Reviews (6)

A great and sordid tale
This is a greeat and depressing book. I documents how America is a country of many laws and little enforcement. Believe it. That the book was trashed as anti-Semetic in The NY Times Sunday Book Review only makes it a more important read (The dolt Times reviewer reviewer had a tribal agenda and comes from self-admitted mob affiliated tax cheat family should be all you need to know about that review)
HOPING FOR AN UPDATE
This book tells how Sidney Korshak and other mob fronts moved from Chicago to Las Vegas and Southern California in the 1940's.Using such notorious hangouts as the Bistro and City National Bank in Beverly Hills, some of which are still as sinister as ever, they gained influence in unions, business, and politics at the local and even national and international level.
Worth the wait?
It's 490 years since Sir Thomas More wrote Utopia, a model for any society desiring to live rightly.The Utopians had little interest in money or the false pleasures of jewelry and high fashion.They disdained gambling and the pursuit of "empty and worthless honors," and anybody arrogant enough to run for public office could never gain it.The legal profession was absolutely banned, as was private property.Everybody worked for the greater good of all.There was no "conspiracy of the rich," in which a few preyed on the many and amassed wealth through crooked schemes.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. California    5. Chicago    6. Illinois    7. Lawyers    8. Lawyers & Judges    9. Organized Crime    10. True Crime / Espionage    11. United States    12. History / United States / 20th Century   

Reviews (54)

Mr. Carlo...brilliant
A must read for anyone curious about the mafia world, cold hearted killers, and just all around fabulous reading.My hats off to Philip Carlo for writing a materpiece that I just couldn't put down.Page after page he diligently wrote the account of Mr. Kuklinski's life, from enduring sadistic brutality at the hands of his parents, to the very end which brought tears to my eyes.How could you expect Mr. K to be anything else in life other than what he was, after all, his exposure to death and killing was experienced first hand as a child.Thank you Mr. Carlo for being by my side for the last week while I read word for word, the chilling accounts of this killer, always seeing the sensitive side of this man when it came to his family and children.Mr. Kuklinski was a gentle soul, he just wasn't shown enough love and affection in his life.Thanks again.Can't wait to read your other writings.

Couldn't put this down....
Richard Kuklinski, though a killer, was also a very troubled human being. Having two parents that barely raised their children, but used their hands, brooms, etc to punish their children and never nurtured them. To even not take responsibility for killing one of their first born son, Flarian.
Richard Kuklinski: The Full Story
I was born in Brooklyn, NY in November 1983 and moved to Hillsdale, NJ (Bergen County) in January 1985.Throughout my life, I heard stories from my parents and grandmother about the Mafia and about the murders that occurred in my old neighborhood.I have always been fascinated by La Cosa Nostra and the Mafia and have read numerous books, watched countless movies and documentaries, and written numerous papers on the topic.After reading all of these different books, I want to commend Mr. Carlo on your work about Richard Kuklinski.This biography was by far the most interesting piece that I have ever read and in my humble opinion, truly captured the essence of a psychopathic serial killer and underworld of the Mafia.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Case studies    3. Crime And Criminals    4. New Jersey    5. Organized Crime    6. Serial murderers    7. Serial murders    8. True Crime    9. True Crime / Espionage    10. True Crime / Organized Crime   

Reviews (61)

Rubin Cartert, the true story - it's not enough to see the movie
If you have seen "The Hurricane" motion picture, starring Denzel Washington (an amazing peformance), surely you'd think that you know everything there is to know about Rubin Carter. Unfortunately, that's incorrect. Furthermore, it's not even close.
A True Account
I bought this book my sophomore year of high school and that was over 7 years ago.It has literally been my bible to life.Rubin and his book have changed my life more than anything else I have ever encountered.Too often than not we find false heroes in this world.People like Paris Hilton who some look up to as a hero or a role model, but the true heroes in this life are often over looked or never seen at all.Rubin Carter is a true hero, I have never even heard of such a troubled life an to come out on top both a champion of his sport and one in life.A wise man told me once that it is now how we live this life but what we do during it.If your looking for a uplifting book of a true hero an a book that will give you strength when all doubt you, this is the one.

Brilliant and Touching
Obviously no one can write his story better than Rubin himself.This story is both and inspiring story of a man who has never stopped fighting and a terrifying reality check into the American judicial system.This book is filled with an anger that is only kept in check by the author's own love and compassion.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Boxing    5. Criminals & Outlaws    6. People of Color    7. Personal Memoirs    8. Prison Life    9. Sports    10. Sports - General    11. Biography & Autobiography / People of Color   

Reviews (172)

Living The Truth
Louis Rodriquez writes the truth! I know I lived in the Lomas during the time Louis writes about being in Garvey school and at Mark Keppel. I lived in Lomas from 1959 to 1972. Fortunately, I survived the madness in Lomas. This was our life as we knew it, the gangs, drugs, girls and of course the parties. It brings back memories of our life in the barrio L's...

I read it, re-lived it and loved it!
Well written book by one of my favorite Authors.Louis is an awesome person who is committed to his work and community.Book can be used for anyone looking for a real life reference to the history of Chicano/a Gangs in Southern California.I read it, re-lived it and loved it!

Always Challanging
Many young people face the same perils Luis Rodriguez shares in this auto biographical coming-of-age story; some overcome these challanges, while others succumb. But, how many rise as far above them as Rodriguez has?
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. California    6. Criminals & Outlaws    7. Ethnic Cultures - General    8. Ethnic Studies - Hispanic American Studies    9. Gangs    10. General    11. Hispanic Americans In The U.S.    12. Los Angeles    13. Mexican American youth    14. Personal Memoirs    15. Sociology Of Youth    16. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (1)

Quite simply, brilliant...
The life of the scheming fraudster is by its very nature more interesting than that of the natural genius. Everyone loves an underdog, and Han van Meegeren was that most unusual of underdogs: a winner.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Art forgers    4. Artists, Architects, Photographers    5. Biography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Criminals & Outlaws    8. History - General    9. Netherlands    10. Painters    11. Art / History / General   

Editorial Review

Readers of Read more

Reviews (158)

Lacking a Knowlegeable Perspective
Yes, this book is a detailed account of law enforcement and of how Pablo Escobar was tracked down and assassinated by an international hit squad. And, yes, Escobar was most certainly un mal hombre who deserved to die. But the author never questions the methods of cops, soldiers and agents (like Colonel Hugo Martinez, for one) who debase themselves and the concept of justice by believing they are not only above the law but above humanity. The real story to me is how someone like Escobar, a diabolical and degenerate human being, can so easily drag society down to his level, and how so willingly law enforcment will adopt the "any means necessary" approach.
Narcoterrorocracy
You will not find the word "Narcoterrorócracy" in the dictionary.I made the word up and gave it my own meaning.
a great study of international law enforcement
Mark Bowden seems to have done his homework well with an insiders look at the pursuit of the infamous cocaine kingpin. The difficulties encountered by US law enforcement and the military in bringing justice to Pablo Escobar should be considered as we now hunt for the perpetrators of 9/11. Killing Pablo was no cake-walk, and neither will be the killing of Osama. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Colombia    5. Criminals & Outlaws    6. Fugitives from justice    7. General    8. History - General History    9. Narcotics dealers    10. Police    11. History / South America   

Reviews (101)

More Than About The Bulgers
As much as a simpleton that Howie Carr is, his recounting of the Bulger brothers' lives exposes the small-minded venality that taints so much of the city. That Billy became president of UMass was puzzling to anyone who didn't know the story behind the story. Carr's explanation of how it happened and how corruption followed him put it into context.
A Bulger retrospective.
Living in Boston, I am very famimiar with most of the stories floating around about the Bulger Bros.Howie corrals all of the stories that I have heard, adds a few new ones, and presents the lives of Whitey and Billy in a parallel comparison.In doing so, he believably implies that the Bros. consistently helped one another to increase their power, Billy in the Senate and Whitey on the streets.An interesting read, but does not contain much new info on the two men.

BostonWorking Man
I read it and I loved it.Finally, two of Massachusetts' worst sons are exposed.Despite the Boston Globe and plenty of sycophants long covering up their paths of devastation and destruction to our fair commonwealth, Carr's book will stand as the true testament to how the Brother's Bulgers actions destroyed lives.If you want to understand why people are fleeing Massachusetts for less corrupt states like New Hampshire and Florida, read this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography And Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Boston    7. Boston Region    8. Crime And Criminals    9. Criminals & Outlaws    10. Gangsters    11. General    12. Massachusetts    13. Murderers    14. Political    15. Politicians    16. United States - State & Local - New England    17. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (71)

Pimping aint easy but.......................
I DON'T AGREE WITH PIMPIN OR HOEIN THIS WAS A GREAT READ I RECCOMEND IT! IT HAS DRAMA,COMEDY,TEARFUL MOMENTS EVERYTHING BOOK LOVERS LOOK FOR THE FACT THAT IT IS TRUE MAKES IT EVEN BETTER! PICK UP AND ENJOY!

Wow
This book is great, gritty and true to life. Iceberg Slim is dead 14 years now, but his words are very useful now. All these young guys who go around talking about being pimps need to read this. It's not a good life.

Lost In The Ghetto
This is a very entertaining book about the life of "Iceberg Slim", aka Robert Beck. It gives the reader an inside look at the underworld of hustling. Also, the book gives the reader a chance to see the "human side", (or just like everyone else side) of someone who had become a pimp. The book does this by telling the story of Robert Beck's childhood and how he was an excellent student, although he really never applied himself, for long, to anything that could be considered "constructive". The interesting thing to me is how often he liked to read. The vernacular of "The Life", was interesting along with the relationship of the pimp and the whore. There was sort of a sense that a hustler had to be alert at all times,even though they are often abusing a drug to controll their anxiety. This was a very entertaining book. Robert Beck was fortunate to live long enough to tell his story before it claimed him as it has claimed so many others. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Criminals & Outlaws    5. General    6. People of Color    7. Sociology - Urban   

Reviews (1)

A great read
Great read, goes into many areas that have up in till now been unknown.Gives insight to Massino's family life, his Crime life and how he got where he did.
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Criminals & Outlaws    3. General    4. History - General History    5. Organized Crime    6. True Crime    7. History / General   

Reviews (5)

Well intentioned, good quick read
I just read this while on vacation last month and what a great beach read this book was. What Tommy may lack in sophisticated prose he certainly makes up for in genuine charm. Throughout the book Tommy jumps back and forth between his early life (focusing somewhat specifically on his childhood) and the events leading up to and including his incarceration. Curiously, he does not talk about his comedy career that much, so those looking for insight into his relationship with Cheech and the movies they made together might be a bit disappointed.The book is short, and actually could have even been even shorter. Tommy tries hard to fill up the 224 pages with material as he tends to drift off topic with various tangents and the occasional spiritual rant.This is all fine though because, as usual, Tommy's heart is in the right place at all times and he comes off as being so likeable that I enjoyed reading whatever he had to say.Tommy seems to be a pretty simple guy with a somewhat utopian outlook on life, but this actually serves as a nice contrast to his grim situation. The most important thing is that the subject matter regarding his whole "Operation Pipe Dream" ordeal was always fascinating.I might also add that his prison experience, or more specifically, his approach to the experience was very interesting, and quite frankly refreshing. The positive attitude that Tommy maintained throughout his unjust situation could serve as an inspiration for many. Highly recommended.

So glad he wrote this book
I remember the head line of when they arrested Tommy Chong. I couldn't help but wonder why the federal government would persue Tommy Chong. This book answered my question with Tommy Chong's honest portail of his life and arrest.
A good book with a lot of everything..
Tommy had a lot of things to say about his bust and the government in general when he was putting this book together. He's still mad as hell. He wants to show and tell you his side of all the problems he had in 2003 with the stupid "bong bust". Yes, he did get taken for a long expensive ride on the Bush railroad, no question. He did his time and has come out of it clean and (for the moment) dried out. The book is full of a lot emotion and contradiction. The Chong brain is firing away in all directions with every page... Tommy is a very spiritual guy but not in the flaming christian sense. He believes, as he states in his book that life for you is so much easier if you put your enemies down and forgive them. Then you don't have enemies anymore. I believe that he believes that with all his heart and soul. Except for one area. If he could punish all the people involved for his bust, I think he would do it. He's still hot about it. I think he's having a tough time putting that part of his present day life aside.. This book, no doubt is part of that therapy.On to the lighter stuff; Tommy talks a good bit about his upbringing in Canada, giving a lot of space to his mother, father and brother. He is insightful about his career. His recommendation to any actor wanna-be's is to know when you are and when you aren't. Acting that is. AND I think thats the problem we ALL (Including the Feds) sort of have with Tommy. He is so good that we were never exactly certain where the stoned hippy-dude started and stopped. He's no dummy. He's done great for himself. He lives in an LA neigborhoodwith many of the Hollywood fluff-and-puff set. My problem with this book is that it wanders a lot. Lots of good stuff about prison life, his past, refelections... then BOOM, off on another rant about the government. Nine months in even a lightweight prison like he was in can do that to you I guess. His following of "I CHING" was interesting and has no doubt sparked a few search engines to life looking for information. Tommy talks about a lot of things in this book besides the main topic. He's a smart dude man...Very quotable. I'd like to see another book from Tommy when he calms down a bit more. If anything, there's still a lot of good thoughts in the head of that 66 year old hippie. It won't likely happen but it would be fun to see him and Cheech do another......anything together. Cheech gets lots of mentions in the book too by the way. Rock on Chong! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Comedy (Performing Arts)    6. Criminals & Outlaws    7. Drug paraphernalia industry    8. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    9. Prison Life    10. Prisoners    11. United States    12. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Editorial Review

In the bold and heartbreaking Read more

Reviews (343)

I know, I know, it's not all true .....
We all are more than aware that James Frey's books are not all based on his experiences but that doesn't change the fact that both "A Million Little Pieces" and "My Friend Leonard" are powerful stories. The characters are riveting, the story line is completely engrossing, and Frey's writing style adds so much to the story. "My Friend Leonard" was intense, funny, painful, and inspiring.I just finished it last night and would recommend it to anyone.I think that people/the media need to stop judging James Frey for taking creative license in his writing and just accept both books for what they are: very strong, readable stories that draw you in from page 1 and move you.

A wonderful book, even if it is fiction...
I remember vaguely hearing about James Frey and the whole Oprah thing, which seemed a little ridiculous. But I was still curious about his book "A Million Little Pieces". So I bought the book and read it, I loved it. For me it was eye opening, everyday I work with criminals and drug addicts but I have never been one myself. As much as I want to help them, I don't understand what they have experienced. Mr.Frey's books have laid out a story of addiction and recovery that is butural, yet honest and accurate. "My Friend Leonard" is a touching story that nicely finshes off the saga that "A Million Little Pieces" begins. I would recommend them both to anyone, they are captivating and honest about the horrors of drug addiction. Even though parts of what Mr.Frey wrote are not true, you cannot deny good writing and a good story.

that man can write...
regarless of the controversy over the fact that portions of this book, along with "a million little pieces" is fictional... there is one undeniable fact... james frey can write. i loved this book... i cried though over half of it... he easily sucks you into his life... you root an cheer for his relationships, mourn for his loss' an feel a sense of pride with every good decison he makes. this is a must read for everyone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Crime And Criminals    6. Criminals & Outlaws    7. Criminology    8. Drug Addiction (Psychiatric Aspects)    9. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    10. Ex-convicts    11. Male friendship    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Recovering addicts    14. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    15. United States    16. Biography & Autobiography / Literary   

Reviews (39)

Quick Moving Story of Human Garbage
Funny how Weeks' family all became warm-hearted, family-centerd professionals with good jobs and charitable interests, while he turned into a mob killer and enforcer.Weeks Senior sounds like a piece of work, hitting his son across the face with a baseball bat "absent-mindedly."I keep reading these books about Whitey and Billy Bolger thinking I'll stumble onto something that reminds me of real life, but in truth all these people are in a world of their own.
Honest facts about Crime
A very honest account of crime in Boston. I never liked the author at all throughout the book. Throughout the book he discusses how he grew into the life of crime, and almostwishes to gather sympathy from the reader. No sympathy here. He deserves what he got interms of jail time. And probably should have been given life/electric chair. Aside from that, I couldn't stop reading about the stuff he was involved in. Irish Mafia details are interesting.

donna benjamin
kevin, does my father have a head or not?I was told several time by whitey "jimmy the bear did not do this".he gave me an italian name, that I didn't want to remember. I knew jimmy the bear in walpole when i married my second husband, Ronald Macdonald, but never wanted him pointed out to me, as i believed Jimmy.Give me some insight please.I have COPD, 24 oxygen, and bipolar mood disorder and want to let my children know who there grandfather was.I lost my father at the age of eleven.Nothing was ever said to me other than he was hit by a car.you wrote your book well, i bought it, now help me. cigs12@aol.com ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Boston    4. Crime And Criminals    5. Criminals & Outlaws    6. Gangsters    7. Irish Americans    8. Massachusetts    9. Organized Crime    10. Social conditions    11. True Crime    12. Biography: general    13. True Crime / Organized Crime   

Editorial Review

When this true-crime story first appeared in 1980, it made the Read more

Reviews (270)

The life I've always secretly wanted.
"Catch Me If You Can" follows the life of Frank W. Abignale - one of the greatest con men of all time who single handedly lived his life on fradulant checks and scams that just leave you thinking how amazing he was. This book is the autobiographical account of Abignale's teenage years from when he first created a scam on his father's Mobil credit card. There are so many times in this book that I had to step back and think about the air of confidence that Abignale displayed, yet curiously inside he was often paranoid and worried about the authorities catching up to him.
A great read!
This book was very well written and so much fun to read.
Frank Abagnale Jr.
We all know of Frank Abagnale's personality; arrogant, yet kind with class. Among all the different characters that he chooses to play, whether he's a pilot, doctor, lawyer, or a college professor, i believe that Frank is somewhat confused of who he is. Frank "ran away" from home at 16; the age of teenager who is only halfway through high school. At 16, most people don't know where they are in life or what to pursue in the future. One thing was for sure; Frank wanted money and women.
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Subjects:  1. 1948-    2. Abagnale, Frank W.,    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Criminals & Outlaws    6. General    7. Impostors and imposture    8. Other Miscellaneous Crimes    9. Swindlers and swindling    10. True Crime    11. United States    12. Abagnale, Frank W    13. True Crime / General   

Reviews (31)

Out In Bad Standings... A Little Weak
It was mostly the re-telling of the biker news that you probably already know.

Authentic
This was a tough read, due in some to the author's style but mostly because of the subject matter.
Good Book
I enjoyed the book very much.It was interesting reading a book from an actual club member.I highly recommend the book if you're interested in biker gangs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminals & Outlaws    2. Organized Crime    3. Personal Memoirs    4. True Crime   

Reviews (96)

To Jane Jones "Jane"
In real life Henry Hill had a son and a daughter. In the book wise guy they wanted to protect Henry's children so they didnt tell the truth about Henry having a son and daughter.

