67 Cents: Creation of a Killer

by Thomas M. Cirignano

A Snapshot of 67 Cents: Creation of a Killer
In “67 Cents: Creation of a Killer,” you will meet Nick, a man who can’t seem to say No. That can cause serious problems in an environment of unbridled crime and violence such as South Boston during the 1960s through 80s.
While still a young boy, Nick is recruited by his father to help out at the family’s auto repair shop in the heart of “Southie.” It’s here that he’s introduced to the brutal reality of street justice, where verdicts are swift, penalties severe, and there are no appeals.
As time passes, Nick will witness and eventually contribute to a level of violence unprecedented in Boston’s long history.
Nick wasn’t always a Yes man. He struggled through his early years, as a constant outsider. But at a fairly young age, he experiences a major revelation. He decides he’s had enough of this outsider status. From this point on, he will do absolutely anything he has to do in order to gain and maintain acceptance and respect. In doing so, he finds out the hard way that certain choices, once made, cannot be undone.
He learns to bend the rules, put aside his childhood values, and break the law in ever increasing ways. Nick finds out that, like a lethal drug, money has a power of addiction all its own, especially easy money.
One skill he acquires is that of brutally fighting back against adversaries, eventually being pushed to the ultimate act of revenge; murder. Not only does he find that he’s good at killing, he actually enjoys it!
Nick’s quest to become the ultimate insider succeeds, but at what price?
It quickly becomes evident to him that being connected to the underworld reaps substantial rewards. It takes a bit longer for him to realize that with those rewards comes tremendous risk and sometimes extreme misery. But once he’s on this chosen path, there’s no turning back.
And he finds that one particular decision that he makes, drastically alters the entire course of his life.

254 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2011

About the author

Have you ever wondered what South Boston was like back in the 1960s-80s? Thomas Cirignano experienced it all, including the era of Mob Boss, James "Whitey" Bulger and the violent results of court-ordered "Forced Busing" of students. Born in Dorchester, Tom moved to South Boston as a young man and took over his father's auto repair business and gas station. His decades running that shop in the heart of "Southie" would be described as surreal by most standards. Through pure luck, Tom survived numerous life threatening situations. There were also many wonderful friendships formed and plenty of good times as well. This was a history-rich period that was never boring.
Tom authored three books. His most recent is simply titled "Memoirs of a South Boston Mechanic". Published in June of 2022, it is a new and updated version of his original 2009 autobiography, titled, "The Constant Outsider: Memoirs of a South Boston Mechanic".
The 2022 version contains more photos, more descriptive writing, and updates covering the 13 year time span since the original memoir was written. But both of his autobiographies give readers a chilling, yet inspiring look at what went on in South Boston not that long ago. It was the era of "Whitey" Bulger's " reign of terror," as Tom calls it.
Tom also authored a fictional adaptation of his memoirs, titled, "67 Cents: Creation of a South Boston Killer". In "67 Cents" Tom answers a question which had lurked in the back of his mind for years. "How might my life have evolved had I given in to the temptation of easy money and prestige, and taken the alternate path to crime and violence which truly was offered and available to me?" Within "67 Cents", the fictional character, "Nick", says "Yes" to each and every offer that was made to the author in real life by both the Irish and Italian Mobs. Those offers of easy money through criminal involvement were significant, including an offer to kill a man for Tom. After Nick says "yes" to such things, there is no turning back. "67 Cents: Creation of a South Boston Killer" is a gritty story with violence and very strong adult language. The author does not recommend "67 Cents" for younger or sensitive readers. Alternately, "Memoirs of a South Boston Mechanic" was written to be enjoyed by all age groups of readers.
Thomas Cirignano has been a contributing writer to newspapers and magazines, and he served as an advisory member on The New Bedford Standard-Times Editorial Board. He was elected to serve on The Freetown-Lakeville Regional School Committee, and appointed to various other town committees and commissions.
Tom is a certified scuba diver, ultra-light aircraft pilot, motorcycle enthusiast, and loves boating. Unfortunately, a previous spinal fracture, Scoliosis, and multiple surgeries have now limited his ability to enjoy most of those activities.
For further information, visit www.TheConstantOutsider.Wordpress,com.
His books are available on Amazon and most other retailers.