Top 9 Organized Crime Biographies Books
Are you intrigued by the world of organized crime and want to learn more about the individuals behind it? Look no further than our curated selection of biography books on organized crime. In this roundup, we’ve gathered some of the most compelling and chilling tales of criminals who have made a significant impact on history. From notorious mobsters to ruthless drug lords, these books offer a glimpse into the complex and often dangerous lives of those who have chosen a life of crime. Prepare to be captivated by their stories and gain a deeper understanding of the world of organized crime.
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1. Mob Star: The Story of John Gotti
Embark on an enthralling journey through the life of one of the most notorious Mafia bosses of all time with “Mob Star: The Story of John Gotti” by authors Gene Mustain and Jerry Capeci. First published in 1988 and now fully revised and updated for this edition, this gripping biography showcases Gotti’s meteoric rise to power, his reign over the Gambino Family, and the dramatic downfall that eventually led to his incarceration. From the assassination of Gambino Family boss Paul Castellano to the betrayal of his closest ally, Sammy Bull Gravano, “Mob Star” captures the raw essence of Gotti’s life like no other account.
This 428-page book, published by Penguin, offers an in-depth look at the world of organized crime, revealing the intricacies and brutality that come with it. A must-read for anyone interested in Mafia history, “Mob Star: The Story of John Gotti” provides a captivating blend of biography, crime, and drama that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
- Authors: Gene Mustain, Jerry Capeci
- Publisher: Penguin
- Published Date: July 01, 2002
- Page Count: 428.0
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Biography & Autobiography
- Average Rating: 3.5
- Ratings Count: 2.0
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
2. Mr. Mob
The Life and Crimes of Moe Dalitz
Unveil the extraordinary life and deeds of America’s most enigmatic and successful mobster, Morris “Moe” Dalitz, in this riveting biography by Michael Newton. From his beginnings in Prohibition-era bootlegging to the intricacies of the Reagan era, Dalitz’s presence at pivotal events in gangland history is unmatched.
Delving deep into the myth and mock-respectability spun by Dalitz, this meticulous account reveals how he transformed his image from a feared criminal to a respected philanthropist. Experience the intricate web of secrets and power that shaped the legacy of one of the most influential mobsters in history.
With 328 pages and published by McFarland in 2009, this compelling book is a must-read for anyone captivated by the underworld of organized crime.
- Authors: Michael Newton
- Publisher: McFarland
- Published Date: June 08, 2009
- Page Count: 328.0
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Social Science
- Average Rating: 4.0
- Ratings Count: 1.0
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
3. The History of the Mafia
“Step into the world of blood-chilling characters and heart-stopping tales in ‘The History of the Mafia’. Journey from the small island of Sicily to the global powerhouse it has become today, as its influence spreads through drugs, violence, and a touch of glamour.
From the ruthless Al Capone to the cunning Totò Riina, this thrilling narrative unravels the lives of extraordinary men living in extraordinary times. Immerse yourself in the stories of their families, their codes, and their crimes, as you witness the cold-blooded murders that have marked their journey.
Discover how the Mafia permeates popular culture, from Hollywood’s iconic gangster movies to the far-reaching power of drugs in Britain, Canada, and Australia. Get ready to delve into a long and enthralling tale, drenched in blood and scored with betrayal, as you navigate the complex world of the Mafia in ‘The History of the Mafia’. “.
- Authors: Nigel Cawthorne
- Publisher: Arcturus Publishing
- Published Date: July 01, 2011
- Page Count: 371.0
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: History
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
4. Mob Boss
The Life of Little Al D’Arco, the Man Who Brought Down the Mafia
Dive into the world of the American Mafia and explore the life of Little Al D’Arco, one of the most notorious mobsters to ever turn government witness, in the gripping biography, Mob Boss. Award-winning news reporters Jerry Capeci and Tom Robbins, the ultimate Mafia experts, bring to light the untold story of Alfonso “Little Al” D’Arco, a high-ranking mobster in the Luchese family who flipped in 1991. His decision to change sides led to numerous other mobsters following suit, including John Gotti’s top aide, Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano.
Mob Boss recounts the fascinating life of D’Arco and the New York crime scene that shaped him for decades. From his upbringing in Brooklyn to his time spent on the streets of Little Italy, D’Arco lived and breathed the old-school gangster’s world, until realizing he was marked for elimination. His subsequent defection not only destroyed his own family but also opened a Pandora’s box of Mafia secrets spanning over a century.
Capeci and Robbins have meticulously interviewed D’Arco and fleshed out his stories, resulting in a riveting narrative revealing shocking truths about a city where the famous pizzeria acted as a Mafia hub for multi-million-dollar heroin transactions, where hitmen executed murders dressed as women, and where kidnapping a celebrity newsman’s son became an acceptable form of revenge.
In Mob Boss, you’ll be granted unprecedented access to D’Arco’s life and the criminal underworld he once ruled, providing readers with a true-to-life tale of the Mafia in New York City. This thrilling biography is a must-read for fans of gritty crime stories.
- Authors: Jerry Capeci, Tom Robbins
- Publisher: Macmillan
- Published Date: October 01, 2013
- Page Count: 481.0
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Biography & Autobiography
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
5. Gangland New York
The Places and Faces of Mob History
Experience the thrilling history of New York’s dangerous underworld with Gangland New York: The Places and Faces of Mob History. Join author Anthony M. DeStefano as he guides you through the city’s dark past, unveiling the hidden locations where notorious mobsters made their homes, conducted their business, and met their unfortunate ends. From the Bowery Boys to the Five Points Gang, the Jewish “Kosher Nostra, ” and the Italian Mafia, you’ll discover how these powerful criminal networks left their mark on the city’s neighborhoods.
This gripping book offers a comprehensive, on-the-ground guide to mob life in the Rotten Apple, taking you from the streets of Brooklyn to the swamps of Staten Island, and from the Bronx to Brighton Beach. With a focus on five sections, one for each borough of New York, Gangland New York delves into the criminal activities and local exploits spanning from the 19th century to the present day.
From Umberto’s Clam House in Little Italy to the restaurant where Joe Masseria met his demise, or the Park Avenue office building where “Lucky” Luciano claimed the life of Salvatore Maranzano, Gangland New York provides a unique and captivating glimpse into the world of New York’s most infamous criminals. With a total of 304 pages, this engaging and informative book will keep you enthralled as you explore the places and faces of New York’s mob history.
- Authors: Anthony M. DeStefano
- Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
- Published Date: July 01, 2015
- Page Count: 304.0
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: True Crime
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
6. Killer
The Autobiography of a Mafia Hit Man
Delve into the chilling world of organized crime with Joey the Hit Man’s explosive autobiography, “Killer. “ This riveting true-life tale follows Joey through his thirty-year career in the Mafia, which began when he was barely a teenager.
From his early years as a numbers king and loan shark to his later notoriety as a cold-blooded assassin, “Killer” offers a raw and unfiltered look at the life of a mob hit man. Joey details his involvement in gang wars, the day-to-day struggles of raising a family amidst a life of crime, and the fine line between crime and everyday life.
But “Killer” doesn’t stop at the brutality of his life in the mob; Joey also describes the reality of making and breaking alliances, staying one step ahead of the law, and guarding his ill-gotten fortune. He shares how he managed to stay out of jail seven times, despite facing grand jury indictments, and discusses the difference between being paid for a hit and committing murder for personal reasons.
In this no-holds-barred account, Joey sheds light on the brutal, cold-hearted life of crime, challenging the glamorized image perpetuated in Hollywood movies like “The Godfather. “ Co-author David Fisher’s new afterword unmasks Joey’s true identity and provides crucial context for his death, adding another layer of intrigue to this compelling and fascinating book.
Prepare to be shocked by the brutal truths and shocking revelations in “Killer: The Autobiography of a Mafia Hit Man” — a must-read for anyone fascinated by true crime.
- Authors: Joey the Hit Man, David Fisher
- Publisher: Open Road Media
- Published Date: June 13, 2017
- Page Count: 224.0
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: True Crime
- Maturity Rating: MATURE
- Language: en
7. Iceman of Brooklyn
The Mafia Life of Frankie Yale
Step into the clandestine realm of Frankie Yale, a significant mobster from the early 20th century, through the exhilarating novel, “Iceman of Brooklyn.” This book presents the meteoric rise of Yale, whose protégés comprised future leaders of New York’s five Mafia families and Chicago’s underworld organization. Explore the intricate network of power, loyalty, and subterranean warfare as Yale fought for dominance over Brooklyn’s docks and etched his name in infamy with his notorious Tommy gun usage. Learn how Yale’s untimely death sparked a crucial transformation in the Mafia framework and paved the way for the modernization of American organized crime.
Packed with over 250 pages, this compelling biography finally brings the life and career of this long-neglected mob figure to light.
- Authors: Michael Newton
- Publisher: McFarland
- Published Date: April 16, 2021
- Page Count: 251.0
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: True Crime
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
8. The Deadly Don
Vito Genovese, Mafia Boss
The Deadly Don: Vito Genovese, Mafia Boss is a riveting, in-depth portrayal of the notorious crime boss written by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Anthony M. DeStefano. This comprehensive biography sheds light on Genovese’s childhood in Naples, Italy, and his rise to power as a ruthless and cunning leader in the American Mafia.
Starting his criminal career on the streets of lower Manhattan, Genovese eventually found himself involved in Giuseppe “Joe the Boss” Masseria’s gang, where he orchestrated one of the most ruthless acts in organized crime history. As a close ally of Lucky Luciano, Frank Costello, Meyer Lansky, and Bugsy Siegel, Genovese became a key player in the illicit world of bootlegging during Prohibition.
With his relentless pursuit of power, Genovese continued to make his mark on the criminal underworld through a series of shrewd maneuvers, double-crosses, and brutal tactics. As the boss of bosses in the American Mafia, he seized control over the Luciano crime family, leaving an indelible legacy that still bears the Genovese name today.
The Deadly Don: Vito Genovese, Mafia Boss invites readers to delve into the dark world of organized crime, offering a unique and unfiltered perspective on one of the most infamous criminal masterminds of all time. Anthony M. DeStefano’s meticulous research and captivating prose make this an essential read for anyone interested in the history of the mafia and its impact on modern society.
- Authors: Anthony M. DeStefano
- Publisher: Citadel Press
- Published Date: May 25, 2021
- Page Count: 356.0
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Biography & Autobiography
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
9. Sonny
The Last of the Old Time Mafia Bosses, John “Sonny” Franzese
“Meet the Last of the Old Time Mafia Bosses, John “Sonny” Franzese. In this extraordinary tale, discover the remarkable life and times of an unyielding crime boss who kept his secrets to the grave.
Born into the Colombo crime family, Sonny Franzese became a master of racketeering, fraud, and loansharking. Despite his many years behind bars, he managed to make millions for the mob. Yet, even in his eighties, Franzese continued to defy the law, juggling numerous affairs and keeping his silence — a rarity in the world of the Mafia.
With unprecedented access to the notorious mafioso, journalist S. J. Peddie delves into the hidden world of Sonny Franzese. From his first murder at the age of fourteen to his last days in prison, this book unravels the most shocking discoveries from the man himself.
Get ready to be enthralled by the true story of an unbeatable crime boss and his unbreakable loyalty to the Mafia. Filled with unexpected twists, hidden secrets, and a rare look at the inner workings of a legendary criminal mind, this book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by Mafia history. “
- Authors: S. J. Peddie
- Publisher: Citadel Press
- Published Date: March 29, 2022
- Page Count: 364.0
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: True Crime
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
