What do you think?
Rate this book
Bella Mafia
Bella Mafia follows the story of the family of Sicilian magnate Don Luciano. When a series of murders tear the family apart, its women group get together to gain revenge on those responsible for the carnage.
Don Roberto Luciano turns informer for the biggest Mafia trial in history, but his family pays a terrible price. The head of his family, his three sons, his two grandsons and his nephew are all killed leaving the five widows to reclaim their inheritance from a dangerous Mafioso.
Don Roberto Luciano turns informer for the biggest Mafia trial in history, but his family pays a terrible price. The head of his family, his three sons, his two grandsons and his nephew are all killed leaving the five widows to reclaim their inheritance from a dangerous Mafioso.
768 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 1990
279 people are currently reading
1248 people want to read
About the author
Lynda La Plante
124 books1,840 followersLynda La Plante, CBE (born Lynda Titchmarsh) is a British author, screenwriter, and erstwhile actress (her performances in Rentaghost and other programmes were under her stage name of Lynda Marchal), best known for writing the Prime Suspect television crime series.
Her first TV series as a scriptwriter was the six part robbery series Widows, in 1983, in which the widows of four armed robbers carry out a heist planned by their deceased husbands.
In 1991 ITV released Prime Suspect which has now run to seven series and stars Helen Mirren as DCI Jane Tennison. (In the United States Prime Suspect airs on PBS as part of the anthology program Mystery!) In 1993 La Plante won an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for her work on the series. In 1992 she wrote at TV movie called Seekers, starring Brenda Fricker and Josette Simon, produced by Sarah Lawson.
She formed her own television production company, La Plante Productions, in 1994 and as La Plante Productions she wrote and produced the sequel to Widows, the equally gutsy She's Out (ITV, 1995). The name "La Plante" comes from her marriage to writer Richard La Plante, author of the book Mantis and Hog Fever. La Plante divorced Lynda in the early 1990s.
Her output continued with The Governor (ITV 1995-96), a series focusing on the female governor of a high security prison, and was followed by a string of ratings pulling miniseries: the psycho killer nightmare events of Trial & Retribution (ITV 1997-), the widows' revenge of the murders of their husbands & children Bella Mafia (1997) (starring Vanessa Redgrave), the undercover police unit operations of Supply and Demand (ITV 1998), videogame/internet murder mystery Killer Net (Channel 4 1998) and the female criminal profiler cases of Mind Games (ITV 2001).
Two additions to the Trial and Retribution miniseries were broadcast during 2006.
Her first TV series as a scriptwriter was the six part robbery series Widows, in 1983, in which the widows of four armed robbers carry out a heist planned by their deceased husbands.
In 1991 ITV released Prime Suspect which has now run to seven series and stars Helen Mirren as DCI Jane Tennison. (In the United States Prime Suspect airs on PBS as part of the anthology program Mystery!) In 1993 La Plante won an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for her work on the series. In 1992 she wrote at TV movie called Seekers, starring Brenda Fricker and Josette Simon, produced by Sarah Lawson.
She formed her own television production company, La Plante Productions, in 1994 and as La Plante Productions she wrote and produced the sequel to Widows, the equally gutsy She's Out (ITV, 1995). The name "La Plante" comes from her marriage to writer Richard La Plante, author of the book Mantis and Hog Fever. La Plante divorced Lynda in the early 1990s.
Her output continued with The Governor (ITV 1995-96), a series focusing on the female governor of a high security prison, and was followed by a string of ratings pulling miniseries: the psycho killer nightmare events of Trial & Retribution (ITV 1997-), the widows' revenge of the murders of their husbands & children Bella Mafia (1997) (starring Vanessa Redgrave), the undercover police unit operations of Supply and Demand (ITV 1998), videogame/internet murder mystery Killer Net (Channel 4 1998) and the female criminal profiler cases of Mind Games (ITV 2001).
Two additions to the Trial and Retribution miniseries were broadcast during 2006.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
April 26, 2011
This book was amazing, i read 965 pages in 5 DAYS. I couldnt put it down. I had seen the movie based on this book and i was hooked, i must have seen the movie a dozen times before reading the book. I have to say the difference btween the movie and booked left me speechless. I was not disappointed. The mafia, and their ways back then leave me in awe. It did show me how tough women can become, especially with the loss of true loved ones and innocent children. It breaks my heart the lil boys having to become victims, as a mother of 3 boys myself, i get brought to tears on their deaths, and with the irony that their half brother was the one to do so. I love Sophia in both the book and movie, her strength, her sterness, her dipicted beauty. The Luciano's are an amzing family and i respect the fact that they chose to stay away from Narcotics. If you like mafiosa books, and drama, courage and suspense then this is a MUST read!!!
"LE SPINE DELLA ROSA SONO NASCOSTE DAL FLOR". (The thorns of the rose are hidden by the bloom). This line is my fav, and very true.
"LE SPINE DELLA ROSA SONO NASCOSTE DAL FLOR". (The thorns of the rose are hidden by the bloom). This line is my fav, and very true.
July 17, 2015
I read this novel in the late 90s and loved it. I reread it and loved it again. It’s fast paced, exciting, and compelling reading.
The courageous five women of the Luciano Mafia family, in Sicily, bond together to get revenge on the rival family who mercilessly killed all their men, including young twin boys. As they grieve they also argue with each other because they all have different and strong personalities. Guided by the mama they decide to let go of their disagreements and avenge their loved ones. They become a force to be reckoned with. These women will not be ignored!
This is Lynda La Plante’s first novel but she has the talent of a seasoned author. This exciting believable story left me breathless the first and second time I read it.
The courageous five women of the Luciano Mafia family, in Sicily, bond together to get revenge on the rival family who mercilessly killed all their men, including young twin boys. As they grieve they also argue with each other because they all have different and strong personalities. Guided by the mama they decide to let go of their disagreements and avenge their loved ones. They become a force to be reckoned with. These women will not be ignored!
This is Lynda La Plante’s first novel but she has the talent of a seasoned author. This exciting believable story left me breathless the first and second time I read it.
January 6, 2009
Loved this book. It shows how women can be independent and strong as they have to make the most difficult of choices with the most heartbreaking results.
October 7, 2010
A novel filled with suspence. a must read for those who love Mafia novels. It kept me turning pages.
March 30, 2020
Brilliant
My first read of a Lynda La Plante book. Couldn’t put it down. A superb read. Loved it. Highly recommended.
My first read of a Lynda La Plante book. Couldn’t put it down. A superb read. Loved it. Highly recommended.
September 11, 2015
I saw this movie when I was a teenager and haven't shut up about it since. Anyone in the vicinity gets an earful whenever James Marsden shows up on tv. I'm scared to watch it again in case it's not as amazing as I remember.
Anyway, I somehow only just found out it was a book first. It's out of print, unfortunately, meaning not available for the kindle. Such is my love for the movie that I ordered it anyway AND read this giant hardcover ex-library book, mostly propped up on the arm of the couch. It weighed about the same as a toddler, but it was worth it. I loved it. I read The Godfather last year and honestly think this is better. Nobody's pelvic floor was a stupid and bizarre plot point.
Anyway, I somehow only just found out it was a book first. It's out of print, unfortunately, meaning not available for the kindle. Such is my love for the movie that I ordered it anyway AND read this giant hardcover ex-library book, mostly propped up on the arm of the couch. It weighed about the same as a toddler, but it was worth it. I loved it. I read The Godfather last year and honestly think this is better. Nobody's pelvic floor was a stupid and bizarre plot point.
March 19, 2021
And just like that, 1,000 pages are done and dusted... Or 1,000 pages have been swiped to be more precise. It's a pretty long book and probably could have been a lot shorter but it's bloody good.
Bella Mafia gives off a pretty strong Godfather vibe as it's very family focused but maybe centres in around the character relationships more and the mafia 'structure' less than Puzo would, especially the female family members which are often less developed. I would definitely say this veers more towards Godfather than Wiseguy
The characters are strong and every chapter leaves you with that 'i need to know what happens' feeling. Any fan of the mob will enjoy this. I would probably give Bella Mafia 9 out of 10, rounding up to a 5 star as it's so much better than a 4.
Bella Mafia gives off a pretty strong Godfather vibe as it's very family focused but maybe centres in around the character relationships more and the mafia 'structure' less than Puzo would, especially the female family members which are often less developed. I would definitely say this veers more towards Godfather than Wiseguy
The characters are strong and every chapter leaves you with that 'i need to know what happens' feeling. Any fan of the mob will enjoy this. I would probably give Bella Mafia 9 out of 10, rounding up to a 5 star as it's so much better than a 4.
July 26, 2015
I can't articulate through any mundane language how spectacular this book is. It took me completely by surprise as standing at 787 pages, it intimidates even the most avid of readers. I flew through this book and it lifted me from my world into the ever more dangerous and vengeful lives of the 'Bella Mafia'. La Plante's writing prose is one of the most compelling to literature and this is simply a work of art. Every page is a new drama and i simply cannot recommend this enough.
September 17, 2015
My favourite book. I've read it at least 4 times in 15 years. It has drama, betrayal, loss, excitement and it's very emotive. If like me you like mafia books (the God father, the last don) this is definitely worth a read.
June 19, 2009
What goes around....comes around...and this novel played out this old cliche to its fullest...great book.
August 3, 2011
Loved this book and was engrossed from the first word! Lynda La Plante just gets better, book after book.
November 3, 2012
I still remember how awesome this book was. I loved that the women avenged the deaths of their egotistical husbands in such eloquent ways.
November 9, 2012
Loved the strength and dedication of the family in this story .
October 12, 2015
Really enjoyed it!
October 13, 2017
Easy read - if you love mafia stories, this is a great one.
-- Anonymous staff member
-- Anonymous staff member
June 9, 2025
Bella Mafia is the story of Italian Mafia widows and how they decide to deal with the sudden slaughter of all males in their family. The inner strength of these women is remarkable, believable and worth reading. The action takes place between the mafia of Palermo and the mafia of New York City with police running in both directions to bring justice to the widows and mother of those murdered.
December 14, 2020
Women getting revenge and frakking sheeit up. Yes, ma'm! Loved the miniseries based on the book too!
April 14, 2025
excellent mafia book, 745 pages , loved it
March 3, 2022
I really loved this story!
February 27, 2022
I read this one some months ago. I'd never read one of Lynda La Plante's books, but I found it gripping and thoroughly absorbing. I'd certainly read another one of hers.
March 15, 2015
I wasn't sure , at the start, if I was going to enjoy this book; it's very different to anything else I have read by Linda La Plante, and I struggled at the beginning with all the Italian names sounding alike. I found it difficult to remember who was who. As soon as I had got my head around all the character names I really enjoyed the story of the Luciano family; their involvement with the mafia, based in Palermo, Italy, and all the wealth, violence and tragedy that comes with it. Despite what Don Roberto Luciano, the head of the family, did for a living I couldn't help but love his character and how he did his best to keep his morals in some very difficult situations.The Don ans his wife Graziella have four sons that are ,also, destined to a life in 'The Family'. When things go terribly wrong for the men it's Graziella and her daughters in law' who have to be strong, untangle all then lies, and get justice for the terrible things done to their loved ones.Can a woman ever be an oathed in member of the Mafia? A Bella Mafia?
At around 800 pages this is quite a long book, but it's well worth the effort. I give it four stars out of five.
At around 800 pages this is quite a long book, but it's well worth the effort. I give it four stars out of five.
October 13, 2013
I am obsessed with the movie and now that I read the book I feel like the movie didn't give this story any justice. When I found out the author scripted the movie I was shocked. But all in all I love the book. It goes deeper and helps us understand The Luciano widows heartache. How amazing would it be that the Don did survive and he's actually protecting his women and watching w pride as his women carry out a vendetta to keep the Luciano name alive and honorable. If only...
October 28, 2014
Wow.
I'm finding it difficult to decide whether Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl or this book should be my number 1 for 2014.
Bella Mafia is an EXCELLENT read: A suspenseful narrative that does not slacken for even one of its 980 pages coupled with genuinely interesting, conflicted and human characters.
I literally could not put this book down and look forward to reading more of La Plante's work - I see she has written many books and I feel giddy with anticipation to read more.
I'm finding it difficult to decide whether Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl or this book should be my number 1 for 2014.
Bella Mafia is an EXCELLENT read: A suspenseful narrative that does not slacken for even one of its 980 pages coupled with genuinely interesting, conflicted and human characters.
I literally could not put this book down and look forward to reading more of La Plante's work - I see she has written many books and I feel giddy with anticipation to read more.
October 17, 2021
Much more enjoyable than I had expected it to be with some good characters and enough plot to keep it interesting. Not my usual choice, and it took a while for me to warm to it, principally because there were too many characters to begin with. Once it settles to the main story, focussing on the women and Luca, it greatly improves. The ending is weak, leaving a couple of loose ends, but the central section of the novel moves along at a fair pace and kept me interested.
November 10, 2019
First introduction to Lynda la Plante - recommended by my grandma, I assumed this was another trashy novel but I was pleasantly surprised. I couldn’t put this book down and ended up moving in to the spare room to stay up all night reading. Would definitely recommend and looking forward to reading more Lynda la plante.
March 11, 2020
Exciting and exhilarating
This book kept me gripped from start to finish. I only wish there had been more of a definitive ending rather than an implied continuation of the vendetta. A sequel showing how the Bella mafiosa succeed would be great.
This book kept me gripped from start to finish. I only wish there had been more of a definitive ending rather than an implied continuation of the vendetta. A sequel showing how the Bella mafiosa succeed would be great.
October 4, 2021
Quite different to what I expected, but a great read anyway. I found it difficult to cope with the large number of major characters in this book, but a fair bit of that may well be from the state of my addled brain due to a whack on the head ages ago.
June 29, 2007
I wanted to read this book because I saw and enjoyed the TV movie. The book is definitley more detailed.
August 17, 2012
Read this book in 1993 and still remember it to this day as I couldn't put it down.
I would even consider reading it again, something I don't normally do.
I would even consider reading it again, something I don't normally do.
April 4, 2013
Loved the swap back in time mixing past and present and always intrigued how at the end of the day how many times in our own lives we actually experience the 6 degrees of separation
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews