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Bugsy's Shadow: Moe Sedway, Bugsy Siegel, and the Birth of Organized Crime in Las Vegas
Early in the Prohibition era, Moe Sedway became part of the New York organized crime gang led by Meyer Lansky and Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel. A loyal and highly effective operative for Siegel, Sedway eventually gained monopoly control of the race wire service in Las Vegas and also became an effective casino manager of the Las Vegas Club, El Cortez, and the Rex Club.
A breach in their relationship led to rumors that Sedway had gained Lansky's approval for a "hit" on Siegel. The unsolved mystery of who murdered Bugsy in 1947 has spawned numerous theories about the identity of the hitman, but regardless of who pulled the trigger, Bugsy's death opened the way for Moe to flourish as his own man at last. Long overshadowed by Bugsy in the annals of organized crime in America, Moe Sedway is now at last brought out into the light in this riveting tale of the sensational life and times of one of Vegas's most mysterious and little-known figures.
A breach in their relationship led to rumors that Sedway had gained Lansky's approval for a "hit" on Siegel. The unsolved mystery of who murdered Bugsy in 1947 has spawned numerous theories about the identity of the hitman, but regardless of who pulled the trigger, Bugsy's death opened the way for Moe to flourish as his own man at last. Long overshadowed by Bugsy in the annals of organized crime in America, Moe Sedway is now at last brought out into the light in this riveting tale of the sensational life and times of one of Vegas's most mysterious and little-known figures.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2023
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May 24, 2026
Bugsy's Shadow is a fascinating and meticulously researched exploration of organized crime, early Las Vegas history, and the complex figures who helped shape America’s gambling empire. Larry D. Gragg delivers an engaging historical narrative that brings long overlooked mob figure Moe Sedway into sharper focus while providing readers with a deeper understanding of the power struggles and personalities behind the rise of Las Vegas.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its detailed examination of Moe Sedway’s role within the criminal networks led by Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel. Rather than simply retelling familiar mob stories, the book sheds light on a lesser known but highly influential figure whose contributions to organized crime history have often remained in the background. The portrayal of Sedway’s loyalty, ambition, and eventual emergence from Bugsy Siegel’s shadow adds strong narrative intrigue throughout the work.
The historical detail surrounding Prohibition era crime operations, race wire services, and the development of Las Vegas casinos is both informative and compelling. Gragg balances historical scholarship with accessible storytelling, making the book engaging for both true crime enthusiasts and readers interested in American history and the origins of Las Vegas culture.
What makes Bugsy's Shadow especially compelling is its ability to humanize complex historical figures while examining the broader systems of power, loyalty, greed, and survival that defined organized crime during the era. Insightful, atmospheric, and richly detailed, the book stands as a valuable contribution to crime history and Las Vegas historical studies.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its detailed examination of Moe Sedway’s role within the criminal networks led by Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel. Rather than simply retelling familiar mob stories, the book sheds light on a lesser known but highly influential figure whose contributions to organized crime history have often remained in the background. The portrayal of Sedway’s loyalty, ambition, and eventual emergence from Bugsy Siegel’s shadow adds strong narrative intrigue throughout the work.
The historical detail surrounding Prohibition era crime operations, race wire services, and the development of Las Vegas casinos is both informative and compelling. Gragg balances historical scholarship with accessible storytelling, making the book engaging for both true crime enthusiasts and readers interested in American history and the origins of Las Vegas culture.
What makes Bugsy's Shadow especially compelling is its ability to humanize complex historical figures while examining the broader systems of power, loyalty, greed, and survival that defined organized crime during the era. Insightful, atmospheric, and richly detailed, the book stands as a valuable contribution to crime history and Las Vegas historical studies.
Displaying 1 of 1 review