Murders on Alcatraz

by George Devincenzi

Murders on Alcatraz written by George DeVincenzi, Correctional Officer, paints a vivid picture of what it was like to work in the most notorious prison in America. Included in his stories are factual accountings of working with famous inmates like Robert Stroud, Birdman, Waxey Gordon and Machine Gun Kelly. There are many historical photos of Alcatraz, the prisoners, and daily routines of the guards and inmates. George is one of the few remaining guards who is able to recount vividly what life was like on the Rock in the 1950's.

Genres: History

110 pages, Paperback

First published September 17, 2014

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My family visited Alcatraz while on spring break one year. We were fascinated with the history there. The kids loved the tour. When we exited the tour to the gift shop George Devincenzi was there signing his book about Alcatraz. Of course we got a copy and I am just now getting the chance to read it. It’s a quick read with lots of fascinating stories from George’s experience and time working as a correctional officer on the island. Loved it.

[Ian Raffaele · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, quick read by a guard who once worked at Alcatraz. My uncle got me this book when he visited the former prison and was able to get the author's signature. Each chapter is a couple pages long and gives the reader a basic idea of what the prison was like from the 1950's to early 1960's. Perfect for something fun to read over the weekend or while waiting for a plane at the gate.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the book. A few short pages on inmates. A brief memoir of a guards experience. The stories are unbeatable. The writing is not so great. Several typo errors. Many photos repeated through the book. The book did not have a fitting ending in my opinion. Overall I really liked it. I enjoyed that is was short too. The stories got right to the point.

[Menika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I spent hours on Alcatraz exploring, learning, and admiring the history there. While I was in the gift shop, I met George and received a signed copy of this book. His stories are so interesting and this book is a quick and easy read. I really enjoyed it!!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are very short chapters but most have a picture of the inmate discussed.
There are also chapters on visitor guidelines and correctional officer responsibilities.
Not all involve murders.

I own a coy.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. Interesting stories of George’s time as a guard at Alcatraz

[Emma]

No rating because this isn’t the sort of book you rate imo. This was a fun book to check out. I was obsessed with Alcatraz when I was in elementary school, so I enjoyed this firsthand account a lot.

[Anna Conway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got to meet the author when I purchased this book ON Alcatraz island. I find the history of Alcatraz fascinating so getting to read stories from a former prison guard is very interesting.

[Braedon Macemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good detail, informative and full of history.

[Ronak Karsan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting stories from the rock. Reads like a journal. I met the author, George, during my tour of Alcatraz inside the gift shop. Super nice guy with tons of stories.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book - it was a quick, light read, but it was just like hearing a tour guide from Alcatraz tell firsthand stories. Devincenzi seems like a really great guy, and you can tell just by his writing why he was so well liked as a guard. As a San Franciscan, I loved hearing about his experiences back in the city from time to time.

If you have any interest in Alcatraz, this book is totally worth a read; I got through it in about an hour, but it was fun and engaging from start to finish.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I'm quite interested in all things regarding Alcatraz. A friend of mine went to Alcatraz recently and happened to be there on a day that George Devincenzi was doing a book signing. She was able to get a photo of herself with George and a personally autographed book for me. I will treasure the photo and the book always!

[Emily Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read and an interesting first-hand account of an officers experience working at Alcatraz. I had the pleasure of meeting the officer while touring and visiting Alcatraz. It was a memorable experience!

[Blaine]

This book is the memoir of a former Alcatraz guard. He tells about a couple of murders he witnessed, but non-murder stories make up most of the book.

[Seneca Rickett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up when I toured Alcatraz in November. I got to meet George and he signed my book for me. He's a super nice guy and his book is very interesting.