Confused! Help!
I have seen Goodfellas many times and just started reading this book after I finished "On the Run" written by Henry's kids. I like it so far, but there is conflicting info in the two books. Pileggi claims that Hill had two daughters, Judy and Ruth. They seem to be portrayed in the movie as well. "On the Run," however was written by Henry's son, "Gregg" and daughter, "Gina." Which is accurate? Did he have two daughters or a son and a daughter? I like both books, but am confused by the different accounts.

No sympathy for Henry Hill
I read this book and watched 'Goodfellas'.This guy got protection from the government after years of involvement in organized crime, profitted from ill-gotten gain, bragged about all the beautiful stolen goods he and his wife had in their closets and jewelry boxes,expressed outright contempt for people like his own father who made an honest living, and has the unmitigated GALL to whine about his supposed diminished fortune at the end of the book (a salary of $100,000 and a decent house sounds pretty good to me!).Give me a royal break!He got off a lot easier than a lot of other criminals (including people of color) who did lesser offenses.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Case studies    5. Crime    6. Crime and criminals    7. Criminals & Outlaws    8. Fiction    9. General    10. Mafia    11. Movie-TV Tie-In - General    12. United States    13. Fiction / Movie or Television Tie-In    14. True crime   

Reviews (5)

Las Vegas history: from mob to corporate
The complete saga of Las Vegas from its early roots with the mob to modern corporate times is presented in a lively history of the city's real rulers in SHARKS IN THE DESERT: THE FOUNDING FATHERS AND CURRENT KINGS OF LAS VEGAS. Many made their fortunes developing the casino business the city is most famous for today - but many myths have surrounded their activities - myths which columnist Smith dispels in an investigative history which tracked mobsters and their connections to the city's rich and monied.
Great book and great shipping time
I received this book almost right away.It's a very good summary of the people of Las Vegas written by someone who knows, John Smith.

An excellent read and a superb history lesson
With "Sharks in the Desert" John L. Smith wrote one of the best books about Las Vegas ever. This book has a lot of substance and it is full of information. Although it's nonfiction, it reads like a novel. Lots of valuable quality research are packed into the 400 pages. Although we have seen the TV specials about Las Vegas history, it was so refreshing to read John's book -- this is a great read from the first page to the last. The reader learns about today's casino moguls and the harsh but real techniques to separate casino patrons from their money. It also tells the story how like a gigantic masterplan Las Vegas rose from the barren desert into today's Sodom and Gomorrah. Smith is excellent in telling it like it is and this book is a great educational tool for anyone who wants learn more about the meadows, i.e. Las Vegas, and the people who developed this desert oasis in the past and who run this town like clockwork presently. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Business    4. Business / Economics / Finance    5. Business Ethics    6. Casinos    7. Gambling    8. Gambling - General    9. Las Vegas    10. Nevada    11. Organized crime    12. American history: postwar, from c 1945 -    13. Biography: general    14. Entrepreneurship    15. Sports & Outdoor Recreation    16. The Americas    17. True Crime / General   

Reviews (4)

Great read
New Yorkers think of the Five Families as the focus of the Mafia in the U.S. But this book shows how Vito Rizzuto deserves to be considered one of the major reputed mob bosses of our era. The authors did a magnificent job of researching, even traveling to Sicily, and wrote it in a way that pulls the reader along. A book that any crime enthusiast will love. Avid Mafia fans must have it.

A long wait but worth it
It took a long time to get ahold this book. But it was worth the wait. Unlike most books on organized crime, The Sixth Family concentrates on how criminals work but also why their so powerful.
book was not well done
The writing in this book was not good the author jumped around alot and said very little about vito rizzuto and if you know anything about the bonnano crime family you have already heard what is written in this book very poor i suggest The Last Godfather a much better book ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography And Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Crime And Criminals    6. Criminals & Outlaws    7. Organized Crime    8. Biography & Autobiography / Criminals & Outlaws   

Editorial Review

In