Black Mafia Queen: The Woman Behind the BMF Empire

by Tonesa Welch, Harold Corey Mills

In this incredible-but-true crime memoir from “The First Lady of BMF” (Black Mafia Family), Tonesa Welch reveals the dramatic story of her unlikely rise from middle-class teenaged mom to Mafia Queen of Detroit, from Beverly Hills mansions to federal prison—and from a life of danger and self-doubt to one of acceptance, redemption, and love . . .

How did a nice middle-class girl from Detroit become one of the top cocaine distribution Mafia Queens in America? It wasn’t because of the drugs. By the time Tonesa Welch was running her criminal empire—distributing thousands of kilos from Mexican cartels for tens of millions of dollars a month nationally—she had conquered her addiction to cocaine and replaced it with a new shopping.

While her customers got high from blow, Tonesa blew her fortune on designer clothes, fancy champagne, and shopping sprees on Rodeo Drive. It was more than a passion. It was an all-consuming obsession that would ultimately land her in prison—and force her to rebuild her life from the ground up.

This is Tonesa’s story. A rare insider’s account of the infamous Black Mafia Family—told by a woman who rose up the ranks, fell to the bottom, and picked herself up again—it is, above all, the story of a survivor. Like many women, Tonesa struggled with her insecurities, trying to find validation through five-figure outfits, six-figure cars, and seven-figure homes. But after her mansion was raided by the feds, she swapped her Gucci dresses for a prison smock—and faced the greatest challenge of her finding herself.

In the end, Mafia Queen reveals not only the full story behind BET’s The First Lady of BMF, but the inspiring journey of one woman’s heart.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2026

Reviews

[✩｡°⋆ Lala ⋆｡°✩ · Rating 3 out of 5]

•𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰•

[Black Mafia Queen]
🔥 Release Date: Mar 17 2026 🔥
Thank you to RBMedia, Tonesa Welch, and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
★★★☆☆

✦ About the book:
Black Mafia Queen tells the story of Tonesa Welch, known as the “First Lady” of the Black Mafia Family. It follows her life in the late 80s and early 2000s and focuses on her experiences, relationships, and the lifestyle around BMF. The book is more personal and reflective than a typical true crime story, which may feel slow for some readers.

✦ What stood out to me most was:
The memoir-style storytelling. It gives a personal look at the luxury, loyalty, and complicated dynamics in BMF, but at times the narrative felt uneven and less engaging than I had hoped. It was still interesting to hear the story from someone who lived inside that environment.

✦ At its core, this book is really about:
The choices people make and how power, ambition, and relationships can shape a life. It shows how being tied to a big criminal organization affects the people involved and the ripple effects of those choices.

[Valerity (Val) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This turned out to be a good read about the author’s life in what became the Black Mafia Family. She lived the high life, able to buy all manner of luxuries and living in mansions. But when it came crashing down later and she was sent to prison, she learned a lot about what was really important in her life. It had a big impact on her life and the life of her family, and she shares how she wanted to help others who were affected by a family member being locked up. Some chapters are written by her son Corey, who shared what life was like before and after for him as well.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the introduction I was expecting more, instead it was very surface level and felt very self centered. There didn't seem to be any reflection of her actions on the people around her and the ways her actions caused harm. Also mentioning that you knew Puff in 2026 and partied with him on a private island is cringe.

I did enjoy the chapters from her youngest son's Corey's perspective, if it wasn't for those I'm not sure I would of have found the book worth finishing.

[Aimee Nerdy Auntie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was definitely worth the read. The story follows her journey from before being involved in the drug game, to serving time, to rebuilding her life after prison. I always respect stories of transformation and second chances, and that part was inspiring. For me personally, I just wished it went a little deeper. It felt more surface-level than I expected, and I would have loved more emotional depth and behind-the-scenes reflection. That said, if you’re a fan of the BMF series or the Lifetime movie about her life, you’ll likely find this especially interesting. I wasn’t very familiar with the BMF story going in, so that may have shaped my experience. Overall, it’s a solid read about growth, accountability, and starting over — and I can always appreciate that kind of comeback story. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for access to this ARC. All opinions are totally my own and freely given.

[Ilze · Rating 3 out of 5]

Memoir-style true crime story. An interesting insight in life of a crime family between the 80s and 2000s. From beginnings in Detroit to shopping sprees on Rodeo Drive, to prison, to finding what is important in life. How relationships and choices influence actions, that lead to impactful consequences. The book explores and reflects on what drove her to some of her choices.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for access to this ARC / ALC

[asia joyner · Rating 3 out of 5]

thanks to net galley and RBMEDIA


Black mafia Queen tells the story about Tonesa Welch, known as first lady of the Black mafia family (BMF) . You get a look into her life and experiences and lifestyle being part of BMF.

[Katty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Mafia Queen is a powerful and eye-opening memoir that reveals the hidden strength behind the BMF empire 👑🔥
Dr. Tonesa Welch shares her story with honesty, courage, and remarkable clarity 📖✨
The book explores ambition, loyalty, love, and the price of power in a male-dominated world 💼💔
Its raw storytelling keeps you engaged and emotionally invested from start to finish 😮📚
This is not just a crime story, but a deeply human journey of survival and identity 🧠❤️
The narrative sheds light on choices, consequences, and resilience 🌪️🌱
A compelling and unforgettable read that leaves a strong impact ⭐💫

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit to being sort of a true crime fan…ok, more than sort of, but perhaps I am just old and out of touch…or not the demographic for whom things like this are created. But I confess I have been totally unaware of BMF – both the organized crime group as well as the TV series (on STARZ for at least four years), or any of the rap songs with that name. In case you are as out of it as I am, here’s a bit of the Wikipedia entry under BMF: “The Black Mafia Family (BMF) is a drug trafficking and money laundering organization in the United States. It was founded in 1985, in Southwest Detroit, by brothers Demetrius Edward "Big Meech" and Terry Lee "Southwest Tee" Flenory. By 2000, it had established cocaine distribution sales throughout the United States through its Los Angeles–based drug source and direct links to Mexican drug cartels.The Black Mafia Family operated from two main hubs: one in Atlanta for distribution, run by Demetrius Flenory; and one in Los Angeles to handle incoming shipments from Mexico, run by Terry Flenory.”

Reading some publicity for a new book about the organization in general and the woman at the head of it all, I was curious. “How did a nice middle-class girl from Detroit become one of the top cocaine distribution Mafia Queens in America? It wasn’t because of the drugs. By the time Tonesa Welch was running her criminal empire—distributing thousands of kilos from Mexican cartels for tens of millions of dollars a month nationally—she had conquered her addiction to cocaine and replaced it with a new one: shopping.”

Tonesa was eventually sent to prison for money laundering and had to rebuild her whole life. Told by people with insider knowledge of the Black Mafia Family, it is full of revelations about how Tonesa went from blaming everyone else for her many problems to working her way back. It is told from two points of view: hers and that of her youngest son Corey. Sure to be enjoyed by fans of true crime, the TV series, stories of recovery and redemption, and anyone who is curious about the whole drug business. It’s scary, entertaining, and definitely not aimed at a retired librarian age 70+. Four stars, and thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley.

[Ty -Ty's Teatime Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having heard news stories and bits and pieces of the Black Mafia Family (BMF), I definitely wanted to pick this one up to learn more about the BMF and the Queen.
Dr. Tonesa Welch and her youngest son, H. Corey Mills, truly gives us an uncensored look into their lives. From both of their childhoods, through tumultuous relationships and hardships, self learning, self discovery, and triumph. Narrated by Patricia R. Floyd, who does an excellent job by the way, gives us all the feels, heartache, hopelessness, and joy encountered by ALL characters. Dr. Welch's mother was truly her backbone and support, just as she herself was that for son Corey. I applaud her decisions even though treacherous, as it seemed these choices allowed her to be the great woman she is today. Her giving back is more than just a statement; it is a testament lived and survived.
I can appreciate Corey and his struggles; with a few similarities I see in my nephew. Increasing responsibility, peer pressure, and school, can way heavy on you just by itself, but even more so with your mom in federal prison and no one to seek guidance.
The fame, the fortune, the lavish parties, the drug use, she still remained the brains. She understood, minimized her risks, but remained true to "T". In the ultimate end, she and Corey still came out on TOP!
Providing insight in getting to your greatness, utilizing the positive people around you for greater impact, but NEVER being ashamed of who you are.
An enthralling memoir for All!
Thank you, Net Galley and Dafina Publishing.

[Bossmanaries Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of self restoration, emphasis on self. This is the second memoir that I have read in my life and with a title like Black Mafia Queen, I wanted to inhale this like oxygen. The duo author writing of mother, Dr, Tonesa Welch and son, H, Corey Mills gives an account of the life and the effects of living a not so healthy life as drug distributors. I learned that Tonesa would have shopping trips and spend $20,000 in one shopping trip to Rodeo Drive with a closet that was the size of some houses. She enjoyed a
Opulent lifestyle of big trips, expensive clothes and food. But she also had jail time because of being a recipient of money from the drug business. On the surface this comes off as the memoir of a real housewife of Los Angeles. I never felt connected to the stories told as they gave the sense of redeeming human qualities.

The audio narrator, Patricia R. Floyd does a good job of speaking like the bourgeois auntie telling us family stories. Her voice produces a clear vision and I could see her sipping some expensive coffee or a mimosa as she is speaking.

#BlackMafiaQueen #NetGalley
Thanks to #NetGalley and #rbmedia for providing the advanced audio version in exchange for an honest review. 

Rating: 3.5 stars

[Eliane Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Black Mafia Queen is a book about resilience and redemption. Dr. Tonesa Welch's story is truly remarkable. She takes us on a journey through her struggles with identity and purpose, motherhood, abuse, addiction, and her role in organizing one of the largest drug empires in American history. I learned so much about her. I appreciated how she shared the impact of her decisions on her family and herself. Hollywood often glamorizes stories like this, but we rarely see a true look at the real damage this lifestyle causes. Tonesa revealed it all.

Although Tonesa provided many details, the book felt a bit rushed. I wish she had taken more time to walk us through everything slowly. I didn’t see the point of Corey’s sections in the book; they didn’t add much value. Still, I’d love to read a book written by him alone.

The narration was good. However, I think the story might have been even better if Tonesa had read it herself. Autobiographies often resonate more when spoken in the author’s voice.

Thank you, NetGalley and RB Media, for the ALC.

[ReadMyMind.withAndrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first learned about Tonesa’s story from watching BMF by 50 Cent, which made me even more interested in reading her perspective. Because of that background, I was excited to dive deeper into her real-life experiences.

I really enjoyed how the book gave an inside look at her luxurious lifestyle and what it meant to be known as the “First Lady” of BMF. It painted a picture of the highs that came with that life, but it didn’t shy away from the reality behind it either.

The biggest takeaway for me was the message that everything that glitters isn’t gold. While the lifestyle may look glamorous on the outside, the book shows the challenges and consequences that come with it.

Thank you Netgalley & RBmedia for this Audio Arc

[Lexi readingwhilehot · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love a modern memoir, but this missed the mark. It’s hard to critique a memoir because it’s someone’s like and their subjective story, and to that I say that’s why I didn’t DNF. But talking about your connections to diddy as a flex and for credit is NOT the Black Feminism take I was hoping for. It told the facts of her adult life, but I didn’t feel the kind of vulnerability from her or her son that would lead to reader reflections. Like okay you went on to do charity work…. Also the son being inspired to succeed by a wolf of Wall Street scene? Like again, putting on the skin of the oppressor isn’t actually the uplifting and ground breaking story that we need in 2026.

[Christopher Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks You Netgallery

This book was an enjoyable read overall. I liked it, but much of it came across to me as boasting without offering much else. The story stayed on the surface and never really explored anything in depth, relying more on name-dropping than meaningful insight. I do appreciate that she ultimately left that life behind and worked to better herself. I wish the book had focused more on that journey to show readers that there is real hope and possibility for change after prison.

[BookinWithJess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook 🎧: This book was very informative & it gave a lot of insight into BMF & their lives as well as the lives of some rappers, R&B singers, & famous people. Tonessa Welch’s story as the First Lady of BMF is an intriguing & interesting one as well as her children especially her son Cory! You learn some thing about Terry & Meech that you didn’t know or get to see in the television series of BMF.
I recommend reading/listening to this book cause you will be shocked about all thing discussed & the people involved!

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

real and raw memoir by someone who was deeply involved in the black mafia family and how she's made amends and gotten involved since her time in the family. an interesting read, for sure. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

If you want to get honest reviews of some of the most exciting books coming out every week from a top-5 Goodreads Reviewer, sign up for my mailing list here!

[Megon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoiled rich girl gets involved in crime. Parties and spends money. Spends a little time in a prison that sounds more like a day camp, complete with sex and booze. Gets out and manages to make money once again doing almost nothing. The story was not compelling, although it probably will be to those that a fan of the brand. The writing was repetitive, used a lot of terminology I just didn't understand, and didn't ring true.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very familiar with the BMF story and have read and seen several different version of events.
This is the first time that I have seen a different perspective of that side of BMF.
I thought the book was very well written and paints a realistic picture of Tonesa's perspective of the events that took place. She is honest and brutally truthful at times.

[Charese · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm getting into memoirs and this one was written differently than most that I have read so far. It didn't seem reflective and more like this all happened to me and thats that. I felt that I enjoyed the sons perspective more than her perspective but that can be a personal preference. I don't know if reading it would've helped me finish the book. I just felt that the way the audio was done on top of how the book was written it was harder to get through.

Thank you NetGalley for this ALC copy.

[Sherry Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has definitely lived a very interesting, exciting, scary, determined, life that she has written about. Her life has definitely had its up and down and she is a very strong woman for all she has gone through!

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Memoirs are often deeply personal and give you an insight into someone’s prospective. I think it would have helped to have more of a background into some of the details but it was still interesting.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

honest and revealing book about the drug trade leaders
Their upbringing, lifestyle and choices they made along the way.
Love betrayal, family and ultimately redemption.
Why you have to work on yourself before you can change.

[Mandy_lovestoread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, publishers and Authors for this Arc.

Raw, real, and honest.

Black Mafia Queen by Mother and Son, Tonesa Welch & Corey Mills is a gritty true story about how a young middle class girl from Detroit rose to power in the drug world and became the Black Mafia Queen.

She lived an extravagant life, living in an affluent home with her sons, spending the money from selling drugs on expensive fast cards and top end designer clothes before ending up in prison where at first, she blamed everyone but herself.

Told in a dual POV from her and her youngest son, the book gives a raw look at her life before drugs, her time behind bars and what it really means to start over after release.

It tells the story of how the life she lead, had ramifications which undoubtedly followed through to her own sons and grandchildren.

It’s a true story that reminds you that redemption isn’t easy but it is possible.