH?

I coulda sworn they called the guy Dracula because he was pale as fuck, but with that crew, who knows. But at the same time, again WHOES WRITING THIS? A cop, who want to make these guys look as sinister as possible for his book. Not a disparagement to the work, but this is just how it goes.

Try Mafia Inc, or Business or Blood...
Posted By: CabriniGreen

Re: Mafia Books - 12/12/16 11:11 AM

Also Alfa, I know at one point you were enjoying the book. But I don't think you get that the BONNANO FAMILY, that controlled the trade was Joe Bon-nano, Carmine Galante, John Bonaventre, Frank Gafafolo, and only Bonnano and Galante were even still in the states. Plus the Maggadino clan. The Detroit guy, and then it was the Sicilian contingent. Actually I left out Luciano and Coppola, but that's a whole other can of worms...

This is why Galante was so important when he got out. The closest Galante guy left on the street was who, Frank Mari? Who got killed. Then the Gambinos really started to muscle in.

I think you should look at a history of the DRUG TRADE, in general.

Posted By: CabriniGreen

Re: Mafia Books - 12/12/16 11:13 AM

@ Sinatra

Marlo's last scene on the Wire, where he gets cut and taste the blood....
Posted By: CabriniGreen

Re: Mafia Books - 12/12/16 11:27 AM

@ Lee Lamothe

Pleasure to have you on the boards!!
Posted By: BillyBrizzi

Re: Mafia Books - 12/12/16 05:28 PM

Originally Posted By: Ciment
Mr. Lamothe
If you are who you say you are; then I am honored to be communicating with you.


Co-signed 100%

Not kissing ass here, Sixth Family is probably my favorite mob book after Raab's Five Families..
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 12/12/16 06:10 PM

You know what's a book I couldn't get into? Gangbusters by Ernest Volkman.

Underboss by Peter Maas wasn't bad but the book seemed more like a transcript of a conversation with Gravano than a book with a flowing narrative.

Whatever misgivings about Al D'Arco and the veracity of what he says, Mob Boss is a good book and gives you an idea of what it was like growing up in New York in an Italian-American family in the 1950's. He's a good storyteller.

George Anastasia books are always quick and easy to read. It's kinda disturbing how often he calls *insert mobster* handsome, though it makes a good drinking game while you read!
Posted By: BobbyPazzo

Re: Mafia Books - 12/12/16 06:26 PM

Originally Posted By: CabriniGreen
@ Sinatra

Marlo's last scene on the Wire, where he gets cut and taste the blood....

One of my favorite scenes in anything ever
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 12/14/16 11:03 PM

Mentioned 2 my wife about a month ago that i was gettin' low on reading material, & she purchased a few that she knew i didn't have..(she cares enough 2 keep track of my hobbies,a good woman)...anyways, I just got through (Donnie Brasco: Unfinished Business)..I was behooved that i didn't know this existed ,the copyright 2007,,me of all ppl..i was mad @ myself 4 not keeping up or missing this one ..I'm a Pistone fan & pride myself on my knowledge of early bonanno yrs. Thought it was not bad, even though it rehashed some stories everyone knows,but liked the little inside stories(like when he had 2 meet Lefty @ 12:00 midnite in a deserted bar) & the topics on working w/ Johnny Depp & Al Pacino.. anybody get 2 this piece of material?? any thoughts???
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 12/15/16 04:53 AM

Out of curiosity how many organized crime books do you own ?

I got 106 but I am quite sure I am not the only one on this forum that has that many or if not more.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 12/15/16 02:54 PM

Originally Posted By: Alfa Romeo
Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
It shouldn't be THAT much of a reach that De Meo would drink blood.

If he wasn't in the mafia he probably would have been a serial killer.

He was heading down that route before the mob gave him an outlet for it.

Name any mobster and 9 times out of 10 they have never even personally got their hands dirty on a hit, and if they did, it was either the impersonal method of shooting someone or as part of a hit team.

De Meo dismembered bodies, and by all accounts he liked doing it.

They used to casually eat slices of pizza while they sawed an arm off.

Come to think of it, Chris Rosenberg was another budding serial killer whose homicidal tendencies were harnessed by the mob.


Good points Moe. What I remember reading, I think in MM, is that the Demeo crew would be eating pizza while wearing surgical gloves spattered with blood. I'm pretty sure but feel free to fact check that one.


Nah, Murder Machine doesn't state this either. It says they ate Pizza while there'd be bodies draining in the bathroom shower. And I'll tell you why they gave him the nickname Dracula, or atleast why I think. It says in Murder Machine clear as day, that while they all murdered people, only a handful of the crew members actually partook and enjoyed doing so, in the dismembering of bodies. So while you and Moe claim that despite it not actually being stated in the book, that it wouldn't be that much of a reach that DeMeo & Guglielmo "drank blood". Cool, and don't confuse any of this as me trying to say "You're wrong", you might be right for all I know. At the same time, why would it be so hard to think that crew members gave him the name simply due to his fondness for blood. And that doesn't mean he bathed in it, but that he simply liked doing the dirty stuff, like dismembering bodies, and cleaning blood off his floors? I keep seeing this word "alluded" to defend this "blood ritual" thing, thats not really proof.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 12/15/16 03:25 PM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Originally Posted By: Alfa Romeo
Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
It shouldn't be THAT much of a reach that De Meo would drink blood.

If he wasn't in the mafia he probably would have been a serial killer.

He was heading down that route before the mob gave him an outlet for it.

Name any mobster and 9 times out of 10 they have never even personally got their hands dirty on a hit, and if they did, it was either the impersonal method of shooting someone or as part of a hit team.

De Meo dismembered bodies, and by all accounts he liked doing it.

They used to casually eat slices of pizza while they sawed an arm off.

Come to think of it, Chris Rosenberg was another budding serial killer whose homicidal tendencies were harnessed by the mob.


Good points Moe. What I remember reading, I think in MM, is that the Demeo crew would be eating pizza while wearing surgical gloves spattered with blood. I'm pretty sure but feel free to fact check that one.


Nah, Murder Machine doesn't state this either. It says they ate Pizza while there'd be bodies draining in the bathroom shower. And I'll tell you why they gave him the nickname Dracula, or atleast why I think. It says in Murder Machine clear as day, that while they all murdered people, only a handful of the crew members actually partook and enjoyed doing so, in the dismembering of bodies. So while you and Moe claim that despite it not actually being stated in the book, that it wouldn't be that much of a reach that DeMeo & Guglielmo "drank blood". Cool, and don't confuse any of this as me trying to say "You're wrong", you might be right for all I know. At the same time, why would it be so hard to think that crew members gave him the name simply due to his fondness for blood. And that doesn't mean he bathed in it, but that he simply liked doing the dirty stuff, like dismembering bodies, and cleaning blood off his floors? I keep seeing this word "alluded" to defend this "blood ritual" thing, thats not really proof.


That doesn't disprove what you highlighted in bold either.

Joe Coffey who led the OCTF said Roy De Meo drank blood.

He knows more than you do.

Hard as it is to believe.
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 12/15/16 03:50 PM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Originally Posted By: Alfa Romeo
Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
It shouldn't be THAT much of a reach that De Meo would drink blood.

If he wasn't in the mafia he probably would have been a serial killer.

He was heading down that route before the mob gave him an outlet for it.

Name any mobster and 9 times out of 10 they have never even personally got their hands dirty on a hit, and if they did, it was either the impersonal method of shooting someone or as part of a hit team.

De Meo dismembered bodies, and by all accounts he liked doing it.

They used to casually eat slices of pizza while they sawed an arm off.

Come to think of it, Chris Rosenberg was another budding serial killer whose homicidal tendencies were harnessed by the mob.


Good points Moe. What I remember reading, I think in MM, is that the Demeo crew would be eating pizza while wearing surgical gloves spattered with blood. I'm pretty sure but feel free to fact check that one.


Nah, Murder Machine doesn't state this either. It says they ate Pizza while there'd be bodies draining in the bathroom shower. And I'll tell you why they gave him the nickname Dracula, or atleast why I think. It says in Murder Machine clear as day, that while they all murdered people, only a handful of the crew members actually partook and enjoyed doing so, in the dismembering of bodies. So while you and Moe claim that despite it not actually being stated in the book, that it wouldn't be that much of a reach that DeMeo & Guglielmo "drank blood". Cool, and don't confuse any of this as me trying to say "You're wrong", you might be right for all I know. At the same time, why would it be so hard to think that crew members gave him the name simply due to his fondness for blood. And that doesn't mean he bathed in it, but that he simply liked doing the dirty stuff, like dismembering bodies, and cleaning blood off his floors? I keep seeing this word "alluded" to defend this "blood ritual" thing, thats not really proof.


You're right Sinatra, I (we) really don't have proof. But keeping an open mind about your theory for the nickname Dracula...it doesn't quite add up for me. I could see them calling Guglielmo "Dracula" for doing the dirty work if he was in fact the main one or one of the main ones doing the clean up that they would do after a killing in that apartment. But he wasn't the only one involved in that, if at all. I think maybe it was Henry Borelli that wasn't big on clean up and using knives and whatnot. He was more of a trigger man and didn't like getting his hands dirty. The rest of them were into it and had no problem with that, so far as we know. So what we have here is a group of killers, who all killed, and who all participated in the clean up...but they called one guy Dracula.
Posted By: Alfa Romeo

Re: Mafia Books - 12/15/16 04:13 PM

Originally Posted By: hoodlum
Mentioned 2 my wife about a month ago that i was gettin' low on reading material, & she purchased a few that she knew i didn't have..(she cares enough 2 keep track of my hobbies,a good woman)...anyways, I just got through (Donnie Brasco: Unfinished Business)..I was behooved that i didn't know this existed ,the copyright 2007,,me of all ppl..i was mad @ myself 4 not keeping up or missing this one ..I'm a Pistone fan & pride myself on my knowledge of early bonanno yrs. Thought it was not bad, even though it rehashed some stories everyone knows,but liked the little inside stories(like when he had 2 meet Lefty @ 12:00 midnite in a deserted bar) & the topics on working w/ Johnny Depp & Al Pacino.. anybody get 2 this piece of material?? any thoughts???


I read that part, the part where he had to meet Lefty in a bar to explain himself, and there was maybe another guy guarding the door so he couldn't run. That was awful. You think about pictures of Lefty, how he looked like an android with unblinking eyes. In a situation like that, Lefty must have been terrifying. Joe Pistone really risked everything to do his job.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 12/15/16 09:38 PM

he def was an odd looking dude,scary 2 say the least.
Posted By: FrankMazola

Re: Mafia Books - 12/15/16 10:02 PM

If DeMeo did that he's just as stupid as he is fucking gross. 1970's... Hello AIDS much?!?!?! Let me wash down...

"Yum lemme wash down this slice of Lenny's Pizza with a big gulp'a Chris Rosenberg's AIDS blood! So good I can just feel my immune system suckin it up makes the crust all soggy." Jesus. Now THAT woulda been some nice Greg Scarpa style karma for Roy.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 12/17/16 03:04 PM

Originally Posted By: FrankMazola
If DeMeo did that he's just as stupid as he is fucking gross. 1970's... Hello AIDS much?!?!?! Let me wash down...

"Yum lemme wash down this slice of Lenny's Pizza with a big gulp'a Chris Rosenberg's AIDS blood! So good I can just feel my immune system suckin it up makes the crust all soggy." Jesus. Now THAT woulda been some nice Greg Scarpa style karma for Roy.


I thought the AIDS panic started in the 80's?
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 12/19/16 02:28 AM

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
Originally Posted By: FrankMazola
If DeMeo did that he's just as stupid as he is fucking gross. 1970's... Hello AIDS much?!?!?! Let me wash down...

"Yum lemme wash down this slice of Lenny's Pizza with a big gulp'a Chris Rosenberg's AIDS blood! So good I can just feel my immune system suckin it up makes the crust all soggy." Jesus. Now THAT woulda been some nice Greg Scarpa style karma for Roy.


I thought the AIDS panic started in the 80's?


moe, aids epidemic started in 1979, by the Haitian boat people who came here during the carter administration. check it out.
Posted By: Rhonda

Re: Mafia Books - 12/21/16 12:39 PM

Anyone have a baby picture of Luciano?
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 12/21/16 11:43 PM

The Silent Don: The Criminal Underworld of Santo Trafficante Jr. by Scott M. Deitche. Thoroughly researched and informative book about the Tampa mob boss. I already knew about the CIA and JFK stuff, so I was pleased that there was plenty of info about Trafficante before and after those events. He definitely had an amazing life.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 12/22/16 12:14 AM

One of my favorite reads was his lawyer's book even though the topic about them(santo & carlos m.) involved in & admitting the j.f.k. thing met some skepticism..not from me though.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 12/27/16 03:21 PM

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Originally Posted By: Alfa Romeo
Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
It shouldn't be THAT much of a reach that De Meo would drink blood.

If he wasn't in the mafia he probably would have been a serial killer.

He was heading down that route before the mob gave him an outlet for it.

Name any mobster and 9 times out of 10 they have never even personally got their hands dirty on a hit, and if they did, it was either the impersonal method of shooting someone or as part of a hit team.

De Meo dismembered bodies, and by all accounts he liked doing it.

They used to casually eat slices of pizza while they sawed an arm off.

Come to think of it, Chris Rosenberg was another budding serial killer whose homicidal tendencies were harnessed by the mob.


Good points Moe. What I remember reading, I think in MM, is that the Demeo crew would be eating pizza while wearing surgical gloves spattered with blood. I'm pretty sure but feel free to fact check that one.


Nah, Murder Machine doesn't state this either. It says they ate Pizza while there'd be bodies draining in the bathroom shower. And I'll tell you why they gave him the nickname Dracula, or atleast why I think. It says in Murder Machine clear as day, that while they all murdered people, only a handful of the crew members actually partook and enjoyed doing so, in the dismembering of bodies. So while you and Moe claim that despite it not actually being stated in the book, that it wouldn't be that much of a reach that DeMeo & Guglielmo "drank blood". Cool, and don't confuse any of this as me trying to say "You're wrong", you might be right for all I know. At the same time, why would it be so hard to think that crew members gave him the name simply due to his fondness for blood. And that doesn't mean he bathed in it, but that he simply liked doing the dirty stuff, like dismembering bodies, and cleaning blood off his floors? I keep seeing this word "alluded" to defend this "blood ritual" thing, thats not really proof.


That doesn't disprove what you highlighted in bold either.

Joe Coffey who led the OCTF said Roy De Meo drank blood.

He knows more than you do.

Hard as it is to believe.


Joe Coffey is a known embellisher of stories , so it doesnt matter what crime force he led, Moe. And I do research on some of these things after I hear them , as do others , which is why its perfectly fine to question Joe Coffey , as others have done also . But eat up his words if you want .
Posted By: UncleVig

Re: Mafia Books - 12/27/16 07:29 PM

I just finished the book by Al D Arco, I thought it was very good, I like Jerry Capeci he is a very readable author. Al D Arco seemed to be a pretty straight shooter as well as intelligent. He was used by Casso and Amuso and those two guys were paranoid along with just being sheer greedy. They wanted to wack everyone and they made up reasons but the real reason for many of their murders was to take the spoils from the victims wether it be a loanshark book, business legal, illegal.
I dont picture Al D arco as a loudmouth, bully type of gangster. I know for fact he did sanitize a little of his history especially when it came to Babania. Al may have been in the Babania biz a little deeper than he let on , in the book he kind of makes it seem like he attempted 2 deals that had bad product but the 3rd deal was with a guy who had inadvertently got hooked up with a UC DEA agent. Funny thing is the guy that got Al involved with the babania conspiracy case also got a whole bunch of other guys pinched from the Genovese and Gambino familys. Frank Solimene was the guys name and he was always listed as a fugitive from the indictment truth be known if it could be proven Frank Solimene was more than likely in a shallow grave somewhere when the indictments came out.
The interesting part of Al D Arcos book though is that he was born in 1932 so he was able to meet the OG players and here their stories, he passsed them on to us and for that I thank him.
I dont blame him for flipping, he played by the rules and he was going to get murdered for it, I dont care how tough anyone is more than likely they would have done the same.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 12/28/16 04:02 PM

Quote:
Joe Coffey is a known embellisher of stories , so it doesnt matter what crime force he led, Moe. And I do research on some of these things after I hear them , as do others , which is why its perfectly fine to question Joe Coffey , as others have done also . But eat up his words if you want.


If you take the word of people who lie, cheat and steal for a living over a respected detective then you are quite simply a moron.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 12/30/16 03:29 PM

It isnt taking anyones word for it, its simply not believing a story and scenario when that story and scenario doesnt add up with known events.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 01/01/17 03:44 PM

I can't understand the backlash towards guys like Coffey and Pistone TBH.

It reminds me of the amateur sleuths who try to solve cold cases like the Zodiac murders online, thinking they know more than the detectives that actually worked the cases.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/17 12:48 PM

Because they say bullshit and come up with the silliest , most bullshit stories of their lives of crime fighting. Like Joe Pistone and the myth that he was so close to being made. How, Sway, How? Considering literally everyone outside of the Sonny Black crew suspected him of being an UC? You think Galante or Rastelli wouldve held a making ceremony for him? Especially Rastelli, with Massino having his ear and all, and Massino being among those who knew he wasnt right. Balistreri cut contact with Lefty, Sonny Black, and that entire regime because he suspected Pistone of being a rat. People like him, tend to overstate their importance within that world. Also shows you the type of brokesters Sonny Black and his guys were, they were desperate for a money maker, that they were willing to look past the obvious, like his silly, unrealistic, non-Italian name of Donnie Brasco, just to make some bucks and enhance that crews little sphere of influence.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/17 01:39 PM

Are you honestly trying to say you know more than Joseph Pistone and Joe Coffey? lol

Guys who have been around these mobsters.

As opposed to someone who has probably never left his mother's basement, like you.

Give us a break.

I read mob books too, Sinatra, but I don't claim to know more than I do.
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/17 02:56 PM

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
Are you honestly trying to say you know more than Joseph Pistone and Joe Coffey? lol

Guys who have been around these mobsters.

As opposed to someone who has probably never left his mother's basement, like you.

Give us a break.

I read mob books too, Sinatra, but I don't claim to know more than I do.


I agree Moe, he thinks he knows everything.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/17 03:02 PM

Lol Ciment, give it a break man. You simply cant let bygones be bygones can you?


Pistone states in his own book that Balistreri cut contact with him and Lefty and that he suspected Balistreri was on to him. More than one source states Massino didnt trust him either.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/17 03:06 PM

rolleyes
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/17 03:08 PM

And the guy with way too much time on his hands, is from Ireland so he believes every single fed claim and news article on these subjects and a higher post count (not that that matters, its just ironic), accuses someone of never leaving a parents basement. lol
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/17 03:10 PM

rolleyes
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 01/19/17 12:30 PM

Originally Posted By: Rhonda
Anyone have a baby picture of Luciano?


I doubt it very much, ive never even seen a picture of Lucky as a teenager.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 01/23/17 06:05 PM

Just walked into barnes theres a new book called scores by the guy who ran the strip club n was a fbi informant. Wasnf this guy a child perv. I skim threw it didnt even know this was coming out could be good rite?
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 01/23/17 06:24 PM

Yup, according to Gotti Jr, and other Gambinos caught up in that case, the guy was a child molester.
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 01/24/17 01:04 AM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Yup, according to Gotti Jr, and other Gambinos caught up in that case, the guy was a child molester.


It blows my mind that the FBI would go to bed with a child molester just to make a case. So while he's working for the Feds who is making sure he's not molesting children?
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 01/24/17 01:15 AM

My 2 cents hes openly gay lawyer/biznes guy. Admits in the book to sleeping with kelvin cline models. Rips off a ton of people in some finicial scam in florida but the mob in nyc try to bleed him dry like they fo every strip club in the northeast. He kicked up 1000$ bucks a week to john gottis kid or wife je didnt deliver it from 91- 97. Not bad some other mob guys got the valet parking and another mob guy got the coatroom thats the whole gist of the book. I heard the child perv shit on here its probaly not true or maybe but they guy is a creep male model guy.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 01/24/17 02:11 AM

The molester stuff comes from the Gambinos, if I'm not mistaken. The mob has dealt with openly gay criminals before, ie. Vito Arena & his lover Joey Scorney, they were both members of the DeMeo crew.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 01/31/17 01:30 AM

Mobfather by George Anastasia, about Tommy Del's wife and kids. Even after reading plenty about the Scarfo era, this one still provided some interesting information I hadn't heard before. It was also good to hear from the perspective of a wiseguy's family. Plus it takes a stance against the deals the government cuts with these guys.

Also have been reading Joe Valachi's The Real Thing. So many interesting little bits of information.
http://mafiahistory.us/a023/therealthing.htm
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 01/31/17 01:35 AM

Originally Posted By: MightyDR
Mobfather by George Anastasia, about Tommy Del's wife and kids. Even after reading plenty about the Scarfo era, this one still provided some interesting information I hadn't heard before. It was also good to hear from the perspective of a wiseguy's family. Plus it takes a stance against the deals the government cuts with these guys.

Also have been reading Joe Valachi's The Real Thing. So many interesting little bits of information.
http://mafiahistory.us/a023/therealthing.htm


A necessary evil, is it not?

It all depends on the frequency of recidivism I guess but it makes sense to me.

You can't bring down the hierarchies of criminal organization without informants.

It's intrinsic and integral.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 01/31/17 03:26 PM

Originally Posted By: MightyDR
Mobfather by George Anastasia, about Tommy Del's wife and kids. Even after reading plenty about the Scarfo era, this one still provided some interesting information I hadn't heard before. It was also good to hear from the perspective of a wiseguy's family. Plus it takes a stance against the deals the government cuts with these guys.

Also have been reading Joe Valachi's The Real Thing. So many interesting little bits of information.
http://mafiahistory.us/a023/therealthing.htm



Valachi's The Real Thing is quite an amazing read if you can get past the spelling eras and missing pages. This was Valachis initial, self-written autobiography of sorts, prior to the Justice Department fucking him over and throwing away his book deal over some bs. The Valachi Papers are Peter Maas revisioning of Valachi's self-written papers, a lot of stuff Maas chose to leave out, things that he felt weren't very exciting and some things he left out to assure his version will continue to meet the approved upon demands.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 01/31/17 11:08 PM

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
Originally Posted By: MightyDR
Mobfather by George Anastasia, about Tommy Del's wife and kids. Even after reading plenty about the Scarfo era, this one still provided some interesting information I hadn't heard before. It was also good to hear from the perspective of a wiseguy's family. Plus it takes a stance against the deals the government cuts with these guys.

Also have been reading Joe Valachi's The Real Thing. So many interesting little bits of information.
http://mafiahistory.us/a023/therealthing.htm


A necessary evil, is it not?

It all depends on the frequency of recidivism I guess but it makes sense to me.

You can't bring down the hierarchies of criminal organization without informants.

It's intrinsic and integral.


I totally agree. Informants are an important way of bringing down organized crime groups and they need incentives to cooperate. But letting them get away with multiple murders? I could understand if they got to serve a long prison sentence in protective custody, but let them get away with it?
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 02/01/17 05:17 AM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Originally Posted By: MightyDR
Mobfather by George Anastasia, about Tommy Del's wife and kids. Even after reading plenty about the Scarfo era, this one still provided some interesting information I hadn't heard before. It was also good to hear from the perspective of a wiseguy's family. Plus it takes a stance against the deals the government cuts with these guys.

Also have been reading Joe Valachi's The Real Thing. So many interesting little bits of information.
http://mafiahistory.us/a023/therealthing.htm



Valachi's The Real Thing is quite an amazing read if you can get past the spelling eras and missing pages. This was Valachis initial, self-written autobiography of sorts, prior to the Justice Department fucking him over and throwing away his book deal over some bs. The Valachi Papers are Peter Maas revisioning of Valachi's self-written papers, a lot of stuff Maas chose to leave out, things that he felt weren't very exciting and some things he left out to assure his version will continue to meet the approved upon demands.
"spelling ERRORS"..lol
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 02/01/17 04:29 PM

Holy shit, I totally didn't even realize that.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 02/02/17 10:22 PM

If anyone's interested I found this podcast, about Joe Colombo. It's a 2 parter.

A book by his son( I think) Anthony. Anyone read it? I can't tell if this is an old or new podcast


I'm listening to Joseph Colombo ////// 72 - 11/01/2017 on True Crime Garage with TuneIn. #NowPlaying http://tun.in/thJD6S
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 02/03/17 01:04 PM

Hoffa Wars by Dan E. Moldea. Meh. First and last chapters deals with an interesting run down of a "north vs. south" war going on between Marcello, Trafficante and co. (with Bonnano as ally) against some NY bosses, but in between that, just a painstakingly detailed account of Hoffa's corruption. I don't question the information, but it's mostly detailed information that only confirms what everyone already knew about Hoffa. The book really comes off as being "by and for teamsters". Moldea himself was once a trucker. As far as "I Heard You Paint Houses" goes, I want to see the Scorsese movie before I read the book.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 02/03/17 10:37 PM

slight interest maybe for the UK guys.


Its just come out and I've borrowed a copy from the library.
THE SHEPHERDS BUSH MURDERS

The 1966 killing of 3 policemen next to Scrubs prison. ( its really Acton, though).

The main killer/guy HARRY ROBERTS has become a bit of a cult hero with some saddos. And yet he ( and the other 2), were really minor league villains, if that. There's nothing interesting in the book about there criminal exploits.
Still, it's readable. ( I wouldn't buy it).
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 02/04/17 06:21 AM

Originally Posted By: OakAsFan
As far as "I Heard You Paint Houses" goes, I want to see the Scorsese movie before I read the book.


You might be waiting a while! I heard De Niro and Scorsese were making a new movie based on the book "I Heard You Paint Houses" back in 2010 so went and got it. Movie still hasn't come out!

Good book. I don't believe some of his tales but Sheeran was still involved with some major guys so it was interesting to hear what he has to say.
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 02/04/17 05:28 PM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
Yup, according to Gotti Jr, and other Gambinos caught up in that case, the guy was a child molester.


"In a related development, Pent- house magazine reported in its December 1998 issue that Blutrich is a longtime pedophile who avoided prosecution by using political connections and religious connections and hush money paid to victims to stay out of jail on a 1994 arrest.

The seven-page article by John Connolly quotes former associates, police and victims. It said Blutrich's new identity will enable him to avoid being disclosed in various states as a sexual offender."
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1998-11-13/business/9811120794_1_pfeffer-gotti-mob
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 02/04/17 05:32 PM

This is also very disturbing behavior by Blutrich and the FBI as reported by Capeci:

FBI DEMOTES SHREDDER

WILLIAM K.
RASHBAUM JERRY
CAPECI
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Sunday, August 8, 1999, 12:00 AM
A top Mafia investigator for the FBI has been demoted to street agent for shredding notes he took during numerous interviews of a controversial FBI informer in the John A. (Junior) Gotti case, the Daily News has learned. Law enforcement sources said FBI agent John (Jack) Karst destroyed handwritten notes of statements he took from Michael Blutrich, a lawyer who owned the topless bar Scores in secret partnership with the mob. Karst, the subject of an internal probe, had been a supervisor for about three months. "It's a serious matter in the FBI, but there do not seem to be any adverse legal ramifications," said one federal law enforcement source. Sources say the FBI has located copies of some original notes that Karst destroyed but concede that the bureau will never know for sure whether Karst destroyed notes of which no copies were made. New York FBI boss Lewis Schiliro demoted Karst several weeks ago when Karst told a superior he had shredded notes he made during the undercover phase of the probe into the upper East Side strip joint, sources said. Law enforcement sources say Karst destroyed the notes to spare further embarrassment to himself and Blutrich, who allegedly downloaded child porn from the Internet while an undercover operative for Karst in 1996. During the Gotti investigation, federal prosecutors and state Organized Crime Task Force investigators feuded with the FBI over its use of Blutrich as an informer. Other sources, noting that the FBI would not have known about the notes if Karst hadn't mentioned them, contend that Karst's actions were stupid but not venal. "It's difficult to believe he would do something on purpose to subvert justice," one source said. Karst and FBI spokesman Jim Margolin declined to comment.
http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/fbi-demotes-shredder-article-1.853076
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 03/06/17 08:28 PM

Green Felt Jungle is on the way from Amazon. Ghost written in the '60's by a Vegas insider who used the pen name Ed Reid. Co written by Ovin Demaris (Frattiano's book). Read the first chapter at amazon and the writing was catchy enough to make me want more. Interesting to see see how much info he had (or was willing to share) on the NY families that owned the strip then. As long as it has a few entertaining stories it will be worth the $5 plus shipping.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/17 04:54 AM

Just got White Shotgun & Boss Of The Bosses: The Life Of The Infamous Toto Riina; Dreaded Head Of The Sicilian Mafia. Both books by Attilio Bolzoni, Giuseppe D'Avanzo co-authors the Toto Riina book. Just began reading White Shotgun, which is entirely made up of court transcripts, introductions from court trials, informant testimony, and just words from the horses mouth and so far so good.
Posted By: pilliano

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/17 07:48 AM

I have read them both,and found both to be ok,but just updated from previous books really.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/17 03:18 PM

Well when it comes to Pentito testimony and books written about the matter, often these things are repeated in different books. Like The John Dickie book has captions thats shown up in other books related on the matter, Sicilian Mafia that is. Both books are critically acclaimed and have been cited by researchers. Bolzoni's books I mean.
Posted By: Bennie_The_Ball

Re: Mafia Books - 03/08/17 06:03 PM



“Kennedy Babylon Vol. 1,” a new book by Herald columnist and WRKO talk show host Howie Carr, explores the dark side of the Kennedy legacy, warts and all ... and then some. In today’s installment, we find old Joe Kennedy, the clan’s patriarch, worrying about two of the men who played key roles in his son John F. Kennedy’s 1960 election victory.

Joe Kennedy didn’t believe in making enemies needlessly — especially if they were cops or gangsters. There was just no upside to it, or at least not enough to justify the risks.

There were two ruthless, powerful men who likewise assumed that they did have something coming to them from the Kennedys. They expected to be taken care of, or at least treated with kid gloves, by the new administration.

One was a cop, FBI director J. Edgar Hoover. The other was a gangster from Chicago, Sam “Momo” Giancana. Even if his sons didn’t, Joe Kennedy understood what the Kennedys owed Hoover and Giancana.

Hoover had two sets of audiotapes of JFK engaging in scandalous extramarital sex — one from 1941, with suspected Nazi spy Inga Arvad in Room 132 of the Fort Sumter Hotel in Charleston, S.C., and the other with his 23-year-old Jackie-lookalike Senate aide, Pamela Turnure, in 1958.

Hoover had a reprieve (when JFK reappointed him), but he understood his continuing vulnerability. The problem for Hoover wasn’t so much Jack as his brother, Bobby, who as attorney general would now be the Director’s boss, at least nominally.

“You have to get along with the old man,” JFK told Bobby. The larger problem between Hoover and RFK may have been the Director’s homosexuality. RFK had a lifelong aversion to gay men.

Mobsters would be picked up on bugs or wiretaps discussing Hoover. In Philadelphia, one gangster accurately told boss Angelo Bruno why RFK was trying to get rid of the Director:

“He wants Edgar Hoover out of the FBI because he is a (expletive). I heard this before ... ”

Whatever his reasons, Hoover had next to no interest in going after organized crime until the Apalachin Mafia conference in 1957. That was a gathering of dozens of Mafia leaders from around the country in upstate New York.

(But) Bobby had always detested the Mafia. In the 1950s, when he had told Joe about his plans as a Senate investigator to take on both corrupt unions and the Mob, his father was apoplectic. He knew JFK would need union support when he ran for president in 1960. Joe also understood that any investigations of corrupt union leaders would inevitably lead back to the Mob.

Bobby didn’t care. First, he subpoenaed gangsters to testify in Washington, then he humiliated them at the hearings. RFK was particularly disdainful of the boss of the Chicago Outfit, Sam “Momo” Giancana.

RFK: Would you tell us anything about your operations or will you just giggle every time I ask you a question?

Giancana: I decline to answer.

RFK: I thought only little girls giggled, Mr. Giancana.

Still, in 1960, at the behest of his good friend Frank Sinatra, Giancana made his peace with the Kennedys. He delivered Chicago to the Democrats, and JFK carried Illinois.

Judith Campbell, the girlfriend of Giancana, Sinatra and JFK, later claimed the Mafia leader told her, “Listen, honey, if it wasn’t for me, your boyfriend wouldn’t even be in the White House.”

In return, Giancana expected a good leaving alone from the Kennedys. When JFK became president in 1961, both Hoover and Giancana were determined to get along with him.

Despite the Mob’s assistance ... as well as in the anti-Castro plots the Kennedys had inherited from the Eisenhower administration, RFK was still determined to bring the underworld to heel. He directed Hoover to turn the FBI loose on the Mafia.

By mid-1961, (Tampa Mafia boss Santo) Trafficante was complaining to whoever would listen about the “honesty” of the Kennedys.

But the angriest mobster of all may have been Giancana. He had done more for the Kennedys than anyone else in the underworld and now he was under close FBI surveillance wherever he went.

On July 12, 1961, he flew back to Chicago from Phoenix with his girlfriend, the singer Phyllis McGuire. Local FBI agents grabbed them at O’Hare Airport.

William J. Roemer Jr., a high-ranking Chicago G-man, separated them and then got Giancana in a room by himself. What happened next has been recounted many times.

According to Roemer in his first book, “Roemer: Man Against the Mob,” Giancana began screaming about Hoover and RFK and then said to the agent, “Bleep your super, super boss!”

Roemer, bemused, asked Giancana who his “super, super boss” was.

JFK, the enraged mobster replied. Roemer said he doubted the president cared about Momo Giancana.

“(Expletive) John Kennedy!” Giancana shouted. “Listen, Roemer, I know all about the Kennedys, and Phyllis knows more about the Kennedys and one of these days we’re going to tell all.”

According to Roemer, Giancana then said something else the FBI agents didn’t understand at the time.

“The (expletive) United States government is not as smart as it thinks it is, is it? You made a deal with Castro to overthrow Batista if he would kick us out of Cuba and now that deal has backfired on you, hasn’t it?”

Bobby and his aides repeated all the old jokes about Hoover and (FBI associate director and his alleged lover Clyde) Tolson. They called the Director “J. Edna,” and later, “Gay Edgar Hoover.”

One day it was brought up at a Justice meeting that Tolson was having minor surgery.

“For what,” Bobby asked, “a hysterectomy?”

On Dec. 11, 1961, Hoover sent Bobby a transcript of another bugged conversation between Giancana and (fellow Chicago mobster John) Roselli.

They were discussing what they had expected when Sinatra had brought them the offer of a hands-off administration if they came through for JFK in the 1960 campaign.

Roselli: Sinatra’s got it in his head that they (the Kennedys) are going to be faithful to him. (By which he meant organized crime.)

Giancana: In other words, the donation that was made ...

Roselli: That’s what I was talking about.

Giancana: In other words, if I ever get a speeding ticket, none of these (expletives) would know me?

Roselli: You told that right, buddy.

But the Kennedys had reneged on their pledge. Hoover must have been ecstatic when he read the transcript. The smoking-gun word was “donation.” The Mafia had “donated” to JFK’s campaign.

With the transcript, Hoover included for Bobby his own taunting description of what he now had Giancana saying on tape:

“He made a donation to the campaign of President Kennedy but was not getting his money’s worth.”

It will never be known what the Kennedy brothers did next, but a week later, on Dec. 18, their father suffered a massive stroke while playing golf in Palm Beach.

Joe survived, but he was totally incapacitated. He would never speak again.

Within three months, Sinatra himself would be totally cast out of Camelot, after Hoover told JFK what he knew about his girlfriend Judith Campbell and her ties to Sinatra and Giancana.

Giancana’s associates were as livid about the Kennedys’ double-cross as their boss. Johnny Formosa was one of the Outfit’s front men in Las Vegas. He knew what should be done to Sinatra.

“Let’s hit him!” he told Giancana.

Then, Formosa continued, he would personally exterminate the Rat Pack.

“Let’s show ’em. Let’s show those (expletive) Hollywood (expletives) they can’t get away with it as if nothing happened ... I could whack out a couple of those guys, (actor and Kennedy brother-in-law Peter) Lawford, that (Dean) Martin (expletive), and I could take (Sammy Davis Jr.) and put his other eye out.”

The overlords of organized crime were coming to a consensus. Yes, Bobby was a problem, but ultimately the source of his power was the president of the United States.

Within a month, the rumblings of retaliation by the underworld against both brothers were becoming even more ominous.

In September 1962, (New Orleans mob boss) Carlos Marcello was drinking with two of his underworld associates.

One of the hoodlums commiserated with the Mafia boss about the problems Bobby was giving him.

“Don’t worry about that little Bobby (expletive). He’s going to be taken care of.”

None of his men would be directly involved, Marcello continued. The job would be done by “a nut.” But, he added, it wasn’t Bobby who was going to be hit. It would be his brother, the president of the United States.

Coming tomorrow, Marilyn Monroe and her not-so clandestine romantic relationships with JFK and RFK.

Order Howie’s new book, “Kennedy Babylon,” at his website, howiecarrshow.com.
Posted By: pilliano

Re: Mafia Books - 03/08/17 08:15 PM

Just giving my opinion of them..I would say Bolzoni took a lot of words from Dickie and others.One mans good read is another's pile of shit.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 03/09/17 03:37 AM

So wanna give my 2cents about abook by larry mazza fake colombo soldier who lies about it n his book like were all dummys. He should have just kept it real. But i book the book for 10 bicks on amazon fire kindle whatever. I hope bronxs reads this his input would be fun. Were to start. Ok so he meets linda scarpas side chick who has 2 his kids in 1980. Basically linda way younger then greg an greg got alot of side chicks. She starts fucking the paper boy slash grocery kid. Hes a jerk for talking about this in his book about linda sucking his dick all types of weird soft plrn shit. No respect. Bronx there no way in hell anyone but greg n linda new she was banging the paper boy no way. That wimpy boys social club crww was a sick bunch of killers noway. And greg used the kid for all types of shit. Gregs sirial killer son greg jr goes to jail 88 . So all them years larry says hes banging linda i dont believe it happend after a year or 2. Just a weird book. You cant belive any of the rats book coming out today i swore i wouldnt buy one unless they were a made guy. Larry says somebullshit they meet n a dinner but didnt do the guns blood n saint thing but there made. And a offical ceromy will happen later. Nope lies. Then 400 pages of just fluffing your ego. Dude ya kids can read this book linda grandkids or kids just weird.
Posted By: TheRedZone

Re: Mafia Books - 03/16/17 04:14 PM

Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
I can't recommend Brotherhoods enough. Probably the best mob book I have ever read.


Vouch that! excellent, detailed book.
Posted By: Testa

Re: Mafia Books - 03/16/17 04:30 PM

Looking for a good book about Joe Gallo and his crew.
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 03/22/17 12:59 AM

Originally Posted By: MightyDR
Mobfather by George Anastasia, about Tommy Del's wife and kids. Even after reading plenty about the Scarfo era, this one still provided some interesting information I hadn't heard before. It was also good to hear from the perspective of a wiseguy's family. Plus it takes a stance against the deals the government cuts with these guys.

Also have been reading Joe Valachi's The Real Thing. So many interesting little bits of information.
http://mafiahistory.us/a023/therealthing.htm


I read the book by Tommy Del's kids and wife and was pleasantly surprised how good it was. It was a little before it's time giving the family's perspective before all the dumb shows came out. The kid was a bit of a screw up himself, I think he shot or killed a guy in Baltimore, and his friend got most of the time. I wonder how the kids turned out.
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 03/22/17 01:02 AM

Originally Posted By: TheRedZone
Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
I can't recommend Brotherhoods enough. Probably the best mob book I have ever read.


Vouch that! excellent, detailed book.


Yep, an awesome book, very detailed. It filled in these little bits of information that weren't know to the public. It's a must read for anyone interested in the life.
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 03/22/17 01:05 AM

Originally Posted By: pmac
So wanna give my 2cents about abook by larry mazza fake colombo soldier who lies about it n his book like were all dummys. He should have just kept it real. But i book the book for 10 bicks on amazon fire kindle whatever. I hope bronxs reads this his input would be fun. Were to start. Ok so he meets linda scarpas side chick who has 2 his kids in 1980. Basically linda way younger then greg an greg got alot of side chicks. She starts fucking the paper boy slash grocery kid. Hes a jerk for talking about this in his book about linda sucking his dick all types of weird soft plrn shit. No respect. Bronx there no way in hell anyone but greg n linda new she was banging the paper boy no way. That wimpy boys social club crww was a sick bunch of killers noway. And greg used the kid for all types of shit. Gregs sirial killer son greg jr goes to jail 88 . So all them years larry says hes banging linda i dont believe it happend after a year or 2. Just a weird book. You cant belive any of the rats book coming out today i swore i wouldnt buy one unless they were a made guy. Larry says somebullshit they meet n a dinner but didnt do the guns blood n saint thing but there made. And a offical ceromy will happen later. Nope lies. Then 400 pages of just fluffing your ego. Dude ya kids can read this book linda grandkids or kids just weird.


I was close to buying the Kindle edition this past weekend, some of the ratings scared me off, now seeing your take I'm glad I past on it.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 03/22/17 03:16 AM

Its bad gerry. But i really believe he thought greg was a good in his ticket to a made man status. But he even contridicts himself in the book he says at some dinner some capo burned a napkin on a plate and said him n hes best friend are made hut theyll have there official ceromony after allie boy comes home just abunch of bs. I also read gregs daughters book which hay atleast its a real edited book never mentions him other then gregs flunky. Heres what i think linda saduces the groceroy boy to get back at greg for fucking abunch of chicks he thinks to himself i cant kill this 19 20 old kid cause my crazy side chick is fucking him him. And it comes to a quick stop. Around 89 when gregs son n crew is locked up he recruits this young kid larry. There hasnt been a good well written mob book since little als book and crazy phils. Maybe this guy writting the goodfellas vinny asoro book will be good which i think will.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 03/22/17 12:15 PM

Just got done "Gaspipe" by Philip Carlo..mehhh..now I'm halfway through "The Quiet Don" about Russel Buffalino..very suprised,not bad at all..never thought as much about the northern penna. mafia ties & how much it was a significant part of every other family..intricate details,,Hoffa,Bruno,Sheeran,JFK etc..good read so far.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 03/24/17 03:29 AM

Originally Posted By: hoodlum
Just got done "Gaspipe" by Philip Carlo..mehhh..now I'm halfway through "The Quiet Don" about Russel Buffalino..very suprised,not bad at all..never thought as much about the northern penna. mafia ties & how much it was a significant part of every other family..intricate details,,Hoffa,Bruno,Sheeran,JFK etc..good read so far.
I 2day ,also have come 2 the conclusion that the author needs 2 fact check a little bit of his shit b4 he writes certain things.
Posted By: rickydelta

Re: Mafia Books - 03/26/17 03:43 PM

Tony Dark Books on Chicago outfit are Good he Done 3 books so far .Sam Giancana FBI Files. Sam Destefano and the Juice Rackets . Mob Boss Paul Ricca Tony Accardo . really good if you like reading about the OUTFIT get these 3 books smile
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 03/27/17 07:09 PM

Originally Posted By: pmac
Its bad gerry. But i really believe he thought greg was a good in his ticket to a made man status. But he even contridicts himself in the book he says at some dinner some capo burned a napkin on a plate and said him n hes best friend are made hut theyll have there official ceromony after allie boy comes home just abunch of bs. I also read gregs daughters book which hay atleast its a real edited book never mentions him other then gregs flunky. Heres what i think linda saduces the groceroy boy to get back at greg for fucking abunch of chicks he thinks to himself i cant kill this 19 20 old kid cause my crazy side chick is fucking him him. And it comes to a quick stop. Around 89 when gregs son n crew is locked up he recruits this young kid larry. There hasnt been a good well written mob book since little als book and crazy phils. Maybe this guy writting the goodfellas vinny asoro book will be good which i think will.


I'm reading the Linda Scarpa book, the daughter, she seems to have liked Larry. So far this book is readable. You're about not being any good books lately. I thought the Leonetti book was a masterpiece. The Al D'arco book was readable, but a big disappointment. There was so much going on during that era there could be an encyclopedia of stories but he barely mentioned or totally ignored too many people and events. He paid way too much attention to that restaurant of his.
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 03/29/17 04:55 PM

I finished the Linda Scarpa book, and my she is a delusional little snot. I understand she loved her father and brother, it's only natural. She talks them being great guys, her brother Joey would give ya the shirt off his back! He killed his best friend, he killed another teenager on church steps for nothing. She acted like he was a shy little boy, but he abused his position being a made mans son. His only job was selling jobs and robbing other drug dealers. There is nothing one can do to justify the actions of he father, but she does, it was the AIDS. Scarpa was just a regular family man before he got AIDS. It was a sad book, and shows how messed up that life is.
Posted By: baldo

Re: Mafia Books - 03/31/17 01:49 PM

I just finished the Tommy Pitera book by Philip Carlo. Holy sh*t was this bad. I couldn't stand his writing style.
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 03/31/17 08:29 PM

Originally Posted By: TheRedZone
Originally Posted By: Moe_Tilden
I can't recommend Brotherhoods enough. Probably the best mob book I have ever read.


Vouch that! excellent, detailed book.


I just bought the book, I am halfway through and enjoying it thus far. Thanks for the recommendation.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 03/31/17 10:36 PM

This book was coming out on vinny asoro and his last trial i think he might have giving the author tony destefano a few words. But hes lrobalyy gonna have to hold the book up cause the recent arrest. It lookd promising for the lowly mob books coming out lately.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 04/01/17 05:46 AM

A Man of Honor: The Autobiography of Joseph Bonanno. I knew going in that he was going to deny certain things and make himself look better than he was, but this was still an interesting read. Definitely gave me a better understanding of how Cosa Nostra was formed in the US, plus there were a few bits of info about mob history you don't often hear about. Like Frank Costello and Tommy Luchese both trying to control NY politics.
Posted By: CabriniGreen

Re: Mafia Books - 04/01/17 11:38 AM

@ Mighty

That book is REALLY underrated, people get into their feelings about it, which considering how old the guy was, I could never understand. When they say, like automatically Costello had the " Best" , or " Most" political clout of all time, I really think people haven't done the research... He couldn't control the Mayor, (LaGuardia) or the governor ( Dewey), when you had Mafiosi who had their whole territory on total lock, like Chitown, The Pendergast machine, Marcello, I actually think Luchesse and Adonis easily rivaled Costello inNY politics at the time....
Posted By: CabriniGreen

Re: Mafia Books - 04/01/17 11:41 AM

@ ciment @ moe


You know what baffles me about that book? I still have no fuckin idea if Casso was wacking rats, or just making a lot of it up. The book makes it seem like, these guys were all rats. They also make Kaplan look like the real brains behind Casso, kinda...
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 04/01/17 11:07 PM

I'm reading "Betrayal in Blue." It's about corrupt NYPD in the 80'S AND EARLY 90'S who were corrupt and scumbag cops. They were robbing drug dealers and working for them. They were working out of a precinct in East New York, Brooklyn, so far a really good read. Not sure what to read next, my previous two books were Greg Kading book on the Biggie and Pac murders, and the Linda Scarpa book. I forgot I read a book on the Hillside Strangers between those two, another good one. There are no good mafia books out right now, I was thinking about the Gotti Jr book but he can't really give out too much info. I'm looking at more books about the 80's and 90's drug era...
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/17 03:02 PM

Originally Posted By: CabriniGreen
@ ciment @ moe


You know what baffles me about that book? I still have no fuckin idea if Casso was wacking rats, or just making a lot of it up. The book makes it seem like, these guys were all rats. They also make Kaplan look like the real brains behind Casso, kinda...


The answer to this is best described at the bottom of page 48.

"Together,Amuso and Casso possessed a toxic combination of incompetence,violence and paranoia."
"They killed anyone they suspected of snitching, or having the potential to snitch."

Once paranoia takes place even the people around you also become paranoid and will snitch even though they originally had no intention to do so. Especially in the criminal world when your life is on the line.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/17 06:35 PM

It must be a shitty way to live being consumed with paranoia and surrounded by deceit.

Amuso got so paranoid towards the end that he thought even Casso was siphoning off money owed to him (he probably was).

When Vic sent his brother to collect off Casso, Casso supposedly said: "tell your brother not everything is about money; everything is about money with him".

They were all screwing each other left, right and center; Vic, Gas, D'Arco.

The wanton bloodshed existed at all levels of the organization.

Avellino and Baratta arranging the murder of Kubecka and Barstow was insanely evil and stupid.

It's INCREDIBLE that they aren't serving life in prison for that.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 04/03/17 12:27 AM

Originally Posted By: GerryLang
I'm reading "Betrayal in Blue." It's about corrupt NYPD in the 80'S AND EARLY 90'S who were corrupt and scumbag cops. They were robbing drug dealers and working for them. They were working out of a precinct in East New York, Brooklyn, so far a really good read. Not sure what to read next, my previous two books were Greg Kading book on the Biggie and Pac murders, and the Linda Scarpa book. I forgot I read a book on the Hillside Strangers between those two, another good one. There are no good mafia books out right now, I was thinking about the Gotti Jr book but he can't really give out too much info. I'm looking at more books about the 80's and 90's drug era...


Check out the documentary "The Seven-Five". It's about the same corrupt cops. Has interviews with them, the cops investigating them and the drug dealer they were working for! It's great.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 04/06/17 04:17 AM

Originally Posted By: MightyDR
Originally Posted By: GerryLang
I'm reading "Betrayal in Blue." It's about corrupt NYPD in the 80'S AND EARLY 90'S who were corrupt and scumbag cops. They were robbing drug dealers and working for them. They were working out of a precinct in East New York, Brooklyn, so far a really good read. Not sure what to read next, my previous two books were Greg Kading book on the Biggie and Pac murders, and the Linda Scarpa book. I forgot I read a book on the Hillside Strangers between those two, another good one. There are no good mafia books out right now, I was thinking about the Gotti Jr book but he can't really give out too much info. I'm looking at more books about the 80's and 90's drug era...


Check out the documentary "The Seven-Five". It's about the same corrupt cops. Has interviews with them, the cops investigating them and the drug dealer they were working for! It's great.
I also thought highly interesting.(the doc)
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 04/07/17 08:44 AM

Originally Posted By: MightyDR
Originally Posted By: GerryLang
I'm reading "Betrayal in Blue." It's about corrupt NYPD in the 80'S AND EARLY 90'S who were corrupt and scumbag cops. They were robbing drug dealers and working for them. They were working out of a precinct in East New York, Brooklyn, so far a really good read. Not sure what to read next, my previous two books were Greg Kading book on the Biggie and Pac murders, and the Linda Scarpa book. I forgot I read a book on the Hillside Strangers between those two, another good one. There are no good mafia books out right now, I was thinking about the Gotti Jr book but he can't really give out too much info. I'm looking at more books about the 80's and 90's drug era...


Check out the documentary "The Seven-Five". It's about the same corrupt cops. Has interviews with them, the cops investigating them and the drug dealer they were working for! It's great.


I'm going to try and watch it this weekend, the book was great. I was watching Mike Dowd on that Joey Diaz podcast on YouTube, and Dowd comes off as an unrepentant jerk. I wouldn't be surprised if he got innocent people sent to prison. Didn't he start a business with Adam Diaz, one of the guys who rated of him?
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 04/08/17 06:52 AM

Originally Posted By: GerryLang
Originally Posted By: MightyDR
Originally Posted By: GerryLang
I'm reading "Betrayal in Blue." It's about corrupt NYPD in the 80'S AND EARLY 90'S who were corrupt and scumbag cops. They were robbing drug dealers and working for them. They were working out of a precinct in East New York, Brooklyn, so far a really good read. Not sure what to read next, my previous two books were Greg Kading book on the Biggie and Pac murders, and the Linda Scarpa book. I forgot I read a book on the Hillside Strangers between those two, another good one. There are no good mafia books out right now, I was thinking about the Gotti Jr book but he can't really give out too much info. I'm looking at more books about the 80's and 90's drug era...


Check out the documentary "The Seven-Five". It's about the same corrupt cops. Has interviews with them, the cops investigating them and the drug dealer they were working for! It's great.


I'm going to try and watch it this weekend, the book was great. I was watching Mike Dowd on that Joey Diaz podcast on YouTube, and Dowd comes off as an unrepentant jerk. I wouldn't be surprised if he got innocent people sent to prison. Didn't he start a business with Adam Diaz, one of the guys who rated of him?



Yeah, they sell cigars now lol

http://nypost.com/2016/02/23/dirty-cop-a...oklyn-precinct/
Posted By: Mick2010

Re: Mafia Books - 04/15/17 02:24 AM

I'm nearly done DiCarlo volume 2. Really impressed with these 2 books. Tons of info. Not just buffalo either. Highly recommend these 2 books to anyone with an interest in American LCN history
Posted By: antimafia

Re: Mafia Books - 04/18/17 10:21 PM

Canadian writer Jerry Prager's Legends of the Morgeti 1909-1949 apparently became available for sale back in February. Prior to the publication of this book, Prager had written three volumes on this subject--the Calabrian mafia originating from San Giorgio Morgeto and that settled in Canada--the first and second of which are hard to find for sale unless you are willing to plunk down a lot of cash. The new book for sale seems to combine most if not all the material from the first two volumes (these two volumes comprise material dating to 1949/1950) and is only $25.00 Canadian. Prager plans to publish a second book that will include the material from volume 3 (this volume comprised material dating from 1950 to 1963), plus new material that will take the reader to 2001. Whether and when Prager is successful in publishing this second book remains to be seen.

See http://morgeti.blogspot.ca/2017/02/finally-available.html. I'd advise zooming in on the image to read what material from volumes 1 and 2 are not available in this new publication.

If you want to order the new book online, go to http://www.bookshelf.ca/product/view/9781896312118. Should you live outside of Canada, contact the bookseller to see whether it will ship to your country.
Posted By: antimafia

Re: Mafia Books - 04/24/17 09:09 PM

The Whisky King by Trevor Cole is yet another book that examines Canadian bootlegger Rocco Perri. But it sets itself apart from the others by intertwining the story of RCMP officer Frank Zaneth (real name: Franco Zanetti).

Links to Trevor Cole's blog posts about his new book:

http://www.trevorcole.com/blog/2017/04/07/the-whisky-king/
http://www.trevorcole.com/blog/2017/04/17/the-whisky-king-not-just-a-hamilton-story/

Links to publisher's pages for this book:

http://www.harpercollins.ca/9781443442237/the-whisky-king (Canada)
https://www.harpercollins.com/9781443442237/the-whisky-king (US)
Posted By: Mick2010

Re: Mafia Books - 04/25/17 12:07 AM

It looks good. I was reading it at chapters on Saturday, looks to be a well written book for sure. Still unsure if I will get it, only because I've already read Dubros book on perri
Posted By: Mick2010

Re: Mafia Books - 04/25/17 12:08 AM

This legends of the morgeti thing looks interesting too. Hope he can publish the 2nd one too
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 05/07/17 03:54 AM

Originally Posted By: MightyDR
Originally Posted By: GerryLang
I'm reading "Betrayal in Blue." It's about corrupt NYPD in the 80'S AND EARLY 90'S who were corrupt and scumbag cops. They were robbing drug dealers and working for them. They were working out of a precinct in East New York, Brooklyn, so far a really good read. Not sure what to read next, my previous two books were Greg Kading book on the Biggie and Pac murders, and the Linda Scarpa book. I forgot I read a book on the Hillside Strangers between those two, another good one. There are no good mafia books out right now, I was thinking about the Gotti Jr book but he can't really give out too much info. I'm looking at more books about the 80's and 90's drug era...


Check out the documentary "The Seven-Five". It's about the same corrupt cops. Has interviews with them, the cops investigating them and the drug dealer they were working for! It's great.


watched it on netflix, boy were those cops over the line !
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 05/07/17 03:59 AM

also just finished the book, '"the president st. boys" growing up mafia, by frank di matteo. he seems to think the gallo gang had a lot more influence that is generally know, he also thinks he's god's gift to women. i would like to hear opinions on the book and the wise guy who wrote it.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 05/07/17 03:59 PM

He's not a wiseguy in the literal sense. His father is a made guy in the DeCalvacante's, supposedly. And his anecdotes about the Gallos are more or less true. You just don't get the full story from the typical sources because all they like to talk about is how crazy Joey was. He's right in that Larry Gallo was the brains behind the operation and for some time, they were considered a family within a family. And when they started to rebel against Profaci, they were sort of looked at as a Sixth Family. He's also right in the sense that, many mob guys who went on to be some real hitters, got their start in the Gallo crew, ie. Bobby Borriello, Tony Shots, and so on and so on. Frankie DiMatteo himself was just a young guy coming up around other young guys on President Street, he knew the stories and probably did some knockaround shit of his own, but he wasn't a wiseguy by any means, more like a civilian.
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 05/07/17 05:27 PM

Originally Posted By: SinatraClub
He's not a wiseguy in the literal sense. His father is a made guy in the DeCalvacante's, supposedly. And his anecdotes about the Gallos are more or less true. You just don't get the full story from the typical sources because all they like to talk about is how crazy Joey was. He's right in that Larry Gallo was the brains behind the operation and for some time, they were considered a family within a family. And when they started to rebel against Profaci, they were sort of looked at as a Sixth Family. He's also right in the sense that, many mob guys who went on to be some real hitters, got their start in the Gallo crew, ie. Bobby Borriello, Tony Shots, and so on and so on. Frankie DiMatteo himself was just a young guy coming up around other young guys on President Street, he knew the stories and probably did some knockaround shit of his own, but he wasn't a wiseguy by any means, more like a civilian.


thank you, in the book he gives the impression he was an associate, like when he had a sitdown with anellio dellacrace, why was he important enough to rate a sitdown with an underboss, if indeed it ever happened at all.
Posted By: Alfanosgirl

Re: Mafia Books - 05/07/17 06:37 PM

Come on now, Binnie and SinatraClub. How many times do I have to tell you guys about buying what these wannabes are selling?? Have you even googled that guy's name? Look at how he acts. He acts as though he's been dropped on his head too many fn times as a baby. And you just bought his book lol

Just send your money to me next time you want to buy a book. Can't go wrong with Alfano. I'll tell you any story you wanna hear. grin
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 05/08/17 04:33 AM

lol,lol, ok kid, you are right you know, especially about this one,
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 05/08/17 05:41 AM

Originally Posted By: Alfanosgirl
Come on now, Binnie and SinatraClub. How many times do I have to tell you guys about buying what these wannabes are selling?? Have you even googled that guy's name? Look at how he acts. He acts as though he's been dropped on his head too many fn times as a baby. And you just bought his book lol

Just send your money to me next time you want to buy a book. Can't go wrong with Alfano. I'll tell you any story you wanna hear. grin



Hello alfano,can u tell me a bedtime story? remember,im hot 4 the ladies..r u as hot as ur avatar??wanna go grab some wings & beer?lol..just messin.
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 05/08/17 10:24 PM

yes, hoodlum, alfano is a gorgeous girl. you must have missed her photo's one halloween, she was dressed as a moll, and she was very, very pretty and a shape every girl in N.J. would commit cold blooded murder for, just as slender as a ray of moonlight coming through a window, i can say these things because im 75 yrs old, if i were much, much, younger but....... good luck to you hoodlum..... lol
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 05/09/17 06:20 PM

Originally Posted By: Binnie_Coll
yes, hoodlum, alfano is a gorgeous girl. you must have missed her photo's one halloween, she was dressed as a moll, and she was very, very pretty and a shape every girl in N.J. would commit cold blooded murder for, just as slender as a ray of moonlight coming through a window, i can say these things because im 75 yrs old, if i were much, much, younger but....... good luck to you hoodlum..... lol
I wonder if I can find these pics on here somewhere..hmmm..
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 05/10/17 03:36 AM

Originally Posted By: hoodlum
Originally Posted By: Binnie_Coll
yes, hoodlum, alfano is a gorgeous girl. you must have missed her photo's one halloween, she was dressed as a moll, and she was very, very pretty and a shape every girl in N.J. would commit cold blooded murder for, just as slender as a ray of moonlight coming through a window, i can say these things because im 75 yrs old, if i were much, much, younger but....... good luck to you hoodlum..... lol
I wonder if I can find these pics on here somewhere..hmmm..
DELETED MESSAGE - IN POOR TASTE -
Posted By: Alfanosgirl

Re: Mafia Books - 05/10/17 03:37 AM

BinnieC, thanks for the kind words but you're embarrassing me a little bit. I don't know why you had to offer that info up about my pics to him. Ugh.


------Back on track------

Mafia Books.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 05/10/17 03:46 AM

Originally Posted By: Alfanosgirl
BinnieC, thanks for the kind words but you're embarrassing me a little bit. I don't know why you had to offer that info up about my pics to him. Ugh.


------Back on track------

Mafia Books.

UGH????U DONT EVEN KNOW ME..wtf??
Posted By: SC

Re: Mafia Books - 05/10/17 05:06 AM

Originally Posted By: hoodlum
Originally Posted By: Alfanosgirl
BinnieC, thanks for the kind words but you're embarrassing me a little bit. I don't know why you had to offer that info up about my pics to him. Ugh.


------Back on track------

Mafia Books.

UGH????U DONT EVEN KNOW ME..wtf??


Try to be a gentleman, hoodlum. Your message was in poor taste.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 05/10/17 10:08 PM

Originally Posted By: SC
Originally Posted By: hoodlum
Originally Posted By: Alfanosgirl
BinnieC, thanks for the kind words but you're embarrassing me a little bit. I don't know why you had to offer that info up about my pics to him. Ugh.


------Back on track------

Mafia Books.

UGH????U DONT EVEN KNOW ME..wtf??


Try to be a gentleman, hoodlum. Your message was in poor taste.
SORRY,Sincerely,hdlm.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 05/10/17 10:24 PM

This weather is making us all thirsty.
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 05/12/17 02:44 AM

Originally Posted By: Alfanosgirl
BinnieC, thanks for the kind words but you're embarrassing me a little bit. I don't know why you had to offer that info up about my pics to him. Ugh.


------Back on track------

Mafia Books.



sorry, kid, didn't mean you any discomfort.
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 05/22/17 03:00 PM

Damn Hoodlum, you played yourself. This ain't Plenty Of Fish or any other dating site, lol. Anyway, I'm reading The Brotherhoods now. And its funny, in Al D'Arcos book he refers to his nickname "The Professor" and his implication is, he was given the name because of how smart he was, come to find out, The Brotherhoods reveals the truth, the nickname was a running joke between Casso & Amuso, in direct implication to how dimwitted D'Arco was. Now Im beginning to see why it took him til' his 50's to get his button.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 05/22/17 10:06 PM

Lol.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 05/28/17 04:10 PM

Coming in November:

"The Mafia's President: Nixon and the Mob", by Don Fulsom



https://books.google.com/books?id=pYfxnAAACAAJ&source=gbs_book_other_versions
Posted By: bigboy

Re: Mafia Books - 06/02/17 09:32 PM

Somewhere I had read or heard about a NEW book which based on new info credits John Gotti with a couple new murders. Wondering what that book could be. Regardless of what we think about Gotti, he does make for interesting reading
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 06/14/17 11:42 AM

Is Ralph Natale's book worth a read ?
Posted By: SinatraClub

Re: Mafia Books - 06/14/17 12:14 PM

Fuck no.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 06/15/17 12:13 AM

Prince of the City by Robert Daley. Very well written story about a corrupt New York City narcotics detective in the 60s and 70s. His cousin was a soldier in the Colombo family and he was also friends with Sonny Red. Was made into a movie directed by Sidney Lumet.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 06/19/17 12:22 AM

I guess its been awhile for a good lcn book. My opin in last 3 yrs only really 2 good ones. Little als book mob boss which should have been written 10 yrs ago atleast. Or maybe the family new where he was and he kept silent. Also crazy phils book which is more like a nick scarfo biography. The philly fam has more books then any other family and there smaller then the big 5. Nick the crow book on the philly mob set probaly the bar for mob books. Crazy phil gives you the perspective from atlantic city which is a good reason for his book which also should have been written 10 15 yrs ago. I looking forword to the vinny asoro book about the heist. And all his crazy bonanno family shit afterwards.
Posted By: MemphisMafia

Re: Mafia Books - 07/01/17 12:48 AM

Funny shit,Sinatra.Man,I got to get that Caramandi book.I have heard only good stuff about it.I read the other two you mention,pmac and I agree both are very good
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 07/01/17 05:30 AM

Originally Posted By: MemphisMafia
Funny shit,Sinatra.Man,I got to get that Caramandi book.I have heard only good stuff about it.I read the other two you mention,pmac and I agree both are very good
Crows book(Blood & Honor) & Five Families by Selwyn Raab r my top 2 faves by far..then Leonetti's..just got Linda Scarpa's book in the mail..didn't start it yet but hopin' I didnt waste my time.
Posted By: MemphisMafia

Re: Mafia Books - 07/01/17 08:51 PM

Thanks,Hoodlum.I have read five families as well.Very good book.I have heard different opinions of Scarpa's book.Again,I will be picking up Crow's book this week.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 07/04/17 02:27 AM

Originally Posted By: MemphisMafia
Thanks,Hoodlum.I have read five families as well.Very good book.I have heard different opinions of Scarpa's book.Again,I will be picking up Crow's book this week.
If u can find it,I did..get yourself a copy of THE PLUMBER by Joseph Salerno..the very 1rst book I read about the mob & started my hobby of it back in 1993..a scarfo & co. related novel,pretty nice.
Posted By: MobMan

Re: Mafia Books - 07/10/17 11:31 PM

What's the best new Mob autobiography I could read or do you recommend any of the older ones .
Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 08/04/17 10:15 AM

Anybody interested in ebooks, PDF, PM me, maybe I could help you out, most likely. wink
Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 08/04/17 10:19 AM

Brotherhoods was available to read for free on american-buddha.com but apparently now it's down cry
Posted By: alexandarns

Re: Mafia Books - 08/04/17 10:27 AM

All our differences aside M. have you read brotherhoods?
Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 08/04/17 01:04 PM

Yeah, I have. It is very good, covers the Mafia cops, Casso, and a lot of other stuff. It used to be free to read on that website above, but apparently the website is down now. frown

PM me if you're interested in any other book, I might be able to hook you up.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 08/04/17 03:12 PM

Good to have you back Malandrino.
Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 08/04/17 06:15 PM

Yo Moe, good to see you around. Holler about any ebooks ;P
Posted By: majicrat

Re: Mafia Books - 08/25/17 05:58 PM

Anyone read "Marked to die" by M. Brown? Is it worth getting? Thanks.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 08/26/17 02:55 AM

I'm in the middle of " The Sinatra Club",& I know Polisi's word is questionable, but it seems kinda genuine w/ the xception of him kissin' Gotti's ass..anybody think the guy is an all out bullshitter or does he carry some substance?..thoughts?
Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 08/26/17 09:43 AM

I was thinking exactly the same thing, hoodlum. I did like the book but some of the stuff seemed straight fantasy... like J Edgar Hoover before he died calling Gambino and telling him there was a rat in one of his crews... and he was talking about Willie Boy Johnson! Wtf... at the time I'm pretty sure there were other rats, more important ones, like Scarpa, etc.
There's a lot of stuff you can tell Polisi just makes up. He says Sonny Franzese was involved in bank robbing, while Michael swears his dad was NEVER into that.
Looks like the FBI fed him some bullshit info when turning rat and he's put a lot of that bullshit in his book, I think.

I do like the book however, I like the funny parts, where they're just bullshitting around hanging out with each other at the club, and Sal Polisi's personal life seems interesting enough in itself, but by the second half of the book, I was feeling kinda bored... especially towards the end when he testified against John.. that was pure BS, and we all know he was raped on the stand by Cutler and them.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 08/28/17 08:50 PM

Originally Posted By: Malandrino
I was thinking exactly the same thing, hoodlum. I did like the book but some of the stuff seemed straight fantasy... like J Edgar Hoover before he died calling Gambino and telling him there was a rat in one of his crews... and he was talking about Willie Boy Johnson! Wtf... at the time I'm pretty sure there were other rats, more important ones, like Scarpa, etc.
There's a lot of stuff you can tell Polisi just makes up. He says Sonny Franzese was involved in bank robbing, while Michael swears his dad was NEVER into that.
Looks like the FBI fed him some bullshit info when turning rat and he's put a lot of that bullshit in his book, I think.

I do like the book however, I like the funny parts, where they're just bullshitting around hanging out with each other at the club, and Sal Polisi's personal life seems interesting enough in itself, but by the second half of the book, I was feeling kinda bored... especially towards the end when he testified against John.. that was pure BS, and we all know he was raped on the stand by Cutler and them.
Yes,exactly.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 08/29/17 03:24 AM

Reading Joe Bonanno's book right now. Always interesting to get a first hand account from someone in the know, but my goodness does he yammer on about Sicilian tradition and his own personal stories that aren't mob related. Could have used a better co-writer that kept him on track. I'm just getting to the Castellammarese War part, though. I imagine it gets better.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 08/29/17 11:41 PM

Originally Posted By: OakAsFan
Reading Joe Bonanno's book right now. Always interesting to get a first hand account from someone in the know, but my goodness does he yammer on about Sicilian tradition and his own personal stories that aren't mob related. Could have used a better co-writer that kept him on track. I'm just getting to the Castellammarese War part, though. I imagine it gets better.
Oak, I'm confident that everyone on here will agree that J.Bonanno is full of himself & u don't know what 2 believe...if you will notice, he brags he never had anything 2 do w/ drugs when in fact that family huge in the movement & not ONCE does he mention Carmine Galante's name in the whole book.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 08/31/17 12:43 AM

I'm aware of the charges against the book's accuracy. I don't believe he was ever under any sort of immunity from prosecution so he had to be careful what he said. That's probably why he claimed to be against drugs and kept Galante out of the book. He probably had a lawyer proofread every page. Even though I'm sure he's embellishing, I find his takes on the commission interesting.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 08/31/17 12:52 AM

Originally Posted By: OakAsFan
I'm aware of the charges against the book's accuracy. I don't believe he was ever under any sort of immunity from prosecution so he had to be careful what he said. That's probably why he claimed to be against drugs and kept Galante out of the book. He probably had a lawyer proofread every page. Even though I'm sure he's embellishing, I find his takes on the commission interesting.
I also did enjoy some of the chapters even when i knew he was stretching certain things.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 08/31/17 01:30 AM

He's a great storyteller, that's for certain. I'm enjoying the read, while keeping in mind that his credibility is practically non existent. Just trying to connect his great stories with the known facts.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 08/31/17 02:52 PM

So i picked up the big score by destefano about vincent asoro and Lufthansa. Let me start off saying i think queens because of gotti and then massino and friends have had the most published activity of any boro. Just like all the secrets are exposed. This book is more then half stuff youve read in other books about gotti an massino. The stuff about his shitbag cousin valenti is good. He ript of acting boss anthony spero in 1990 for 25k and left his family and nyc for like 20 yrs thats says anuff about him. Comes back only to work for fbi. Valenti new alot about Lufthansa but was ue fed the info did he read it in books did he just listen to his cousins storys. Its a good read you can get it on kindle for like 11 bucks its short. Asoro was a bad ass .
Posted By: Hollander

Re: Mafia Books - 09/01/17 12:06 AM

This one is on my to read list.

http://www.popmatters.com/review/al-capones-beer-wars-john-j-binder-chicago-corruption-prohibition/
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 09/04/17 05:14 AM

Born to Steal: When the Mafia Hit Wall Street by Gary Weiss. Great read. Well-written and researched story of a stock broker who worked at mobbed up firms. Encounters with Frank Coppa, Phil Abramo, Sonny Franzese and more. Like Goodfellas meets Boiler Room.
Posted By: BillyBrizzi

Re: Mafia Books - 09/08/17 12:42 PM

Larry McShane Shares New Book On Vincent "The Chin" Gigante

Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 09/16/17 09:28 AM

Been readying a lot of books recently. Just finished Pablo Escobar: My father - his son's book. About to finish At the Devil's Table - the one written by Jorge Salcido who ratted out the Cali cartel godfathers.
But then i started American Desperado which seemed WAY more interesting and I'm halfway in. Joe Roberts has some crazy stories and kinda makes me root for him, but he does embellish a bit I think, when you know a lot about the mob like many members of this forum, you can kinda sniff out the lies somebody has written or when they are exaggerating stuff.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 09/16/17 11:52 PM

Originally Posted By: Malandrino
Been readying a lot of books recently. Just finished Pablo Escobar: My father - his son's book. About to finish At the Devil's Table - the one written by Jorge Salcido who ratted out the Cali cartel godfathers.
But then i started American Desperado which seemed WAY more interesting and I'm halfway in. Joe Roberts has some crazy stories and kinda makes me root for him, but he does embellish a bit I think, when you know a lot about the mob like many members of this forum, you can kinda sniff out the lies somebody has written or when they are exaggerating stuff.


How was Pablo Escobar's son's book? I've been meaning to buy that for a while. I'm reading At the Devil's Table at the moment. So far so good.

American Desperado is one of my favourites. Roberts does have some wild stories, but the co-author does a good job at researching and backing up most of them.
Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/17 01:07 AM

It was very good man. Especially if you know a lot about Pablo, Colombian conflict, etc, I think it was a very good read. Worth it completely. PM me and I'll hook you up free, any ebook you want, epub, pdf whatever.

At the Devil's table is good don't get me wrong, but the story does stretch a little bit sometimes, or maybe it feels that wat to me. American Desperado is just nuts, very good, very fast paced, incredible... and yeah I love the fact that the author looks up and tries to verify everything Jon says. You can tell Jon exaggerates or lies about like 20-30% of the stuff, but it's still good.

Also been meaning to read The Infiltrator, but first after finishing American Desperado, I'll read Rene "Boxer" Enriquez's book, Black Hand. Seems worth it.

Born to Steel sounds interested, I just got the file a few days ago, but I doubt it will be a top priority on my reading list for a while. Wall Street, brokers, etc don't interest me as much.
Posted By: DiLorenzo

Re: Mafia Books - 09/17/17 01:31 AM

Killing Pablo was a good read as well !!
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 09/20/17 11:09 AM

Originally Posted By: Malandrino
Been readying a lot of books recently. Just finished Pablo Escobar: My father - his son's book. About to finish At the Devil's Table - the one written by Jorge Salcido who ratted out the Cali cartel godfathers.
But then i started American Desperado which seemed WAY more interesting and I'm halfway in. Joe Roberts has some crazy stories and kinda makes me root for him, but he does embellish a bit I think, when you know a lot about the mob like many members of this forum, you can kinda sniff out the lies somebody has written or when they are exaggerating stuff.


American Desperado is a great read, even with the embellishments and BS thrown in. I'd like to read some more stuff from that cocaine era in Miami. There hasn't been any good mafia books since the Leonetti book, though I did enjoy the book by Linda Scarpa Jr a bit. I like to read just about anything to do with true crime and history in general and always looking for recommendations. The biggest disappointment was the Al D'Arco, the guy was around when so much stuff was going down and he puts out a real snoozer.
Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 09/20/17 02:11 PM

Gerry I agree 100% I really really enjoyed the book but a lot of good posters here have analyzed his book and they say he was unrelated to Joe Riccobono, and if you go deep into it, if he's willing to lie about the most basic things like his family, then you never know how much is true. Maybe 40-50% of the book? It's true the stories are over the top a lot of them, and I do believe his story in Miami, don't think he lied about most of it, but meeting Pablo a couple of times and all the Ochoas, feels kinda off to me, to be honest. He exaggerated so much stuff and it's like he has to make a point to boast that he's met every famous or infamous person and was not impressed by them. The whole evil vs good morality thing gets old very fast too. And I agree about Al D'arco's book man. I got it on hardcover (I only have like 5 books on hardcover) and I still haven't finished it. Very disappointing considering he was around some old-timers.
Gerry, PM me about ebooks, I got a lot of them, if you're interested in any.
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 09/21/17 04:16 PM

Originally Posted By: Malandrino
Gerry I agree 100% I really really enjoyed the book but a lot of good posters here have analyzed his book and they say he was unrelated to Joe Riccobono, and if you go deep into it, if he's willing to lie about the most basic things like his family, then you never know how much is true. Maybe 40-50% of the book? It's true the stories are over the top a lot of them, and I do believe his story in Miami, don't think he lied about most of it, but meeting Pablo a couple of times and all the Ochoas, feels kinda off to me, to be honest. He exaggerated so much stuff and it's like he has to make a point to boast that he's met every famous or infamous person and was not impressed by them. The whole evil vs good morality thing gets old very fast too. And I agree about Al D'arco's book man. I got it on hardcover (I only have like 5 books on hardcover) and I still haven't finished it. Very disappointing considering he was around some old-timers.
Gerry, PM me about ebooks, I got a lot of them, if you're interested in any.


Thanks, I will definitely be PM'ing you about the ebooks, I'm in the middle of book right now, but should finish it up in a day or two. I think I remember reading you had access to the Brotherhoods on ebook, I read it when it first came out, I got it from the library. That book was so good I'd probably read it again, and that is something I rarely do. It's in my top 5 mafia books. I got it up there with the book on Joey Massino, the Phil Leonetti book, Murder Machine, and I liked the book on Casso. I know a lot of people killed the book, but I thought it was a great read. There's a couple really good books on Whitey Bulger too.
Posted By: Dwalin2011

Re: Mafia Books - 09/21/17 07:03 PM

Is the author of "American desperado" the same one who was in the "Cocaine cowboys" documentary? I think he said that in his opinion, the real power in the Medellin cartel wasn't Pablo Escobar, but Fabio Ochoa Sr, the father of those brothers; is it true in your opinion? Ochoa didn't get much attention indeed, it's always Escobar and to some extent Carlos Lehder. But, do you think was he really the "power behind the throne" or is it another conspiracy theory?
Posted By: Malandrino

Re: Mafia Books - 09/21/17 09:44 PM

Dwalin that's Jon Roberts, aka John Riccobono, claims to be related to the Riccobono family, although it's not confirmed.
I know what he said, and I don't know what to make of it. Look, it depends on how you see it... the Medellin cartel was not THAT different from, say, the NY 5 families. The cartel was made up of a couple of different partners who used the same smuggling routes. Pablo was one of them, Carlos Lehder was another, The Ochoa family of course was a big power, but so was the Castano's, along with El Mexicano (the mexican, Gonzalo Rodriguez Gacha). These were the main Medellin players. To say who was the REAL power behind the cartel is a complex question. Pablo was the most notrious and filthy rich, but he was constantly engaged in politics and the in war against the government, and ultimately, narcoterrorism. Pablo did have a lot of money but he was also spending so much on his stuff that at any point, I doubt he actually had more than 2-3 billion dollars together. Maybe less.
When he died, he had WAY less than that. Meanwhile the Ochoas had a lot more and still do. So in a way the Ochoas had it better, less heat, more money, a more established power base because they were an old traditional rancher family. The old man, Pablo was respectful of him, but I doubt he had direct control over Pablo, don't think it was the kind of relationship where Fabio Sr could order Pablo around, because they were all partners... it's a business at the end of the day, and they are all dealers, and everybody can do as he pleases. What I'm trying to say is that there was no structure like inside of an Cosa Nostra crime family, but rather it was more horizontal and equal between the partners, although their power varied, some bigger than the others.. one had a lot of money, one had an army of killers, one had the right connections, one had the most labs, the most established routes, etc.

Gerrylang, I can get access to Brotherhoods, it was a great book I know. But for the moment I don't have it, but except for that and Casino, I pretty much have most of the mob books out on ebook, kindle, whatever.
Posted By: Hollander

Re: Mafia Books - 09/24/17 12:11 PM

Jorge Ochoa was the leader.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 10/02/17 11:21 PM

The Coffey Files: One Cop's War Against the Mob. Had some very entertaining stories and interesting info. I did feel that it could have gone into more detail on some things and also should have followed a chronological timeline instead of jumping back and forth. Would definitely recommend it though.
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 10/03/17 07:15 PM

Thanks, I will definitely be PM'ing you about the ebooks, I'm in the middle of book right now, but should finish it up in a day or two. I think I remember reading you had access to the Brotherhoods on ebook, I read it when it first came out, I got it from the library. That book was so good I'd probably read it again, and that is something I rarely do. It's in my top 5 mafia books. I got it up there with the book on Joey Massino, the Phil Leonetti book, Murder Machine, and I liked the book on Casso. I know a lot of people killed the book, but I thought it was a great read. There's a couple really good books on Whitey Bulger too. [/quote]

I recently bought two books on Whitey. I read the G-Men and Gangsters by Dominic Spinale and found it to be a good read & very informative.
The other is Black Mass which I just started to read.
Posted By: Hollander

Re: Mafia Books - 10/07/17 09:46 AM


The Invisible Camorra
Neapolitan Crime Families across Europe

http://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/?GCOI=80140100235890
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 10/15/17 06:54 PM

The history of the mafia in Los Angeles is relatively untapped.

Anyone ever read this?

http://ew.com/article/1993/04/30/stiffed-true-story-mca-music-business-and-mafia/
Posted By: MemphisMafia

Re: Mafia Books - 10/17/17 08:17 AM

Hey hoodlum,I still haven't had the chance to find and read the Crow's book Blood and Honor.I read the preview on the net and I believe it when you say how good it is.I have began reading the Chin's book.What has really sunk in with me is that when Gotti was atop the Gambino's they were so out of their league with the Genovese.I am no Gotti hater but if you look at the top guys for both families it aint even close.You had Gigante,Manna,Benny "Eggs" Mangano,Johhny "Sausage" Barbato,,George Barone,Tony Salerno had just went away and Funzi Tieri just passed.Thats just to name a few.You had young guys atop the the Gambino's like Gotti and Gravano.Now they say Deccicio or however you spell it was sharp but he was killed early on.Those guys were all old timers Gigante had and none would have ever broken the code.No way Gotti wanted to fuck with these guys.i didn't know Manna was so ruthless but if he wasn't taped and put away he would have killed John and Gene Gotti.Just amazing how the Gigante clan had it so together
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 10/19/17 06:20 AM

Originally Posted By: MemphisMafia
Hey hoodlum,I still haven't had the chance to find and read the Crow's book Blood and Honor.I read the preview on the net and I believe it when you say how good it is.I have began reading the Chin's book.What has really sunk in with me is that when Gotti was atop the Gambino's they were so out of their league with the Genovese.I am no Gotti hater but if you look at the top guys for both families it aint even close.You had Gigante,Manna,Benny "Eggs" Mangano,Johhny "Sausage" Barbato,,George Barone,Tony Salerno had just went away and Funzi Tieri just passed.Thats just to name a few.You had young guys atop the the Gambino's like Gotti and Gravano.Now they say Deccicio or however you spell it was sharp but he was killed early on.Those guys were all old timers Gigante had and none would have ever broken the code.No way Gotti wanted to fuck with these guys.i didn't know Manna was so ruthless but if he wasn't taped and put away he would have killed John and Gene Gotti.Just amazing how the Gigante clan had it so together
The 80s Gambinos had NOTHING on the Genovese..as 4 crow's book..Amazon?,theres gotta b an outlet that has it,while ur @ it,look 4 "The Plumber" by Joe Salerno 4 another good inside look @ Scarfo's madness.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 10/23/17 01:19 AM

Crows blood n honor is probaly the best 1 ever. The chin book is storys youve heard on this site or links to capeci or ny times articles. What crow said was all firsf hand stuff n he didnt hold back and i think he didnt try to make himself better theb anything. Scarfo was a stone cold gangster who loved scam artists like crow who didnt sell dope je let crow into that family. Crow tells you how he went from driving cab to stickups ect. And funny to sometimes.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 10/23/17 01:21 AM

Then phil leonetti had the courage to write his book after like 25yrs hes shits on crow but you now crow was always in philly when crazy phil was his uncles lapdog. So who do you believe.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 10/31/17 07:31 PM

Henry Hill's son is writing a book.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/real-life-stories/day-first-life-ended-son-11440916

I would've thought that the market for books about the characters he's familiar with would've been saturated ages ago.
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 11/27/17 11:20 PM

http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/usappblog/2017/11...ederico-varese/

Book review
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 12/02/17 10:57 PM

https://twitter.com/jamesssxo/status/937000429866700800

The Siclian Mafia by Carl Russo
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 12/08/17 04:58 AM

Blood Oath by George Fresolone. Great look into the day-to-day life of a low-level wiseguy in New Jersey plus the time in the Philly Mob after Scarfo was locked up He does make some bold claims which cannot be backed up, but the majority of the information is supported by conversations he recorded wearing a wire. Really enjoyable.

Body Mike by Joseph Cantalupo and Thomas C. Renner. Everyone's favourite from the Crime Inc series details his life as a mob associate in the 60s and 70s. Plenty of great information about the mob in Brooklyn. Quite grim and unglamorous depiction of what it's actually like to work with these guys. Great read.
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 12/17/17 01:22 PM

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment...04416?cid=bitly

Book explores the lives of the notorious New Jersey mobsters not named Tony Soprano
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 12/17/17 01:33 PM

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/10304254/My-father-New-Yorks-most-feared-mafia-boss.html

The Godfather’s Daughter, will be published in Britain.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 12/26/17 11:37 AM

https://njmonthly.com/articles/jersey-living/books/writer-hopes-mob-book-hit/

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/vb3w3...rs-the-sopranos

Scott Deitche on his new book about NJ mobsters.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 12/26/17 10:28 PM

The Underboss: The Rise and Fall of a Mafia Family by Dick Lehr and Gerard O'Neil about the bugging of Gerry Anguilo's office. Great history of the mob in Boston and lots of interesting excerpts from the bug. I wish there were books like this for other bugging operations in that era.

Originally published in 1989, my version was updated more recently to include the fact that two of the agents who feature prominently in the story turned out to be dirty.
Posted By: JimmyIrons

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/18 02:03 AM

Are there any books that detail Joey Lombardo and Frank Schweihs? The few Outfit books I’ve read don’t seem to have much on them.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/18 05:23 AM

Just received a little gift ,again from the wife.."Deal with the Devil" by Peter Lance...about Greg Scarpa's relationship w/ F.B.I. agent Lin DeVecchio, A quick look thru & it looks promising. Anybody get to this read yet ? is it worth it? Comments?
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/18 11:01 PM

Originally Posted By: hoodlum
Just received a little gift ,again from the wife.."Deal with the Devil" by Peter Lance...about Greg Scarpa's relationship w/ F.B.I. agent Lin DeVecchio, A quick look thru & it looks promising. Anybody get to this read yet ? is it worth it? Comments?


I enjoyed it. Showed how Scarpa was more evil than I even thought he was. One thing to be prepared for is that it is more investigative journalism than someone telling a story. A lot of pouring over old documents.
Posted By: RollinBones

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/18 11:17 PM

Originally Posted By: MightyDR
Originally Posted By: hoodlum
Just received a little gift ,again from the wife.."Deal with the Devil" by Peter Lance...about Greg Scarpa's relationship w/ F.B.I. agent Lin DeVecchio, A quick look thru & it looks promising. Anybody get to this read yet ? is it worth it? Comments?


I enjoyed it. Showed how Scarpa was more evil than I even thought he was. One thing to be prepared for is that it is more investigative journalism than someone telling a story. A lot of pouring over old documents.

For sure. It's kind of in a league of it's own IMO. But all the analysis of the documents is very interesting as is Scarpa's story in general. Just don't go into it expecting a book like Leonetti's or D'Arco's. I might compare it to The Sixth Family if anything.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 01/03/18 02:20 AM

Originally Posted By: hoodlum
Just received a little gift ,again from the wife.."Deal with the Devil" by Peter Lance...about Greg Scarpa's relationship w/ F.B.I. agent Lin DeVecchio, A quick look thru & it looks promising. Anybody get to this read yet ? is it worth it? Comments?


What’s up Hood?
Hope all well.

Hi other guys... Agree, this is a Solid book and offers a lot of info on document info which I am interested in and gives outstanding detail of some of the others besides GS ( Cutolo & others) - that sometimes have better and more realistic life stories.

ENJOY.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 01/03/18 05:18 AM

Thanx fellas, I sometimes start @ the end side,& went right 4 the notes first & scarpas fbi summary,very interesting indeed!...& Welcome back Dues Paid!!
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 01/04/18 02:28 AM

Chin: The Life and Crimes of Mafia Boss Vincent Gigante by Larry McShane. Since I have done years of research on Gigante there wasn't any mind blowing new revelations in this but it was still good to learn extra little details. For those that don't already know a lot about the Chin it would be a great read.
Posted By: Hollander

Re: Mafia Books - 01/04/18 02:32 AM

Originally Posted By: MightyDR
Chin: The Life and Crimes of Mafia Boss Vincent Gigante by Larry McShane. Since I have done years of research on Gigante there wasn't any mind blowing new revelations in this but it was still good to learn extra little details. For those that don't already know a lot about the Chin it would be a great read.


I just started with the eBook.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 01/04/18 03:12 AM

Originally Posted By: hoodlum
Thanx fellas, I sometimes start @ the end side,& went right 4 the notes first & scarpas fbi summary,very interesting indeed!...& Welcome back Dues Paid!!


Thanx Hood, I had hammered this book today riding a train. Can’t wait to get back to it tomorrow watching snow fall.

Originally Posted By: MightyDR
Chin: The Life and Crimes of Mafia Boss Vincent Gigante by Larry McShane. Since I have done years of research on Gigante there wasn't any mind blowing new revelations in this but it was still good to learn extra little details. For those that don't already know a lot about the Chin it would be a great read.


Getting this on my Kindle for sure, just looked it up 6 bucks, thanx.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 01/04/18 03:15 AM

I’m also looking into “The President Street Boys”.

Never read this one , I think... I may need to review Library.

Anyone ever read this one?
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 01/05/18 11:17 PM

Before throwing money at Amazon for ebook editions of older books, check out archive.org. They have a lot of ebooks there available to check out for 2 weeks at a time, availability permitting. Just have to register a user and pass. There's a ton of mafia ebooks there.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 01/06/18 05:23 AM

Originally Posted By: OakAsFan
Before throwing money at Amazon for ebook editions of older books, check out archive.org. They have a lot of ebooks there available to check out for 2 weeks at a time, availability permitting. Just have to register a user and pass. There's a ton of mafia ebooks there.


Holy shit. Thanks OakAsFan!
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 01/06/18 05:36 PM

Holy shit ll

Im going there right now, never heard of this.

TY very much appreciated OAF
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 01/06/18 05:44 PM

Originally Posted By: OakAsFan
Before throwing money at Amazon for ebook editions of older books, check out archive.org. They have a lot of ebooks there available to check out for 2 weeks at a time, availability permitting. Just have to register a user and pass. There's a ton of mafia ebooks there.


What an outstanding site Oak, thanks again. I am already watching some classic films I found on this site.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 01/07/18 01:48 AM

Yes, it's a pretty cool site. I used to just to there to look at content from defunct websites, then one day I clicked the book icon and started searching for some, and realized I could check them out like a library. There's a lot of rare mob books from the '70s there. A lot info dated, but as with all other forms of entertainment, writers were more entertaining then and put a lot more effort into their work.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 01/07/18 02:20 AM

Went in barnes today picked up deal with the devil i forgot what a great book it was. Just happend to skim to the part were the authors talks about letters he wrote back n forth with gaspipe. Gaspipe said theres no doubt greg had his brother sal murderd. He was going around telling people he was a informant. Casso said he heard it also from gregs right hand man a guy joe brewster who i just read is mickey scars cousin. Brewster dad was a made guy in a legendary photo with big paul and abunch of other capos. Also casso says it was scarpa not the mafia cops who told him who shot him. Little nugget also in the book some cop dades says it was mickey boy pardiso brother also a fbi mole who shot sal scarpa. That book is loaded with shit.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 01/07/18 02:21 AM

He killed joe brewster and sal like 6moonths apart.
Posted By: GerryLang

Re: Mafia Books - 01/07/18 06:29 AM

Originally Posted By: MightyDR
Originally Posted By: hoodlum
Just received a little gift ,again from the wife.."Deal with the Devil" by Peter Lance...about Greg Scarpa's relationship w/ F.B.I. agent Lin DeVecchio, A quick look thru & it looks promising. Anybody get to this read yet ? is it worth it? Comments?


I enjoyed it. Showed how Scarpa was more evil than I even thought he was. One thing to be prepared for is that it is more investigative journalism than someone telling a story. A lot of pouring over old documents.


I liked the book too,and agree with you about Scarpa. Sometimes I think the media and people in general use words like evil and psychopath a little too loosely, but with Scarpa it fits. The guy was a despicable character, he didn't have a positive effect on one person. The guy truly only cared about himself. He had two of his sons kill their best friends. The guy destroyed the lives of many individuals and their family.
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 01/09/18 04:19 PM

http://www.ozy.com/good-sht/the-best-boo...m_medium=Social

Books on prison gangs
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 01/10/18 01:57 AM

Originally Posted By: OakAsFan
Yes, it's a pretty cool site. I used to just to there to look at content from defunct websites, then one day I clicked the book icon and started searching for some, and realized I could check them out like a library. There's a lot of rare mob books from the '70s there. A lot info dated, but as with all other forms of entertainment, writers were more entertaining then and put a lot more effort into their work.


Yes, Because they did the work and put in the time, not a team of writers from corporate who do not cross reference or can perform independently
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 01/23/18 03:21 AM

The Kid Stays in the Picture by Robert Evans. This is a thoroughly entertaining read by the producer of Rosemary's Baby, The Godfather, Chinatown and other classics. Why I mention it here is because Evans was good friends with mob lawyer Sidney Korshak and there are some amusing anecdotes about how his connections came in handy.

I also finally read The Valachi Papers by Peter Maas. I don't know why I neglected reading this for so many years. Great read for mob researchers. Lots of interesting information and insight on the history of the mob and its major players.
Posted By: pilliano

Re: Mafia Books - 01/23/18 07:28 PM

It could of come from tommy dades.He grew up with Larry mazza,who was closer to Greg than anyone. Personally, who ever hit Sal was told to do it by Greg.
Posted By: Quiet_Doms

Re: Mafia Books - 01/28/18 09:52 AM

I read that crap. Pistone is and was a fiend for the limelight.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 01/28/18 10:57 PM

The Mafia and the Machine: The Story of the Kansas City Mob by Frank R. Hayde. Great read. I had no idea how wild, profitable and powerful the mob was in Kansas City.
Posted By: mike68

Re: Mafia Books - 01/31/18 09:45 PM

http://www.ozy.com/flashback/the-brief-brilliant-career-of-the-godfathers-weak-son/83159

Wasn't sure where else to put this. John Cazale, great article on the actor who played Fredo, and died so young.
Posted By: JimmyIrons

Re: Mafia Books - 02/10/18 08:03 AM

Ralph Natale’s book is the worst mob book I’ve ever read. He was Bruno’s best friend, no one would have dared kill him if he wasn’t in jail, Bruno’s wife saved seats for his family in the front row for his funeral, everyone was afraid of him, blah blah.
Posted By: JimmyIrons

Re: Mafia Books - 02/10/18 08:04 AM

It wasn’t hard to tell he lied his ass off. I don’t believe he was made by both Bruno and Gambino in his own private ceremony either
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 02/11/18 03:52 PM

No interest in either the Gigante or Natale books. One sounds like a rehash of newspaper articles everyone's already read and the other is a senile fart embellishing his importance.

Would kill for someone like a D'Arco or a Caramandi to write a book.

If only De Fede was still alive.

He could've filled in a few blanks on the post-Amuso era of the Lucchese family.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 02/11/18 11:43 PM

Looks like there are new books on Frank Costello and Carmine Persico coming out

https://www.amazon.com/Top-Hoodlum-Frank-Costello-Minister/dp/0806538694/ref=sm_n_au_dka_NZ_pr_con_0_2?adId=0806538694&creativeASIN=0806538694&linkId=3031660630e51087f2d458d54f135f9c&tag=theofficiamariop&linkCode=w70&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gangsterbb.net%2Fthreads%2Fubbthreads.php&slotNum=0&imprToken=u0gDlrOtsJnTKS6nVsmxoA&adType=smart&adMode=auto&adFormat=strip&impressionTimestamp=1518391977359

https://www.amazon.com/Carmine-Snak...mp;psc=1&refRID=DSNWHBGND8YR6XD89R8H
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 02/12/18 12:13 AM

Is Frank Di Matteo a good author?
Posted By: JimmyIrons

Re: Mafia Books - 02/12/18 02:52 AM

Is the Tommy Del book written by his wife and kids any good? Philly mob is always interesting
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 02/12/18 03:01 AM

greatest book wrote from a point of view besides the mobster. that book is great. tommy del i think talks to george in the book to or it might be from trials and george put it to paper. i bought it on amazon yrs back for like 5 bucks used paperback. shit i feel like i was amazons first customer . i heard if you invested 1000bucks in amazon 10 12 yrs ago youd be rich today what if. tommy del always kept it a secret from his mafia friends his mother was 100 percent polish his wife loves to dragg him threw the dirt and his kids. great book. tommy says frank sindone had the capos vote over phil testa to become boss also. he was well liked in philly that throws another twist in the whole bruno murder.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 02/12/18 09:53 PM

Originally Posted by JimmyIrons
Is the Tommy Del book written by his wife and kids any good? Philly mob is always interesting


Definitely check it out if you are interested in the Philly mob.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 02/13/18 03:38 AM

Originally Posted by MightyDR
Originally Posted by JimmyIrons
Is the Tommy Del book written by his wife and kids any good? Philly mob is always interesting


Definitely check it out if you are interested in the Philly mob.

There r actually 2 books written about Tommy Del..the 1 his x conspired with, & one written later on by his oldest child..I'm on my way 2 the shed 2 find it now ....will get back w/ name of book.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 02/16/18 08:21 AM

New Jersey Mob: Memoirs of a Top Cop by Bob Buccino. Enjoyable, light reading about a New Jersey State Trooper who busted or dealt with many notable mobsters. Plenty of entertaining stories.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 02/17/18 05:27 PM

Theres 2 tommy del books? I read mobfather by george a. Its cool its from the perspective of his ex wife and kids i believe tommy reach out to george to. Or it must be from courts. Its a great read it came out back in like 90 to. Way before mob wives were writting books. Tommy del wonder if hes still alive. He flipped young mid 40tys. Be like 73 now. He was a interesting guy sounds like a real [BadWord].
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 02/18/18 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by pmac
Theres 2 tommy del books? I read mobfather by george a. Its cool its from the perspective of his ex wife and kids i believe tommy reach out to george to. Or it must be from courts. Its a great read it came out back in like 90 to. Way before mob wives were writting books. Tommy del wonder if hes still alive. He flipped young mid 40tys. Be like 73 now. He was a interesting guy sounds like a real [BadWord].

Yes, Pmac..say it.. Tommy Del was a real prick..My pop knew him & could'nt stand him ,, a fuckin' cheapskate 2 say the least unless it came 2 his own family or children.Tried to extort my dad's comp.(Keebler Cookie Comp.) in the early 70s..that branch @least G & Hunting Park)
Posted By: JimmyIrons

Re: Mafia Books - 02/26/18 10:19 PM

Anyone read the Frank Sheerhan book? Worth a read?
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 02/27/18 12:06 AM

Out recently:

Garden State Gangland: The Rise of the Mob in New Jersey - Scott Deitche

The Mafia's President: Nixon and the Mob - Don Fulsom

Later this year:

Top Hoodlum: Frank Costello, Prime Minister of the Mafia - Anthony M. DeStefano

Carmine the Snake: Carmine Persico and His Murderous Mafia Family - Frank Dimatteo and Michael Benson

Scarface and the Untouchable: Al Capone, Eliot Ness, and the Battle for Chicago - Max Allen Collins

Murder Capital: Madison Wisconsin -The Mafia Under Siege - Gavin Schmitt

Chicago Heights: Little Joe College, the Outfit, and the Fall of Sam Giancana - Charles Hager

And, an expanded edition of Blood Covenant, by everyone's favorite, Michael Franzese.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Mafia Books - 03/03/18 09:06 PM

Thanks, ill be checking the Frank Costello book out for sure. Interesting character
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 03/06/18 12:28 AM

book on persico. they had some many trials if they get all of the court records and testimonys could be good read but it will probaly be a copy an paste book of old ny times and capeci articles.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 03/06/18 01:20 AM

Yes, Top Hoodlum sounds good.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 03/11/18 11:39 PM

The President Street Boys: Growing Up Mafia by Frank DiMatteo. Light reading with some entertaining mob related stories and perspective on the Gallos.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 03/12/18 12:00 AM

the book stunk. listen your wriiting abook about organized crime either spill your guts or the books gonna suck. i give it to sammy the bull and nick the crow they let it all go im sure them didnt go the extra mile to throw firends under the bus but this guys book about gallo is copy an paste of old rabb articles from the 70tys then his spin on it after he joined a decav crew which he doesnt go into detail for whatever reason. im guessing the second you decide to write a book your mob life is done ala jr gotti.
Posted By: WhackWhack

Re: Mafia Books - 03/12/18 02:42 AM

These are the following books on Cosa Nostra I have

Five Families by Selwyn Raab
Chin Gigante by Larry McShane
Underboss (Sammy Gravano) by Maas
Gaspipe by Philip Carlo
Anatomy of a butcher (Tommy karate) Philip Carlo
Richard Kuklinski by Carlo
The Johnny Martorano book
Murder Machine by Mustain and Capeci (my favorite)

All were interesting though Kuklinski was full of shit.

Is there any quality books about Vinny Gorgeous or Bruno Indelicato? I'd really enjoy a book about Vinny or Bruno.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 03/12/18 06:47 AM

Originally Posted by WhackWhack
These are the following books on Cosa Nostra I have

Five Families by Selwyn Raab
Chin Gigante by Larry McShane
Underboss (Sammy Gravano) by Maas
Gaspipe by Philip Carlo
Anatomy of a butcher (Tommy karate) Philip Carlo
Richard Kuklinski by Carlo
The Johnny Martorano book
Murder Machine by Mustain and Capeci (my favorite)

All were interesting though Kuklinski was full of shit.

Is there any quality books about Vinny Gorgeous or Bruno Indelicato? I'd really enjoy a book about Vinny or Bruno.

Five Families..bing... ,have it,chin..bing...underboss..bing..Gaspipe ..bing( didnt think so much of it)..I would not even read anything about richard k...... Murder machine...bing check Cherry hill mall's (n.j.) bookshop 4 the Vinny G. Book..my wife says she saw a new publication on him...they also ship cheap.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 03/16/18 01:57 AM

Originally Posted by MightyDR
The President Street Boys: Growing Up Mafia by Frank DiMatteo. Light reading with some entertaining mob related stories and perspective on the Gallos.



Just started reading this today, I like it, its good.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 03/16/18 07:17 AM

Mr. Untouchable by Leroy "Nicky" Barnes. Autobiography of a major drug dealer in the 70s who bought his dope from the mob. Had interactions with mobsters such as Matthew Madonna, Joey Gallo, Carmine Galante and Mark Reiter from John Gotti's crew. This was a really well written and entertaining book. I powered through it in a few days. Barnes is an intelligent guy but also has a huge ego. Really interesting reading how things are at a boss level, breaking down how the whole organization works.
Posted By: Mob_Scribe

Re: Mafia Books - 04/04/18 02:12 PM

There is book "Vinny Gorgeous" by Anthony M. DeStefano published by Lyons Press which details Basciano's rise and fall, as well as his relationship with Indelicato. Avail on Amazon, etc.
Posted By: FrankValenti

Re: Mafia Books - 04/04/18 02:26 PM

Originally Posted by JimmyIrons
Anyone read the Frank Sheerhan book? Worth a read?


Yes. "I Heard You Paint Houses" by Charles Brandt is a fascinating account of Frank Sheeran's life and I truly believe he was the man who pulled the trigger, taking Jimmy Hoffa's life. Some people have doubted his story, but it's by far the most plausible and I have yet to find a discrepancy in the book. If you haven't heard it's also being turned into a movie starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci called "The Irishman."

I just started reading that Chin book too. Pretty interesting since I didn't know a whole lot about Gigante before other than his Wikipedia biography and what a few documentaries covered.

Another book I recommend is "The Hammer Conspiracies" by Frank Aloi which tells the story about how a mob hit on Rochester family associate Jimmy "The Hammer" Massaro resulted in the convictions of the entire upper echelon of the crime family, a police scandal where fabricated evidence led to the mobster's release from prison and a resulting war the bloodied the streets of Rochester, NY in the late 1970s.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 04/04/18 08:57 PM

The Hoffa Wars, by Dan Moldea, is a really good book about Hoffa and the mob, too. Mostly about rebels trying to reform the Teamsters, but it spares no details about Hoffa and the IBT's mob connections, from 1930's Detroit, to his fallout with Tony Pro, to currying favor with Galante in prison just before disappearing.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 04/06/18 05:53 AM

Originally Posted by OakAsFan
The Hoffa Wars, by Dan Moldea, is a really good book about Hoffa and the mob, too. Mostly about rebels trying to reform the Teamsters, but it spares no details about Hoffa and the IBT's mob connections, from 1930's Detroit, to his fallout with Tony Pro, to currying favor with Galante in prison just before disappearing.

I have an issue of PLAYBOY ,JULY 1975 ,the PLAYBOY interview is Jimmy Hoffa & in the interview he says " I never had, nor will I never need bodyguards"...Ironically ,he disappeared THAT month the issue was published!
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 04/21/18 05:48 AM

The Life: A True Story About A Brooklyn Boy Seduced Into The Dark World Of The Mafia by Larry Mazza. I thought I had read all I could stand about Scarpa etc but this turned out to be really good. Pretty raunchy early on when he was banging Linda Scarpa, but later it gets into good, interesting details about being a wiseguy and the mob politics leading up to and throughout the Colombo war.
Posted By: pilliano

Re: Mafia Books - 04/21/18 11:09 AM

Agreed,really goes into the school and war in great detail.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 04/22/18 03:26 AM

Originally Posted by hoodlum
Originally Posted by OakAsFan
The Hoffa Wars, by Dan Moldea, is a really good book about Hoffa and the mob, too. Mostly about rebels trying to reform the Teamsters, but it spares no details about Hoffa and the IBT's mob connections, from 1930's Detroit, to his fallout with Tony Pro, to currying favor with Galante in prison just before disappearing.

I have an issue of PLAYBOY ,JULY 1975 ,the PLAYBOY interview is Jimmy Hoffa & in the interview he says " I never had, nor will I never need bodyguards"...Ironically ,he disappeared THAT month the issue was published!


Oops... guess that did not work out for him.

You should frame that.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 04/26/18 05:34 AM

Originally Posted by DuesPaid
Originally Posted by hoodlum
Originally Posted by OakAsFan
The Hoffa Wars, by Dan Moldea, is a really good book about Hoffa and the mob, too. Mostly about rebels trying to reform the Teamsters, but it spares no details about Hoffa and the IBT's mob connections, from 1930's Detroit, to his fallout with Tony Pro, to currying favor with Galante in prison just before disappearing.

I have an issue of PLAYBOY ,JULY 1975 ,the PLAYBOY interview is Jimmy Hoffa & in the interview he says " I never had, nor will I never need bodyguards"...Ironically ,he disappeared THAT month the issue was published!


Oops... guess that did not work out for him.

You should frame that.

That;s an idea..but i'd have to go through a shitload of yrs. of issues , it would take a while, my oldest issue is a 1971 featuring a very young Margot Kidder.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 04/29/18 02:27 AM

Originally Posted by hoodlum
Originally Posted by OakAsFan
The Hoffa Wars, by Dan Moldea, is a really good book about Hoffa and the mob, too. Mostly about rebels trying to reform the Teamsters, but it spares no details about Hoffa and the IBT's mob connections, from 1930's Detroit, to his fallout with Tony Pro, to currying favor with Galante in prison just before disappearing.

I have an issue of PLAYBOY ,JULY 1975 ,the PLAYBOY interview is Jimmy Hoffa & in the interview he says " I never had, nor will I never need bodyguards"...Ironically ,he disappeared THAT month the issue was published!


When Frank Fitzsimmons decentralized the Teamsters, enabling the mobsters to control their locals without any oversight from the nationals, Hoffa became absolutely useless. His only move was to just stay out of dodge. He was delusional. He thought he was a mob boss himself, and he made threats. It probably wasn't so much the threats that got him killed, but how much he knew. He was once tight with Tony Provenzano and the Giacalones of Detroit. That's Westside and pretty much all of the midwest families, considering Detroit's influence. He was untouchable. In his final days he only had Carmine Galante's ear, and even Carmine sold him out.

I don't think Hoffa was altogether a bad person. Idealists in the labor movement love to bash him but he had no choice but to cut the mob into the Teamsters. The auto manufacturers were sending goon squads by the hundreds to break up strikes. People were being beaten to death. In the 1930s, if you didn't have some bad guy muscle on your side, you may as well have stayed in your home. A lot of Hoffa's modern day critics just don't understand what the country was like then.

Hoffa's rise to power coincided with the mob's. The bigger he got, the bigger the mob got, and vice versa. You can't blame him for believing he was part of the machine. But he was an outsider. Like Joe Pesci says in Casino. He wasn't one of them. He wasn't Italian. Just like the other Irish and Jewish associates, you have to know your time to walk away. The writing was on the wall for him and he overstayed his welcome, just like Siegel.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 04/29/18 03:17 AM

Originally Posted by OakAsFan
Originally Posted by hoodlum
Originally Posted by OakAsFan
The Hoffa Wars, by Dan Moldea, is a really good book about Hoffa and the mob, too. Mostly about rebels trying to reform the Teamsters, but it spares no details about Hoffa and the IBT's mob connections, from 1930's Detroit, to his fallout with Tony Pro, to currying favor with Galante in prison just before disappearing.

I have an issue of PLAYBOY ,JULY 1975 ,the PLAYBOY interview is Jimmy Hoffa & in the interview he says " I never had, nor will I never need bodyguards"...Ironically ,he disappeared THAT month the issue was published!


When Frank Fitzsimmons decentralized the Teamsters, enabling the mobsters to control their locals without any oversight from the nationals, Hoffa became absolutely useless. His only move was to just stay out of dodge. He was delusional. He thought he was a mob boss himself, and he made threats. It probably wasn't so much the threats that got him killed, but how much he knew. He was once tight with Tony Provenzano and the Giacalones of Detroit. That's Westside and pretty much all of the midwest families, considering Detroit's influence. He was untouchable. In his final days he only had Carmine Galante's ear, and even Carmine sold him out.

I don't think Hoffa was altogether a bad person. Idealists in the labor movement love to bash him but he had no choice but to cut the mob into the Teamsters. The auto manufacturers were sending goon squads by the hundreds to break up strikes. People were being beaten to death. In the 1930s, if you didn't have some bad guy muscle on your side, you may as well have stayed in your home. A lot of Hoffa's modern day critics just don't understand what the country was like then.

Hoffa's rise to power coincided with the mob's. The bigger he got, the bigger the mob got, and vice versa. You can't blame him for believing he was part of the machine. But he was an outsider. Like Joe Pesci says in Casino. He wasn't one of them. He wasn't Italian. Just like the other Irish and Jewish associates, you have to know your time to walk away. The writing was on the wall for him and he overstayed his welcome, just like Siegel.

Originally Posted by OakAsFan
Originally Posted by hoodlum
Originally Posted by OakAsFan
The Hoffa Wars, by Dan Moldea, is a really good book about Hoffa and the mob, too. Mostly about rebels trying to reform the Teamsters, but it spares no details about Hoffa and the IBT's mob connections, from 1930's Detroit, to his fallout with Tony Pro, to currying favor with Galante in prison just before disappearing.

I have an issue of PLAYBOY ,JULY 1975 ,the PLAYBOY interview is Jimmy Hoffa & in the interview he says " I never had, nor will I never need bodyguards"...Ironically ,he disappeared THAT month the issue was published!


When Frank Fitzsimmons decentralized the Teamsters, enabling the mobsters to control their locals without any oversight from the nationals, Hoffa became absolutely useless. His only move was to just stay out of dodge. He was delusional. He thought he was a mob boss himself, and he made threats. It probably wasn't so much the threats that got him killed, but how much he knew. He was once tight with Tony Provenzano and the Giacalones of Detroit. That's Westside and pretty much all of the midwest families, considering Detroit's influence. He was untouchable. In his final days he only had Carmine Galante's ear, and even Carmine sold him out.

I don't think Hoffa was altogether a bad person. Idealists in the labor movement love to bash him but he had no choice but to cut the mob into the Teamsters. The auto manufacturers were sending goon squads by the hundreds to break up strikes. People were being beaten to death. In the 1930s, if you didn't have some bad guy muscle on your side, you may as well have stayed in your home. A lot of Hoffa's modern day critics just don't understand what the country was like then.

Hoffa's rise to power coincided with the mob's. The bigger he got, the bigger the mob got, and vice versa. You can't blame him for believing he was part of the machine. But he was an outsider. Like Joe Pesci says in Casino. He wasn't one of them. He wasn't Italian. Just like the other Irish and Jewish associates, you have to know your time to walk away. The writing was on the wall for him and he overstayed his welcome, just like Siegel.

This is all true in perspective, but what does it have 2 do w/ the interview statement? He was told 3 times by Frank Sheeran via Russell Bufulino & Angie Bruno that he was not 2 run anymore.... & specifically told.." u know what this means" whereas Hoffa said "They wouldn't dare"....Hoffa was a strong minded individual & did not back down when it came to his positioning in power.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 04/29/18 03:19 AM

Now Dead.....&....Forgotten..
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 04/29/18 03:22 AM

I was pretty much responding to your point about the interview, I just started rambling.

Hows about posting the Playboy in ,pdf, wiseguy?
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 04/29/18 05:26 AM

Originally Posted by OakAsFan
I was pretty much responding to your point about the interview, I just started rambling.

Hows about posting the Playboy in ,pdf, wiseguy?

what is pdf & I don't know how 2 transfer anything on this computer ...I don't own a cellphone, nor nobody will give me instruction...I asked my wife , but she seems a littlte stupid to it as I am...I am what is known as tech illiterate..u have no idea how many times I wish I could post a rare pic or a story like u guys,,by the way... I'm not trying 2 start shit w/u or be a wiseguy ...I always liked most of ur articulate posts...u seem to me an intelligent guy...but some things I would rather stray from.....( calling the Bible a work of fiction )...if somebody on here would instruct me how 2 post something other than my own words,,I'm game 4 a lesson....I even now forget how 2 start a thread of my own..I am a very intelligent guy in my own right, but when it comes 2 tech... I am dumbstruck... sorry...P.S. U can look up the Jimmy Hoffa Playboy Interview online if u try hard enough..No hard feelings Oak.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 04/29/18 05:19 PM

I was kidding.

I might already have it. My father took all of my grandfather's old playboys when he passed away. They're sitting in boxes somewhere in his garage with a bunch of Sports Illustrated magazines from the 80s. I've been meaning to go through them. The Hoffa one is a collector's item. That is pretty crazy that he disappeared right after that. I like Jimmy Hoffa. I've worked with my union on organizing and things like that, and most union people today despise Hoffa and feel compelled to prove how anti-Hoffa they are. The middle class wouldn't exist if it weren't for people like Hoffa. People don't realize what this country was like before most of our federal labor laws were passed. It was brutal, and union organizers like Hoffa had to make some tough decisions (and make some tough friends) to overcome them. His relationship to the mob was a necessary evil. His sin was not walking away as soon as he could. The power went to his head.

We can have our religious debate on another thread.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 04/30/18 05:27 AM

Originally Posted by OakAsFan
I was kidding.

I might already have it. My father took all of my grandfather's old playboys when he passed away. They're sitting in boxes somewhere in his garage with a bunch of Sports Illustrated magazines from the 80s. I've been meaning to go through them. The Hoffa one is a collector's item. That is pretty crazy that he disappeared right after that. I like Jimmy Hoffa. I've worked with my union on organizing and things like that, and most union people today despise Hoffa and feel compelled to prove how anti-Hoffa they are. The middle class wouldn't exist if it weren't for people like Hoffa. People don't realize what this country was like before most of our federal labor laws were passed. It was brutal, and union organizers like Hoffa had to make some tough decisions (and make some tough friends) to overcome them. His relationship to the mob was a necessary evil. His sin was not walking away as soon as he could. The power went to his head.

We can have our religious debate on another thread.

U couldn't have said it any better ...Hoffa was a good man & a man 4 the ppls.Sometimes on utube,,I observe his son on different occasions & feel bad 4 the guy...Dad didn't know the word NO.............anyways...PEACE !..b-tween us @ least....
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 05/07/18 08:53 PM

Is Gangbusters by Ernest Volkman worth a read? I bought it but stopped reading after 20 or so pages cos it seemed more like a novel than a true crime book. Does it deserve another chance?
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 05/07/18 11:14 PM

Originally Posted by Moe_Tilden
Is Gangbusters by Ernest Volkman worth a read? I bought it but stopped reading after 20 or so pages cos it seemed more like a novel than a true crime book. Does it deserve another chance?


Haven't read it but based on the preview I read and it's reputation it is littered with made up BS. Which is a shame because it is about the Luchese family which I'd be really interested in.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 05/08/18 02:02 AM

Ernest Volkman has a bad rep, as an exageratter & as an a drunken author..his televised interviews r hilarious though.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 05/18/18 12:01 AM

Hitman: The Untold Story of Johnny Martorano: Whitey Bulger's Enforcer and the Most Feared Gangster in the Underworld by Howie Carr. This was a well researched and written account of Martorano's life. He was more of a business partner of Bulger's who killed heaps of people than a hitman or enforcer. Keeps you on the edge of your seat describing all the mayhem of the Boston underworld in the 60s and 70s.
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 06/08/18 11:24 AM


SC

Here is my list organized crime books that I collected over the years.

American Mafia (history of it's rise to power Thomas Reppetto
A man of honor Joseph Bonanno
A Master of Deception Robert Knuckle
Accardo the genuine godfather William F Roemer jr.
Angel of Death William Marsden & Julian Sher
Boardwalk Empire Nelson Johnson/Terence Winter
Black Mass Dick Lehr/Gerard O'Neil
Blood & Honor (inside the scarfo mob) George Anastasia
Blood brothers Peter Edwards
Blood Washes Blood (about Sicily) Frank Viviano
Bloodletters and bad men Jay Robert Nash
Bloodlines Lee Lamothe & Antonio Nicaso
Blood and power Stephen Fox
Boss of Bosses Joseph F O'Brien & Andris Kurins
Bound by Honor Bill Bonanno
Business or Blood Peter Edwards & Antonio Nicaso
Capone Laurence Bergreen
Canadese Kenneth Bagnell
Claude Dubois Claude Dubois
Contract Killer William Hoffman & Lake Headley
Contract on America David Scheim
Cosa Nostra (an illustration history of the mafia) Massimo Picozzi
Cosa Nostra (History of the Sicilian Mafia) John Dickie
Crime Inc Martin Short
Crimes & Punishment Illustrated crime encyclopedia
Deadly Alliance Ralph Ranalli
Deadly Silence Peter Edwards & Antonio Nicasso
Donnie Brasco Joseph D Pistone
Double Cross Sam & Chuck Giancana
Double Deal Michael Corbitt & Sam Giancana
Duty (the life of a cop) *there a chapter on the fighting the mob Julian Fantino/Jerry Americ
Excellent Cadavers Alexander Stile
Fallen Angel Jerry Langton
Five Families Selwyn Raab
For the sins of my father Albert DeMeo
Frank Costello George Wolf & Joseph Di Mona
G-Men and Gangsters Dominic Spinale
Gangbusters Ernest Volkman
Gangland (The rise of Mexican drug Cartels) Jerry Langton
Gangland- (Gotti) Howard Blum
Gangland International James Norton
Gangster -Portraits in crime Joshua B Feder
Gangsters and Goodfellas Gus Russo/Henry Hill
Gangsters and organized crime in Buffalo Michael F Rizzo
Gangsters of Miami Ron Chepesiuk
Get Capone Jonathan Eig
Global Mafia Antonio Nicaso & Lee Lamothe
Gomorrah Roberto Saviano
Goombata John Cummings & Ernest Volkman
Gotti Rise and fall Jerry Capeci & Gene Mustain
Hard Road (satin's choice) Peter Edwards
Hells Angel Keith & Kent Zimmerman
Hells Angels into the Abyss Yves Lavigne
Hells Angels at War Yves Lavigne
Hells Angels-taking care of business Yves Lavigne
Hitman Howie Carr
Hoffa's Man Joe Franco & Richard Hammer
Honor thy Father Gay Talese
Iced Stephen Schneider
Infamous Manhatten Andrew Roth
Joe Dogs Joseph Iannuzzi
King of the Mob James Dubro & Robin F. Rowland
La Malapianta Nicola Gratteri/Antonio Nicaso signed copy
Last Days of the Sicilians Ralph Blumenthal
Little Man Meyer Lansky & the gangster life Robert Lacey
Mafia (the history of the mob) Nigel Cawthorne
Mafia (inside the dark heart) A.G.D Maran
Mafia Assassin - Ontario Mafia Cecil Kirby & Thomas C Renner
Mafia- complete history of a criminal world Jo Durden Smith
Mafia Dynasty John H Davis
Mafia Enforcer Thomad Renner & Cecil Kirby
Mafia for Beginners Arnd Schneider & Oscar Zarate
Mafia Inc. Andre Cedilot & Andre Noel
Mafia Kingfish- Carlos Marcello John H Davis
Mafia Princess Antoinette Ciancana & Thomas C Renner
Mafia USA Nicolas Gage
Mafia Wipeout Donald Cox
Mafia Wiseguys Robert Rudolph
Man against the Mob William F Roemer jr.
McMafia Misha Glenny
Men of Honor Giovanni Falcone & Marcelle Padovani
Mob Daughter Karen Gravano
Mob Girl Teresa Carpenter
Mob Mistress - Ontario James Dubro
Mob Rule James Dubro
Mob Star - ( J.Gotti) Gene Mustain & Jerry Capeci
Mobsters gangsters & men of honour Pierre de Champlain
Montreal's Irish Mafia D'arcy O'Connor & Miranda O'Connor
Money on the run Mario Passamai
Mr. Capone (the real & complete story of Capone) Robert J. Schoenberg
Murder Machine Gene Mustain & Jerry Capeci
MurderInc (Story of organized crime) Martin Short
No Angel Jay Dobyns & Nils Johnson Shelton
Omerta Mario Puzo
Organized crime (an inside guide Worlds most successful industry) Paul Lunde
Organized crime Michael Lyman & Gary Potter
Playboys illustrated history of Organized Crime Richard Hammer
Quitting the Mob Michael Franzese & Dary Matera
Rebel and Mafiosi James Fentress
Sinatra Club Sal Polisi & Steve Dougherty
Sixth Family version 2006 (38 chapters) Lee Lamothe & Adrian Humphreys
Sixth Family version 2008 (42 chapters) Lee Lamothe & Adrian Humphreys
The Bandido Massacre Peter Edwards
The Brotherhoods Guy Lawson & William Oldham
The Butcher Philip Carlo
The Canadian Connection Jean Pierre Charboneau
The ceremony Joseph Pistone
The Grim reapers Ed Reid
The Enforcer -(Joe Papalia) Adrian Humphreys
The Enforcer- Spilotro William F Roemer jr.
The Everything Mafia book James Mannion
The First Family Mike Dash
The French Connection Robin Moore
The Gangland War John Silvester & Andrew Rule
The Gangsters Timothy Jacobs
The Godfather Mario Puzo
The Good guys Jules Bonavolonta & Brian Duffy
The Goodfella tapes George Anastasia
The Gotti Tapes Ralph Blumenthal & John Miller
The Hoffa Wars Dan E Moldea
The Iceman Philip Carlo
The Infiltrator Robert Mazur (Medellin cartel)
The Insider Donald Goddard
The Last Days of the Sicilians Ralph Blumenthal
The Last Mafioso Ovid Demaris
The last testament of Lucky Luciano Martin Gosch & Richard Hammer
The Laundrymen Jeffery Robinson
The Mafia and the Machine Frank R Hayde
The Mafia (The mammoth book of the mafia) Nigel & Colin Cawthorne
The Mafia's greatest hits David H. Jacobs
The Mafia in Havana Enrique Cirules
The mafia is not an equal opportunity employer nicolas Gage
The Mafia of a Sicilian Village (1860-1960) Anton Blok
The Mistress of the mafia -Virginia Hill Ed Reid
The Mob and the city C.Alexander Hortis
The Nephew Real Simard & Michel Vastel
The Pizza Connection Shana Alexander
The Plumber (Philadelphia mob) Joseph Salerno & Stephen J Rivele
The Road to Hell Julian Sher and William Marsden
The story of the american Mob Sidney Zion
The Teamsters Steven Brill
The Valachi Papers Peter Maas
The war against the mafia Tim Shawcross
The Weasel Adrian Humphreys
Tough Jews Rich Cohen
Underboss- ( Sammy Gravano) Peter Maas
Under and Alone William Queen
Unfinished Business Donnie Brasco
Unrepentant Peter Edwards
War of the Godfathers William F Roemer jr.
Wise Guy (Henry Hill) Nicholas Pileggi
When the Mob ran Vegas Steve Fischer
World Famous Gangsters Ian Schott
Posted By: The_Rooster

Re: Mafia Books - 06/08/18 12:21 PM

Read a few of your collection...6th Family for me was top of the heap
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 06/08/18 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by The_Rooster
Read a few of your collection...6th Family for me was top of the heap


Yes, that was one of my favorites too.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 06/08/18 04:38 PM

Good grief, Ciment. How about a short list of the mob books you haven't read?
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 06/08/18 04:51 PM


There is probably around 15 books that I haven't read yet.
Posted By: The_Rooster

Re: Mafia Books - 06/08/18 06:31 PM

What did you think of Mob Rule?
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 06/08/18 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by The_Rooster
What did you think of Mob Rule?


I liked that one too. It identified the main characters of the Ontario Ndrangheta when few people were talking about it back then.

Also liked ICED
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 06/09/18 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by OakAsFan
Originally Posted by hoodlum
Originally Posted by OakAsFan
The Hoffa Wars, by Dan Moldea, is a really good book about Hoffa and the mob, too. Mostly about rebels trying to reform the Teamsters, but it spares no details about Hoffa and the IBT's mob connections, from 1930's Detroit, to his fallout with Tony Pro, to currying favor with Galante in prison just before disappearing.

I have an issue of PLAYBOY ,JULY 1975 ,the PLAYBOY interview is Jimmy Hoffa & in the interview he says " I never had, nor will I never need bodyguards"...Ironically ,he disappeared THAT month the issue was published!


When Frank Fitzsimmons decentralized the Teamsters, enabling the mobsters to control their locals without any oversight from the nationals, Hoffa became absolutely useless. His only move was to just stay out of dodge. He was delusional. He thought he was a mob boss himself, and he made threats. It probably wasn't so much the threats that got him killed, but how much he knew. He was once tight with Tony Provenzano and the Giacalones of Detroit. That's Westside and pretty much all of the midwest families, considering Detroit's influence. He was untouchable. In his final days he only had Carmine Galante's ear, and even Carmine sold him out.

I don't think Hoffa was altogether a bad person. Idealists in the labor movement love to bash him but he had no choice but to cut the mob into the Teamsters. The auto manufacturers were sending goon squads by the hundreds to break up strikes. People were being beaten to death. In the 1930s, if you didn't have some bad guy muscle on your side, you may as well have stayed in your home. A lot of Hoffa's modern day critics just don't understand what the country was like then.

Hoffa's rise to power coincided with the mob's. The bigger he got, the bigger the mob got, and vice versa. You can't blame him for believing he was part of the machine. But he was an outsider. Like Joe Pesci says in Casino. He wasn't one of them. He wasn't Italian. Just like the other Irish and Jewish associates, you have to know your time to walk away. The writing was on the wall for him and he overstayed his welcome, just like Siegel.
Posted By: Binnie_Coll

Re: Mafia Books - 06/09/18 06:15 PM

you are absolutely right...... in the book "you paint houses don't you" it tells of buffalino's attempt's to get hoffa to retire, hoffa just would not listen, he was warned many times.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 06/09/18 07:01 PM

I'm looking forward to reading the Frank Sheeran book. I want to see the Scorsese movie first.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 06/09/18 10:25 PM

Covert: My Years Infiltrating the Mob by Bob Delaney and Dave Scheiber. About a NJ State Trooper who went undercover investigating the mob. Great stuff. Definitely recommend it. Deals mainly with the mob messing with legitimate business in the 70s and features Tino Fiumara, John DiGilio, Jackie DiNorsico and others.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 06/29/18 05:19 AM

Just finished Little Al D'Arco's book finally, it was an amusing time passer , but now I'm a 1/4 way through Deal with the Devil about Greg Scarpa's association w/Lin Devecchio..starts off slow & seems like the author has got it in 4 the former FBI handler/agent & for good reason...he also writes like he's narrating a documentary , asking the reader questions ("did Scarpa cover his own tracks by informing on his own pal?..we will discuss more on that in chapter 9")...so far ,so good though.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 06/29/18 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by hoodlum
Just finished Little Al D'Arco's book finally, it was an amusing time passer , but now I'm a 1/4 way through Deal with the Devil about Greg Scarpa's association w/Lin Devecchio..starts off slow & seems like the author has got it in 4 the former FBI handler/agent & for good reason...he also writes like he's narrating a documentary , asking the reader questions ("did Scarpa cover his own tracks by informing on his own pal?..we will discuss more on that in chapter 9")...so far ,so good though.


Read both and liked them.

Deal with the Devil gets a bit winded when he gets into a lot of the court papers and trial information but picks back up when Greg starts his rampage.
Enjoy.
Posted By: Michael_Giovanni

Re: Mafia Books - 07/01/18 12:49 AM

I've read about the first half of D'Arco's book about 3 maybe 4 times. Just never seemed to stay interested in it throughout to finish it. I loved the parts about how things were in the 40's and 50's in Little Italy and some of the stories he told about the time, place and people of that era.
Posted By: DapperDon87

Re: Mafia Books - 07/10/18 01:32 AM

Originally Posted by Ciment

SC

Here is my list organized crime books that I collected over the years.

American Mafia (history of it's rise to power Thomas Reppetto
A man of honor Joseph Bonanno
A Master of Deception Robert Knuckle
Accardo the genuine godfather William F Roemer jr.
Angel of Death William Marsden & Julian Sher
Boardwalk Empire Nelson Johnson/Terence Winter
Black Mass Dick Lehr/Gerard O'Neil
Blood & Honor (inside the scarfo mob) George Anastasia
Blood brothers Peter Edwards
Blood Washes Blood (about Sicily) Frank Viviano
Bloodletters and bad men Jay Robert Nash
Bloodlines Lee Lamothe & Antonio Nicaso
Blood and power Stephen Fox
Boss of Bosses Joseph F O'Brien & Andris Kurins
Bound by Honor Bill Bonanno
Business or Blood Peter Edwards & Antonio Nicaso
Capone Laurence Bergreen
Canadese Kenneth Bagnell
Claude Dubois Claude Dubois
Contract Killer William Hoffman & Lake Headley
Contract on America David Scheim
Cosa Nostra (an illustration history of the mafia) Massimo Picozzi
Cosa Nostra (History of the Sicilian Mafia) John Dickie
Crime Inc Martin Short
Crimes & Punishment Illustrated crime encyclopedia
Deadly Alliance Ralph Ranalli
Deadly Silence Peter Edwards & Antonio Nicasso
Donnie Brasco Joseph D Pistone
Double Cross Sam & Chuck Giancana
Double Deal Michael Corbitt & Sam Giancana
Duty (the life of a cop) *there a chapter on the fighting the mob Julian Fantino/Jerry Americ
Excellent Cadavers Alexander Stile
Fallen Angel Jerry Langton
Five Families Selwyn Raab
For the sins of my father Albert DeMeo
Frank Costello George Wolf & Joseph Di Mona
G-Men and Gangsters Dominic Spinale
Gangbusters Ernest Volkman
Gangland (The rise of Mexican drug Cartels) Jerry Langton
Gangland- (Gotti) Howard Blum
Gangland International James Norton
Gangster -Portraits in crime Joshua B Feder
Gangsters and Goodfellas Gus Russo/Henry Hill
Gangsters and organized crime in Buffalo Michael F Rizzo
Gangsters of Miami Ron Chepesiuk
Get Capone Jonathan Eig
Global Mafia Antonio Nicaso & Lee Lamothe
Gomorrah Roberto Saviano
Goombata John Cummings & Ernest Volkman
Gotti Rise and fall Jerry Capeci & Gene Mustain
Hard Road (satin's choice) Peter Edwards
Hells Angel Keith & Kent Zimmerman
Hells Angels into the Abyss Yves Lavigne
Hells Angels at War Yves Lavigne
Hells Angels-taking care of business Yves Lavigne
Hitman Howie Carr
Hoffa's Man Joe Franco & Richard Hammer
Honor thy Father Gay Talese
Iced Stephen Schneider
Infamous Manhatten Andrew Roth
Joe Dogs Joseph Iannuzzi
King of the Mob James Dubro & Robin F. Rowland
La Malapianta Nicola Gratteri/Antonio Nicaso signed copy
Last Days of the Sicilians Ralph Blumenthal
Little Man Meyer Lansky & the gangster life Robert Lacey
Mafia (the history of the mob) Nigel Cawthorne
Mafia (inside the dark heart) A.G.D Maran
Mafia Assassin - Ontario Mafia Cecil Kirby & Thomas C Renner
Mafia- complete history of a criminal world Jo Durden Smith
Mafia Dynasty John H Davis
Mafia Enforcer Thomad Renner & Cecil Kirby
Mafia for Beginners Arnd Schneider & Oscar Zarate
Mafia Inc. Andre Cedilot & Andre Noel
Mafia Kingfish- Carlos Marcello John H Davis
Mafia Princess Antoinette Ciancana & Thomas C Renner
Mafia USA Nicolas Gage
Mafia Wipeout Donald Cox
Mafia Wiseguys Robert Rudolph
Man against the Mob William F Roemer jr.
McMafia Misha Glenny
Men of Honor Giovanni Falcone & Marcelle Padovani
Mob Daughter Karen Gravano
Mob Girl Teresa Carpenter
Mob Mistress - Ontario James Dubro
Mob Rule James Dubro
Mob Star - ( J.Gotti) Gene Mustain & Jerry Capeci
Mobsters gangsters & men of honour Pierre de Champlain
Montreal's Irish Mafia D'arcy O'Connor & Miranda O'Connor
Money on the run Mario Passamai
Mr. Capone (the real & complete story of Capone) Robert J. Schoenberg
Murder Machine Gene Mustain & Jerry Capeci
MurderInc (Story of organized crime) Martin Short
No Angel Jay Dobyns & Nils Johnson Shelton
Omerta Mario Puzo
Organized crime (an inside guide Worlds most successful industry) Paul Lunde
Organized crime Michael Lyman & Gary Potter
Playboys illustrated history of Organized Crime Richard Hammer
Quitting the Mob Michael Franzese & Dary Matera
Rebel and Mafiosi James Fentress
Sinatra Club Sal Polisi & Steve Dougherty
Sixth Family version 2006 (38 chapters) Lee Lamothe & Adrian Humphreys
Sixth Family version 2008 (42 chapters) Lee Lamothe & Adrian Humphreys
The Bandido Massacre Peter Edwards
The Brotherhoods Guy Lawson & William Oldham
The Butcher Philip Carlo
The Canadian Connection Jean Pierre Charboneau
The ceremony Joseph Pistone
The Grim reapers Ed Reid
The Enforcer -(Joe Papalia) Adrian Humphreys
The Enforcer- Spilotro William F Roemer jr.
The Everything Mafia book James Mannion
The First Family Mike Dash
The French Connection Robin Moore
The Gangland War John Silvester & Andrew Rule
The Gangsters Timothy Jacobs
The Godfather Mario Puzo
The Good guys Jules Bonavolonta & Brian Duffy
The Goodfella tapes George Anastasia
The Gotti Tapes Ralph Blumenthal & John Miller
The Hoffa Wars Dan E Moldea
The Iceman Philip Carlo
The Infiltrator Robert Mazur (Medellin cartel)
The Insider Donald Goddard
The Last Days of the Sicilians Ralph Blumenthal
The Last Mafioso Ovid Demaris
The last testament of Lucky Luciano Martin Gosch & Richard Hammer
The Laundrymen Jeffery Robinson
The Mafia and the Machine Frank R Hayde
The Mafia (The mammoth book of the mafia) Nigel & Colin Cawthorne
The Mafia's greatest hits David H. Jacobs
The Mafia in Havana Enrique Cirules
The mafia is not an equal opportunity employer nicolas Gage
The Mafia of a Sicilian Village (1860-1960) Anton Blok
The Mistress of the mafia -Virginia Hill Ed Reid
The Mob and the city C.Alexander Hortis
The Nephew Real Simard & Michel Vastel
The Pizza Connection Shana Alexander
The Plumber (Philadelphia mob) Joseph Salerno & Stephen J Rivele
The Road to Hell Julian Sher and William Marsden
The story of the american Mob Sidney Zion
The Teamsters Steven Brill
The Valachi Papers Peter Maas
The war against the mafia Tim Shawcross
The Weasel Adrian Humphreys
Tough Jews Rich Cohen
Underboss- ( Sammy Gravano) Peter Maas
Under and Alone William Queen
Unfinished Business Donnie Brasco
Unrepentant Peter Edwards
War of the Godfathers William F Roemer jr.
Wise Guy (Henry Hill) Nicholas Pileggi
When the Mob ran Vegas Steve Fischer
World Famous Gangsters Ian Schott


Thats a nice collection! I have a few of those.. what would your top 10 be? I'm looking for a few new books.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 07/10/18 03:58 AM

Undercover Cop by Mike Russell. Really entertaining and interesting read, but it is hard to tell what is the truth or not after researching it more online.
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 07/10/18 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by DapperDon87
Originally Posted by Ciment

SC

Here is my list organized crime books that I collected over the years.

American Mafia (history of it's rise to power Thomas Reppetto
A man of honor Joseph Bonanno
A Master of Deception Robert Knuckle
Accardo the genuine godfather William F Roemer jr.
Angel of Death William Marsden & Julian Sher
Boardwalk Empire Nelson Johnson/Terence Winter
Black Mass Dick Lehr/Gerard O'Neil
Blood & Honor (inside the scarfo mob) George Anastasia
Blood brothers Peter Edwards
Blood Washes Blood (about Sicily) Frank Viviano
Bloodletters and bad men Jay Robert Nash
Bloodlines Lee Lamothe & Antonio Nicaso
Blood and power Stephen Fox
Boss of Bosses Joseph F O'Brien & Andris Kurins
Bound by Honor Bill Bonanno
Business or Blood Peter Edwards & Antonio Nicaso
Capone Laurence Bergreen
Canadese Kenneth Bagnell
Claude Dubois Claude Dubois
Contract Killer William Hoffman & Lake Headley
Contract on America David Scheim
Cosa Nostra (an illustration history of the mafia) Massimo Picozzi
Cosa Nostra (History of the Sicilian Mafia) John Dickie
Crime Inc Martin Short
Crimes & Punishment Illustrated crime encyclopedia
Deadly Alliance Ralph Ranalli
Deadly Silence Peter Edwards & Antonio Nicasso
Donnie Brasco Joseph D Pistone
Double Cross Sam & Chuck Giancana
Double Deal Michael Corbitt & Sam Giancana
Duty (the life of a cop) *there a chapter on the fighting the mob Julian Fantino/Jerry Americ
Excellent Cadavers Alexander Stile
Fallen Angel Jerry Langton
Five Families Selwyn Raab
For the sins of my father Albert DeMeo
Frank Costello George Wolf & Joseph Di Mona
G-Men and Gangsters Dominic Spinale
Gangbusters Ernest Volkman
Gangland (The rise of Mexican drug Cartels) Jerry Langton
Gangland- (Gotti) Howard Blum
Gangland International James Norton
Gangster -Portraits in crime Joshua B Feder
Gangsters and Goodfellas Gus Russo/Henry Hill
Gangsters and organized crime in Buffalo Michael F Rizzo
Gangsters of Miami Ron Chepesiuk
Get Capone Jonathan Eig
Global Mafia Antonio Nicaso & Lee Lamothe
Gomorrah Roberto Saviano
Goombata John Cummings & Ernest Volkman
Gotti Rise and fall Jerry Capeci & Gene Mustain
Hard Road (satin's choice) Peter Edwards
Hells Angel Keith & Kent Zimmerman
Hells Angels into the Abyss Yves Lavigne
Hells Angels at War Yves Lavigne
Hells Angels-taking care of business Yves Lavigne
Hitman Howie Carr
Hoffa's Man Joe Franco & Richard Hammer
Honor thy Father Gay Talese
Iced Stephen Schneider
Infamous Manhatten Andrew Roth
Joe Dogs Joseph Iannuzzi
King of the Mob James Dubro & Robin F. Rowland
La Malapianta Nicola Gratteri/Antonio Nicaso signed copy
Last Days of the Sicilians Ralph Blumenthal
Little Man Meyer Lansky & the gangster life Robert Lacey
Mafia (the history of the mob) Nigel Cawthorne
Mafia (inside the dark heart) A.G.D Maran
Mafia Assassin - Ontario Mafia Cecil Kirby & Thomas C Renner
Mafia- complete history of a criminal world Jo Durden Smith
Mafia Dynasty John H Davis
Mafia Enforcer Thomad Renner & Cecil Kirby
Mafia for Beginners Arnd Schneider & Oscar Zarate
Mafia Inc. Andre Cedilot & Andre Noel
Mafia Kingfish- Carlos Marcello John H Davis
Mafia Princess Antoinette Ciancana & Thomas C Renner
Mafia USA Nicolas Gage
Mafia Wipeout Donald Cox
Mafia Wiseguys Robert Rudolph
Man against the Mob William F Roemer jr.
McMafia Misha Glenny
Men of Honor Giovanni Falcone & Marcelle Padovani
Mob Daughter Karen Gravano
Mob Girl Teresa Carpenter
Mob Mistress - Ontario James Dubro
Mob Rule James Dubro
Mob Star - ( J.Gotti) Gene Mustain & Jerry Capeci
Mobsters gangsters & men of honour Pierre de Champlain
Montreal's Irish Mafia D'arcy O'Connor & Miranda O'Connor
Money on the run Mario Passamai
Mr. Capone (the real & complete story of Capone) Robert J. Schoenberg
Murder Machine Gene Mustain & Jerry Capeci
MurderInc (Story of organized crime) Martin Short
No Angel Jay Dobyns & Nils Johnson Shelton
Omerta Mario Puzo
Organized crime (an inside guide Worlds most successful industry) Paul Lunde
Organized crime Michael Lyman & Gary Potter
Playboys illustrated history of Organized Crime Richard Hammer
Quitting the Mob Michael Franzese & Dary Matera
Rebel and Mafiosi James Fentress
Sinatra Club Sal Polisi & Steve Dougherty
Sixth Family version 2006 (38 chapters) Lee Lamothe & Adrian Humphreys
Sixth Family version 2008 (42 chapters) Lee Lamothe & Adrian Humphreys
The Bandido Massacre Peter Edwards
The Brotherhoods Guy Lawson & William Oldham
The Butcher Philip Carlo
The Canadian Connection Jean Pierre Charboneau
The ceremony Joseph Pistone
The Grim reapers Ed Reid
The Enforcer -(Joe Papalia) Adrian Humphreys
The Enforcer- Spilotro William F Roemer jr.
The Everything Mafia book James Mannion
The First Family Mike Dash
The French Connection Robin Moore
The Gangland War John Silvester & Andrew Rule
The Gangsters Timothy Jacobs
The Godfather Mario Puzo
The Good guys Jules Bonavolonta & Brian Duffy
The Goodfella tapes George Anastasia
The Gotti Tapes Ralph Blumenthal & John Miller
The Hoffa Wars Dan E Moldea
The Iceman Philip Carlo
The Infiltrator Robert Mazur (Medellin cartel)
The Insider Donald Goddard
The Last Days of the Sicilians Ralph Blumenthal
The Last Mafioso Ovid Demaris
The last testament of Lucky Luciano Martin Gosch & Richard Hammer
The Laundrymen Jeffery Robinson
The Mafia and the Machine Frank R Hayde
The Mafia (The mammoth book of the mafia) Nigel & Colin Cawthorne
The Mafia's greatest hits David H. Jacobs
The Mafia in Havana Enrique Cirules
The mafia is not an equal opportunity employer nicolas Gage
The Mafia of a Sicilian Village (1860-1960) Anton Blok
The Mistress of the mafia -Virginia Hill Ed Reid
The Mob and the city C.Alexander Hortis
The Nephew Real Simard & Michel Vastel
The Pizza Connection Shana Alexander
The Plumber (Philadelphia mob) Joseph Salerno & Stephen J Rivele
The Road to Hell Julian Sher and William Marsden
The story of the american Mob Sidney Zion
The Teamsters Steven Brill
The Valachi Papers Peter Maas
The war against the mafia Tim Shawcross
The Weasel Adrian Humphreys
Tough Jews Rich Cohen
Underboss- ( Sammy Gravano) Peter Maas
Under and Alone William Queen
Unfinished Business Donnie Brasco
Unrepentant Peter Edwards
War of the Godfathers William F Roemer jr.
Wise Guy (Henry Hill) Nicholas Pileggi
When the Mob ran Vegas Steve Fischer
World Famous Gangsters Ian Schott


Thats a nice collection! I have a few of those.. what would your top 10 be? I'm looking for a few new books.


I hate answering this question because there are many that I liked. It also depends what you are looking for. Some prefer biography books on mobsters others like to know more about the structure and life of a mobster. My interests have changed many times over the years. I started my interest with the American LCN, then shifted to the Italian Casa Nostra , Camorra, Ndrangheta and so on.

The ones I listed is what peaked my interest the most at one point. The Valachi papers was the first book I read on the mafia which makes me biased for that one.


Men of Honor by Judge Falcone
The Five Families
Valachi Papers
Excellent Cadavers
G-Men and Gangsters
Mafia Kingfish
Mr.Capone
Rebel and Mafiosi
Arcado genuine Godfather
Gomorrah
Mexican Drug Cartels
Posted By: DapperDon87

Re: Mafia Books - 07/11/18 12:57 AM

Thanks Ciment. I guess you're right with what people prefer. I'm more into the American LCN and more specifically the 5 families. I guess I'd also have to say I'm more of a biography guy but that's not all I have in my collection. I thoroughly enjoyed the Sixth Family book on the Rizzuto's in Canada. I think I'll have to check out the Valachi Papers. Are there any other Bio's or American LCN books you'd suggest? Sorry if I'm bothering you with the questions.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 07/13/18 12:55 AM

i think the old time mafia books have come to a end. unless massino or i rather vitale its the end of a era in true crime books. little al and crazy phils were really good theres been a ton of shit sandwiches like that guy who had sex with scarpas wife well he jerked off and a few other guys who lie rite in there book say they were made guy but forget people have google and can pull up all new articles when they were testifying and saying they were mere wannbes. took some percs for a ear infection thing im high.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 07/13/18 07:11 PM

Most of the info is on the internet, now. There was a time when you had to buy a book to get information. That demand is gone. That's why writers rely so much on snark and humor, now. It's all they can sell. They can't sell information, anymore.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 07/14/18 02:16 AM

good point oak. it would take a good aurthor with someone with a ton of history in the mob and theres no rats left that have the history except masino or vitale. vitale being massino underboss basically could give his account of the bonanno family from 1975 to 2000 being that he was riding massino coattails plus when massino did like 8-10 yrs in prison from the mid 80tys to mid 90tys vitale was his eyes and ears. and with gotti to. hed be more interesting i think. but read his kids are still in nyc so thats not gonna happen
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 07/14/18 02:37 AM

We need a west side snitch. If Bellomo flips. That would be a book.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 07/14/18 06:54 AM

I'm still holding out for a Vincent Cafaro book! It took Leonetti and D'Arco 20 years to come out with books and I haven't heard that he's dead yet lol


I think we have a good chance for a Michael DiLeonardo book. I know that the Gotti era has been covered, but he always comes with interesting info.
Posted By: jace

Re: Mafia Books - 07/17/18 03:27 AM

Originally Posted by MightyDR
I'm still holding out for a Vincent Cafaro book! It took Leonetti and D'Arco 20 years to come out with books and I haven't heard that he's dead yet lol


I think we have a good chance for a Michael DiLeonardo book. I know that the Gotti era has been covered, but he always comes with interesting info.


Is he still alive?
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 07/18/18 12:11 AM

Originally Posted by jace
Originally Posted by MightyDR
I'm still holding out for a Vincent Cafaro book! It took Leonetti and D'Arco 20 years to come out with books and I haven't heard that he's dead yet lol


I think we have a good chance for a Michael DiLeonardo book. I know that the Gotti era has been covered, but he always comes with interesting info.


Is he still alive?


Haven't heard otherwise!
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 07/18/18 01:22 AM

Half way through Deal w/ the Devil by Peter Lance about Scarpa sr. & Lin DeVecchio...the Fed is just as bad a criminal as his informer/killer...real scumbag... good read so far though.
Posted By: DapperDon87

Re: Mafia Books - 07/18/18 10:03 PM

Originally Posted by hoodlum
Half way through Deal w/ the Devil by Peter Lance about Scarpa sr. & Lin DeVecchio...the Fed is just as bad a criminal as his informer/killer...real scumbag... good read so far though.


Please let me know what you think about this book when you're done! Sounds interesting.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 07/19/18 02:48 PM

felix trangese a genovese soldier in the springfield crew who flipped in 2010 could write a good small book on the western mass and connecticut mob. he was made in 1982 im sure he forgot to tell the fbi about who he killed to make his bones in the 1970tys.. he was around in springfields powerday 70tys 80tys even 90tys they were a huge crew spread out all over new england. he wouldnt do it he around here and doesnt want to piss off the goons around springfield. let sleeping dogs lay.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 07/19/18 09:02 PM

Originally Posted by DapperDon87
Originally Posted by hoodlum
Half way through Deal w/ the Devil by Peter Lance about Scarpa sr. & Lin DeVecchio...the Fed is just as bad a criminal as his informer/killer...real scumbag... good read so far though.


Please let me know what you think about this book when you're done! Sounds interesting.

Be happy 2..I don't remember u ,,,so ..welcome 2 the boards pal.....
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 07/21/18 05:28 PM

Sure this is good for those of us who haven't read the book yet. S. Raab's 5 Family's is on You Tube in a well narrated audiobook.
Book
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 07/21/18 05:33 PM

Originally Posted by DapperDon87
Originally Posted by hoodlum
Half way through Deal w/ the Devil by Peter Lance about Scarpa sr. & Lin DeVecchio...the Fed is just as bad a criminal as his informer/killer...real scumbag... good read so far though.


Please let me know what you think about this book when you're done! Sounds interesting.



I thought the other Scarpa book by Harmon(?) was quite decent as mob books go. But, yeah, that FBI guy comes out of it as real corrupt.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 08/02/18 09:09 PM

Cullotta: The Life of a Chicago Criminal, Las Vegas Mobster, and Government Witness by Dennis Griffin. This was an enjoyable read. He actually spent only a small amount of time in Vegas and it was mainly about him being a thief in Chicago which I found even more interesting.
Posted By: jace

Re: Mafia Books - 08/11/18 02:34 AM

I read The Mad Ones by Tom Folsom, a book about the Gallo brothers. One fo the worst I have read. He idolizes the Gallos openly, to a point where it gets strange. Also poorly written, and loose on aspects of the feuds of the 1960's time period.
Posted By: Quiet_Doms

Re: Mafia Books - 08/18/18 10:11 PM

Five Families
Mafia Prince
Mob Boss
Valachi Papers
Posted By: JimmyIrons

Re: Mafia Books - 08/21/18 03:05 AM

If you want to fall asleep read the Buffalino book. Hardly anything on him, they should change the title to Mt Airy.
Posted By: JimmyIrons

Re: Mafia Books - 08/21/18 03:11 AM

I wish someone would write a book on Frank Schweihs and Joey Lombardo.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 09/15/18 11:11 PM

Colombo: The Unsolved Murder by Don Capria and Anthony Colombo. I started this book knowing they were going to make the argument that the FBI killed Joe Colombo and was very skeptical. They lay out a good case though. Let's just say I'm a lot less skeptical now. And I'm definitely sure it wasn't the Gallos. Anthony Colombo takes the naive stance that Carlo Gambino was such a good friend of his father's that he would never have him killed. Gambino seems to really have snowed him with the humble old man act.

It's an interesting read. Especially finding out more about Colombo's life before he started the League. The problem is the authors want to portray Joe Colombo as a Don Corleone-esque righteous and honorable Godfather, but at the same time a persecuted innocent businessman. I'd still recommend checking it out though.
Posted By: jace

Re: Mafia Books - 09/16/18 12:00 AM

Originally Posted by MightyDR
Colombo: The Unsolved Murder by Don Capria and Anthony Colombo. I started this book knowing they were going to make the argument that the FBI killed Joe Colombo and was very skeptical. They lay out a good case though. Let's just say I'm a lot less skeptical now. And I'm definitely sure it wasn't the Gallos. Anthony Colombo takes the naive stance that Carlo Gambino was such a good friend of his father's that he would never have him killed. Gambino seems to really have snowed him with the humble old man act.

It's an interesting read. Especially finding out more about Colombo's life before he started the League. The problem is the authors want to portray Joe Colombo as a Don Corleone-esque righteous and honorable Godfather, but at the same time a persecuted innocent businessman. I'd still recommend checking it out though.



It's a very good book with flaws, which you pointed out. I think every author makes his subject bigger or better than they are, Capria doesn't go as far overboard as others may have. I disagree on one thing, I believe Gambino was a close friend of his, the way the son comes across he would be slamming Carlo if he did not like him so much.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 10/06/18 09:57 PM

Carmine the Snake: Carmine Persico and His Murderous Mafia Family by Frank Dimatteo and Michael Benson. While I already could tell you Persico's life story from my own research, this book provides a lot of great details and insights I didn't know about taken from the authors' own research and insider knowledge.
Posted By: antimafia

Re: Mafia Books - 10/10/18 02:40 PM

Looking very forward to Daniel Renaud's upcoming book, Vito Rizzuto : La chute du dernier parrain.

The links below both show a publishing date of November 6 (next month), but I have a suspicion that the date is too early for the book to come out.

https://www.amazon.ca/VITO-RIZZUTO-CHUTE-DERNIER-PARRAIN/dp/2897057319

https://www.leslibraires.ca/livres/...parrain-daniel-renaud-9782897057312.html
Posted By: Jimmy_Two_Times

Re: Mafia Books - 10/12/18 01:07 PM

Can anyone recommend the best - or at least a "good" - biography on Frank Costello?
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 10/12/18 06:47 PM

"Uncle Frank: The Biography of Frank Costello", by Leonard Katz has the best Amazon rating.

"Frank Costello: Prime Minister of the Underworld", by his long time attorney George Wolf, has a little too much praise for him according to reviews. But certainly might be an enjoyable read to someone who liked him in comparison to other mobsters.

Both of these books came out in the 70s, so obviously you won't get much on what effect Frank's legacy has on events and people thereafter.

There's a new one that just came out called "Top Hoodlum" by Anthony DeStefano. Considering it's recent, one could hope the writer does a good job of connecting Frank's legacy to events since then, right up to modern day. Don't know much about it, however.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 10/15/18 06:33 AM

Dicarlo: Buffalo's First Family of Crime by Thomas Hunt and Michael A. Tona. One of the most thoroughly researched mob books I have read which is especially good since it is on an underreported subject matter. The authors do have a tendency to actually go into too much detail on certain topics, but at least you know you are getting the full story. Can't wait for Volume 2!
Posted By: Jimmy_Two_Times

Re: Mafia Books - 10/15/18 03:16 PM

Thank you Oak!
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 10/22/18 08:15 PM

Just ordered and downloaded the new Persico Book on Kindle, the mob books never go on sale on Kindle, this one went from 12.99 to 2 bucks... special of the day.
One day only sale.

Carmine The Snake: Carmine Persico and his murderous Mafia Family by Frank Dimattteo and Michael Benson.
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 11/13/18 03:34 AM

https://www.nationalcrimesyndicate.com/top-10-mafia-books/

Top 10 Mafia Books
Posted By: Michael_Giovanni

Re: Mafia Books - 11/13/18 03:40 AM

Originally Posted by Ciment


Thanks for the link

Anyone want to dispute the list or add anything to it?
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 11/14/18 12:27 AM

I would have to have The Butcher in there somewhere.
Posted By: JW24

Re: Mafia Books - 11/17/18 07:21 PM

Excellent book and a quick read

Attached picture 51faQ0j79PL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 11/17/18 10:11 PM

Originally Posted by JW24
Excellent book and a quick read





Might put this on the list.

Thanks J
Posted By: JW24

Re: Mafia Books - 11/20/18 10:47 AM

No problem.
Posted By: FrankValenti

Re: Mafia Books - 11/24/18 08:12 PM

I came across this one at the book store today. Has anyone read it yet? I'm not too well versed on the Black Hand, but the story sounds intriguing.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: JW24

Re: Mafia Books - 11/26/18 05:51 PM

An EXCELLENT book. Not well known but has many unknown stories and lots of rare pics. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Attached picture index.jpg
Posted By: JW24

Re: Mafia Books - 11/26/18 05:54 PM

Another book recommended by a fellow forum member. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for those interested in Mexican drug cartels

Attached picture 51yKqFcxs+L.jpg
Posted By: JW24

Re: Mafia Books - 11/27/18 05:16 PM

EXCELLENT Book:

Attached picture index.jpg
Posted By: Michael_Giovanni

Re: Mafia Books - 11/27/18 07:31 PM

I’m reading the Carmine Persico and his murderous Mafia family. About half way through it. As others have said it’s a good read.

I like pulling up google maps and looking up places and addresses when reading Mob books. Obviously things look much different nowadays. But when reading the part about the big gang fight at prospect park near the boat dock and Lullwater bridge and pulling it up on google maps and seeing it from that point of view gave a unique context when reading about that gang fight.
Posted By: antimafia

Re: Mafia Books - 12/06/18 03:25 AM

Originally Posted by antimafia
Looking very forward to Daniel Renaud's upcoming book, Vito Rizzuto : La chute du dernier parrain.

The links below both show a publishing date of November 6 (next month), but I have a suspicion that the date is too early for the book to come out.

https://www.amazon.ca/VITO-RIZZUTO-CHUTE-DERNIER-PARRAIN/dp/2897057319

https://www.leslibraires.ca/livres/...parrain-daniel-renaud-9782897057312.html


Please let me know whether you're prevented from viewing the French-language article to which I've linked below because you live outside Canada. The article is an interview with the individual with whom Daniel Renaud collaborated on his new book.

« Il a traqué Vito Rizzuto »

https://www.lereflet.qc.ca/il-a-traque-vito-rizzuto/
Posted By: BarrettM

Re: Mafia Books - 12/06/18 06:27 PM

Inspector Oldfield: Amazing book on american history in general
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 12/11/18 02:34 AM

[Linked Image]
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 12/12/18 01:45 AM

Anyone? Carlo's got a book coming out? In-law to the Corleone family? Given a living, but knew nothing of the family business? Garroted by Corleone capo Clemenza while believing he was being driven to the airport to be Michael's man in Vegas? He was nice enough to write a book. I'm sure there'll be a few stories about the Godfather set. Lots of wiseguys hanging around that place. He also killed a cartel lord at his restaurant. Might be worth checking out.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 12/13/18 04:10 AM

I guess I'll just let you guys know how it is.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 12/15/18 09:01 PM

Joey the Hitman: The Autobiography of a Mafia Killer by "Joey Black" and David Fisher. I had heard about this for a while now but was skeptical until I saw the interview with him on youtube. Like the interview, this book comes across as realistic, but you can't be 100% sure. He seems to have been involved in too many rackets and knew too many mobsters for me to totally buy it. Having said that, a report came out after his death proving he was a real gangster and the book gives a good breakdown of a lot of different rackets the mob was involved in up to the early 70s. Check it out if you can get a cheap price.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 12/21/18 09:37 PM

Double Deal: The Inside Story of Murder, Unbridled Corruption, and the Cop Who Was a Mobster by Michael J. Corbitt and Sam Giancana (the nephew). This was a really well written and interesting book about a corrupt cop working for the Chicago Outfit. Goes into detail about rackets and figures that don't get covered very often such as Hy Larner and his machines. There are a few tall tales that left me a bit skeptical, but overall I would definitely recommend it.
Posted By: Serpiente

Re: Mafia Books - 12/31/18 12:23 AM

Playing snow bird with wife this winter and will be on the beach often if not to much “ anyway I want to read about the Westside say 1960 to today .

Since they have had a few rats is there any books out there that are correct. ? ?



Thanks”
Posted By: Mustard

Re: Mafia Books - 12/31/18 01:07 AM

Very little on the westside. Larry mcshanes book maybe a year or so of the valachi papers lil bit in body mike about funzi five families no specific books i know about
Posted By: Serpiente

Re: Mafia Books - 12/31/18 02:02 AM

Originally Posted by Mustard
Very little on the westside. Larry mcshanes book maybe a year or so of the valachi papers lil bit in body mike about funzi five families no specific books i know about



Really even with the Pizza Connection and Valachi and another guy that starts with a C and there been a few flip and nothing??

Is the mob dying out in the minds of regular folks ?

Because regular folks loved Godfather and NY guys said that it was like the life but it’s not that movie was all over the place with a non- Italian as a consigliere .....yeah !


But tell you what if someone could make a factual movie from Lucchese , Profaci, Costello, Gambino ,Bonanno because of all the rats almost everything is out there .

Can not go before them because regular folks will never get it ....

Then again it’s possible that Americans don’t want or are no longer interested because all the info is out there including many of old cats ready to talk about the old days off the record because everyone is gone but Carmine P.
Posted By: Mustard

Re: Mafia Books - 12/31/18 02:32 AM

Think your thinking vincent cafaro. Been waiting for a really good book to come out for a while mr serp they all seem middle of the road or just terrible.
Posted By: Serpiente

Re: Mafia Books - 12/31/18 11:52 AM



Originally Posted by Mustard
Think your thinking vincent cafaro. Been waiting for a really good book to come out for a while mr serp they all seem middle of the road or just terrible.




Thanks
Posted By: jjpuppet

Re: Mafia Books - 12/31/18 09:18 PM

Read the book ---The last Jewish gangster by Myron Sugarmman, very good book. Deals with the New Jersey mob going back to the Dutch Schu.ltz days, lot of info on Abner Zwillerman and Gerald Gatena , Doc Stacher and other old school mobsters you don't see much about. Talks about the Kosher Nostra. Talks about the Greek mob in Astoria , Queens, ….
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 01/01/19 04:15 PM

capeci should track down vitale or massino for his final book. i think both are to deep into witsec and wouldnt want to cause there family back in nyc the problems. there both were sending guys to prison only a few years back.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 01/01/19 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by jjpuppet
Read the book ---The last Jewish gangster by Myron Sugarmman, very good book. Deals with the New Jersey mob going back to the Dutch Schu.ltz days, lot of info on Abner Zwillerman and Gerald Gatena , Doc Stacher and other old school mobsters you don't see much about. Talks about the Kosher Nostra. Talks about the Greek mob in Astoria , Queens, ….


That sounds good. Thanks jjpuppet.


Mob Nemesis: How the FBI Crippled Organized Crime by Joe Griffin. Good book about an FBI agent who worked against the mob in Buffalo and Cleveland. Gives thorough details on all the cases he was involved in.
Posted By: jjpuppet

Re: Mafia Books - 01/03/19 06:52 PM

Read it, Great book about Cleveland and Buffalo. I read a lot of mob books, Ray Cerritos wife wrote about him that was good, Hes the one that got Danny Greene, he flipped and nobody bothered him. A good book in paperback, is the last lonely eagle about the mob assassination of Tampa Police ofc Richard Cloud, A lot on the Trafficantes and the Tampa mafia as well as the police corruption...one of the best books I ever read. Just read the book by Jerry Tillinghast, its new on kindle, It about Ray Patrarca specifically Rhode Island. Mentions Gerry Ouimette a lot as he was part of his crew. Ouimettes also wrote a book that wasn't too bad,
Posted By: DiLorenzo

Re: Mafia Books - 01/05/19 03:32 AM

Poor Gianni Russo asked out Victoria Gotti and she didn't even have the decency to tell him herself, she had her fag gofer do it for her...Luckiest day in Gianni's life..You dodged a bullet pal !!
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 01/05/19 08:14 PM

Originally Posted by DiLorenzo
Poor Gianni Russo asked out Victoria Gotti and she didn't even have the decency to tell him herself, she had her fag gofer do it for her...Luckiest day in Gianni's life..You dodged a bullet pal !!

????
Posted By: DiLorenzo

Re: Mafia Books - 01/08/19 03:46 AM

Russo wanted to date Victoria Gotti, and instead of telling him no herself, she had somebody tell him she was interested...She's friggin trash...He dodged a bullet !!
Posted By: WhackWhack

Re: Mafia Books - 01/08/19 05:02 PM

I got the book "Vinny Gorgeous: Ugly rise and fall of a NY mobster" by Anthony M DeStefano.

not much out there on Basciano so I loved it. Mainly talked about his reign as acting boss, Cicale, Pizzolo and Santoro murders and his trials. Also had a tiny bit on Bruno Indelicato. A must read for anyone who supports real men who do not fold.


And are there any in depth books about Bruno Indelicato? Cannot find much at all on him. Mainly just details on him in the commission trial for hitting Galante.

Would love a full book on Bruno. He is a legend. Son of a infamous powerful capo. Was a triggerman on one of the most infamous mob hits ever. Was one of the youngest capos in cosa nostra history. Was a defendant in the commission trial. Supposedly whacked dozens and dozens of guys. Convicted of murder twice and yet will be back on the streets in a couple years.

Wish could find more info and pics on Bruno.
Posted By: Mustard

Re: Mafia Books - 01/09/19 01:30 AM

I agree buddy can you imagine if they had two books two writers the two different stories obviously massino would have a better insight. Theres still time fingers crossed cant see it tho
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 01/09/19 01:33 AM

Originally Posted by WhackWhack
I got the book "Vinny Gorgeous: Ugly rise and fall of a NY mobster" by Anthony M DeStefano.

not much out there on Basciano so I loved it. Mainly talked about his reign as acting boss, Cicale, Pizzolo and Santoro murders and his trials. Also had a tiny bit on Bruno Indelicato. A must read for anyone who supports real men who do not fold.


And are there any in depth books about Bruno Indelicato? Cannot find much at all on him. Mainly just details on him in the commission trial for hitting Galante.

Would love a full book on Bruno. He is a legend. Son of a infamous powerful capo. Was a triggerman on one of the most infamous mob hits ever. Was one of the youngest capos in cosa nostra history. Was a defendant in the commission trial. Supposedly whacked dozens and dozens of guys. Convicted of murder twice and yet will be back on the streets in a couple years.

Wish could find more info and pics on Bruno.

Not to mention married Jimmy Burke's daughter in prison..but a "legend"?...I don't know about that one.
Posted By: Mustard

Re: Mafia Books - 01/09/19 01:45 AM

Can you imagine what bruno has seen and been involved in would love a book.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 01/09/19 02:16 AM

Originally Posted by DiLorenzo
Russo wanted to date Victoria Gotti, and instead of telling him no herself, she had somebody tell him she was interested...She's friggin trash...He dodged a bullet !!

Oh..now I understand your post..that's interesting...she's ugly anyways...well , maybe not 30 yrs. ago....
Posted By: WhackWhack

Re: Mafia Books - 01/09/19 09:45 PM

Originally Posted by hoodlum
Originally Posted by WhackWhack
I got the book "Vinny Gorgeous: Ugly rise and fall of a NY mobster" by Anthony M DeStefano.

not much out there on Basciano so I loved it. Mainly talked about his reign as acting boss, Cicale, Pizzolo and Santoro murders and his trials. Also had a tiny bit on Bruno Indelicato. A must read for anyone who supports real men who do not fold.


And are there any in depth books about Bruno Indelicato? Cannot find much at all on him. Mainly just details on him in the commission trial for hitting Galante.

Would love a full book on Bruno. He is a legend. Son of a infamous powerful capo. Was a triggerman on one of the most infamous mob hits ever. Was one of the youngest capos in cosa nostra history. Was a defendant in the commission trial. Supposedly whacked dozens and dozens of guys. Convicted of murder twice and yet will be back on the streets in a couple years.

Wish could find more info and pics on Bruno.

Not to mention married Jimmy Burke's daughter in prison..but a "legend"?...I don't know about that one.


Son in law of Jimmy Burke. Son of Sonny Red. He whacked Carmine Galante. Was one of the youngest capos in Cosa Nostra history. Tried whacking Gotti and Ruggiero while driving on the expressway. Hit so many people he got nicknamed whack whack...yes I think Bruno is a legend and definitely deserves a full.scale biography.
Posted By: Revis_Knicks

Re: Mafia Books - 01/12/19 01:08 AM

I have been looking, but does anyone know a book where they talk about the Camorra war between the NCO and Nuova Famiglia? Any good autobiographies out there in general? I think the last one I read and loved was Leonetti’s.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 01/19/19 03:59 AM

Yeah, Russo's a douche but I'd like to hear stories from anyone who was a) around the Godfather set and b) owned a restaurant in Vegas for many years, even if he's full of shit half the time. I think it was Robert Evans who said that when Sidney Korshak and those guys were negotiating with Colombo to back off the Godfather production, Russo was in the room and the meeting ended with him getting nothing. He actually had to say "what about me?" before everyone left. Then they agreed he'd play Carlo. I mean here's this guy who claims to be Frank Costello's godson or whatever and nobody even knew who he was. In some interview where he promotes the book he says he got in Brando's face, which I don't believe. Evidently Brando was pissed because some nobody with no acting experience had a role with as much screen time as Carlo.
Posted By: Revis_Knicks

Re: Mafia Books - 01/19/19 10:58 PM

I heard the Russo story before. I don’t see why he’d be lying about it. Because I haven’t seen anybody dispute his claim yet.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 01/20/19 09:36 PM

I could see several reasons why he'd lie about it. Whether he did or not, yay for Brando on speaking out for what I'm sure everyone on that set was thinking.
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 01/30/19 11:16 PM

Im watching a doc on jimmy breslin its good i forgot he died oh yaeh the book good rat is great
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 01/30/19 11:18 PM

This jimmy breslin doc is great marvin the torch klein the lawyer this needs a thread of its own
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 01/31/19 12:39 AM

Quiet dom cirillos daughter was his secretary. Never hears that before. Funny
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 01/31/19 02:15 AM

I'm reading the new one on Frank Costello by Anthony DeStefano. Okay but way too much on other people, especially bootleggers.

Speaking of Breslin, Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight needs a reboot.
Posted By: BarrettM

Re: Mafia Books - 02/25/19 07:59 PM

I'm reading Little Man, about Meyer Lansky. I appreciate it because it's a history book about the Eisenhower era (and the post WW1 era as well, there's a significant attention to detail about Rothstein as well). The book is about one ethnic group, rather it's about Meyer Lansky and who he was: the myth vs reality.

It's my opinion that Lansky operated effectively as a Costello family capo.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 02/26/19 01:39 AM

Both sound good.

I just finished the profession of Violence ( the Kray Twins).
Really good, enjoyed it.

Just started
Carmine the Snake by Frank DiMetteo
I like the way he tells the story.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 02/26/19 03:21 AM

Originally Posted by BarrettM
I'm reading Little Man, about Meyer Lansky. I appreciate it because it's a history book about the Eisenhower era (and the post WW1 era as well, there's a significant attention to detail about Rothstein as well). The book is about one ethnic group, rather it's about Meyer Lansky and who he was: the myth vs reality.

It's my opinion that Lansky operated effectively as a Costello family capo.

"Little Man - Meyer Lansky and the Gangster Life" is the best, and best researched, gangster bio ever. Costello was a Lansky ally and business partner, but Lansky never was a capo in his family, nor could he be. His Mafia partner and protector was Vincent (Jimmy Blue Eyes) Alo.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 02/26/19 06:29 PM

Little Man had great first hand sources but the problem is the author seemed to buy into their obvious downplaying of what Lansky actually belonged to. The book purports that there was no real criminal syndicate, which is easily refuted by mountains of evidence.

Lanksy could never be made but he had more pull than most made guys. Lucky and Frank were probably the least adamant about Italian heritage. They turned the American mafia into a business enterprise. Is there any documentation of either them ever expressing concern over anyone's Italian lineage? I'm sure the only reason Lucky agreed to making it a requirement for membership was to appease the Sicilian hard liners, and put an end to the bad blood over what happened to Maranzano.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 03/05/19 10:42 PM

I'm listening to D'Arco's audio book. I didn't know Paul Vario got a hold of Joe Namath's Super Bowl ring. I wonder what game Joe lost that on.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 03/06/19 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by OakAsFan
I'm listening to D'Arco's audio book. I didn't know Paul Vario got a hold of Joe Namath's Super Bowl ring. I wonder what game Joe lost that on.


I read that book, it was goo. I enjoyed it but I remember at the time I read it , it was getting slammed on the boards since many felt he was full of shit.

If so, who gives a crap, the guy was there, survived and gives some good stories.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/19 04:52 AM

Yeah I seem to recall Namath showing off his super bowl ring in some interview recently. Maybe Vario did have it and he somehow got it back. lol. I mean it's Joe Namath.
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/19 11:32 AM

My understanding is that players, coaches and front office personnel get one and then there are others that can be purchased for "fans." I can bet you that Joe Namath did not give his Super Bowl ring to Vario or anyone.I sometime see Super Bowl rings on eBay for sale but I don't think Namath ever needed the money that bad.
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/2/1/7923079/super-bowl-2015-rings-winner-loser
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/19 03:42 PM

And let's be honest, if Paulie told everyone in the neighborhood that it was Namath's ring, it was Namath's ring...even if it wasn't.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 03/09/19 03:50 PM

Just curious. What are the things that D'Arco gets wrong? I'm telling you his book seems pretty interesting. A lay person like me wouldn't be able to tell if he's lying. I'm just getting to the Amuso-Gaspipe rampage right now. How much will there be on the Gambino situation at that time?
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 03/09/19 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by OakAsFan
Little Man had great first hand sources but the problem is the author seemed to buy into their obvious downplaying of what Lansky actually belonged to.

Much as I respect Robert Lacey and the excellent scholarship he did with "Little Man," I'm skeptical of his claim that Lansky never dealt in drugs or was a party to murder. He was a gangster: If there was money to be made in drugs, or advantage to be gained from murder, he was part of it. Didn't Lansky arrange the hit squads that whacked Masseria and Maranzano?
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 03/09/19 08:09 PM

Little Man was a good book. I'm thinking that in order to get those contributors that were close to Lansky the author had to work under a premise that Lansky was a misunderstood hard nosed kid that made some mistakes but was never part of a large syndicate. As I understand it Lansky 100% backed anything and everything Luciano did so he had to have been instrumental in taking out Masseria and Maranzano.
Posted By: antimafia

Re: Mafia Books - 03/18/19 04:11 PM

In the media release (link below) by New Metric Media about their three new TV development deals, I learned that Peter Edwards of the Toronto Star is writing a book titled The Wolfpack, to be published by Penguin Random House later this year.

https://www.tv-eh.com/2019/03/18/ne...deals-from-critically-acclaimed-authors/
Posted By: JW24

Re: Mafia Books - 04/08/19 11:15 PM

51Us6hD-r+L._SX332_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

Mafia Spies is the definitive account of America’s most remarkable espionage plots ever—with CIA agents, mob hitmen, “kompromat” sex, presidential indiscretion, and James Bond-like killing devices together in a top-secret mystery full of surprise twists and deadly intrigue. In the early 1960s, two top gangsters, Johnny Roselli and Sam Giancana, were hired by the CIA to kill Cuba’s Communist leader, Fidel Castro, only to wind up murdered themselves amidst Congressional hearings and a national debate about the JFK assassination.

Mafia Spies revolves around the outlaw friendship of these two mob buddies and their fascinating world of CIA spies, fellow Mafioso in Chicago, Cuban exile commandos in Miami, beautiful Hollywood women, famous entertainers like Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack in Las Vegas, Castro’s own spies in Havana and his double agents hidden in Florida, J. Edgar Hoover’s FBI snooping, and the Kennedy administration’s “Get Castro” obsession in Washington. Thomas Maier is among the first to take full advantage of the National Archives’ 2017–18 release of the long-suppressed JFK files, many of which deal with the CIA’s top secret anti-Castro operation in Florida and Cuba.

With several new investigative findings, Mafia Spies is a spy exposé, murder mystery, and shocking true story that recounts America’s first foray into the assassination business, a tale with profound impact for today’s Trump era. Who killed Johnny and Sam—and why wasn’t Castro assassinated despite the CIA’s many clandestine efforts?

Attached picture 51Us6hD-r+L._SX332_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 04/09/19 01:03 AM

Originally Posted by JW24
51Us6hD-r+L._SX332_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

Mafia Spies is the definitive account of America’s most remarkable espionage plots ever—with CIA agents, mob hitmen, “kompromat” sex, presidential indiscretion, and James Bond-like killing devices together in a top-secret mystery full of surprise twists and deadly intrigue. In the early 1960s, two top gangsters, Johnny Roselli and Sam Giancana, were hired by the CIA to kill Cuba’s Communist leader, Fidel Castro, only to wind up murdered themselves amidst Congressional hearings and a national debate about the JFK assassination.

Mafia Spies revolves around the outlaw friendship of these two mob buddies and their fascinating world of CIA spies, fellow Mafioso in Chicago, Cuban exile commandos in Miami, beautiful Hollywood women, famous entertainers like Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack in Las Vegas, Castro’s own spies in Havana and his double agents hidden in Florida, J. Edgar Hoover’s FBI snooping, and the Kennedy administration’s “Get Castro” obsession in Washington. Thomas Maier is among the first to take full advantage of the National Archives’ 2017–18 release of the long-suppressed JFK files, many of which deal with the CIA’s top secret anti-Castro operation in Florida and Cuba.

With several new investigative findings, Mafia Spies is a spy exposé, murder mystery, and shocking true story that recounts America’s first foray into the assassination business, a tale with profound impact for today’s Trump era. Who killed Johnny and Sam—and why wasn’t Castro assassinated despite the CIA’s many clandestine efforts?



Saw a write up on this book in my local Sunday paper.

Interesting
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 04/13/19 12:51 AM

I’m reading Carmine the snake, its good.

Enjoying the part at about 60% where he defending himself in court.

Guy had some balls to do that.
Posted By: Ciment

Re: Mafia Books - 04/22/19 01:10 PM

https://roundbyroundboxing.com/boxing-and-the-mob/

SHARE TWEET SHARE EMAIL 0 Comments BOXING AND THE MOB: THE NOTORIOUS HISTORY OF THE SWEET SCIENCE AUTHOR JEFFREY SUSSMAN HAS WRITTEN AN EXCITING, PAGE-TURNER OF A BOOK ENTITLED BOXING AND THE MOB: THE NOTORIOUS HISTORY OF THE SWEET SCIENCE, WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED ON MAY 8.
Posted By: Ravens410

Re: Mafia Books - 04/27/19 08:37 PM

I’ve been listening to al d’arco’s audiobook and he keeps saying ‘four families’. Why not 5?
Posted By: U talkin' da me ??

Re: Mafia Books - 04/29/19 06:05 AM

Host Steven Pacheco for the Trace Evidence Podcast

The Mysterious Death of Dorothy Kilgallen



The stuff about Marilyn Monroe (and the Kennedys) begins around 35:51
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Mafia Books - 04/29/19 06:18 AM

Just finished Anthony Destefano's bio of Frank Costello, "Top Hoodlum." Destefano wrote a brilliant bio of Joe Massino. His Costello book isn't quite in the same league. He gives great detail on Costello's personal life and how he built his fortune. But there's practically no detail on how he ran the Luciano Family for 20 years--nothing that shows him as a Don, rather than an enterprising criminal businessman. Still, it's head and shoulders above the usual Mob bios.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 04/29/19 02:26 PM

I still remember him writing re: an attractive Irish American FBI agent something like, "her brunette hair belied her Irish heritage."

Even though most Irish women have brunette hair. You would think with millions of Irish Americans in NY De Stefano would know what they look like.

It's the equivalent of me writing a book and saying "her Roman nose belied her Roman heritage."
Posted By: DapperDon87

Re: Mafia Books - 06/09/19 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by Turnbull
Just finished Anthony Destefano's bio of Frank Costello, "Top Hoodlum." Destefano wrote a brilliant bio of Joe Massino. His Costello book isn't quite in the same league. He gives great detail on Costello's personal life and how he built his fortune. But there's practically no detail on how he ran the Luciano Family for 20 years--nothing that shows him as a Don, rather than an enterprising criminal businessman. Still, it's head and shoulders above the usual Mob bios.


I just bought this book! I'm only a few chapters in, its not bad so far.
Posted By: UncleVig

Free Book!! - 07/26/19 04:26 AM

I just read this book, one read was enough. Short book. If anyone wants it just PM me an addy or po box, the deal is it would be right to pass it on to other members.
Wiretap: Listening in on America's Mafia https://www.amazon.com/dp/0671667971/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_y5NoDbDT5AW93
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Free Book!! - 08/11/19 03:48 PM

Just downloaded the Double Cross ( Sam Giancanna) - its on deck once I finish The Chin.

I’m about 70% through The Chin so its wrapping up.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Free Book!! - 08/11/19 09:14 PM

Originally Posted by DuesPaid
Just downloaded the Double Cross ( Sam Giancanna) - its on deck once I finish The Chin.

I’m about 70% through The Chin so its wrapping up.


Nothing new in the Gigante book that would make it worth seeking out, right? Covers common ground and is basically like a load of old newspaper articles rehashed and extended into a book, yes?
Posted By: MemphisMafia

Re: Free Book!! - 08/12/19 12:52 AM

I enjoyed the Chin.I had never read the relationship between Tommy James and Morris Levy and Levy and Gigante.I had never read about the Capo that shot the 2 police and killing 1.There was quite a bit new stuff for me
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Free Book!! - 08/12/19 08:10 AM

Originally Posted by Moe_Tilden
Originally Posted by DuesPaid
Just downloaded the Double Cross ( Sam Giancanna) - its on deck once I finish The Chin.

I’m about 70% through The Chin so its wrapping up.


Nothing new in the Gigante book that would make it worth seeking out, right? Covers common ground and is basically like a load of old newspaper articles rehashed and extended into a book, yes?


Pretty much. The author did a great job, but if you have already read a lot about the Chin it will just be going over and expanding on stuff you already know. A few interesting details here and there though. Get it if it's cheap.


Originally Posted by DuesPaid
Just downloaded the Double Cross ( Sam Giancanna) - its on deck once I finish The Chin.

I’m about 70% through The Chin so its wrapping up.


Double Cross is an interesting one. Written by Giancana's relatives so you get a real insight into the man, they don't pull any punches. But it also makes some very bold claims which I would call bullshit on. Still worth checking out though.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Free Book!! - 08/19/19 01:13 AM

Looking forward to it.


Other items I enjoyed about Chin were further details of his Brother the pRIEST and others.
Posted By: Revis_Knicks

Re: Free Book!! - 10/13/19 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by Turnbull
Just finished Anthony Destefano's bio of Frank Costello, "Top Hoodlum." Destefano wrote a brilliant bio of Joe Massino. His Costello book isn't quite in the same league. He gives great detail on Costello's personal life and how he built his fortune. But there's practically no detail on how he ran the Luciano Family for 20 years--nothing that shows him as a Don, rather than an enterprising criminal businessman. Still, it's head and shoulders above the usual Mob bios.


Does he talk of any estimation/record of how much Costello’s fortune really was compared to other business powerhouses at that time?
Posted By: faffy444

Re: Free Book!! - 10/13/19 08:13 PM

I thought the COSTELLO book was disappointing. sort of mundane not enough depth on a terrific character.

I just purchased the BLACK HAND SOCIETY OF ROCHESTER. started to go through it today and it seems like a very good read. It names many of the "originals" in the ROCHESTER area from the turn of the 20th century.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Free Book!! - 10/13/19 08:30 PM

There were a couple of Costello books written in the 70's that are supposed to be good. One was written by his lawyer so I imagine there's a great personal account of him but I'm sure it's also sympathetic and perhaps in denial of a lot of his criminal past. Then there was another written by a journalist or something that supposedly lays out all the facts. I believe they're both out of print so you'd be looking at old copies from amazon. I'm pretty sure ensuing Costello books just use recycled info from these two books.
Posted By: Revis_Knicks

Re: Free Book!! - 10/14/19 07:51 PM

I read online that after Genovese made Costello step down he let him keep his legitimate businesses. Costello’s stream of income must’ve been severely effected.
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Free Book!! - 10/22/19 01:26 AM

Any good books that cover more recent activity? Like even the last decade? Even books about associates or connected businesses about events in the past decade?
Posted By: Bander

Re: Free Book!! - 11/07/19 08:45 AM

Hi everyone, just wondering if anyone has a copy of the book Anthony's Boy: The Prince of Bath Avenue? Have tried to find this available but the printing has been discontinued and no retailers have any stock. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Posted By: IrishDave

Re: Free Book!! - 11/08/19 01:40 AM

Bander, Amazon has them but a used copy in $90 and a new copy is over $400
Posted By: Bander

Re: Free Book!! - 11/09/19 12:42 PM

Wasn't aware of the $90 priced one. That's the cheapest I've seen this although it retailed for $20, might grab that but the conversion to AUD is horrible. Thanks for sharing.
Posted By: MemphisMafia

Re: Free Book!! - 11/10/19 05:34 AM

Reading Gotti's Boys by Destefano.There is some stuff I had never read before on the Bergin herion operation.This was a huge deal.Much bigger than I had thought.It It goes into detail on Salvatore Ruggiero and pretty much a play by play on his last plane ride.Right down to the headless torso of the pilot being found off Georgia Coast.it touches on the aftermath such as the Bergin crew trying to find the briefcase that went down with those folks and trying to beat the fbi to Salvatore's house.Poor Angelo,he had known contact with 2 fugitives Massino and his brother and if not for herion indictments would have faced these charges for helping them.He was fucked and he knew it. found interesting that the Bergin Crew went to the Harlem Council concerning informants and telling the leaders of that group who needed to be removed.They didn't want to kill a black man on the orders from a white man but did what the Bergin group said.It was actually Reiter giving those orders.Then the book goes back into stuff I have read about many times so its a decent book some new shit some stuff I already had read
Posted By: DiLorenzo

Re: Free Book!! - 11/10/19 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by OakAsFan
Any good books that cover more recent activity? Like even the last decade? Even books about associates or connected businesses about events in the past decade?


Who would be worth writing about today or paying money to read about outside of Barney Bellomo ??

Today you got dipshits taking pictures with their grandmothers posing with pounds of weed... Is that honor ??
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Free Book!! - 11/10/19 09:22 PM

Originally Posted by DiLorenzo
Originally Posted by OakAsFan
Any good books that cover more recent activity? Like even the last decade? Even books about associates or connected businesses about events in the past decade?


Who would be worth writing about today or paying money to read about outside of Barney Bellomo ??

Today you got dipshits taking pictures with their grandmothers posing with pounds of weed... Is that honor ??


Grandmothers with pounds of weed? What book is that? Sure, I'll read it.

If someone close to Barney flips and decides to write a book that would be huge.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Free Book!! - 11/10/19 10:36 PM

Originally Posted by DiLorenzo
Originally Posted by OakAsFan
Any good books that cover more recent activity? Like even the last decade? Even books about associates or connected businesses about events in the past decade?


Who would be worth writing about today or paying money to read about outside of Barney Bellomo ??

Today you got dipshits taking pictures with their grandmothers posing with pounds of weed... Is that honor ??

I personally would read the next (if) book by Leonetti now that his uncle is gone..I'm sure he omitted plenty on count of certain members of his family being still around.
Posted By: DiLorenzo

Re: Mafia Books - 11/11/19 12:07 AM

Originally Posted by OakAsFan
Originally Posted by DiLorenzo
Originally Posted by OakAsFan
Any good books that cover more recent activity? Like even the last decade? Even books about associates or connected businesses about events in the past decade?


Who would be worth writing about today or paying money to read about outside of Barney Bellomo ??

Today you got dipshits taking pictures with their grandmothers posing with pounds of weed... Is that honor ??


Grandmothers with pounds of weed? What book is that? Sure, I'll read it.

If someone close to Barney flips and decides to write a book that would be huge.


https://nypost.com/2019/11/08/shock...0buttons&utm_campaign=site%20buttons
Posted By: OakAsFan

Re: Mafia Books - 11/11/19 01:49 AM

"La Toke-A-Nostra"

Hahahahaha
Posted By: Hollander

Re: Mafia Books - 11/13/19 12:23 PM

War with Mafia unfolds in book by Tampa philanthropist Anthony Scarpo
The family claims to have run bookmaking and betting operations in Sulphur Springs, protected from the Trafficante family by their own posse.

https://www.tampabay.com/news/hills...-by-tampa-philanthropist-anthony-scarpo/
Posted By: thebigfella

Re: Mafia Books - 11/15/19 06:00 PM

Currently listening to the Phillip leonetti audiobook for the first time, what a great book! great voice for it. To think Philly had a boss that wasn't actually stationed in philly
Posted By: MemphisMafia

Re: Mafia Books - 11/16/19 06:47 PM

Leonetti's book is very good.I think underboss was a good book but I gotta tell you The Enforcer by Roemer was some good reading
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 11/16/19 09:29 PM

Originally Posted by thebigfella
Currently listening to the Phillip leonetti audiobook for the first time, what a great book! great voice for it. To think Philly had a boss that wasn't actually stationed in philly


Does Leonetti narrate it?
Posted By: thebigfella

Re: Mafia Books - 11/17/19 04:29 PM

Yes
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 11/18/19 12:01 AM

The only thing I can find on this after trying to download to my kindle is a used copy for $300 bucks and another for 90, WTF is up with this?

Looks like it was taken out of print and distribution after multiple law suits.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 11/18/19 12:02 AM

Originally Posted by Moe_Tilden
Originally Posted by thebigfella
Currently listening to the Phillip leonetti audiobook for the first time, what a great book! great voice for it. To think Philly had a boss that wasn't actually stationed in philly


Does Leonetti narrate it?


What is the name of this. “The Enforcer??
Posted By: thebigfella

Re: Mafia Books - 11/19/19 02:04 PM

The audiobook is actually on youtube, there's 4 parts to it, the guy that puts it out is currently working on the last part of the audiobook
Posted By: Steve7585

Re: Mafia Books - 12/19/19 08:20 PM

Has anyone ever read the Pleasant Avenue Connection? I think it's one of the most fascinating parts of OC during that time. I heard it goes into detail on how business was conducted and the names who were involved besides the more common ones (Purple Gang, 116th St Crew). I can't find it anywhere locally and everything online is at least $200.

Thanks!
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 01/02/20 09:15 PM

Originally Posted by Steve7585
Has anyone ever read the Pleasant Avenue Connection? I think it's one of the most fascinating parts of OC during that time. I heard it goes into detail on how business was conducted and the names who were involved besides the more common ones (Purple Gang, 116th St Crew). I can't find it anywhere locally and everything online is at least $200.

Thanks!


Someone is selling one for $217 , its actually a copy stolen from a Library with markings , stamping and notes on inside back cover.
Interesting, I wonder why these are so rare and not in print.

Supposedly there is a rewrite of this that covers some main details of P A C..... its Called Crusader.

ABEBOOKS.COM is showing a copy for $130, ships from U.K. Listed as good condition but looks poor condition to me.
Posted By: streetbossliborio

Re: Mafia Books - 01/12/20 01:29 PM

Currently in the middle of Fratiannos book - The Last Mafioso. Only halfway through but the amount of detail is amazing and the amount of names and people he knew across the country is great. Really good. Also interesting to see his rackets illegal & legal. Some big people he was close too and his memory was great when he wrote this.

Reading making jack falcone after.

Also got valachi papers & murder machine in the post
Posted By: streetbossliborio

Re: Mafia Books - 01/12/20 01:47 PM

Not sure if anyone’s read growing up mafia by Frank dimatteo? I’ve got 2 copies as Xmas|bday presents. Read it a few months ago and it was a really good read. Anyone interested in the gallo crew should read it.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 01/12/20 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by streetbossliborio
Not sure if anyone’s read growing up mafia by Frank dimatteo? I’ve got 2 copies as Xmas|bday presents. Read it a few months ago and it was a really good read. Anyone interested in the gallo crew should read it.



Read it, it was very good.
Posted By: bobbybacino

Re: Mafia Books - 01/28/20 03:28 AM

I'm currently listening to the Phillip Leonetti audiobook on YouTube also. To clear up however it is
narrated by L. J. Ganser not Phillip.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 01/29/20 06:19 AM

Originally Posted by bobbybacino
I'm currently listening to the Phillip Leonetti audiobook on YouTube also. To clear up however it is
narrated by L. J. Ganser not Phillip.

Yeah, me 2..Ganser puts a lot of drama into it..but I've read the book 3 or 4 times already yrs. ago.. the u tube thing helps me sleep sometimes..
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 01/29/20 11:11 PM

Originally Posted by hoodlum
Originally Posted by bobbybacino
I'm currently listening to the Phillip Leonetti audiobook on YouTube also. To clear up however it is
narrated by L. J. Ganser not Phillip.

Yeah, me 2..Ganser puts a lot of drama into it..but I've read the book 3 or 4 times already yrs. ago.. the u tube thing helps me sleep sometimes..


I'd pay lots of money to hear Anthony Casso narrate one of the books written about him.

"I did 50 years on the street with the woist fuckin' people. On a handshake, we always kept our woid. The federal government on a handshake? Fuhgeddaboudit."
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 02/25/20 02:31 AM


I've read it before and reading the Mafia Dynasty ( Davis) book, I've read it again. Writing about the Genovese plotting to kill Gotti,the author says Gotti/Gambino's responded by killing Genovese underboss.
I think it might be in the Mouw book as well. Not sure though.

Can't be right
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 02/25/20 09:44 PM

Originally Posted by dsd

I've read it before and reading the Mafia Dynasty ( Davis) book, I've read it again. Writing about the Genovese plotting to kill Gotti,the author says Gotti/Gambino's responded by killing Genovese underboss.
I think it might be in the Mouw book as well. Not sure though.

Can't be right

Bruce Mouw has a book out??
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 02/29/20 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by hoodlum
Originally Posted by dsd

I've read it before and reading the Mafia Dynasty ( Davis) book, I've read it again. Writing about the Genovese plotting to kill Gotti,the author says Gotti/Gambino's responded by killing Genovese underboss.
I think it might be in the Mouw book as well. Not sure though.

Can't be right

Bruce Mouw has a book out??


I just checked, no it seems he hasn't written a book. I thought he had.

I'm sure there's a book and a lot of it is Mouw's views.
If memory is right, it's quite a bit about Joe Butch and the mysterious disabled ,bitter desk duties cop.

Edit:. It's got to be the H Blum Gangland book. Sounds it from the reviews.

Anyone read Gotti's Boys by the guy who wrote the excellent Massino book. ?
Posted By: streetbossliborio

Re: Mafia Books - 03/01/20 11:49 PM

Just finished murder machine about the Roy demeo crew. Great read. Mad how they went for so long without interruption. Only active guy out there left is Carlo profeta right?
Posted By: pmac

Re: Mafia Books - 03/07/20 12:10 AM

massino and sal vitale must be living really good cause i know someone must have offerd them a 50k or more fore a book... waiting for a bonanno book give me frank lino e book but there was some guy on here that i think personally knew him and would say he was a actuall crack smoker so. he would say up in down lino like to freebase like pookie in new jack/ always calling him a cheap skate. lino was in that life for along time. coppa wont write hes living off millions and his kid is still in the family. only yhem 4 could write a good book or maybe d'amico but hes around nyc so he probaly doesnt want to ruffle feathers. he could give some history
Posted By: streetbossliborio

Re: Mafia Books - 03/22/20 10:26 AM

Just finished making jack Falcone book - was ok. Not enough detail in it. What’s everyone else’s opinion on this one?

If I’m honest A lot of the cases he mentioned all seemed like small fry with some only enlarging into bigger time after he harasses the target to expand their operation. The mob case got a top sentence of around 10 years no murders, no drugs and all brokesters doing small time shakedowns. They should have sent this guy to Canada!!

This guy had a lot of fun playing the parts so fair play to him but wasn’t a good read to me and It seemed small fry cases bar the few he pushed over years to expand. Hope it didn’t cost the tax payer too much
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 03/22/20 08:51 PM

Originally Posted by streetbossliborio
Just finished making jack Falcone book - was ok. Not enough detail in it. What’s everyone else’s opinion on this one?

If I’m honest A lot of the cases he mentioned all seemed like small fry with some only enlarging into bigger time after he harasses the target to expand their operation. The mob case got a top sentence of around 10 years no murders, no drugs and all brokesters doing small time shakedowns. They should have sent this guy to Canada!!

This guy had a lot of fun playing the parts so fair play to him but wasn’t a good read to me and It seemed small fry cases bar the few he pushed over years to expand. Hope it didn’t cost the tax payer too much


I felt pretty much the same way. The other undercover operations he writes about seemed more important that anything he did with the mob. IIRC they only busted the acting boss because he hooked him up with a stolen TV. Still worth a read though for a look at the 21st century mob.
Posted By: streetbossliborio

Re: Mafia Books - 03/23/20 01:57 AM

Glad to hear I wasn’t the only one mighty! Considering the amount of press this got/gets I was expecting more. What do you mean about the stolen tv? Sounds extremely similar to the sopranos feech lamanna storyline. I think feech would be a dead ringer for Greg in all ways!
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 03/23/20 09:28 PM

https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/21/nyregion/guilty-plea-is-new-blow-to-the-oncefeared-gambinos.html

It was extremely similar! lol
Posted By: Beanshooter

Re: Mafia Books - 04/01/20 12:00 AM

Garcia on an interview said that dealing with the other groups he dealt with as an under cover, the Mexicans, Colombians, Russians and Chinese, was more dangerous and by far made more money than the Mob. He said these groups were better organized and not as predictable as the Mafia.
Posted By: Malavita

Re: Mafia Books - 04/01/20 10:52 AM

Same thing. I was expecting a new Donnie Brasco but there wasn't enough material for it.

If you're intersted in the Greg De Palma crew, you can read : "Scores: How I Opened the Hottest Strip Club in New York City, Was Extorted out of Millions by the Gambino Family, and Became One of the Most Successful Mafia Informants in FBI History" (that's the actual title) . It's about a Manhattan strip club that was controled by Greg De Palma.
Posted By: streetbossliborio

Re: Mafia Books - 04/02/20 02:11 AM

Funny how no one give a crap about the other oc and he writes a book on the brokester mafia crew! I’m included in that category - I have a limited interest in oc outside of Italian American mob. Just like all the power from back in the day and how they got so powerful in a civilised country. Colombia, Mexico, Russia, China as countries you expect a disgusting amount of corruption and they never fail to disappoint.

Still surprised they never got massive in England and proper based families out of here. A lot of guys like the commission trial bosses would’ve easily seen light again. Even Gotti. In the US life means life usually with a stupid minimum tariff. What about that white boy rick lol. A 17 year old child over here would’ve been out within 5 years!!!! Same with George martorano in philly - he served like 30/40 years over weed!!! F*cking psycho judges that rick was 17 and an fbi informant. That would be a scandal over here and the boy would get probation.

3 strikes law is insane. If that got brought up in UK parliament it would get laughed out the room. Crime don’t pay in the US man - stay straight lol
Posted By: jjpuppet

Re: Mafia Books - 04/08/20 08:16 PM

Just read the kindle book, The Columbo family by Petepiece, Better then expected alot of information and alot about Joe Profaci.
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 04/08/20 10:07 PM

Originally Posted by jjpuppet
Just read the kindle book, The Columbo family by Petepiece, Better then expected alot of information and alot about Joe Profaci.


Thanks jjpuppet, that's good to know. I might check it out...
Posted By: jjpuppet

Re: Mafia Books - 05/17/20 09:17 PM

Reading the book Mafia Made by Anthony Caucci on Kindle. A lot of o.c. in S. Florida in the 90s. A lot of off the wall crap but when I check it on google it pans out. Pretty entertaining.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 05/21/20 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by hoodlum
Half way through Deal w/ the Devil by Peter Lance about Scarpa sr. & Lin DeVecchio...the Fed is just as bad a criminal as his informer/killer...real scumbag... good read so far though.


Have you read MAFIA SON? on Scarpa

I thought it was a good read. Is Deal.... better?
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 05/21/20 12:27 PM

Just re-read THE WESTIES by T.ENGLISH,.
That's a good read.

Has FEATHERSTONE ever popped up out of witsec?
That guy was crazy, what was it .2 murders & 1attempted and doesn't get convicted. And that's when he wasn't a WESTIE.

Coonan is still alive, is he out.( Haven't read last chapter yet)
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 05/21/20 05:18 PM

So after reading the WESTIES book, it's quite clear that FEATHERSTONE was going to rat if he got a guilty verdict. That was obviously his plan but played the system to see how the case went.

No doubt,Leonetti done the exact same.
Gravano probably the same.
Did Massino also wait until he was guilty??

***
Wow, the guy who just got the banhammer. What a knobbish thing to post.

And he can't spell,. " that".
Posted By: Paul Pisano

Re: Mafia Books - 06/02/20 03:52 AM

been reading the book the mafia by nigel cawthorne and colin cawthorne. it has a number of interesting stories about the mob including lucky Luciano, joey black, Richard kuklinski, and sammy gravano.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 07/28/20 03:39 PM


^^^^. that's a great starter book.

Reading, THE BROTHERHOODS, at the moment.
It says the NYPD had a squad; SLATS. safes, lofts and trucks. I get 2 of them but what's the LOFT part about?
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 07/28/20 11:39 PM

Originally Posted by dsd

^^^^. that's a great starter book.

Reading, THE BROTHERHOODS, at the moment.
It says the NYPD had a squad; SLATS. safes, lofts and trucks. I get 2 of them but what's the LOFT part about?


Businesses would store goods in lofts so thieves would break in a steal them.
Posted By: jjpuppet

Re: Mafia Books - 07/29/20 04:53 PM

I am reading the Brotherhoods too. Read the Kindle book, The Columbo's thought it was 1 of the best Mafia books I read. Read the new book , I got a monster by Baynard Woods, Good book about Baltimore p.d. corruption. reread Joe Dogs, and the Family Secrets by Jeff Coen and Line of blood , Akindle book on Murder inc, All very good.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 07/30/20 11:48 PM

^^^^^. Good book.

just read the bit in THE BROTHERHOODS where it says that Gaspipes failed assassin Hydell murdered a made guy called Jack D'angelo in 1986.
That wouldn't be the guy from Gravanos crew would it?
Murdered around that time says UNDERBOSS book.
Had a rat son

Anyone read MAFIA COP by Eppolitto?
I couldn't believe the passages mentioned in brotherhood's.
Psycho cop more like.

*** Never knew Dan Marino's real name is Corrado.


Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 07/31/20 12:01 AM

Originally Posted by jjpuppet
I am reading the Brotherhoods too. Read the Kindle book, [[u]b]The Columbo's thought it was 1 of the[/u] best Mafia books I[/b] read. Read the new book , I got a monster by Baynard Woods, Good book about Baltimore p.d. corruption. reread Joe Dogs, and the Family Secrets by Jeff Coen and Line of blood , Akindle book on Murder inc, All very good.


The Colombo book,is it the one with a plain green(??) cover?
I only get my books from 1 site and they haven't got any second hand copies. I checked a week ago.
Does it have good info on the pre 90's?
As there's a lot of info post 80s already.
@pmac, mentioned that Colombo family site recently, I checked it out and just the Tommy Shots page was half a book. Good stuff, can't believe how active that crew was
Posted By: jjpuppet

Re: Mafia Books - 07/31/20 02:53 PM

Yes, Its a detailed history of the family. Very well written. Read the book Mafia made, was a decent read but if I would guess the authors full of shit. He makes himself out as the super gangster.
Posted By: DetroitPartnership

Re: Mafia Books - 07/31/20 06:04 PM

What's the specific title and author's name of the Colombo book?
Posted By: Malavita

Re: Mafia Books - 08/01/20 10:28 AM

Here are some books that i've read these past weeks :

- The Life by Larry Mazza : I was reluctant to read it because his story is so well known but i was pleasantly suprised. I thought the book gave a pretty interesting account of the Scarpa crew and the Persico/Orena war.

- The Mafia hitman's daughter by Linda Scarpa : I read it in order to complete the Scarpa story but it wasn't worth it. There's nothing really new or interesting.

- La Mafia non lascia tempo by Gaspare Mutolo : it's the story of famous sicilian informant Gaspare Mutolo (made guy in one of the Palermo families and a one time close associate of Toto Riina). It was a good read but i wish he 'd have talked more about his day to day life within his family. He covers a lot of subject, especially the links between Cosa Nostra and Italian politics. He was the first informant to give a detailed testimony on that matter. He also talked about his business with the Gambino family (The FBI actually brought him to America to testify against John Gambino).

- Rat Bastards by John Shea : Shea was a mid-level member of the Boston Irish Mob. He was running a big drug network for Whitey Bulger and the Winter Hill Gang. It's your typical South Boston story. It's rather similar to other southie mob books (Kevin Weeks, Eddie Mackenzie, Pat Nee...) except Shea was the only Bulger's lieutenant not to turn informant. He talks about his life in jail where he befriended Ray Patriarca Jr and Carmen Tortora.

- Repenti by Claude Chossat : Chossat is the first ever Mafia informant in France. He was the enforcer of one of the main Bosses of the Corsican Mafia and when he became an informant, the French justice, for the first time, had to create some sort of Witness protection program. So he is kind of the French Joe Valachi or Tommaso Buscetta if you will, because he made the French public and authorities realized the extent and the power of the Corsican Mafia. His book, which was published last year, is a detailed account of the way the main Corsican criminal clan operate and control legal and illegal businesses in Paris, Marseille, the French Riviera and Africa.
Posted By: jjpuppet

Re: Mafia Books - 08/02/20 07:39 PM

Columbo family by Petepiece
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 08/04/20 01:46 AM

Originally Posted by jjpuppet
Columbo family by Petepiece


Just downloaded this to my kindle for 7 bucks.
The hard copy goes for $20

Plan on starting it this week after finishing the last few chapters of “Double Cross” the Giancanna Book.

Thanks J
Posted By: Njein

Re: Mafia Books - 11/18/20 10:32 PM

Bill O'Reilly is coming out with his book in May 2021.

https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Mob-Against-Organized-OReillys/dp/125027365X
Killing the Mob: The Fight Against Organized Crime in America
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 11/22/20 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by Njein
Bill O'Reilly is coming out with his book in May 2021.

https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Mob-Against-Organized-OReillys/dp/125027365X
Killing the Mob: The Fight Against Organized Crime in America


O' Reilly , the fox moron?? Surely not him, is it?


Just starting on Lance's Deal with the devil book.
But in the first 10 pages he keeps saying Valachi was under Bonnano.
I think they were both with Maranzano at first.
But I thought Valachi was in the Genovese's

Also few pages later says Scarpa was a captain by 1961.
Wiki says born 1928. So very young if true. I'm dubious.
Too be fair ,the author does cast doubt on this.
In the Mafia son book, doesn't it say some Scappy guy is his capo
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 11/22/20 02:34 PM

Originally Posted by Moe_Tilden
Originally Posted by DuesPaid
Just downloaded the Double Cross ( Sam Giancanna) - its on deck once I finish The Chin.

I’m about 70% through The Chin so its wrapping up.


Nothing new in the Gigante book that would make it worth seeking out, right? Covers common ground and is basically like a load of old newspaper articles rehashed and extended into a book, yes?


Exactly what I thought of the book. It's an interview with his priest brother and general information. You'd do better reading this site. Although I think that of a lot of mob books.
Still,I read it quickly and thought it was ok . Wish it had more on his administration and capos . Virtually zilch.

OT: how do you qoute 1 reply not the others?
Like here, how can I qoute Moe but not Dues?
Posted By: MightyDR

Re: Mafia Books - 11/22/20 10:17 PM

Originally Posted by dsd
Originally Posted by Njein
Bill O'Reilly is coming out with his book in May 2021.

https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Mob-Against-Organized-OReillys/dp/125027365X
Killing the Mob: The Fight Against Organized Crime in America


O' Reilly , the fox moron?? Surely not him, is it?


Just starting on Lance's Deal with the devil book.
But in the first 10 pages he keeps saying Valachi was under Bonnano.
I think they were both with Maranzano at first.
But I thought Valachi was in the Genovese's

Also few pages later says Scarpa was a captain by 1961.
Wiki says born 1928. So very young if true. I'm dubious.
Too be fair ,the author does cast doubt on this.
In the Mafia son book, doesn't it say some Scappy guy is his capo


IIRC, Valachi said he was made by Joe Bonanno, but then he ended up in the Reina (Lucchese) family. Pretty sure at some point he switched to Maranzano, then when Maranzano was killed Genovese took him in.

From what I remember by reading Scarpa's FBI files, the Colombo's went through a lot of leadership shuffles in the 60s and Scarpa was a captain at one point. Pretty sure he was a soldier direct with Colombo for a while too. That's all according to Scarpa though. Scappy didn't become a captain until Persico's reign.

The Deal with the Devil book is good, a lot of information. But the author does make it seem like Scarpa was behind everything.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 11/23/20 03:59 PM

Reading Made Men , the Decav book. It's very good so far, but who is
JOEY SMASH, apparently he was a fearsome gambino guy. Known as the " ugly guy" behind his back it says.
Nothing came up on a web search.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 11/24/20 10:15 AM

I take it no such person as Joey Smash in the 1990's gambinos?

Someone on this board would know if it was an actual .member.

It's on p44 of the Smith Decav book
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 11/27/20 11:42 PM

Reading Mobfather by George Anastasia. Very good so far.

It couldn't be any more obvious that John Stanfa was in on the Angelo Bruno whacking. Book theorizes that Frank Sindone was the triggerman.

It's honestly hard to keep up with that era of LCN history in Philadelphia. So much deception and backstabbing among the bosses, underbosses, consiglieres and capos. Even the subject of the book, Tommy Del Giorno, crawled over bodies to get to capo.
Posted By: DiLorenzo

Re: Mafia Books - 12/03/20 01:20 AM

Just finishing up Cantalupo's book..

I find most is probably authentic, but...

He seems likes a nice guy in those old videos right ?? But who brags about robbing a woman's estate who just died, leaving her kids with nothing towards her funeral expenses...At least he admitted it, but then added that he had no remorse stealing the money

I remember him being on Geraldo many years back, he had a sense of humor and was making the audience laugh and Geraldo said, lets not forget the crimes he's confessed too...Back the when I was a kid, I said Geraldo's no f*****g good, puerto rican/jew hating italians ...but looking back on it, he was right...Cantalupo hurt a lot of innocent italians and then whined when he got treated the same way by made guys
Posted By: DiLorenzo

Re: Mafia Books - 12/03/20 01:25 AM

Originally Posted by Malavita
Here are some books that i've read these past weeks :

- The Life by Larry Mazza : I was reluctant to read it because his story is so well known but i was pleasantly suprised. I thought the book gave a pretty interesting account of the Scarpa crew and the Persico/Orena war.



With shipping and handling they want like $40 for a nobody, who, just like you said, will be repeating most of what we already know...

I don't like politics, but Obama's book is cheaper...

No thanks...I'll wait for it to hit the thrift shop book store..Can find good books there guy's for cheap prices
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 12/03/20 11:00 PM

Originally Posted by DiLorenzo
Just finishing up Cantalupo's book..

I find most is probably authentic, but...

He seems likes a nice guy in those old videos right ?? But who brags about robbing a woman's estate who just died, leaving her kids with nothing towards her funeral expenses...At least he admitted it, but then added that he had no remorse stealing the money

I remember him being on Geraldo many years back, he had a sense of humor and was making the audience laugh and Geraldo said, lets not forget the crimes he's confessed too...Back the when I was a kid, I said Geraldo's no f*****g good, puerto rican/jew hating italians ...but looking back on it, he was right...Cantalupo hurt a lot of innocent italians and then whined when he got treated the same way by made guys


These people completely lack empathy. They may possess surface level charm, they might buy you a drink or crack a joke with you, but make no mistake - they have no remorse about the pain they put other people through, whether they're in the life or not, if they have something they want and feel they can hustle.

Nick Caramandi could talk the hindlegs off a donkey as well but he talked about driving a pharmacist he scammed into committing suicide as if it was a hysterical joke.

Right now I'm reading Mobfather by George Anastasia and Anastasia completely glosses over the fact that Nicky Scarfo and two others provoked a fight with a longshoreman and stabbed him to death over nothing. Don't get me wrong, he talks about how much of a renegade Scarfo was and how fundamental this was in Scarfo being "banished" to Atlantic City, but you'd almost swear the person he killed was just another criminal and not an innocent civilian.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 12/04/20 01:28 AM

I have both book's & happily return to them from time 2 time..but Blood & Honor is my fav...Caramandi is a good storyteller..it's like ur sitting on a barstool next 2 him.
Posted By: Kese

Re: Mafia Books - 12/06/20 01:08 AM

Read a philly mob book years back & there was quotes from leonetti being exposed for wanting salvie dead just as bad as scarfo wanted em dead, can’t remember the title for the life of me, help me out fellas
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 12/06/20 03:10 AM

Originally Posted by Kese123
Read a philly mob book years back & there was quotes from leonetti being exposed for wanting salvie dead just as bad as scarfo wanted em dead, can’t remember the title for the life of me, help me out fellas

Philip didn't want Salvie gone...ppl. misunderstand him when he said that Salvie made him "sick" when he was around him b-4 he got hit....Philip was "sick" b-cause , it was Salvie who close to him.....& the fact that he could not do anything about the hit....which made him more "sick"...after the hit , Philip's mother Nancy (Scarfo's sister) badgered Phil about how he (Phil) could have let this happen...Salvie's death was the seed that brought that whole regime down...everyone was putting their antenna's up & knew that if Scarfo could hit Salvie , he could hit any one of his own ppl.
Posted By: Kese

Re: Mafia Books - 12/06/20 08:28 AM

i personally agree with you & thank you the clarification. know the title of the book im referring too? its been awhile since i read it otherwise id provide more detail... want to get back up with reading all the philly books during the holidays
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 12/07/20 03:56 AM

Originally Posted by Kese123
i personally agree with you & thank you the clarification. know the title of the book im referring too? its been awhile since i read it otherwise id provide more detail... want to get back up with reading all the philly books during the holidays

Maybe "Blood & Honor" ?...I have a milllion books about the Scarfo regime so I can't pinpoint it 4 u....also maybe a book written by former FED & since passed away Frank Friel...cant remember the title of the book but alot of it centered on Salvies demise...Bringing Down the Mob I think it was...,There is very , VERY knowledgeable poster on here named Serpiente who might b able 2 help u more...cheers..
Posted By: DetroitPartnership

Re: Mafia Books - 01/31/21 03:05 PM

Anyone read this book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L345RQ5/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Posted By: faffy444

Re: Mafia Books - 01/31/21 09:53 PM

yes, I have read VINITTA. it was very good at describing early Italian organized crime in DETROIT and its evolution into LCN. it's well worth a read.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 02/03/21 06:54 PM

Re reading Blum's Gangland book about Gotti/FBI.
There's a part with the P . Rican woman informant Easter.
Sets up a diamond robbery with her lover . A guy who " is bigger than Mr D' Amico"
"A capo, one of John's closet goombata""

You think it's that guy called Handsome Jack Gio*******(?)
Posted By: MonsterUSMC

Re: Mafia Books - 02/10/21 03:46 PM

Good morning. I am new here, but I just finished the book "The Butcher: Anatomy of a Mafia Psychopath" by Phillip Carlo.
About Tommy "Karate" Pitera.
This was a great read, very captivating - how true to life was the story? Anyone here have details? Thanks.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 02/24/21 05:29 PM

Cosa Nostra News: The Cicale Files, Vol. 1: Inside the Last Great Mafia Empire by Dominick Cicale


Anyone read this? Cicale is annoying though
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 02/24/21 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by MonsterUSMC
Good morning. I am new here, but I just finished the book "The Butcher: Anatomy of a Mafia Psychopath" by Phillip Carlo.
About Tommy "Karate" Pitera.
This was a great read, very captivating - how true to life was the story? Anyone here have details? Thanks.


I think the constant high pitched voice allegations was bullshit. I read Carlo was upset because Pitera wouldn't co operate.

His book on gaspipe is also decent.
The iceman book is fantasy, can't believe that kuklinski has had a book, big budget movie and a whole load of TV crap about him.
Posted By: Njein

Re: Mafia Books - 05/04/21 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by Njein
Bill O'Reilly is coming out with his book in May 2021.

https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Mob-Against-Organized-OReillys/dp/125027365X
Killing the Mob: The Fight Against Organized Crime in America


Bill O'Reilly's book about the mob is now available on Amazon. Read it briefly. Wondering if anyone else has bought the book.
Posted By: jace

Re: Mafia Books - 05/04/21 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by Njein
Originally Posted by Njein
Bill O'Reilly is coming out with his book in May 2021.

https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Mob-Against-Organized-OReillys/dp/125027365X
Killing the Mob: The Fight Against Organized Crime in America


Bill O'Reilly's book about the mob is now available on Amazon. Read it briefly. Wondering if anyone else has bought the book.



I've heard him interviewed about it. He seems to tie Bonnie and Clyde and Pretty Boy Floyd to the Mafia, or just lumps them in together. I think John Dillinger is thrown in too. He said Bonnie and Clyde were shooting little kids, which I never heard before.

On the Mafia his big find in this book is that they controlled everything--seriously. He says Lucy Ball and her tv show were controlled by the Mafia because of Desi Arnez having worked in a mob nightclub. I just can't imagine television execs in those days or today allowing the mob to run tv show. I gather from his 2 interviews I have listened to that any story ever put out that is over the top has been put into the book. I'll trust a real mob reporter like Capeci or Raab depot any flaws before O'Rielly.
Posted By: Dwalin2011

Re: Mafia Books - 05/04/21 09:58 PM

Has anyone read the new book about Frankie Yale?

https://www.amazon.com/Iceman-Brook...n+brooklyn&qid=1620165463&sr=8-1
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 05/28/21 01:27 AM

Originally Posted by Dwalin2011
Has anyone read the new book about Frankie Yale?

https://www.amazon.com/Iceman-Brook...n+brooklyn&qid=1620165463&sr=8-1


I was just offered this book but passed and went with the New book about Vito

THe Deadly Don: Anthony M Destafano.

“ Cannot image what more I would learn but always a good story since the guy was a nut job”.

Actually really want to read the new Frank DiMetteo book but its not out yet.
Posted By: boomboomroom

Re: Mafia Books - 06/07/21 11:31 PM

Posted By: boomboomroom

Re: Mafia Books - 06/07/21 11:32 PM

Posted By: DetroitPartnership

Re: Mafia Books - 06/08/21 06:04 PM

The West Coast is not a List without the Black Guerilla Family, Nuestra Famiglia, La Eme, or the Brand. And, there are so many better East Coast books than cited.
Posted By: antimafia

Re: Mafia Books - 07/28/21 04:42 PM

Originally Posted by antimafia
In the media release (link below) by New Metric Media about their three new TV development deals, I learned that Peter Edwards of the Toronto Star is writing a book titled The Wolfpack, to be published by Penguin Random House later this year.

https://www.tv-eh.com/2019/03/18/ne...deals-from-critically-acclaimed-authors/



The Wolfpack: The Millennial Mobsters Who Brought Chaos and the Cartels to the Canadian Underworld, written by Peter Edwards and Luis Nàjera, is due to be published October 26.

A hardcover version of the book may be preordered now via various online booksellers.

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/b...er-edwards-and-luis-najera/9780735275393
Posted By: antimafia

Re: Mafia Books - 10/01/21 04:25 PM

Cross-posting, having just posted in the thread Blackmobs first created over at http://www.gangsterbb.net/threads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1020986#Post1020986.

Although this English version of La source won't be published till June 7, 2022, it will be worth your wait.

Below are the Amazon Canada and Amazon US links. As far as I know, only a paperback version will be available, and its release will not be delayed by Amazon US.

Inside the Montreal Mafia: The Confessions of Andrew Scoppa

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1770416676/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_RCASBBKMWY063YWZ3CRP

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1770416676/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_RCASBBKMWY063YWZ3CRP
Posted By: antimafia

Re: Mafia Books - 10/01/21 09:35 PM

Originally Posted by antimafia
Cross-posting, having just posted in the thread Blackmobs first created over at http://www.gangsterbb.net/threads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1020986#Post1020986.

Although this English version of La source won't be published till June 7, 2022, it will be worth your wait.

Below are the Amazon Canada and Amazon US links. As far as I know, only a paperback version will be available, and its release will not be delayed by Amazon US.

Inside the Montreal Mafia: The Confessions of Andrew Scoppa

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1770416676/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_RCASBBKMWY063YWZ3CRP

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1770416676/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_RCASBBKMWY063YWZ3CRP


More links below.

Publisher:
https://ecwpress.com/products/inside-the-montreal-mafia

Canada:
https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/inside-the-montreal-mafia/9781770416673-item.html

US:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/inside-the-montreal-mafia-f-lix-s-guin/1140175712

Outside Canada and the US:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1770416...c=1&language=en_GB&selectObb=new (UK)
https://www.amazon.fr/dp/1770416676...c=1&language=fr_FR&selectObb=new (France)
https://www.amazon.de/dp/1770416676...c=1&language=de_DE&selectObb=new (Germany)
https://www.amazon.it/dp/1770416676...c=1&language=it_IT&selectObb=new (Italy)
https://www.amazon.es/dp/1770416676...c=1&language=es_ES&selectObb=new (Spain)
Posted By: Hollander

Re: Mafia Books - 01/08/22 11:09 PM

The Deadly Don: Vito Genovese, Mafia Boss
By Anthony M. DeStefano

Coming Soon - Available for Pre-Order Now

https://shop.wordbookstores.com/book/9780806540948
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 01/19/22 07:39 PM

Just finished SURVIVING THE MOB, about Gambino associate turned rat Andrew Didonato.

I liked it, read it 2 days. Which says a lot. He was with nicky corozzo.

But another guy who blames everyone else for his being a rat.
When he was just another rat who waited till he was jammed up on some serious charges and saw the easy way out.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 01/20/22 02:03 PM

DP


Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 01/20/22 02:17 PM

Anyone read Carmine dibiase book? I'm dubious that there's a books worth of info on him and turns into a book about Joe gallo.


### is Roemer the Chicago fbi authors books any good? I'm sure I've read he's full of crap, but not 100% sure. Want to get the accardo book, unless someone knows a better book. Read the outfit
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 02/03/22 12:32 AM

Just finished FAT FREDDIE about the Irish psycho. Really good , I liked it. Dublin drug scene seems way more violent than any UK city.

Also THE LAST GODFATHERS by J Follian. About the 3 Corleonesi bosses and their rise and fall. Another good book, I've read others but this one I read cover to cover. Instead of dipping into, here and there.

Got the CARMINE THE SNAKE book lined up. But I'm going to reread STALINGRAD by Beevor, first. Read it years back and it was a great book.
Posted By: hoodlum

Re: Mafia Books - 02/05/22 02:10 AM

Was ruffling through some old books & found something I thought I had lost..Breaking the Mob by former Phila. P.D. Capt. Frank Friel (RIP)...good read about how he & his men went through the rigors of going after the Scarfo regime in the 80s...It's a rare book 2 find..or @ least I've have not looked hard enough perhaps..If u can., grab it. It's copyright is 1990 , so it only right after Scarfo & Co. were out of biz...Just thought I'd throw that out there.
Posted By: Moe_Tilden

Re: Mafia Books - 02/22/22 01:18 PM

Is Friends of the Family by Tommy Dades any good? It's a book about the Mafia Cops case.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 03/15/22 09:45 PM

ACCARDO: ROEMERS BOOK.
Upto page 100 and its seems decent, BUT, he seems desperate to put Accardo in every situation. Meetings, shootings etc.
Just ordered a ton of mob books. If I think any are decent I'll post it here.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 03/15/22 09:50 PM

Originally Posted by Moe_Tilden
Is Friends of the Family by Tommy Dades any good? It's a book about the Mafia Cops case.


Never seen that before. Got good reviews. Most rate The Brotherhoods book but I found it hard going.
Checked Abe books, they don't have any UK sellers .
If you get it, post a review.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 03/19/22 10:35 PM

Originally Posted by Moe_Tilden
Is Friends of the Family by Tommy Dades any good? It's a book about the Mafia Cops case.


Tommy Dades was on Jimmy Calandra’s YouTube Show, he is a class act and yes the book is very good.

I was on Jimmy’s show also.

Great Guy, both Dades and Jimmy.
Posted By: jace

Re: Mafia Books - 03/20/22 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by DuesPaid
Originally Posted by Moe_Tilden
Is Friends of the Family by Tommy Dades any good? It's a book about the Mafia Cops case.


Tommy Dades was on Jimmy Calandra’s YouTube Show, he is a class act and yes the book is very good.

I was on Jimmy’s show also.

Great Guy, both Dades and Jimmy.




Which episode where you on?
Posted By: Big_Tuna93

Re: Mafia Books - 03/21/22 05:54 PM

Originally Posted by dsd
ACCARDO: ROEMERS BOOK.
Upto page 100 and its seems decent, BUT, he seems desperate to put Accardo in every situation. Meetings, shootings etc.
Just ordered a ton of mob books. If I think any are decent I'll post it here.

This book is awesome, but yes, there are definitely parts where Roemer exaggerated.
Posted By: Dob_Peppino

Re: Mafia Books - 03/21/22 11:15 PM



I recently finished the audio book versions on T.J. English's "Havana Nocture" and " The Corporation". Both books are epic and worth a read/listen. English is well researched and the books real like a movie. Both should be made btw.

The cuban element to the Underworld is fascinating and was untapped. English hit gold with getting the details of these subjects. Havana Nocture is very much a testament of the Mafia's power, ingenuity, collaboration, business acumen and international presence. When you really put things together, you begin to realize that some of these people are way more important to the history of the U.S. then giving credit (speaking of the Commission level guys). Santo Trafficante shines as an elite player on par with Meyer Lansky.

The Corporation would definitely be a good film. Jose Miguel Battle is a not a cookie cutter Criminal. I had no previous knowledge nor expectations of the Criminal exploits of this group. I was pleased with the details and complete outline of the history of this group. Battle was a boss.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 03/25/22 06:58 AM

Finished
ACCARDO BOOK by ROEMER. It was decent enough, basically running the entire history of the outfit. But ,jeez, the hero worship of ACCARDO is off the charts. Way worse than the Gaspipe/ Carlo book. At least they were family friends.
ROEMER was an fbi agent.

Going to read The Sinatra Club, now.
Posted By: antimafia

Re: Mafia Books - 04/06/22 06:22 PM

"Book Giveaway For Inside the Montreal Mafia: The Confessions of Andrew Scoppa"

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/...l-mafia-the-confessions-of-andrew-scoppa

Per the link above, the giveaway is open to Canadian and American residents only.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 04/17/22 02:45 PM

Finally read the whole of The Valachi Papers. Good book, lots of names of well-known mobsters.
But he was an informer, he says so in the book. Although he tries to minimise it..

Next, Underboss, about the Boston mafia. Although I didn't rate the authors bulger book, black mass.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 05/02/22 07:43 AM

Just read Gottis Rules. Oh my, Alite has a major hard on for jr Gotti.
The entire book is a bitch fest for Alite against jr.
Full of unbelievable stuff like being sent to tell Joe N Gallo that he's being stepped down from consiglieri (sp).
Still fairly good book, masterpiece compared to Underboss about the Boston mob.
5 brothers in the mafia, 1 of whom is running the City for close to 30 years and not one decent story or info in the book. Stopped reading near end.

President St.boys next. That looks promising.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 05/06/22 05:24 PM

The 1970s/ 80s harlem purple gang book " hitmen ". Is coming out soon (uk).
15th June ( couple of stores have it down as 15th May).
Pre order price is £28- 36. ( non amazon) so I'll wait until it's released and see if its cheaper. Also check reviews by then. Hope its got more pages than Deitche 's new Jersey book, which is bit skimpy. ( haven't read it yet).

Also, whilst checking i saw( and bought) that Petepiece has a Lucchese book out to add to the colombo and Bonanno ones. There not great but okay for skimming through, now and then. No photos, which is serious letdown. Cheapish and great for those new to the genre. ( also has a book on the commission, which I'll only buy for my collection if it's dirt cheap. I mean, how can you write a whole book about the commission? There's very little that is known.

*** forgot to say that the Sinatra Club book about a colombo/ gotti associate is more than decent. Jimmy Burke crew feature heavily.
.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 05/08/22 06:30 AM

Read the President St Boys book. Sort of about the Gallos.
Good book, the guys refreshingly free of bs.

Maybe, I'll get to start on the 3 books he's co authored on mob guys. Carmine dibiase, although I do wonder how he's managed to write a whole book about the guy.

** anyone know if DiMatteo got around to writing about his DeCav's days. Which he said was being written.
Posted By: Malavita

Re: Mafia Books - 05/08/22 10:56 AM

I think i will give it a go to the President Street boys book.

I have finished Gene Borello's book. IT's OK. I have never cared much for him but i'am always interesting in reading about guys who have been in the life so i gave it a go. The parts about Vinny Asaro and Ronnie G are interesting as is the description of the daily life of an associate. But the writing is pretty bad (it would have need some serious editing) and Borello is obviously exagerating his importance.

I am waiting for the Montreal Mob book "La Source" to be available. This one should be great.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 05/19/22 11:49 AM


I posted above ^^^ that I hope Deitche' s hitmen book isn't as thin as his Garden state gangland book.
So ,just received the book and its 110 pages of writing. 10 of photos. And an incredible 50 pages of notes.
That's very poor going. For instance, DeStefanos books are around 250 pages and Dimatteo's around 220 pages.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 05/22/22 07:58 AM

Review of Hitmen, THE PURPLE GANG by Deitche.

Is Ok, not good, just okay. Said^^^^ that book is lacking in the pages area.
Sure, their's probably not a huge amount of info about the purples to write about. But 110 odd pages is skimpy.

Photos are not great either. Over half are locations snaps that show the present rather than what the St/ building was like in the 70s.

Main gripe is there is no personal stories/ input from anyone involved with the gang. Be they gang or law enforcement. You learn nothing about the people involved.

Also, minor point, but there are lots of gangsters who are related.
So lots of people with the same surname, few with same full name as there dad.
Gets very confusing.
Overall, I should of waited until it's been reviewed by others on goodreads.
And buy it second hand.
Posted By: DetroitPartnership

Re: Mafia Books - 05/22/22 05:51 PM

CARMINE AND THE 13th AVENUE BOYS: Surviving Brooklyn's Colombo Mob
https://www.amazon.com/CARMINE-13th-AVENUE-BOYS-Surviving/dp/1957288108

For the genre it's 4/5 stars; and for research, narrative, etc. its 4.5-5/5. It's one of the few organized crime, true crime, reads that I'll tolerate where the back-stories - neighborhood, demographics, etc. - represent a large proportion of the effort. But in this case, they are so well-crafted from Carmine's recollection and retold by the author so as to be compelling. I could feel being transported there via a historical virtual reality metaverse. I can write the same of the latter section of the story; this in the Midwest and without the support of the crime narrative. Again here, Carmine and the author had me compelled through his experiences surviving - tales of Carmine leveraging his street-survival skills - and thriving personally and professionally. This book is 4 of 5 stars and not 5/5 (for the genre) as much of what is anticipated via a lived experience - murder plots, brutal violence - is short of the "linguine and bullets" eyewitness account expected of mobophile readers. Overall, very well done for a genre that has gone from solid first-hand accounts to ship-shod poorly written 3rd person accounts.
Posted By: jace

Re: Mafia Books - 05/22/22 07:06 PM

The book of above has a timeline in the preview. Imbiale was born in 1957, and in 1973 is already a gangster, by 1974 he is with the Mafia and had encounters with Joe Columbo. All this by age 16-17.
Posted By: DetroitPartnership

Re: Mafia Books - 05/22/22 11:36 PM

I did a short-hand of birth date while reading and considered what you're noting, but this is someone that I believe dropped out of high school and was already a street predator. Personal encounters with Colombo? Maybe noting what he heard, etc. Most of the other timelines appear reasonable.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 05/27/22 12:24 AM

Anyone have any opinions on which pizza connection book I've got is better?

1. The pizza connection
2. Last Days of the Sicilians
seems the 1st is about the trial.

1 of the 2 is my next read. Got the Gotham Unbound book ,also. About unions and the mob. got it for my collection , rather than any interest in the topic. Might be good
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 06/04/22 07:37 AM

Finished GOTHAM UNBOUND. About the NYC MAFIA's influence on legit industries through their control of certain unions.
Definitely, not for everyone as the book is more ' academia '. Could be someone's thesis/ dissertation.

But, you can see that the mob must of been making big money from 40s/ 50s through to the mid 90's.
Lucchese's must of been a really well run/ wealthy family .
Book makes clear that they had huge union influence. I'd say, up there with the Gambinos and just behind the Genovese. Colombos had a bit of the unions ( scopo etc . Bonannos the least, had a couple of things, that's it.

If, like me, you're trying to build up a mob book collection, get it. Cheap
Posted By: DetroitPartnership

Re: Mafia Books - 06/08/22 07:31 PM

La Source is available as of yesterday.
Posted By: Big_Tuna93

Re: Mafia Books - 06/08/22 08:03 PM

I just finished Selwayn Raab's 5 familes, and am about to start the family secrets book. Is it any good for those that have read?
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 06/16/22 01:47 PM

Originally Posted by Big_Tuna93
I just finished Selwayn Raab's 5 familes, and am about to start the family secrets book. Is it any good for those that have read?


Personally, I found it hard going. Stopped reading after awhile. Not saying book isn't good but not for me. Bought the other book on the case, family affair, by giancana + burnstein. Haven't checked it out yet.

Find the idea of a son ratting on his father pretty unpalatable, maybe that's why.

Currently reading, first family, on morello et al. Like it, authors dredged up more info than you'd think on guys from 1880s to 1920s
Posted By: Big_Tuna93

Re: Mafia Books - 06/16/22 03:32 PM

Originally Posted by dsd
Originally Posted by Big_Tuna93
I just finished Selwayn Raab's 5 familes, and am about to start the family secrets book. Is it any good for those that have read?


Personally, I found it hard going. Stopped reading after awhile. Not saying book isn't good but not for me. Bought the other book on the case, family affair, by giancana + burnstein. Haven't checked it out yet.

Find the idea of a son ratting on his father pretty unpalatable, maybe that's why.

Currently reading, first family, on morello et al. Like it, authors dredged up more info than you'd think on guys from 1880s to 1920s

I will have to check out family affairs. I enjoyed family secrets, but I agree. Hard for me to feel a whole lot of remorse for Frank Jr who by his own admission stole 800K from his father, then wore a wire on him.
Posted By: antimafia

Re: Mafia Books - 06/18/22 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by DetroitPartnership
La Source is available as of yesterday.


Sale alert, which I received just this morning via email, re: this newly released English translation of La source:

Inside the Montreal Mafia: The Confessions of Andrew Scoppa

I'm not sure whether this is a 1-day sale or not. I'll check again tomorrow and report back.

Available on Kobo Canada for $4.99 ($4.49 if you have a VIP membership):
https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/07aaad2d-b1f2-4468-81dc-0f1eceb20338

Available on Kobo US for $4.99:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/inside-the-montreal-mafia

-------------------------

Not sure whether the $9.99 USD price on Amazon US is the regular price, but it's still a good deal -- see below.

https://www.amazon.com/Inside-Montreal-Mafia-Confessions-Andrew-ebook/dp/B09MXG35TW
Posted By: antimafia

Re: Mafia Books - 06/19/22 05:00 PM

^^^^
Still on sale today (Sunday) on both the Kobo Canada and Kobo US sites.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 06/29/22 01:43 PM

PERSICO by Dimatteo, good book. Then again plenty to write about with Persico.
That guy was basically involved with the justice system his whole life. From mid teens involved in murder cases, shootings etc. Even when he was out on the streets in the 60s he was in four ? trials for cargo theft. 70s in jail ,out few years , then life.
Posted By: jace

Re: Mafia Books - 06/29/22 04:13 PM

Originally Posted by dsd
PERSICO by Dimatteo, good book. Then again plenty to write about with Persico.
That guy was basically involved with the justice system his whole life. From mid teens involved in murder cases, shootings etc. Even when he was out on the streets in the 60s he was in four ? trials for cargo theft. 70s in jail ,out few years , then life.



Persico is definitely an interesting subject. However I don't trust the author, Dimatteeo is an embellisher, and he claims to have been close to the Gallo brothers, who were enemies with Perscio. He is all over Facebook promoting his books, and does have photos of himself standing near Al Gallo. As an author he seems to just say anything without serious evidence to backk things up, or he just repeats myths and stories that have been around for years. That and his pro Gallo anti-Perscio bias add up to him not being very credible.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 06/29/22 08:18 PM

@jace
But he says his ' dad ' was a gallo gunman, especially for Larry.
Truthfully I didn't think he came across as a bullshi*ter in his president St book. No " I was a top dog, wanted by all the 5 families"
I don't know what he does on social media but I liked the 2 books of his so far. His godfather was also one of Joe gallos top shooters.
Got his carmine dibiase book as well but I'm sure there isn't a books worth of info on him. Also got his Anastasia book.

** is Larry mazza book only a ebook?
Posted By: ScottD

Re: Mafia Books - 07/02/22 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by dsd
Review of Hitmen, THE PURPLE GANG by Deitche.

Is Ok, not good, just okay. Said^^^^ that book is lacking in the pages area.
Sure, their's probably not a huge amount of info about the purples to write about. But 110 odd pages is skimpy.

Photos are not great either. Over half are locations snaps that show the present rather than what the St/ building was like in the 70s.

Main gripe is there is no personal stories/ input from anyone involved with the gang. Be they gang or law enforcement. You learn nothing about the people involved.

Also, minor point, but there are lots of gangsters who are related.
So lots of people with the same surname, few with same full name as there dad.
Gets very confusing.
Overall, I should of waited until it's been reviewed by others on goodreads.
And buy it second hand.




Sorry you didn't like it. Hopefully, you'll like one of my others.

On the photos, unfortunately, I wrote this during the height of COVID, so everything at the federal level was shut down in terms of accessing FOIA and other materials, so I was unable to go through some of my usual sources to access photos. First time that's ever happened to me with a book.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 07/03/22 04:38 AM

Originally Posted by ScottD
Originally Posted by dsd
Review of Hitmen, THE PURPLE GANG by Deitche.

Is Ok, not good, just okay. Said^^^^ that book is lacking in the pages area.
Sure, their's probably not a huge amount of info about the purples to write about. But 110 odd pages is skimpy.

Photos are not great either. Over half are locations snaps that show the present rather than what the St/ building was like in the 70s.

Main gripe is there is no personal stories/ input from anyone involved with the gang. Be they gang or law enforcement. You learn nothing about the people involved.

Also, minor point, but there are lots of gangsters who are related.
So lots of people with the same surname, few with same full name as there dad.
Gets very confusing.
Overall, I should of waited until it's been reviewed by others on goodreads.
And buy it second hand.




Sorry you didn't like it. Hopefully, you'll like one of my others.

On the photos, unfortunately, I wrote this during the height of COVID, so everything at the federal level was shut down in terms of accessing FOIA and other materials, so I was unable to go through some of my usual sources to access photos. First time that's ever happened to me with a book.




Didn't know you posted. To be fair, I said it's OK.
Currently reading your Garden State book. . Now that is a good book.
Posted By: CalabrianWatcher

Re: Mafia Books - 07/03/22 06:20 AM

I know some of you still can't order a paperback of this as it releases later on in Canada/USA but if you read ebook, this one is currently a great read, so personal and well written!

https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/chasing-the-mafia
Posted By: ScottD

Re: Mafia Books - 07/03/22 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by dsd
Originally Posted by ScottD
Originally Posted by dsd
Review of Hitmen, THE PURPLE GANG by Deitche.

Is Ok, not good, just okay. Said^^^^ that book is lacking in the pages area.
Sure, their's probably not a huge amount of info about the purples to write about. But 110 odd pages is skimpy.

Photos are not great either. Over half are locations snaps that show the present rather than what the St/ building was like in the 70s.

Main gripe is there is no personal stories/ input from anyone involved with the gang. Be they gang or law enforcement. You learn nothing about the people involved.

Also, minor point, but there are lots of gangsters who are related.
So lots of people with the same surname, few with same full name as there dad.
Gets very confusing.
Overall, I should of waited until it's been reviewed by others on goodreads.
And buy it second hand.




Sorry you didn't like it. Hopefully, you'll like one of my others.

On the photos, unfortunately, I wrote this during the height of COVID, so everything at the federal level was shut down in terms of accessing FOIA and other materials, so I was unable to go through some of my usual sources to access photos. First time that's ever happened to me with a book.




Didn't know you posted. To be fair, I said it's OK.
Currently reading your Garden State book. . Now that is a good book.


Appreciate the feedback on Garden State. I'm good with whatever people think. Not everyone's going to like my stuff. Just wanted to clarify on the photos, because that was not my plan originally. As you can see in Garden State, I like mugshots!
Posted By: Dob_Peppino

Re: Mafia Books - 07/03/22 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by ScottD
Originally Posted by dsd
Originally Posted by ScottD
Originally Posted by dsd
Review of Hitmen, THE PURPLE GANG by Deitche.

Is Ok, not good, just okay. Said^^^^ that book is lacking in the pages area.
Sure, their's probably not a huge amount of info about the purples to write about. But 110 odd pages is skimpy.

Photos are not great either. Over half are locations snaps that show the present rather than what the St/ building was like in the 70s.

Main gripe is there is no personal stories/ input from anyone involved with the gang. Be they gang or law enforcement. You learn nothing about the people involved.

Also, minor point, but there are lots of gangsters who are related.
So lots of people with the same surname, few with same full name as there dad.
Gets very confusing.
Overall, I should of waited until it's been reviewed by others on goodreads.
And buy it second hand.




Sorry you didn't like it. Hopefully, you'll like one of my others.

On the photos, unfortunately, I wrote this during the height of COVID, so everything at the federal level was shut down in terms of accessing FOIA and other materials, so I was unable to go through some of my usual sources to access photos. First time that's ever happened to me with a book.




Didn't know you posted. To be fair, I said it's OK.
Currently reading your Garden State book. . Now that is a good book.


Appreciate the feedback on Garden State. I'm good with whatever people think. Not everyone's going to like my stuff. Just wanted to clarify on the photos, because that was not my plan originally. As you can see in Garden State, I like mugshots!


I got the audio book. Very well researched. Especially on the beginnings of the Families there. I often wonder how powerful the Decavalcantes and Philly would have been if it was one Family. Or even if they just had a few key guys like Ritchie the Boot and Tony Bananas Caponigro
Posted By: ScottD

Re: Mafia Books - 07/03/22 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by Dob_Peppino



I got the audio book. Very well researched. Especially on the beginnings of the Families there. I often wonder how powerful the Decavalcantes and Philly would have been if it was one Family. Or even if they just had a few key guys like Ritchie the Boot and Tony Bananas Caponigro


Thank you.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 07/07/22 12:27 AM


Appreciate the feedback on Garden State. I'm good with whatever people think. Not everyone's going to like my stuff. Just wanted to clarify on the photos, because that was not my plan originally. As you can see in Garden State, I like mugshots!
[/quote]

I got the audio book. Very well researched. Especially on the beginnings of the Families there. I often wonder how powerful the Decavalcantes and Philly would have been if it was one Family. Or even if they just had a few key guys like Ritchie the Boot and Tony Bananas Caponigro
[/quote]


Finished Garden State and ,yes, it is very good. Chapters on all the different era's and families made it a good read.

Got Body Mike about Cantalupo. Didn't even know he had a book out.
Posted By: CalabrianWatcher

Re: Mafia Books - 07/07/22 04:32 PM

https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/chasing-the-mafia

50% off until 17 July

Chasing the Mafia
'Ndrangheta, Memories and Journeys

By Anna Sergi
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 07/13/22 09:57 PM

BODY MIKE about Colombo and crime inc rat joe cantalupo. Good book because he was close to Joe Colombo. Plenty of mentions of well-known mobsters.
These books by ' associates ' i find to be better than books by made guys who turned rat. Not so much of the ' I was a man of honor , I was forced to turn informer by others ' rubbish.
Ps, talks about a Johnny russo genovese loanshark in the 1970s. But I'm sure it ain't the one called pussy. Nothing came up when I done a quick search. Any info ?
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 07/19/22 10:53 AM

SONNY by SJ PEDDIE
Good book , but like author explains not easy to write about a 100 year old guy when all his contemporaries are dead. Author had some face to face interviews in the ( poor people) nursing home JF was in. ( none of his his kids let him stay, or their mother ). Hardly anything on early career but gets better once it gets to the mid 60s.

Pretty sure the law was out to get him. Clean or dirty. Went the dirty way in a 50 !! year sentence for supposedly running a bank robbery crew with a gang of lowlifes.
This ended up in repeated parole violations so back to jail many times. All the way up to the 90's.

His children from his first wife are not ever mentioned but the kids from his second wife were a mess except 1 daughter.
The little bits on Michael don't show him in a good light at all. He arranged his mother's funeral but didn't attend. And had her, who prided herself on her appearance, buried in a hospital gown!!

Michael's biological father was a guy called Louis Grillo from mums first marriage. So let's hope that question is cleared up.

Now to John, much more in the book than Michael. But what a loser. Bottom of the barrel junkie who had nothing but the Franzese name.
This scumbag wore a wire against his 90 year old dad. The book says that he was sober and clean at the time. I find it hard to believe, a junkie loser all adulthood, I'm thinking the FBI were giving him daily money to buy his smack so he could function.
Sent his 90 odd dad back to jail. What a scummer.

It's good book.
Posted By: DuesPaid

Re: Mafia Books - 07/19/22 11:18 PM

Originally Posted by DetroitPartnership
CARMINE AND THE 13th AVENUE BOYS: Surviving Brooklyn's Colombo Mob
https://www.amazon.com/CARMINE-13th-AVENUE-BOYS-Surviving/dp/1957288108

For the genre it's 4/5 stars; and for research, narrative, etc. its 4.5-5/5. It's one of the few organized crime, true crime, reads that I'll tolerate where the back-stories - neighborhood, demographics, etc. - represent a large proportion of the effort. But in this case, they are so well-crafted from Carmine's recollection and retold by the author so as to be compelling. I could feel being transported there via a historical virtual reality metaverse. I can write the same of the latter section of the story; this in the Midwest and without the support of the crime narrative. Again here, Carmine and the author had me compelled through his experiences surviving - tales of Carmine leveraging his street-survival skills - and thriving personally and professionally. This book is 4 of 5 stars and not 5/5 (for the genre) as much of what is anticipated via a lived experience - murder plots, brutal violence - is short of the "linguine and bullets" eyewitness account expected of mobophile readers. Overall, very well done for a genre that has gone from solid first-hand accounts to ship-shod poorly written 3rd person accounts.




Spot on….. I agree with you 100%. Very good book.

I find myself reviewing and re-reading many parts of it often as I did today and was wondering if it had been mentioned on this site and thread.
Glad to see your review and thanks, I took your recommendation and downloaded it to my book reader in may.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 07/21/22 06:26 PM

Born in the life : G Borello
Pains me to say it but this is kinda engrossing. GB is a proper thug , half crim/ half bully. The book is non stop tales of loan shark beatings, fights and lots of treachery. His ' boss' Bonanno capo R. Giallanzo is a more interesting character, super loaded it seems.
Naturally, GB turns rat when it's time to pay the piper.
Better than I thought it would be, shines a light on the 21st century mob.
Posted By: antimafia

Re: Mafia Books - 07/30/22 04:12 AM

eBook sale alert:

The eBook EPUB version of Anna Sergi's new book, Chasing the mafia: 'ndrangheta, memories and journeys, is available from Bristol University Press for 75% off the regular price till EOD Sunday, July 31. Regular price before VAT: USD $36.95. Discounted price before VAT: USD $9.24.

https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/chasing-the-mafia

When you click on the above link, select the "EPUB" version, click on "Add to basket," and then type EBOOK75 in the "Voucher / promotional code" field.

The publisher is offering 75% off all EPUB versions of its published eBooks. Sergi's book does have content about the Greater Toronto Area, Montreal, and Hamilton.
Posted By: antimafia

Re: Mafia Books - 10/29/22 10:51 AM

Originally Posted by antimafia
Originally Posted by DetroitPartnership
La Source is available as of yesterday.


Sale alert, which I received just this morning via email, re: this newly released English translation of La source:

Inside the Montreal Mafia: The Confessions of Andrew Scoppa

I'm not sure whether this is a 1-day sale or not. I'll check again tomorrow and report back.

Available on Kobo Canada for $4.99 ($4.49 if you have a VIP membership):
https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/07aaad2d-b1f2-4468-81dc-0f1eceb20338

Available on Kobo US for $4.99:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/inside-the-montreal-mafia

-------------------------

Not sure whether the $9.99 USD price on Amazon US is the regular price, but it's still a good deal -- see below.

https://www.amazon.com/Inside-Montreal-Mafia-Confessions-Andrew-ebook/dp/B09MXG35TW


The ebook is on sale again. The Kobo Canada and Amazon Canada sites are selling it for CAD$4.99; the Kobo US site for USD$4.99.

The Amazon US site is currently selling it for USD$3.66 -- see https://www.amazon.com/Inside-Montreal-Mafia-Confessions-Andrew-ebook/dp/B09MXG35TW.
Posted By: Malavita

Re: Mafia Books - 11/05/22 11:00 AM

I have finished reading "La Source". I bought a copy in French while i was in Montreal on holidays.

I am slightly disappointed as Andrew Scoppa didn't really gave that much info as i expected. It seems that he used the journalists as much as they used him. Overall the book gives a interesting account of the Montreal Mafia after Rizzuto's reign but there isn't much inside information.

One thing that was particularly intresting though is the confirmation that there are no longer any made guys in Montreal. The Montreal Mafia is made of various italian guys which have no official affiliation to any family and who do not form an actual family in the sense of the 5 families for example. They don't have induction ceremonies but somehow they still feel they belong to a single entity which is loosely structured.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 11/29/22 04:31 PM

Anyone read Gotti wars by the fed prosecutor Gleeson?

Truthfully, the subject matter bores me these days. Plus ,books revolving around trial proceedings tend to be boring also. I'll get it for my mob book collection but I'll wait until its cheaper on the 2nd hand market.

Any reviews?

Are there any books by/ about genovese associates ? Can't think of any or even made guys. Chin, Vito, costello, Valachi . Have books also there's a book about Boot Boiardo. Which for a book from 2014 I've not seen for anything much cheaper than its new price of £30 odd . Hardly any UK 2nd hand. Good opening chapter free on Google books



Posted By: antimafia

Re: Mafia Books - 12/07/22 04:38 AM

New e-book available on Amazon today — link below is to the Amazon US site.

The Buffalo Mafia: The Return Of Organized Crime To The Queen City
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BP9KYP2H
Posted By: antimafia

Re: Mafia Books - 12/13/22 08:56 PM

The ebook version of Early Organized Crime in Detroit: Vice, Corruption and the Rise of the Mafia by James Buccellato is on sale right now. The prices below are even cheaper than when I bought it on sale this past October.

https://www.amazon.com/Early-Organized-Crime-Detroit-Corruption-ebook/dp/B01AHKRBUO (USD$2.19)

https://www.amazon.ca/Early-Organized-Crime-Detroit-Corruption-ebook/dp/B01AHKRBUO (CAD$2.99)

https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/early-organized-crime-in-detroit-1 (USD$2.99)

https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/early-organized-crime-in-detroit-1 (CAD$3.73)
______________

The ebook version of Motor City Mafia: A Century of Organized Crime in Detroit by Scott Burnstein is also on sale right now.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0093CHZ2W (USD$2.19)

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0093CHZ2W (CAD$2.99)

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/83002f19-4a7f-40f9-9fa3-8213f5dbf3f4 (USD$2.99)

https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/83002f19-4a7f-40f9-9fa3-8213f5dbf3f4 (CAD$3.73)
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 12/15/22 12:33 AM

^^^ e books are so cheap. I wish I was into them, because of the price difference.
But you can't beat a physical book. Even when every new mob book is on YouTube as a audiobook, I'd still rather pay for a book.

Posted this before but can't believe Larry Mazza's book is not available as a physical book. Wonder why? The guy had a better story to tell than most..

Going to read Boston mob by Songini next, seems decent from the little dip I had. Revolves around Barboza, it seems. Be hard to better HITMAN/ Martorano, that's a great book.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 12/29/22 11:21 PM

Are there any decent personal account books by any Sicilian/ Boot of Italy mafia(+ the others) members? Like, Underboss - SG .

Anything where the subject has some decent stories to tell, talks about his mafia/ camorra/ n' dran?????? family. The characters, feuds,scams etc
Got the books about Riina + Provenzano . But I'd like to read about lesser known guys.

In English or American.

** got White Shotgun ' the Sicilian mafia in their own words '. Which is good for dipping into, here and there. ---//-- ------//----- is DeMeo crews 'doing the houdini '. lupara bianca

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL AT GBB
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 01/15/23 06:35 PM


For anyone interested you can read Pleasant Avenue Connection book on Internet archive. More about police corruption and heroin than lcn. Is ok but glad I never paid circa £300 for a copy. Its not really a mafia book.
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 04/04/23 12:22 AM

Has anyone read THE MAFIA LIBRARY books?

They've a gambino and Genovese , maybe others.

Are they actual book or more Petepiece type lists, events ? Petepiece has only the Genovese family left to do of the 5 families. Not really books ,to me, just info ,lists .
Posted By: jjpuppet

Re: Mafia Books - 04/06/23 07:00 PM

Pretty much the same but the Decavaclante was interesting
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 05/20/23 09:45 PM

Received my copy of Petepieces' new The Genovese family book.
Super chunky, double the pages of the others in the series.
Also the order in which the books were published was like the ranking of the family's.
Colombo, bonnano, lucchese, gambino, Genovese.

Wonder if he'll carry on. Philly, Decavalcantes etc
Posted By: dsd

Re: Mafia Books - 05/26/23 01:25 PM

Got the Galante book, the cigar . It's by the persico book guys. Although it's hardback.
Also got the book about the Sicilian guy Ronsivalle. The guy who killed for the pizza connection guys.

Currently reading Breaking the mob, by a Philly cop in the Scarfo years. Its good but then again I also liked the book by that Salerno rat ,the plumber. Even though his mob life didn't encompass much bar the falcone murder.
Posted By: Sullycantwell

Re: Mafia Books - 07/23/23 08:42 PM

finished the new D'Elia book, its not very good. The book said that Barbara wasn't a boss rather a Magaddino capodecina.
Posted By: Liggio

Re: Mafia Books - 08/05/23 12:06 AM

Most mob books suck in my opinion. Almost none of them are as detailed as I'd like them to be. A lot of authors think that a 100 to 200 page book will suffice, when it needs at bare minimum to be 300, if not 400 or 500 pages. For example, if I wrote a book on the Lucchese Family right now, best believe it's going to start from its very very beginnings, in painful details as much as possible, all the way to the latest piece of news of the Family, with every little bit of detail that I could possibly muster along the way. Maybe that's why I like books like The 6th Family or The Outfit by Gus Russo so much, I feel like they come pretty close to the quality of Mafia book I'm looking for.
Posted By: MafiaGenealogy

Re: Mafia Books - 11/09/23 11:13 PM

I just published a book on the history of the Mafia that focuses on gangsters who came from Corleone, Sicily. Some of the chapters are focused on Corleone, most of it is looking at their spread across the United States. It's a very comprehensive look at the mafiosi from one city, and uses the examples to prove broader hypotheses about how the Mafia originated and is organized. It's the result of years of research and I can't wait to hear what people have to say about it. The book is titled IN OUR BLOOD: The Mafia Families of Corleone. There are print and e-book formats available. The e-book edition has links to the genealogical profiles of the people who are named in the book. Available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMZZK5W9?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Posted By: Millspgh

Re: Mafia Books - 01/21/24 02:52 PM

I’m sure this book has been mentioned somewhere on the 80 previous pages here but I thought I would ask it for a fresh opinion and fresh replies.
One of the first mob books I read, and really enjoyed- Roemer- Man against the mob, but I’ve heard some people say he was a liar and a fraud.
can I get everybody else’s opinion on that book, and Bill Roemer?
I enjoyed feeling we were seeing the inner workings of the Outift and hearing what they heard on the bug.
I did read his Vegas mob war book also.
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