jjares reviewed on 3/6/2020 + 3302 more book reviews

Having read other books about the Mafia, with Bugs Moran as a side character, I was interested to read his life story. This book did not disappoint. Bugs was a fascinating character, definitely a man of his times. By the time he was 21, Bugs had already been to prison three times. The warden was convinced that Bugs could be rehabilitated. However, when he got out, he marched straight back to crimes.

This book explains how the St. Valentine's Day Massacre occurred in 1929. Bugs was intended as the main victim, but he was late getting to the meeting. The continuing conflict between Bugs and Al Capone is a major piece of this story. However, I liked that the author spent time explaining the early years of Adelard Cunin (Bugs' real name) and how he joined O'Banion and eventually ruled the north side of Chicago.

This book covers the death of O'Banion in his flower shop. Eventually, the book also covers the declining years of both Bugs and Al. The amazing thing is that the warden's faith in Bugs was accurate. While in prison, Bugs repented and became an even more fascinating character in his last years. This was really interesting reading.

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