What do you think?
Rate this book
Ghosts of.... #3
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
137 people are currently reading
6250 people want to read
About the author
Mark Harmon
3 books146 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
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!
April 23, 2026
While the collaboration with Italian-American mobsters is interesting, this book is just DULL
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 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!
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.
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 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!
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
Review of advance copy
Fascinating perspective. Love the insider connection to NYC.
April 29, 2026
I ended up really liking this book. A true story about the mafia and their involvement in WW2.
April 30, 2026
Excellent story that is told very well. For those who like to explore history, WWII, spy-stuff, the Mob, I recommend this book--also those who like a good story!
May 8, 2026
Excellent Read. Well weitten. Highly reccomend.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews