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Ghosts of Sicily: The True Story of the Naval Intelligence Agents Who Courted the Mob to Fight Nazis in America and the Battlefields of Italy
From the New York Times Bestselling authors of Ghosts of Honolulu comes their most harrowing true story yet.
It's 1942, and New York City is at war. German U-boats are sinking ships just miles offshore and Washington DC is convinced that waterfront spies are providing intelligence targeting the ships. To thwart the threat, the Office of Naval Intelligence reaches out to those with the most sway along the waterfronts of Brooklyn and Manhattan – the mob. The result will be one of the most successful and controversial operations in NCIS’ long history (before it was even called NCIS.)
The Navy’s alliance with Charles “Lucky” Luciano and his organization will send New Yorker Tony Marsloe and his fellow ONI officers on an international odyssey that includes conducting secret meetings with legendary criminals, hunting clandestine spy rings operating on U.S. soil, and conducting daring undercover missions behind the bloody frontlines of the invasion of Italy.
Alongside towering historic figures like Meyer Lansky and Gen. George Patton, readers will encounter a kaleidoscope of agents and gangsters who not only shaped the war in Italy but the future of international crime itself.
It's 1942, and New York City is at war. German U-boats are sinking ships just miles offshore and Washington DC is convinced that waterfront spies are providing intelligence targeting the ships. To thwart the threat, the Office of Naval Intelligence reaches out to those with the most sway along the waterfronts of Brooklyn and Manhattan – the mob. The result will be one of the most successful and controversial operations in NCIS’ long history (before it was even called NCIS.)
The Navy’s alliance with Charles “Lucky” Luciano and his organization will send New Yorker Tony Marsloe and his fellow ONI officers on an international odyssey that includes conducting secret meetings with legendary criminals, hunting clandestine spy rings operating on U.S. soil, and conducting daring undercover missions behind the bloody frontlines of the invasion of Italy.
Alongside towering historic figures like Meyer Lansky and Gen. George Patton, readers will encounter a kaleidoscope of agents and gangsters who not only shaped the war in Italy but the future of international crime itself.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 14, 2026
About the author
Mark Harmon
3 books155 followersThomas Mark Harmon is an American actor and producer who has worked in television, film, and theater. Born on September 2, 1951 in Burbank, California, Harmon turned down professional football to pursue acting. He worked odd jobs between acting gigs, including as a carpenter and shoe company rep, and appeared in Coors beer commercials. Harmon is best known for his role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs on the CBS crime series NCIS from 2003 to 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 4, 2026
I am posting this review on Memorial Day — a day set aside to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to this country. It feels especially fitting because this book shines a light on the unsung heroes of Naval Intelligence and the covert operations that helped protect American shores and liberate Italy during WWII.
“…this is not a novel, it’s a narrative history.”
History has a way of making us wonder not only what we were taught in school, but also what was intentionally — or conveniently — left out.
And, when it comes to reading books that feature WWII as a backdrop, are there still stories left untold?
For some readers, this story has all the makings of a gripping thriller: organized crime, clandestine spy rings on American soil, covert secret missions, espionage and complex relationships.
And, was it really possible that the U.S. Navy formed a covert alliance with the Mafia to help fight the Nazis?
According to authors, Mark Harmon, the actor who played NCIS agent, Leroy Jethro Gibbs for several years, and Leon Carroll, Jr., a retired special agent with NCIS, and a technical advisor for that same show, that is exactly what happened.
The Mafia had its reasons. Many Sicilian immigrants despised Mussolini and understood firsthand the suffering fascism brought to their homeland. Naval Intelligence, meanwhile, needed help securing vulnerable ports and gathering critical intelligence for the Allied invasion of Sicily.
An unlikely alliance. An uneasy necessity.
What makes this book compelling is not just the historical background, but the way the authors frame it in a fast-paced, somewhat scripted, narrative style. Drawing from government reports, wiretaps, court records, autobiographies, and interviews, they recreate the shadowy world of espionage, organized crime, and wartime strategy.
At times, the storytelling feels more like an episode of NCIS than traditional history, which may either entertain readers or overshadow some of the historical depth. Still, the larger takeaway remains fascinating: behind the Allied victory over fascism were complicated choices, morally gray alliances, and people history largely forgot.
As a forgotten, or unknown time in history, the authors bring a deep, insider understanding of intelligence operations. They also give faces and feelings to men the public was never supposed to know about for their work behind the scenes in making the world safer.
And perhaps that is what makes this story feel unexpectedly relevant today. It is a reminder that previous generations understood fascism as a real and dangerous threat — one that demanded vigilance, sacrifice, and action before it could fully take hold.
Reading this in our current political climate, it becomes difficult not to see the warning signs of authoritarianism unfolding in real time: the normalization of cruelty, attacks on democratic institutions, the manipulation of truth, and the growing acceptance of fear and division as political tools.
History rarely announces itself while it is happening.
Which is exactly why books like this matter. They remind us what fascism looked like before — and why people once fought so desperately to stop it.
“…this is not a novel, it’s a narrative history.”
History has a way of making us wonder not only what we were taught in school, but also what was intentionally — or conveniently — left out.
And, when it comes to reading books that feature WWII as a backdrop, are there still stories left untold?
For some readers, this story has all the makings of a gripping thriller: organized crime, clandestine spy rings on American soil, covert secret missions, espionage and complex relationships.
And, was it really possible that the U.S. Navy formed a covert alliance with the Mafia to help fight the Nazis?
According to authors, Mark Harmon, the actor who played NCIS agent, Leroy Jethro Gibbs for several years, and Leon Carroll, Jr., a retired special agent with NCIS, and a technical advisor for that same show, that is exactly what happened.
The Mafia had its reasons. Many Sicilian immigrants despised Mussolini and understood firsthand the suffering fascism brought to their homeland. Naval Intelligence, meanwhile, needed help securing vulnerable ports and gathering critical intelligence for the Allied invasion of Sicily.
An unlikely alliance. An uneasy necessity.
What makes this book compelling is not just the historical background, but the way the authors frame it in a fast-paced, somewhat scripted, narrative style. Drawing from government reports, wiretaps, court records, autobiographies, and interviews, they recreate the shadowy world of espionage, organized crime, and wartime strategy.
At times, the storytelling feels more like an episode of NCIS than traditional history, which may either entertain readers or overshadow some of the historical depth. Still, the larger takeaway remains fascinating: behind the Allied victory over fascism were complicated choices, morally gray alliances, and people history largely forgot.
As a forgotten, or unknown time in history, the authors bring a deep, insider understanding of intelligence operations. They also give faces and feelings to men the public was never supposed to know about for their work behind the scenes in making the world safer.
And perhaps that is what makes this story feel unexpectedly relevant today. It is a reminder that previous generations understood fascism as a real and dangerous threat — one that demanded vigilance, sacrifice, and action before it could fully take hold.
Reading this in our current political climate, it becomes difficult not to see the warning signs of authoritarianism unfolding in real time: the normalization of cruelty, attacks on democratic institutions, the manipulation of truth, and the growing acceptance of fear and division as political tools.
History rarely announces itself while it is happening.
Which is exactly why books like this matter. They remind us what fascism looked like before — and why people once fought so desperately to stop it.
June 6, 2026
3.5 "The Navy needed the mob and the underworld responded."
Ghosts of Sicily is a fantastic vehicle for anyone looking to learn more about this specific, fascinating slice of history involving the US Navy during World War II. The book is incredibly well-researched, diving into the granular details of the Navy's covert operations, the unexpected alliances forged between NYC’s Italian-Jewish mafias and local police, and the joint overseas connections in Italy driven by a mutual disdain for Mussolini, fascism, and Nazi-German sympathizers. While the book does exactly what it is supposed to do, the writing felt very history-heavy for my personal taste, rather than the type of narrative nonfiction that reads like a fast-paced historical fiction novel; I found I just needed a little more narrative drive to stay fully engaged the whole way through. However, if you love deeply detailed, meticulously researched historical accounts, this book is absolutely perfect for you.
** (thank you, HCCP & HCF Audio| Harper Select/NetGalley)
Ghosts of Sicily is a fantastic vehicle for anyone looking to learn more about this specific, fascinating slice of history involving the US Navy during World War II. The book is incredibly well-researched, diving into the granular details of the Navy's covert operations, the unexpected alliances forged between NYC’s Italian-Jewish mafias and local police, and the joint overseas connections in Italy driven by a mutual disdain for Mussolini, fascism, and Nazi-German sympathizers. While the book does exactly what it is supposed to do, the writing felt very history-heavy for my personal taste, rather than the type of narrative nonfiction that reads like a fast-paced historical fiction novel; I found I just needed a little more narrative drive to stay fully engaged the whole way through. However, if you love deeply detailed, meticulously researched historical accounts, this book is absolutely perfect for you.
** (thank you, HCCP & HCF Audio| Harper Select/NetGalley)
June 6, 2026
⭐⭐ Where Does the History End and the Drama Begin?
The relationship between World War II, organized crime, Sicily, and American intelligence should make for a fascinating work of history. Ghosts of Sicily by Mark Harmon and Leon Carroll, Jr. had exactly the kind of premise that normally appeals to me, especially because I am interested in wartime intelligence and the history of organized crime. I found this on NetGalley, saw that it was a recent release, and expected a strong read. Unfortunately, this ended up being deeply disappointing. There are pieces of interesting history here, including material on Italian naval operations, the surrender of the Italian navy, and the ONI officers who played important roles, but those elements were not enough to save the reading experience.
My biggest issue was trust. The book is written as narrative history, which can work beautifully when the research is transparent and the reconstruction is handled carefully. Here, however, too many scenes felt shaped by conjecture, convenient dialogue, and dramatic reconstruction. I do not mind a historian making careful inferences when the record is incomplete, especially if those inferences are grounded in the life, culture, and evidence of the period. What bothered me was that the conversations often felt too polished, too convenient, and too perfectly arranged for the story being told. When dialogue appears without clear sourcing, I start questioning where the documented history ends and where the dramatized narrative begins.
That uncertainty weakened the entire book for me. Once I began wondering whether conversations, motives, and scenes were being reconstructed too freely, I found it hard to fully trust the narrative. The book also struggled with focus. It is presented as a story about the mafia, Italy, and wartime intelligence, yet it repeatedly moves into other aspects of the war. One moment the reader is in the United States, the next in Italy, then back in New York, with a large number of names and figures moving in and out of the narrative. Instead of creating momentum, the constant shifting made the book feel scattered and bland.
What frustrates me most is that the subject deserved better. The relationship between state power, organized crime, patriotism, criminality, and wartime necessity could have made for a gripping and serious work of history. Instead, this often felt like a strange mixture of history and historical fiction, without enough transparency to make that blend comfortable. If a book is going to rely heavily on reconstruction, inference, and imagined or unverifiable dialogue, then it needs to be very clear with the reader about what is documented and what is being dramatized. Without that clarity, the historical credibility suffers.
I would not recommend this to readers looking for serious scholarship on World War II, Sicily, organized crime, or Operation Underworld. There are likely better and more polished books on these subjects. Ghosts of Sicily may appeal to readers who enjoy fast, dramatized narrative nonfiction, but it did not work for me as history. The topic was fascinating, but the execution left me skeptical, frustrated, and unsure how much of the story I could genuinely trust.
Thank you to NetGalley, authors Mark Harmon and Leon Carroll, Jr, and HCCP & HCF Audio and Harper Select for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#GhostsofSicily #NetGalley
The relationship between World War II, organized crime, Sicily, and American intelligence should make for a fascinating work of history. Ghosts of Sicily by Mark Harmon and Leon Carroll, Jr. had exactly the kind of premise that normally appeals to me, especially because I am interested in wartime intelligence and the history of organized crime. I found this on NetGalley, saw that it was a recent release, and expected a strong read. Unfortunately, this ended up being deeply disappointing. There are pieces of interesting history here, including material on Italian naval operations, the surrender of the Italian navy, and the ONI officers who played important roles, but those elements were not enough to save the reading experience.
My biggest issue was trust. The book is written as narrative history, which can work beautifully when the research is transparent and the reconstruction is handled carefully. Here, however, too many scenes felt shaped by conjecture, convenient dialogue, and dramatic reconstruction. I do not mind a historian making careful inferences when the record is incomplete, especially if those inferences are grounded in the life, culture, and evidence of the period. What bothered me was that the conversations often felt too polished, too convenient, and too perfectly arranged for the story being told. When dialogue appears without clear sourcing, I start questioning where the documented history ends and where the dramatized narrative begins.
That uncertainty weakened the entire book for me. Once I began wondering whether conversations, motives, and scenes were being reconstructed too freely, I found it hard to fully trust the narrative. The book also struggled with focus. It is presented as a story about the mafia, Italy, and wartime intelligence, yet it repeatedly moves into other aspects of the war. One moment the reader is in the United States, the next in Italy, then back in New York, with a large number of names and figures moving in and out of the narrative. Instead of creating momentum, the constant shifting made the book feel scattered and bland.
What frustrates me most is that the subject deserved better. The relationship between state power, organized crime, patriotism, criminality, and wartime necessity could have made for a gripping and serious work of history. Instead, this often felt like a strange mixture of history and historical fiction, without enough transparency to make that blend comfortable. If a book is going to rely heavily on reconstruction, inference, and imagined or unverifiable dialogue, then it needs to be very clear with the reader about what is documented and what is being dramatized. Without that clarity, the historical credibility suffers.
I would not recommend this to readers looking for serious scholarship on World War II, Sicily, organized crime, or Operation Underworld. There are likely better and more polished books on these subjects. Ghosts of Sicily may appeal to readers who enjoy fast, dramatized narrative nonfiction, but it did not work for me as history. The topic was fascinating, but the execution left me skeptical, frustrated, and unsure how much of the story I could genuinely trust.
Thank you to NetGalley, authors Mark Harmon and Leon Carroll, Jr, and HCCP & HCF Audio and Harper Select for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#GhostsofSicily #NetGalley
April 23, 2026
While the collaboration with Italian-American mobsters is interesting, this book is just DULL
April 26, 2026
I gave Ghosts of Sicily a fair chance, but it never came together. I stopped about a third of the way through, and that felt justified.
The core problem is how poorly the book handles clarity and structure. It introduces a constant stream of names without doing the work to anchor them. There is little effort to help the reader understand who these people are, how they connect, or why they matter. Instead of building a narrative, it feels like a loose collection of references that never fully develops into a story.
The lack of historical context makes things worse. The authors mention military units and operations but do not take the time to explain them in a way that helps the reader follow along. If you are not already familiar with the subject, you are left trying to piece things together on your own. That is not engaging, and it is not effective writing.
I enjoyed the authors’ previous work, but this one feels rushed. Considering their last book came out less than a year ago, it shows. The pacing is uneven, the explanations feel thin, and the overall product lacks the depth you would expect from a serious historical account.
If you want a more engaging and coherent read on related material, Operation Underworld by Matthew Black is a far better option. It is clearer, more focused, and actually keeps the reader oriented throughout. It is also available as a free ebook with an Amazon Prime subscription, which makes it an easy choice over this.
Bottom line, Ghosts of Sicily feels disorganized, underdeveloped, and rushed. Unless you already have strong background knowledge and a high tolerance for confusion, it is not worth your time.
The core problem is how poorly the book handles clarity and structure. It introduces a constant stream of names without doing the work to anchor them. There is little effort to help the reader understand who these people are, how they connect, or why they matter. Instead of building a narrative, it feels like a loose collection of references that never fully develops into a story.
The lack of historical context makes things worse. The authors mention military units and operations but do not take the time to explain them in a way that helps the reader follow along. If you are not already familiar with the subject, you are left trying to piece things together on your own. That is not engaging, and it is not effective writing.
I enjoyed the authors’ previous work, but this one feels rushed. Considering their last book came out less than a year ago, it shows. The pacing is uneven, the explanations feel thin, and the overall product lacks the depth you would expect from a serious historical account.
If you want a more engaging and coherent read on related material, Operation Underworld by Matthew Black is a far better option. It is clearer, more focused, and actually keeps the reader oriented throughout. It is also available as a free ebook with an Amazon Prime subscription, which makes it an easy choice over this.
Bottom line, Ghosts of Sicily feels disorganized, underdeveloped, and rushed. Unless you already have strong background knowledge and a high tolerance for confusion, it is not worth your time.
May 4, 2026
Such a well-researched book! It was incredible really. Well-written, but with a few redundancies. There were so many characters referenced in this book that it was such a challenge to keep them straight. To portray the timeline accurately, the author would not have had any choice but to reference so many politicians, mobsters, etc. It read more like a textbook, which is really good for those who like that type of read, but I struggled to maintain interest. Again, a well-written, factual accounting during a crazy time in US history, but it was tough for me who relates better to novels. Kudos to the author, though!
April 25, 2026
As someone who loves history and drama, the Ghosts of Sicily was an excellent read! Author Mark Harmon has thoroughly researched the supportive role that infamous gangster Charles Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky and their associates put together in supplying the US Navy with vital information that was essential to gaining a critical foothold into the Italian Peninsula during WWII.
Harmon’s book also does a great job describing how the government sought to coverup the underworld involvement during the immense post-war effort, which explains why the underworld’s involvement in US WWII victory is not commonly known.
I very much edited this book and highly recommend it!
Harmon’s book also does a great job describing how the government sought to coverup the underworld involvement during the immense post-war effort, which explains why the underworld’s involvement in US WWII victory is not commonly known.
I very much edited this book and highly recommend it!
June 8, 2026
I was familiar with this topic because I have read about it in other books over the years, but the topic was only lightly discussed. This was an interesting read, especially for WW II buffs....the title is self-explanatory.
May 29, 2026
I'm spyin' here! I'm spyin' here!
June 21, 2026
This book was very interesting from the aspect of learning about how the Office of Naval Intelligence worked with the mafia to protect ports stateside as well as finding information for the invasion of Italy during WWII. The difficult part was the style in which it was written as the author jumped between writing it as a novel, where characters are having conversations with one another, then would jump to more of a documentary style. It was very interesting overall, but was just a challenge at times as the style switched.
May 30, 2026
When the Navy teams up with the Mob to help win the war….Positive Outcome?
May 15, 2026
This historical narrative was a treasure trove of information. All facts were backed up with footnoted verification. However, this book read like a textbook and, in fact, quite dull.
If you are not a factual history lover, this would be easy to shelf without finishing. Even though the subject of the mafioso helping the Allies during the war is intriguing, the book did not do it justice.
If you are not a factual history lover, this would be easy to shelf without finishing. Even though the subject of the mafioso helping the Allies during the war is intriguing, the book did not do it justice.
April 26, 2026
✨Four books, four powerful journeys,history, heartbreak, resilience, and stories that absolutely stay with you✨
Starting with Ghosts of Sicily by Mark Harmon and Leon Carroll Jr. this one honestly surprised me. I didn’t expect to be so hooked by a nonfiction story about WWII intelligence, but the mix of espionage, organized crime, and real-life undercover missions made it read like a thriller. The idea that the U.S. government worked with the mob to fight Nazis? Wild. It’s detailed but still accessible, and I loved how it shed light on a lesser-known piece of history.
Then I picked up Four Red Sweaters by Lucy Adlington, and wow ,his one hit deep. It’s not just a Holocaust book, it's a deeply human story about four women connected by something as simple and symbolic as a red sweater. The way their lives are woven together through survival, loss, and resilience made this feel intimate and incredibly moving. DeIt's definne that lingers long after you finish.
On the audiobook side, The Hired Man by Sandra Dallas gave me major atmospheric vibes. The Dust Bowl setting felt gritty and real, and I was completely drawn into the tension of this small town. Martha Helen’s coming-of-age story mixed with mystery and moral conflict kept me invested the whole time. It's one of those slow-burn stories that sneaks up on you emotionally.
And finally, The Mountains We Call Home by Kim Michele Richardson was such a heartfelt listen. Returning to Cussy Lovett’s world felt like coming home, and I loved how this story tackled heavy themes like incarceration and poverty while still holding onto hope, community, and the power of books. It’s emotional, uplifting, and beautifully written.
Overall, this stack gave me a little bit of everything: true history, untold stories, and fiction that feels just as real. If you love books that make you think and feel, these are absolutely worth adding to your list.
✨️Thank you, Sourcebooks Landmark, Harper Select, Macmillan Audio, Harper Paperbacks, and the wonderful authors for shar,ng these books with us!
Starting with Ghosts of Sicily by Mark Harmon and Leon Carroll Jr. this one honestly surprised me. I didn’t expect to be so hooked by a nonfiction story about WWII intelligence, but the mix of espionage, organized crime, and real-life undercover missions made it read like a thriller. The idea that the U.S. government worked with the mob to fight Nazis? Wild. It’s detailed but still accessible, and I loved how it shed light on a lesser-known piece of history.
Then I picked up Four Red Sweaters by Lucy Adlington, and wow ,his one hit deep. It’s not just a Holocaust book, it's a deeply human story about four women connected by something as simple and symbolic as a red sweater. The way their lives are woven together through survival, loss, and resilience made this feel intimate and incredibly moving. DeIt's definne that lingers long after you finish.
On the audiobook side, The Hired Man by Sandra Dallas gave me major atmospheric vibes. The Dust Bowl setting felt gritty and real, and I was completely drawn into the tension of this small town. Martha Helen’s coming-of-age story mixed with mystery and moral conflict kept me invested the whole time. It's one of those slow-burn stories that sneaks up on you emotionally.
And finally, The Mountains We Call Home by Kim Michele Richardson was such a heartfelt listen. Returning to Cussy Lovett’s world felt like coming home, and I loved how this story tackled heavy themes like incarceration and poverty while still holding onto hope, community, and the power of books. It’s emotional, uplifting, and beautifully written.
Overall, this stack gave me a little bit of everything: true history, untold stories, and fiction that feels just as real. If you love books that make you think and feel, these are absolutely worth adding to your list.
✨️Thank you, Sourcebooks Landmark, Harper Select, Macmillan Audio, Harper Paperbacks, and the wonderful authors for shar,ng these books with us!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
As a decades long fan of NCIS, if there is a book written by Mark Harmon and Leon Carroll, Jr, I am here for it and I have to say, Ghosts of Sicily did not disappoint. I have always been fascinated by the stories of WWII, reading non-fiction and historical fiction alike. This book, however, is unlike anything I have ever encountered. It looks at the role that the mob played in helping the US Navy fight the Nazis both here in the US and in Italy.
We have all heard about the bombing of Pearl Harbor, but I for one had never heard about the German U-Boats that were sneaking along the east coast of the United States, sinking ships coming out of New York to keep them from sending supplies to Europe. In an attempt to try to help garner information from workers on the docks to help stop these attacks, the Office of Naval Intelligence quietly reached out to the group of people with the most influence over those workers….the mob! Creating an unexpected alliance, the Office of Naval Intelligence and some of the biggest names in the underworld came together creating spy rings and carrying out undercover missions in both the United States and Itay that helped shape the war.
This is the story of those agents and mobsters that came together for the sake of their countries, putting aside their differences to fight a common enemy. There are so many layers to this book, and it is apparent the research and care that the authors put into this creating an accurate and enigmatic presentation that will capture the minds of readers. It is a brilliant example of the steps taken and the lengths people will go to in order to defeat the enemy.
This book is a special look into a piece of history in our country that is not often discussed. For all the American history buffs, people interested in the mob and organized crime, or just the average reader looking to learn about a fascinating piece of history, this book is for you!
Thank you Harper Select for the gifted copy of this book. There is a very special spot on my bookshelf for this one!
We have all heard about the bombing of Pearl Harbor, but I for one had never heard about the German U-Boats that were sneaking along the east coast of the United States, sinking ships coming out of New York to keep them from sending supplies to Europe. In an attempt to try to help garner information from workers on the docks to help stop these attacks, the Office of Naval Intelligence quietly reached out to the group of people with the most influence over those workers….the mob! Creating an unexpected alliance, the Office of Naval Intelligence and some of the biggest names in the underworld came together creating spy rings and carrying out undercover missions in both the United States and Itay that helped shape the war.
This is the story of those agents and mobsters that came together for the sake of their countries, putting aside their differences to fight a common enemy. There are so many layers to this book, and it is apparent the research and care that the authors put into this creating an accurate and enigmatic presentation that will capture the minds of readers. It is a brilliant example of the steps taken and the lengths people will go to in order to defeat the enemy.
This book is a special look into a piece of history in our country that is not often discussed. For all the American history buffs, people interested in the mob and organized crime, or just the average reader looking to learn about a fascinating piece of history, this book is for you!
Thank you Harper Select for the gifted copy of this book. There is a very special spot on my bookshelf for this one!
June 25, 2026
This is a true Story of the Naval Intelligence Agents Who Courted the Mob to Fight Nazis in America and the Battlefields of Italy.
Its 1942 and New York City is at war as German U-boats are sinking ships off the coast Long Island and the east coast. WWII was closer to home than most Americans realized. German U-boats sank 572 merchant and military ships off the US coast in 1942, resulting in approximately 5,000 deaths, with over 2.5 million tons of cargo and vital shipments lost. To thwart the threat, the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) reached out along the waterfronts of Brooklyn and Manhattan and the mob, who own the fishing industry operations across the entire eastern seaboard. The influence of the organized crime families on the docks and waterfront in the five boroughs of New York and New Jersey cannot be understated as they helped look for signs of espionage and sabotage. The result will be a triumph for the ONI and one of the most successful and controversial operations in the long history of what we now know as NCIS. During the early phases of the war, no agency knew for certain the extent of enemy intelligence activity within our country.
The Navy's alliance with Charles “Lucky” Luciano and his organization will send New Yorker Tony Marsloe and his fellow ONI officers on an international odyssey that includes holding secret meetings with legendary criminals, hunting clandestine spy rings operating on US soil, and conducting daring undercover missions behind the bloody frontlines of the invasion of Italy. The Navy wanted all the pictures and knowledge they could possibly get of every village, port and channel of Sicily.
What happened between 1942 and 1945 in New York City, Sicily and Naples credit Charles (Lucky) Luciano and other underworld leaders with a wide variety of valuable aid to the government in World War II.
Its 1942 and New York City is at war as German U-boats are sinking ships off the coast Long Island and the east coast. WWII was closer to home than most Americans realized. German U-boats sank 572 merchant and military ships off the US coast in 1942, resulting in approximately 5,000 deaths, with over 2.5 million tons of cargo and vital shipments lost. To thwart the threat, the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) reached out along the waterfronts of Brooklyn and Manhattan and the mob, who own the fishing industry operations across the entire eastern seaboard. The influence of the organized crime families on the docks and waterfront in the five boroughs of New York and New Jersey cannot be understated as they helped look for signs of espionage and sabotage. The result will be a triumph for the ONI and one of the most successful and controversial operations in the long history of what we now know as NCIS. During the early phases of the war, no agency knew for certain the extent of enemy intelligence activity within our country.
The Navy's alliance with Charles “Lucky” Luciano and his organization will send New Yorker Tony Marsloe and his fellow ONI officers on an international odyssey that includes holding secret meetings with legendary criminals, hunting clandestine spy rings operating on US soil, and conducting daring undercover missions behind the bloody frontlines of the invasion of Italy. The Navy wanted all the pictures and knowledge they could possibly get of every village, port and channel of Sicily.
What happened between 1942 and 1945 in New York City, Sicily and Naples credit Charles (Lucky) Luciano and other underworld leaders with a wide variety of valuable aid to the government in World War II.
June 11, 2026
The Ghosts of Sicily is one of those nonfiction audiobooks that feels like a hidden corridor in the history books—shadowy, surprising, and far more human than the official record ever admits. Mark Harmon traces the unlikely alliance between U.S. Naval Intelligence and the Sicilian Mafia during WWII, and the result is a narrative that blends espionage, immigrant identity, and wartime desperation into a story that’s as compelling as any thriller.
What stood out most to me was how clearly the audiobook captures the moral gray zones of the era. The book doesn’t glamorize the mob nor sanitize the government’s choices; instead, it shows how messy, improvisational, and ethically tangled wartime intelligence work could be. The sections detailing the American home‑front operations—especially the infiltration of ports and the fear of sabotage—were some of the most gripping.
