Discover books similar to "The Westies: Inside New York's Irish Mob"

T.J. English

The Westies: Inside New York's Irish Mob

"The Westies: Inside New York's Irish Mob" by T.J. English is a gripping and comprehensive exploration of the Irish-American organized crime scene in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, during the latter half of the 20th century. The book delves into the history, culture, and operations of the Westies gang, a ruthless and insular group that held sway over the neighborhood's criminal underworld for decades. Through extensive research and interviews with former gang members, law enforcement officials, and victims, English paints a vivid and chilling portrait of the Westies' reign of terror. The book details the gang's involvement in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and murder, as well as their complex relationships with other organized crime groups and the police. One of the book's strengths is its exploration of the social and economic factors that contributed to the rise and persistence of the Westies. English examines the role of poverty, discrimination, and political corruption in shaping the gang's culture and behavior, providing a nuanced and contextualized account of their criminal activities. At the same time, "The Westies" does not shy away from the gruesome and often horrifying details of the gang's violence. The book includes several graphic descriptions of murders and other crimes, adding a sense of urgency and danger to the narrative. Overall, "The Westies" is a must-read for anyone interested in organized crime, urban history, or the complex interplay between social forces and individual behavior. English's writing is clear, engaging, and accessible, making the book a pleasure to read despite its dark subject matter. While some readers may find the level of detail overwhelming at times, the book's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a valuable contribution to the literature on American organized crime...