4.03
"Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia" by Joseph D. Pistone is a gripping and revelatory true crime memoir that offers a unique insider's perspective on the inner workings of the Mafia. Pistone, who wrote the book under the pseudonym "Donnie Brasco," is a former FBI agent who spent six years undercover in the Bonanno crime family, one of the "Five Families" of the New York Mafia. The book provides a detailed and harrowing account of Pistone's experiences infiltrating the Mafia, as he recounts the dangerous and high-stakes world of organized crime, from drug trafficking and gun running to loan sharking and murder. Pistone's undercover work led to the conviction of over 200 Mafia members and dealt a significant blow to the Bonanno family, making it one of the most successful undercover operations in FBI history. "Donnie Brasco" is not only a thrilling and suspenseful read, but it is also a valuable contribution to the study of organized crime and law enforcement. Pistone's firsthand account offers a rare and fascinating look at the culture and traditions of the Mafia, as well as the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by undercover agents. The book has been adapted into a successful film, "Donnie Brasco" (1997), starring Johnny Depp and Al Pacino, but the book provides a more comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of Pistone's experiences and the world of the Mafia. Overall, "Donnie Brasco" is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, organized crime, and the history of law enforcement. Pistone's courage, dedication, and insight make for a compelling and unforgettable story...
Peter Maas
The Valachi Papers
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of organized crime. It tells the true story of Joe Valachi, a member of the Genovese crime family who became the first high-ranking member of a crime family to break the Mafia's code of silence and testify before Congress.
Learn MoreNicholas Pileggi
Wiseguy
This book, which was the basis for the movie Goodfellas, tells the true story of Henry Hill, a member of the Lucchese crime family who became a government informant. It provides a fascinating look at the inner workings of the Mafia.
Learn MoreT.J. English
The Westies: Inside New York's Irish Mob
This book tells the story of the Westies, a violent and secretive Irish-American gang that operated in Hell's Kitchen, New York, in the 1970s and 1980s. It's a gripping tale of loyalty, betrayal, and survival in one of America's most notorious neighborhoods.
Learn MoreRoberto Saviano
Gomorrah: A Personal Journey Into the Violent International Empire of Naples' Organized Crime System
This book provides a harrowing look at the Camorra, a powerful organized crime syndicate based in Naples, Italy. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the global reach of organized crime and the devastating impact it has on communities.
Learn MoreLee Lamothe
The Sixth Family: The Collapse of the New York Mafia and the Rise of Vito Rizzuto
This book tells the story of Vito Rizzuto, the head of the Bonanno crime family in New York, and his rise to power in the world of organized crime. It's a gripping tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the never-ending quest for power and wealth.
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