The narration is steady, confident, and well‑paced. The narrator handles the mix of Italian names, military terminology, and historical exposition with ease, giving the story a cinematic quality without ever slipping into dramatization. It’s the kind of performance that keeps you anchored even when the history gets dense.
If you enjoy WWII nonfiction that digs into lesser‑known operations, or if you’re drawn to stories where history, crime, and geopolitics collide, this audiobook delivers. It’s informative without feeling academic, atmospheric without feeling embellished, and ultimately a fascinating look at the alliances forged in the shadows of war.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance listening copy.
What stood out most to me was how clearly the audiobook captures the moral gray zones of the era. The book doesn’t glamorize the mob nor sanitize the government’s choices; instead, it shows how messy, improvisational, and ethically tangled wartime intelligence work could be. The sections detailing the American home‑front operations—especially the infiltration of ports and the fear of sabotage—were some of the most gripping.
The narration is steady, confident, and well‑paced. The narrator handles the mix of Italian names, military terminology, and historical exposition with ease, giving the story a cinematic quality without ever slipping into dramatization. It’s the kind of performance that keeps you anchored even when the history gets dense.
If you enjoy WWII nonfiction that digs into lesser‑known operations, or if you’re drawn to stories where history, crime, and geopolitics collide, this audiobook delivers. It’s informative without feeling academic, atmospheric without feeling embellished, and ultimately a fascinating look at the alliances forged in the shadows of war.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance listening copy.
April 26, 2026
About 1/4 of the way through I was torn between 4 and 5 honestly. Someone finally writing about how the mafia actually helped the military during ww2 with the amount of detail and investigative work such as this almost demands it But I kept bouncing back and forth. Not because of the book itself, the way it’s laid out kind of like a spy thriller yet entirely true is perfect in my opinion but the way the book itself is written just gave me pause. I couldn’t tell you how many times I had to go back and re read a few paragraphs asking myself “wait wtf are we talking about again” Maybe I’m just dumb and not catching on but this happened throughout the book more times than I care to admit. BUT even with the confusing layout I thought it was great especially if your a history slut like me. 2 of the most interesting subjects over the past 100 years (in my opinion) intertwined with eachother is pretty much the book I’ve been looking for and it did not disappoint. On top of the interesting story line and layout there was quite a few things I didn’t know that this book brought to light. I knew Luciano was released early but didn’t really know exactly why and anyone that knows anything about the five families knew Vito Genovesse came back to American (subsequently taking back control) but I did not know how/why he came back until this point.
This book was everything I was expecting and then some. You just might have to re read a few (36 or so) paragraphs to remember what the hell they’re talking about.
This book was everything I was expecting and then some. You just might have to re read a few (36 or so) paragraphs to remember what the hell they’re talking about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2026
4.5 out of 5 starts rounded up. I have enjoyed all of the “Ghosts of…” books, and I think this is my favorite of the three. I am a big fan of both Mafia and Historical Spy books, so this is the perfect storm of a history book for me (if you are not a fan of Mafia-related history, you very well won’t like this book as much as the other two in the series). This book was an addictive page turner from the first page: once I started it I could t put it down until I finished. Learning that the Mafia played a large role in helping Allied efforts in Italy was incredible (and learning that it’s been kind of an ignored part of history is no surprise). It was also cool that one of the influences for James Bond played a role in the story too. Like any spice and mafia books, there are times where it’s hard to believe that what’s going on is fact and not fiction. There are times where so much information is given so rapidly that it gets a bit disjointed and overwhelming, but I’ll take it over a much longer book (I feel like the about 250 page length is perfect).
June 1, 2026
This book has a fascinating premise, and was a hidden corner of World War II history that I had never heard of. The beginning was interesting, when the initial contact with the mobsters was made. Then, it seemed like we were in an entirely new story that had little to do with the mobsters at the beginning. Of course, I understand that the sections in Italy were the result of the collaboration with the mob, but it just felt like a clunky transition. Independently, the first two sections were very interesting, but I think the entire narrative could've been presented a bit more smoothly. By the end, when it was just down to the legal proceedings, I had rather lost interest. Overall, it is definitely a story that needed to be told, and it is promising at the beginning, but I just found that it slowed down as the book went on.
June 20, 2026
The technical information at the beginning is always tough for me to get through, but once the relationships started to build between the agents and underworld the story took off. As an avid fan of mob stories, this definitely provided another look into its structure and function. Learning the details of the Italian surrender and the divers was incredibly interesting, compelling, powerful, and respectful of those who lost their lives during WW2. It was a great full circle moment to see how the information was shared to the public compared to today and how much we don’t know that goes on during battle. I think these books are written for a certain type of reader and interest(which is me) and why I’d give it a 4! Would not read if you didn’t enjoy sitting around watching war movies with your dad and/or grandpa growing up
May 3, 2026
I am not much of a history buff but found this book very interesting. I’m sure the coverup of the navy intelligence working with organized crime to get information was effective because I have never heard anything about it. Born in 1959, I am old enough to have heard some of the rumors if they were out there. Much like today, it seems the military didn’t trust politicians any more than they do today. The mob may be more up front and honest about what they do than the politicians…..very much like today unfortunately. The book was really a 3.5 star because of the difficulty in keeping up with all of the characters, but was worth the round up to 4 stars if you have any interest in war and history.
April 26, 2026
Ghosts of Sicily covers an undeniably interesting slice of history, especially if you’re drawn to WWII or the tangled world of the mob. The subject matter itself is compelling, and the book offers plenty of solid information for readers who enjoy well‑researched nonfiction.
That said, the way the story unfolded didn’t fully land for me. Since it’s nonfiction, I understand there’s only so much shaping the author can do, but the narrative never quite pulled me in. I appreciated the details, but I didn’t feel that deeper connection that makes a history book truly memorable.
Overall, it’s a worthwhile read for fans of the topic, but ultimately just not my kind of book.
That said, the way the story unfolded didn’t fully land for me. Since it’s nonfiction, I understand there’s only so much shaping the author can do, but the narrative never quite pulled me in. I appreciated the details, but I didn’t feel that deeper connection that makes a history book truly memorable.
Overall, it’s a worthwhile read for fans of the topic, but ultimately just not my kind of book.
May 5, 2026
By far the best in the series so far. I do hope there are more to come.
Does wartime make for strange bedfellows? It certainly does. Who helped the Navy in the North Atlantic early in the war when it was clear that the Nazis had spies on the docks of New York? Lucky Luciano and the mob controlled unions of dock workers? Of course not! How absurd!
Ah, but they did! How were the allied forces so well prepared when they landed in Sicily and later at Anzio? With the help from the Sicilian born members of that self same mob? Ridiculous to suggest such a thing.
Yet, they did. How all this took place is the complex and engrossing story told in, Ghosts of Sicily. Great read!
Does wartime make for strange bedfellows? It certainly does. Who helped the Navy in the North Atlantic early in the war when it was clear that the Nazis had spies on the docks of New York? Lucky Luciano and the mob controlled unions of dock workers? Of course not! How absurd!
Ah, but they did! How were the allied forces so well prepared when they landed in Sicily and later at Anzio? With the help from the Sicilian born members of that self same mob? Ridiculous to suggest such a thing.
Yet, they did. How all this took place is the complex and engrossing story told in, Ghosts of Sicily. Great read!
June 17, 2026
The true story of how secret spies were recruited by Navel Intelligence in 1942 from known criminals, to collect knowledge of Sicily, its people and the island. A fact driven book that brings to life the work of Navel Intelligence members and legendary criminals. Starts in New York but will take us to Italy.
Very well written and well narrated book (I listened to the audiobook). Very clear descriptions of events and the people involved at all levels. The information gathered would have helped the war effort enormously.
Very well written and well narrated book (I listened to the audiobook). Very clear descriptions of events and the people involved at all levels. The information gathered would have helped the war effort enormously.
May 23, 2026
This book has interesting information about events concerning the mobsters, Naval intelligence and how they worked together against Nazi and Mussolini's dictatorship.
It drags a little bit in places but overall I was happy to learn about events I never knew happened.
I appreciate that near the end the authors updated the readers on how things played out in everyone's life that had a role in this true story.
It drags a little bit in places but overall I was happy to learn about events I never knew happened.
I appreciate that near the end the authors updated the readers on how things played out in everyone's life that had a role in this true story.
June 3, 2026
Another excellent back ground book about the behind the scenes action during the World War.This books tells of the involvement of the underground world, harbor mafia and other criminals and how they helped with many war efforts. This gives you a piece of history not well known. Looking forward to the next book, I have read all of them and each gives you information about different aspects of the involvement of others in the war.
May 4, 2026
This book was just OK to me. As I've noted in earlier reviews I'm a big World War II buff. I've read this author before. It felt to me more like a day by day narrative as opposed to a more entertaining story. At times it was confusing to me at least of the players were. For those who have not known about this footnote in the war… It's well worth reading about
May 29, 2026
This was a good interesting book, but it also didn't hold my attention. Some historical books are like this for me. Others, with a really good narrator, are easy to listen to and retain the information. Overall, the things that I did learn from this book are very interesting and I would recommend it to people who like to learn about WWII.
May 17, 2026
Found the book very interesting. I never knew the Mob was involved in the war. The book at times was slow, but the stories...the people it was very educational. Also, I've toured Sicily and went to the memorials of the many judges the mob murdered through the years so couldn't pass this book up.
May 28, 2026
A fascinating narrative of how U.S. Naval Intelligence recruited the Mafia to help ferret out spies on the NYC waterfront during WWII and then also using those connections to get information about the coasts of Sicily critical to the planned invasion by U.S. troops.
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