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Black Caesar: The Rise and Disappearance of Frank Matthews, Kingpin
This is the remarkable story of Frank Matthews, a charismatic drug kingpin from the late 1960s and 1980s who organized a huge criminal enterprise before jumping bail and 1973 with $15 million and a beautiful woman. Nicknamed Black Caesar, Matthews has never been seen again in what has become one of organized crimes most intriguing mysteries. Black Caesar is a 2013 USA Best Book Award Winner in the True Non-Fiction category.
- GenresNonfiction
185 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 30, 2013
Frank Matthews traveled from Durham, NC to New York City in the 1960s to become the first African-American drug kingpin. His disappearance in 1973 when he jumped bailed with $15 million has never been solved.
There is something about an unsolved mystery that captures the imagination. The author has used memories of law officers, DEA agents, and the friends and family of Matthews to give a personal account of the young man who left the poverty of the South and lived the life of Superfly. Fans of the true crime genre will want to check this one out.
One note: This book could have used a more thorough proofreading and editing. I don't usually mention this in reviews, but there are some glaring errors in the text.
4 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Partners In Crime Book Tours reviewers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
There is something about an unsolved mystery that captures the imagination. The author has used memories of law officers, DEA agents, and the friends and family of Matthews to give a personal account of the young man who left the poverty of the South and lived the life of Superfly. Fans of the true crime genre will want to check this one out.
One note: This book could have used a more thorough proofreading and editing. I don't usually mention this in reviews, but there are some glaring errors in the text.
4 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Partners In Crime Book Tours reviewers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
August 1, 2013
When I was presented with this book for review, I was immediately intrigued. I wasn't disappointed. The book was very interesting. Even though not a lot of details are clear about Frank Matthews life and disappearance, the author did a great job of presenting a pretty good picture of how Frank became one of the largest drug runners in the US. I thought the investigation and take down was pretty cool. Even on a shoe string budget, the investigators involved were able to put together a pretty solid case. They were also able to close down his operation.
Frank Matthews was reported to be a generous man with money. The thing that struck me about this whole situation was that not one person who was interview expressed regret that the money they took from Frank came from the sale of cocaine. Even the children's tutor expressed regret that he was losing his job after Frank was arrested. That had me shaking my head.
What happened to Frank Matthews? I don't think we will ever know. The authorities have been searching for 40 years with no clues. The author gives a pretty good argument that he is probably dead. I'm inclined to agree. Read the book and decide for yourself.
Frank Matthews was reported to be a generous man with money. The thing that struck me about this whole situation was that not one person who was interview expressed regret that the money they took from Frank came from the sale of cocaine. Even the children's tutor expressed regret that he was losing his job after Frank was arrested. That had me shaking my head.
What happened to Frank Matthews? I don't think we will ever know. The authorities have been searching for 40 years with no clues. The author gives a pretty good argument that he is probably dead. I'm inclined to agree. Read the book and decide for yourself.
December 23, 2018
Interesting story is he dead or missing?
September 17, 2013
The author has completed a thorough research – drawing a detailed picture of Frank’s life from his early years till his disappearance, the building up of his heroin and cocaine empire, as well as the massive manhunt organized by various USA agencies after him jumping bail.
Described as ballsy, confident, fearless, tough, charismatic, and true to his word, Frank’s character and conduct make friends and enemies respect him.
His story is remarkable in several ways. He is the first black man to control and build an interstate organization covering 21 States and shake the (white) Mob. His entrepreneur skills are outstanding, especially considering his age – his early twenties. And then, of course: his disappearance in July 1973, initiating the biggest manhunt to date, with the case file still open 40 years later.
Those interested and knowledgeable of the players in the heroine and cocaine trade and the history of the 60′s and 70′s will certainly enjoy the elaborate description of the rise and fall of Frank Matthews and his empire.
Described as ballsy, confident, fearless, tough, charismatic, and true to his word, Frank’s character and conduct make friends and enemies respect him.
His story is remarkable in several ways. He is the first black man to control and build an interstate organization covering 21 States and shake the (white) Mob. His entrepreneur skills are outstanding, especially considering his age – his early twenties. And then, of course: his disappearance in July 1973, initiating the biggest manhunt to date, with the case file still open 40 years later.
Those interested and knowledgeable of the players in the heroine and cocaine trade and the history of the 60′s and 70′s will certainly enjoy the elaborate description of the rise and fall of Frank Matthews and his empire.
September 11, 2013
This book was quite interesting. It was definitely not something to be read in one sitting but I enjoyed it much more than I generally do bios or true crime. It flipped back and forth between perspectives and between story and narrative in such a way that it held my attention but wasn’t terribly distracting.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews