Denise F. (pixiedust) reviewed Five Families: The Rise, Decline, and Resurgence of America's Most Powerful Mafia Empires on + 8 more book reviews
In this definitive account of royal families of Mobdom, Swlwyn Raab not only tells us where the bodies are buried, he brings them back to life. - Thomas Reppetto, author of American Mafia
jjares reviewed Five Families: The Rise, Decline, and Resurgence of America's Most Powerful Mafia Empires on + 3275 more book reviews
In the old days, many, if not most, district attorneys turned a blind eye to the murders and other business dealings of the gangs (Italian, Irish and Jewish) that preyed upon their own people. With the arrival of the Kennedy brothers, the government got serious about the Mafia. Through the efforts of Robert Kennedy, large numbers of the Mafia were finding themselves with long terms in prison. When the Kennedy's were killed, the Mafia went back to 'business as usual' until the RICO acts were passed by the federal government in 1970.
The afterword warns that the Mafia may be down but it definitely is not out. Raab wards that the Mafia is flexible and able to learn from its mistakes. However, the FBI, since 9/11 has turned their eyes and money towards terrorism. In such an indifferent atmosphere, the Mafia will undoubtedly return.
The research that went into this book deserves a 5-star rating alone. However, the author tells the story in a fascinating manner; it also deserves the highest rating. I think this is the best book I've read about the Mob. Absolutely amazing book.
The afterword warns that the Mafia may be down but it definitely is not out. Raab wards that the Mafia is flexible and able to learn from its mistakes. However, the FBI, since 9/11 has turned their eyes and money towards terrorism. In such an indifferent atmosphere, the Mafia will undoubtedly return.
The research that went into this book deserves a 5-star rating alone. However, the author tells the story in a fascinating manner; it also deserves the highest rating. I think this is the best book I've read about the Mob. Absolutely amazing book.
