Books matching: organized crime
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- #1
Save:'White Shadow' by Ace Atkins is a crime novel set in 1950s Tampa and pre-revolutionary Cuba, delving into the world of organized crime, gangsters, and corruption. The book follows the death of a former bootlegger and explores the intertwined criminal activities in Florida and Cuba during a turbulent era. Atkins' writing style is atmospheric and vivid, capturing the essence of the times when crime ruled in both locations, with a focus on historical accuracy and intricate storytelling.
CHARLIE WALL LAID OUT the crisp white suit on his bed and wiped off his wingtips with a hand towel he’d used to dry his face after shaving with a straight razor. It was early evening and dark in the h... - #2
Save:Mercy by Julie Garwood follows the story of Theo Buchanan, a federal attorney, and Dr. Michelle Renard, a talented surgeon, as their lives intertwine in a small town in Louisiana. The plot unfolds with a mix of romance, mystery, and suspense, involving a group of white-collar criminals, a charming Southern setting, and a cast of engaging characters. The writing style is described as humorous, charming, and sensual, with well-crafted dialogue and family dynamics adding depth to the storyline.
She was dying a very, very slow death. Each day there was a new indignity, another inch of her once magnificent body destroyed by the debilitating disease. Poor, poor Catherine. Seven years ago she ha...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Buchanan-Renard ) - #3
Save:John Dickie's 'Cosa Nostra' delves into the history of the Sicilian Mafia, tracing its roots back to Italian unification efforts in the 19th Century and exploring its growth, influence, and flight overseas. The book covers the reestablishment of Mafia authority in Sicily post-World War II, intergang friction from the 1960s to present day, and the organization's role in Sicilian life through the eyes of the Mafia. The narrative moves through the ages, detailing the Mafia's growth, challenges, court cases, and restructuring efforts.
Dickie's writing style is described as scholarly yet engaging, well-researched, and never gratuitously sensationalist. The book offers a well-written and researched account of the Sicilian Mafia, providing a comprehensive history while also touching upon the corruption, challenges, and fatalism that have characterized the organization over the years.
"Mafia Dynasty: The Rise and Fall of the Gambino Crime Family" by John H. Davis delves into the history of the Gambino crime family, exploring its inception and evolution through the decades, with a specific focus on key figures like John Gotti. The narrative is rich in interesting stories about Mafia members, providing a detailed account of the organized crime scene in New York. Despite some formatting issues in the Kindle version and lack of photos, the book is praised for its substantial content, well-researched information, and engaging writing style that captures the rise and eventual downfall of the notorious crime family.
- #5
Save:Murder Machine: A True Story of Murder, Madness, and the Mafia details the rise and fall of a Gambino family crew led by Roy DeMeo, known for being responsible for up to 200 murders. The book provides a unique and in-depth look into the depths of depravity that DeMeo and his crew sank to, showcasing the tempestuous relationships within the Mafia and the criminal activities that defined their lives. The narrative vividly portrays the seedy atmosphere of New York City in the 1970s, offering a compelling insight into the ruthless nature of the Mafia and the indiscriminate violence carried out by its members.
The authors, Jerry Capeci and Gene Mustain, present a broader perspective by illustrating DeMeo and his gang of thugs as an efficiently effective cog in the Gambino family's criminal activities. The book delves into the intricate machinations within the crime family, highlighting the characters involved and their roles in the murderous underworld. Through compelling prose and detailed storytelling, the authors bring to life the gripping tale of Mafia serial killing, weaving together the stories of key players like Nino Gaggi, Dominick Montiglio, and Roy DeMeo in a manner that captivates readers and immerses them in the dark world of organized crime.
Dominick grew up in a house dominated by his uncle Nino. It was a roomy house but not fancy, just a rectangle of bricks the color of dried blood sandwiched between others like it on an ordinary street... - #6
Save:The Butcher's Boy by Thomas Perry is a thrilling novel that follows a professional hitman, known only as the Butcher's Boy, who finds himself in a dangerous situation after completing a job for the Mafia. As the story unfolds, readers are introduced to Elizabeth Waring, a Justice Department analyst, who uncovers a link between seemingly unrelated murders. The plot is fast-paced, filled with smart and inventive twists, and set in various US cities, primarily focusing on Las Vegas. Perry's writing style is described as smart, skillful, and captivating, with well-rounded characters and a compelling storyline that keeps readers engaged till the end.
1The union meeting, thought Al Veasy, had gone as well as could be expected, all things considered. He had finally figured out why the retirement fund was in such trouble all the time, when everybody ... - #7
Save:'The Valachi Papers' by Peter Maas is a gripping account of the life inside the Cosa Nostra, revealing the brutal realities of mob life that go beyond the glamorous portrayals seen in movies. Through the eyes of Joe Valachi, a mob soldier, readers are taken on a journey spanning decades, showcasing the dangers, betrayals, and hardships faced by those involved in organized crime. The book presents a detailed history of the Mafia in the 40s, 50s, and 60s, offering an insider's perspective on the inner workings of the mob and the impact it had on individuals like Valachi.
The narrative style of 'The Valachi Papers' is journalistic and informative, providing readers with a factual and chronological account of the seedy side of American history. Peter Maas skillfully weaves together Valachi's testimonies and writings to paint a vivid picture of a life filled with turmoil, danger, and betrayal. The book serves as a compelling biography of a man whose association with the Mafia ultimately led to his downfall and his brave testimony that followed, making it a must-read for those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Mafia history.
At approximately 7:30 A.M.on June 22, 1962, at the U.S. Penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia, prisoner number 82811, a convicted trafficker in heroin named Joseph Michael Valachi, seized a two-foot length... - #8
Save:In the noir history of Los Angeles, the unsolved murder mystery of Elizabeth Short, also known as the Black Dahlia, takes center stage. The book portrays a fictionalized account of the investigation carried out by LAPD cops Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard, delving into the dark and twisted world of post-war Los Angeles. As the detectives navigate through police brutality, corruption, and personal entanglements, the story unfolds with elements of passion, deceit, and psychological tension, capturing the essence of the times and the characters involved.
The narrative follows Bucky Bleichert's relentless pursuit of the truth behind the Black Dahlia murder, intertwining it with his personal struggles and obsessions. Set against the backdrop of a seedy and corrupt Hollywood, the book presents a complex and gritty portrayal of the era, showcasing engaging character development, vivid descriptions, and a compelling plot filled with twists and turns that keep readers enthralled throughout the dark and eerie tale.
I was coming off a long tour of duty spent in a speed trap on Bunker Hill, preying on traffic violators. My ticket book was full and my brain was numb from eight hours of following my eyes across the ... - #9
Save:Underboss by Peter Maas is a biography focusing on Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, known for testifying against John Gotti. The book delves into Gravano's life within the New York mob, providing intriguing stories and insights into the inner workings of the Mafia. Readers get a glimpse of the corruption not only within the Mafia but also throughout New York City, as Gravano portrays his efforts to abide by the rules of Cosa Nostra, contrasting with the actions of the Gotti family. The book attempts to present Gravano in a somewhat sympathetic light, leaving readers to form their own judgments based on his narrative.
- #10
Save:'Gangster' by Lorenzo Carcaterra is an epic saga of violence and destiny that follows the life of Angelo Vestieri, from a soldier to a mob boss. The novel is filled with elements of friendship, betrayal, love, and brutal violence, reminiscent of 'The Godfather'. Carcaterra's writing style weaves together a spellbinding tale with memorable characters that evolve throughout the narrative. The story unfolds as Angelo takes in an orphan boy, reshaping his perspective on life and leading to a poignant exploration of forgiveness and redemption.
Angelo's journey is intricately linked with his close childhood friend, Pudge Nichols, as they rise to power in the gangster world of Hells Kitchen in New York City. The narrative delves into the hearts and minds of these characters, providing insight into organized crime, different ethnic crime groups, and the complexities of the gangster state of mind. captivates readers with its rich historical context, unexpected twists, and profound exploration of life, loyalty, and the impact of one's choices.
They did not stir in him a taste for nostalgia or loves lost. He saw in them only one purpose—to harden the shell he had chiseled with care, the one that hid all that could be deemed vulnerable and ke...
