King of the Godfathers: Joseph Massino and the Fall of the Bonanno Crime Family (Pinnacle True Crime)

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Binding: Paperback Dewey Decimal Number: 364.1092 EAN: 9780786018932 ISBN: 0786018933 Label: Pinnacle Manufacturer: Pinnacle Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 384 Publication Date: 2007-06-01 Publisher: Pinnacle Studio: Pinnacle
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Editorial Reviews: For more than twenty years, Joseph "Big Joey" Massino ran what was called the largest criminal network in the U.S., employing over two hundred and fifty made men and untold numbers of associates. The Bonanno family was responsible for over thirty murders, even killing a dozen of its own members to enforce discipline and settle scores. He would be brought down by Salvatore "Good Looking Sal" Vitale, the underboss who was not only Massino's closest and most trusted friend, but also his brother-in-law. In the end, facing the death penalty and the prospect of leaving his family penniless, Massino started talking to the FBI - the first Mafia Godfather to break the sacred code of omerta, and the end of a centuries-old tradition.
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: The Mob in the 21st Century Comment: If you are like me, you thought the mafia would die out when John Gotti went to jail. That is clearly not the case, as this book perfectly illustrates. Fantastic, entertaining book about one of the bosses of one of the powerful Five Families in New York. The man only recently went to prison in 2003. Book (the softbound edition) covers his entire life of crime all the way through his trial in 2004 along with developments through early 2008. It is an entertaining, educational, informative read, covering not only the boss, but the Bonnano family and NY mafia families in general. If you want to learn what the modern day mob is like and have a good time while doing so, then buy this book. Customer Rating: Summary: fughetaboutit lol Comment: awesome book, couldn't put it down. Customer Rating: Summary: Great Mob Expose Comment: i liked the way this book gave alot of info about the wives of mob figures.I've always wondered what the wives knew about their husband's activities and how they rationalized it. The wives are a convenient way to hide and transfer the assets of mobsters and they should bear some(or alot) of the guilt.The one DA in the book was putting pressure on mobster wives and this was a tactic I was unaware of and have wondered why mobsters' wives were considered,"untouchable".After all who is too often pressuring the mobster to bring in more money? Joe Massino or "Joe Wagons"(nicknamed for his sandwich and coffee truck business) is represented in this book as one of the "Last Dons".Because law enforcement techniques are making the "family" less profitable and more dangerous, more and more mobsters are turning "states evidence".This book tells the tale of how law enforcement is breaking the comraderie of mobsters who previously took a "blood oath" to be faithful to the mob.Behind the facade of the "ham sandwuch guru",the story of Massino, is one filled with scams and murder.Apparently there's not much money in ham sandwiches,but it does get a person out into the working world to promote their scams.This book will keep you glued.Lots of gruesome photos which initially shock,but then as you read the history of the poor unfortunate you feel alot less sympathetic.(Just the mob's way of cleaning it's own house)!Well researched and highly readable Customer Rating: Summary: A Suberb and "Must" Read! Comment: King Of The Gordfathers is an extremely well written book! I found it very deep and informative, so much so that I wondered how Anthony DeStefano got the 'members of the family' to reveal all of the inside stories. This book opens up the silence that was for so many years repressed and only speculated about. Mr. DeStefano also shows the work of the FBI and law enforcement agencies in finally putting pieces together that brought down one of the last of the 'old world' families. A big plus are the crystal clear photo section and an epilogue on 'Where They Are Now' King Of The Godfathers is a very detailed book that one needs to take the time to think about as you read through its chapters. Being of Sicilan heritage, I was very impressed, enlightened and educated, let alone a bit surprised! This book also shows why Mr.DeStefano won a Pulitzer Prize in 1991. You will not be disappointed in reading! Customer Rating: Summary: The Definitive Bonanno Crime Family Book Comment: Mr. DeStefano's latest book is the defining work on the Bonanno Crime Family! This book expounds on Mr. DeStefano's meticulous & compelling coverage of the Massino trial, incorporating Joe Massino's early years and rise to power, along with a concise history of the Mafia's major figures. His years as a respected journalist, have given Mr. DeStefano the ability to lay out the facts with total objectivity, while writing about what is often the basest of human behavior. Deftly, he also weaves in passages which give us insight into the emotional toll paid by those who are inadvertently affected by such a lifestyle. This riveting book gives readers entree into a secret society which continues to fascinate and affirms why Mr. DeStefano is one of the finest reporters on the beat today. I look forward to seeing the next organized crime book by this superb writer and mob aficionado! PS I wonder if a previous reviewer has confused this terrific book with another with a similar name, by a different author? More Reviews