What do you think?
Rate this book
Mafia Wars: Murder, Mayhem and the Mob
For anyone who wants to know the truth about organized crime and understand the violent forces that have shaped it over the last century, this book is an indispensable guide.
Organized crime is perhaps the most fascinating phenomenon of our time. From Al Capone, who boldly claimed his bootlegging activities were a public service, to the flamboyant Teflon Don, the criminals of the underworld have garnered headlines and captured our imagination with their violent and extravagant lifestyles.
Arthur Martin provides an absorbing introduction to the mob's most influential personalities - their lives, loves and terrible crimes. Featuring shocking photographs of these gang members, Mafia Wars offers shocking insight into the role of the mob in Sicily and America.
Organized crime is perhaps the most fascinating phenomenon of our time. From Al Capone, who boldly claimed his bootlegging activities were a public service, to the flamboyant Teflon Don, the criminals of the underworld have garnered headlines and captured our imagination with their violent and extravagant lifestyles.
Arthur Martin provides an absorbing introduction to the mob's most influential personalities - their lives, loves and terrible crimes. Featuring shocking photographs of these gang members, Mafia Wars offers shocking insight into the role of the mob in Sicily and America.
256 pages, Paperback
Published July 2, 2024
4 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 22, 2024
Tantalising vignettes chronicling the mafia presence throughout Italy and America for 150 years. A great entre to wet the appetite for deeper reading into the cross continent criminal underworld.
September 26, 2025
Considering the diverse topics that Martin writes about, I was not expecting much.
This is the typical brief overview of the Mafia in both Italy and the United States ca. 1900-2020. There are alternating chapters between the US and Italy as Martin writs short, engaging chapters that ping the most important events and people. There are no citations or references. It is difficult to verify his claims. He usually is conservative with his claims, but there are some errors, especially regarding early US-based Mafia history.
The short chapters and neat writing are the main strengths of this book. Most chapters are within 10 pages and offer a very brief synopsis of people and events. This makes the book read more like an encyclopedia entry than a monograph, but the goal is to focus on murder and mayhem rather than the rackets or The Life. Maybe, the title should be A History of the Mafia through 18 Murders. There are 18 chapters evenly divided between Italy and the US. There are way more murders in the book - the more disturbing the better. I think Martin particularly enjoyed the violence of the Sicilian Mafia wars.
I found fewer inaccuracies when reading about Italy than the US, and more recent events than historical (and better documented) events. This is one of the few books that I have read that mentions some of the people (and murders) from the Ndrangheta. I do not recall much, if anything, about the Camorra, Sacra Corona Unita, or Stidda organizations. But then, Martin rarely examined Mafia rackets except for vague allusions to extortion, drugs, and some labor racketeering. Readers may be familiar with Toto Riina, but Martin updates the saga going into the arrest and death of Messina Denaro. The book has currency, if not authority.
It is strange that the weaker parts of the book are in relation to the better documented era of American organized crime. There are not many errors, and most are trivial. He identifies Gerardo Scarpato, the restaurant owner where Joe Masseria was slain, as being a Mafioso. I have not seen that anywhere else. He repeatedly refers to Bill Bonanno as Salvatore Bonanno. Yes, that is his given name; but almost no one called him that. He says 60 people died during the Castellemarese War. That is a unique figure that is better than the usual estimates; but again, it shows that he did not find any clear data about the war.
Martin's reading list, whatever it was, must have been small. He clearly did not read the autobiographies of either Bill or Joe Bonanno. His discussion of Chicago kingpins Capone, Colosimo, and Torrio was so brief that he probably did not read anything directly on Chicago. He omitted the famous gang wars that destroyed the Philadelphia, Montreal, and Colombo Families. So it seems likely that he only looked at brief entries on specific individuals. His historical data on the Italian organizations suggests that he probably read at least one of John Dickie's books - and that might be the basis of this monograph.
Overall, it is a light and entertaining read. I am disappointed that there are no references, or even suggested readings. I am also dismayed by the casual errors in the early parts of the book. The writing is engaging. The target audience is for casual readers. Martin is a bit conservative in repeating hyperbole, but he clearly enjoys the more violent outbreaks. The book tends to slide into sensationalism, but on the whole is accurate for cursory reading.
This is the typical brief overview of the Mafia in both Italy and the United States ca. 1900-2020. There are alternating chapters between the US and Italy as Martin writs short, engaging chapters that ping the most important events and people. There are no citations or references. It is difficult to verify his claims. He usually is conservative with his claims, but there are some errors, especially regarding early US-based Mafia history.
The short chapters and neat writing are the main strengths of this book. Most chapters are within 10 pages and offer a very brief synopsis of people and events. This makes the book read more like an encyclopedia entry than a monograph, but the goal is to focus on murder and mayhem rather than the rackets or The Life. Maybe, the title should be A History of the Mafia through 18 Murders. There are 18 chapters evenly divided between Italy and the US. There are way more murders in the book - the more disturbing the better. I think Martin particularly enjoyed the violence of the Sicilian Mafia wars.
I found fewer inaccuracies when reading about Italy than the US, and more recent events than historical (and better documented) events. This is one of the few books that I have read that mentions some of the people (and murders) from the Ndrangheta. I do not recall much, if anything, about the Camorra, Sacra Corona Unita, or Stidda organizations. But then, Martin rarely examined Mafia rackets except for vague allusions to extortion, drugs, and some labor racketeering. Readers may be familiar with Toto Riina, but Martin updates the saga going into the arrest and death of Messina Denaro. The book has currency, if not authority.
It is strange that the weaker parts of the book are in relation to the better documented era of American organized crime. There are not many errors, and most are trivial. He identifies Gerardo Scarpato, the restaurant owner where Joe Masseria was slain, as being a Mafioso. I have not seen that anywhere else. He repeatedly refers to Bill Bonanno as Salvatore Bonanno. Yes, that is his given name; but almost no one called him that. He says 60 people died during the Castellemarese War. That is a unique figure that is better than the usual estimates; but again, it shows that he did not find any clear data about the war.
Martin's reading list, whatever it was, must have been small. He clearly did not read the autobiographies of either Bill or Joe Bonanno. His discussion of Chicago kingpins Capone, Colosimo, and Torrio was so brief that he probably did not read anything directly on Chicago. He omitted the famous gang wars that destroyed the Philadelphia, Montreal, and Colombo Families. So it seems likely that he only looked at brief entries on specific individuals. His historical data on the Italian organizations suggests that he probably read at least one of John Dickie's books - and that might be the basis of this monograph.
Overall, it is a light and entertaining read. I am disappointed that there are no references, or even suggested readings. I am also dismayed by the casual errors in the early parts of the book. The writing is engaging. The target audience is for casual readers. Martin is a bit conservative in repeating hyperbole, but he clearly enjoys the more violent outbreaks. The book tends to slide into sensationalism, but on the whole is accurate for cursory reading.
January 9, 2026
Mafia Wars: Murder, Mayhem, And The Mob is a comprehensive take on organized crime in both Italy, its roots, and its presence in the United States - mainly, of course, in New York City - from the 1880s to our current time.
Back when I was in high school, I'd often go sit in the cafe at Barnes & Noble and grab short books to read then put them back. Graphic novels and coffee table mob books were typically what I was consuming. But since then I've never kept up on my mafia knowledge, outside of films. So Arthur Martin's overview of mafia history was a nice re-introduction, and it would be a good introduction for anyone who hasn't explored the subject and wants to. Martin begins with the Morellos of Sicily and the gangs of Camorra - specifically that of Gallucci's - and ends on the alarming reality that the mafia, in America and in Italy, hasn't gone anywhere and alludes that it may rise to what it once was once again.
Arthur Martin tells the history of the mafia chronologically, bouncing back between Italy and the United States, covering the major conflicts between major crime families and their major players ad the mafia's major conflicts with government authorities and the police. Basically, it's the history of the mafia told through 18 or so murders. Needless to say, Martin's Mafia Wars is not a deep dive into any one organized crime boss, organized crime family, or organized crime region. That's what makes it a solid read for beginners. If there's a mafiosi who intrigued you, or a mafia clan that did, or if there's a certain element of the mafia's rise or the government's attempts to take them down, you can go down that rabbit hole on your own. But at least Martin presents that to you.
I do wish the writing itself was more interesting and I did kinda tune out on chapters about mafia presence in Italy, although the stuff with Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino was fascinating - two Italian judges and magistrates in the '80s and '90s who would not bow or cower to the mafia in their pursuit to prosecute them and put an end to their power and reign once and for all. That was pretty much my big takeaway, my newest lesson, from the topic of organized crime.
Back when I was in high school, I'd often go sit in the cafe at Barnes & Noble and grab short books to read then put them back. Graphic novels and coffee table mob books were typically what I was consuming. But since then I've never kept up on my mafia knowledge, outside of films. So Arthur Martin's overview of mafia history was a nice re-introduction, and it would be a good introduction for anyone who hasn't explored the subject and wants to. Martin begins with the Morellos of Sicily and the gangs of Camorra - specifically that of Gallucci's - and ends on the alarming reality that the mafia, in America and in Italy, hasn't gone anywhere and alludes that it may rise to what it once was once again.
Arthur Martin tells the history of the mafia chronologically, bouncing back between Italy and the United States, covering the major conflicts between major crime families and their major players ad the mafia's major conflicts with government authorities and the police. Basically, it's the history of the mafia told through 18 or so murders. Needless to say, Martin's Mafia Wars is not a deep dive into any one organized crime boss, organized crime family, or organized crime region. That's what makes it a solid read for beginners. If there's a mafiosi who intrigued you, or a mafia clan that did, or if there's a certain element of the mafia's rise or the government's attempts to take them down, you can go down that rabbit hole on your own. But at least Martin presents that to you.
I do wish the writing itself was more interesting and I did kinda tune out on chapters about mafia presence in Italy, although the stuff with Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino was fascinating - two Italian judges and magistrates in the '80s and '90s who would not bow or cower to the mafia in their pursuit to prosecute them and put an end to their power and reign once and for all. That was pretty much my big takeaway, my newest lesson, from the topic of organized crime.
October 7, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Mafia Wars: Murder, Mayhem and the Power of the Mob by Arthur Martin is a riveting exploration of the dark and violent world of organized crime. Martin, a seasoned journalist, delves deep into the history and evolution of the Mafia, offering readers a comprehensive and chilling account of its enduring influence.
Martin’s narrative is both detailed and engaging, providing a vivid picture of how these early conflicts laid the groundwork for the sprawling criminal networks that would later emerge in America. His ability to weave historical context with personal stories of key figures makes for a compelling read.
One of the standout features of Mafia Wars is its chronological approach, which allows readers to see the progression of the Mafia’s power and tactics over time.
Martin’s writing is both informative and accessible, making complex criminal operations understandable for a broad audience. He doesn’t shy away from the gruesome details, but he also provides a balanced perspective, exploring the socio-economic factors that have allowed the Mafia to thrive. This nuanced approach adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the interplay between crime, politics, and society.
Martin’s analysis of the current state of the Mafia is both insightful and alarming, shedding light on the challenges that authorities face in combating this persistent threat.
Mafia Wars: Murder, Mayhem and the Power of the Mob is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of organized crime and its impact on society. Arthur Martin has crafted a thorough and engaging account that is as informative as it is captivating.
Whether you’re a true crime aficionado or simply curious about the Mafia’s enduring legacy, this book offers a fascinating and eye-opening journey into the heart of the mob.
Mafia Wars: Murder, Mayhem and the Power of the Mob by Arthur Martin is a riveting exploration of the dark and violent world of organized crime. Martin, a seasoned journalist, delves deep into the history and evolution of the Mafia, offering readers a comprehensive and chilling account of its enduring influence.
Martin’s narrative is both detailed and engaging, providing a vivid picture of how these early conflicts laid the groundwork for the sprawling criminal networks that would later emerge in America. His ability to weave historical context with personal stories of key figures makes for a compelling read.
One of the standout features of Mafia Wars is its chronological approach, which allows readers to see the progression of the Mafia’s power and tactics over time.
Martin’s writing is both informative and accessible, making complex criminal operations understandable for a broad audience. He doesn’t shy away from the gruesome details, but he also provides a balanced perspective, exploring the socio-economic factors that have allowed the Mafia to thrive. This nuanced approach adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the interplay between crime, politics, and society.
Martin’s analysis of the current state of the Mafia is both insightful and alarming, shedding light on the challenges that authorities face in combating this persistent threat.
Mafia Wars: Murder, Mayhem and the Power of the Mob is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of organized crime and its impact on society. Arthur Martin has crafted a thorough and engaging account that is as informative as it is captivating.
Whether you’re a true crime aficionado or simply curious about the Mafia’s enduring legacy, this book offers a fascinating and eye-opening journey into the heart of the mob.
August 10, 2024
This was an interesting read that didn't do anything revolutionary, but ticked all the mafia boxes. I particularly appreciated the focus on mafia activities in Italy, which was an area that I wasn't familiar with and enjoyed a lot. In terms of the more famous American mafia, there wasn't a great deal of new information here, but the narrative was compelling and flowed well throughout. Overall, I enjoyed this and would read from the author again.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 13, 2025
It’s a fairly high level look at the Italian mafia and impact on US and Italian culture. It doesn’t go too into depth about anything though. The writing style is competent, and not editorial, but comes off as somewhat sterile.
August 12, 2025
It was a decent book for someone wanting to learn more about the mafia, however there are quite a bit of typos and its fairly surface-level information. A good introductory book for someone who may want to learn more.
August 5, 2024
Lots of good information but presented in a bit of an odd way. Still liked it foe what it was.
August 7, 2025
A good overview of a century of mafioso activity in Italy and New York. Doesn’t give much detail for any events, but allows a basis for further research into the Mafia’s history.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews