What do you guys know about these books?

The book thread is far too long to go searching so I thought id just ask you wiseguys instead. There is a bunch of books I want to get, expand my mob library abit, if you have read any of these books, tell me what you thought of it please. It would be much appreciated coming from you guys. Cheers..

The Mafia and the Machine: The Story of the Kansas City Mob
Open City: True Story of the KC Crime Family 1900-1950
Before Bruno: Book 1 - 1880-1931: The History of the Philadelphia Mafia
The Illustrated Book of Prohibition Gangsters From A to Z
An Illustrated Chronological History of Organized Crime. Vol. 2. 1950-2010
An Illustrated Chronological History Of Organized Crime. Vol1. 1863-1949
Gangsters of Boston
Smaldone: The Untold Story of an American Crime Family
Mountain Mafia: Organized Crime in the Rockies
The Rise and Fall of the Cleveland Mafia: Corn Sugar and Blood
Cigar City Mafia: A Complete History of the Tampa Underworld
Crimetown U.S.A.: The History of the Mahoning Valley Mafia: Organized Crime Activity in Ohio's Steel Valley 1933-1963
The Boston Mob Guide: Hit Men, Hoodlums & Hideouts
Gangsters and Organized Crime in Buffalo: History, Hits and Headquarters
The Violent Years: Prohibition and The Detroit Mobs
The Purple Gang: Organized Crime in Detroit 1910-1945
Gangs of St. Louis: Men of Respect
Wetter Than the Mississippi: Prohibition in St. Louis and Beyond
Egan's Rats: The Untold Story of the Prohibition-Era Gang That Ruled St. Louis

I have read only these so far, but I liked them all:


I am not good at writing reviews, but I think each book deals well with the specific subject examined.

In particular, "Crimetown USA" deals with little known gangs in Youngstown, like the Greek gamblers, apart from the Italian mob. I heard there will be a 2nd volume about the after 60s period.

"Egan's rats" is a good introduction to "Gangs in St.Louis", even though there already are some references to the Rats in the "Gangs" book which focuses more on the Italian mob.

The Purple gang book was good too, but there is also another book about the gang, by the same author as the St.Louis books.
http://www.amazon.com/Off-Color-Violent-...ds=daniel+waugh
I don't know though whether it's better or not than Kavieff's book.

The ones from your list that I'd recommend are:

The Mafia and the Machine: The Story of the Kansas City Mob
Open City: True Story of the KC Crime Family 1900-1950
Before Bruno: Book 1 - 1880-1931: The History of the Philadelphia Mafia
Gangsters of Boston
Smaldone: The Untold Story of an American Crime Family
Mountain Mafia: Organized Crime in the Rockies
The Rise and Fall of the Cleveland Mafia: Corn Sugar and Blood
Cigar City Mafia: A Complete History of the Tampa Underworld
Crimetown U.S.A.: The History of the Mahoning Valley Mafia: Organized Crime Activity in Ohio's Steel Valley 1933-1963
The Boston Mob Guide: Hit Men, Hoodlums & Hideouts
Gangsters and Organized Crime in Buffalo: History, Hits and Headquarters
The Violent Years: Prohibition and The Detroit Mobs
The Purple Gang: Organized Crime in Detroit 1910-1945
Gangs of St. Louis: Men of Respect
Egan's Rats: The Untold Story of the Prohibition-Era Gang That Ruled St. Louis

Haven't read this one, but it seems like it could be good:
Wetter Than the Mississippi: Prohibition in St. Louis and Beyond

Dan Waugh is a dogged researcher who does a fantastic job, especially his latest one about the Purple Gang and Gangs of St. Louis.

http://www.amazon.com/Dirty-Money-Mr-Joe...ey+joe+lafratta