Blood Covenant: The Story of the "Mafia Prince" Who Publicly Quit the Mob and Lived

by Michael Franzese

Mob boss Michael Franzese had it all—money, power, prestige. From the time he took a blood oath that bound him body and soul to New York’s Colombo crime family, Franzese became a force to be reckoned with in organized crime. Named by Vanity Fair as one of the biggest moneymakers in the mob since Al Capone, he quickly crept into the upper echelon of Mafia authority in this country. By the age of thirty-five, he was the youngest mobster listed on Fortune magazine’s survey of the fifty most wealthy and powerful Mafia bosses in America. Then, he did the unthinkable: he quit the mob. Today, Michael is a Christian, finding his own Damascus Road that began with his wife Camille. The story of his conversion is a testament of God’s willingness to reach into the heart of any man regardless of their past or the present condition of their lives. In one of the most fascinating books ever written about today’s Mafia, Michael reveals the answers to the many mysteries surrounding his incredible life. Find out how and why he did what no one else managed to do—and live. Journey with Michael through a life defined by two blood covenants. The first bound him to the mob. The second set him free.
 

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Crime, Christian, True Crime, History, Audiobook

432 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 2002

About the author

Michael Franzese (born May 27, 1951) is an American former New York mobster and caporegime of the Colombo crime family, and son of former underboss John Franzese. Franzese was enrolled in a pre-med program at Hofstra University, but dropped out to make money for his family after his father was sentenced to 50 years in prison for bank robbery in 1967. He eventually helped implement a scheme to defraud the federal government out of gasoline taxes in the early 1980s.

By the age of 35, in 1986, Fortune Magazine listed Franzese as number 18 on its list of the "Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses". Franzese had claimed that at the height of his career, he was making up to $8 million per week. In 1986, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison on conspiracy charges, released in 1989, rearrested in 1991 for a parole violation, and ultimately released in 1994. Soon after, he retired to California and is now a motivational speaker and writer.

Reviews

[Cristiana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why would you ruin a pretty decent book by wasting the last 20 pages talking about nothing else but God and trying to push your beliefs on me? I'm sorry but I don't buy it.

[Tony · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting for the inside view of the mob, but couldn't tell what exactly was true, embellishment, bravado or lies. Meh.

[George Trudeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mob story interrupted by God’s grace on his life.

[Jeff Siegmund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael takes you on a journey as to what life as a Mob Capo was like. A raising soldier in one of the old gangs in the world, his journey shows you both the highs and lows on mob life.

This book covers his rise to "fame," as well as his fall from the top. as one of the few that leave the mob and not only survive but truly turn his life around.

From educating athletes to coaching young adult ballplayers, Michael has realized the importance of a purpose-driven life.

His message is wonderfully presented and encouraging, to say the least.

Best wishes to his family as they continue their journey through life.

[Cameo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing!! It's a true story - an autobiography by Michael Franzese an ex-mafia guy who converted to Christianity, quite the mob, and is alive still to tell his story!! It was easy reading and very captivating. I just love his conversion because although it is amazing, he relates how it was a struggle and still requires constant work because we are all sinners and we all sin every day. It is only through the grace of our Savior that we have any hope of being saved!! James went with our neighbor to see him give a presentation in person and was very inspired by him. I definitely recommend this book to everyone!!

[SiJay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started to get some reservations about this one as I was getting closer to the middle. It’s a decent look into Micheals life from childhood to adulthood but I feel like a lot of this has been said already and he was rehashing the same stuff I already knew. He skipped over things that I wanted to delve deeper into and went on about things I wasn’t very interested in, or was old news. A lot of technical jargon on their gas tax operations, indictments and court mishaps. I understand he has to go through everything to explain the story but it can get a little tedious. All in all though I enjoyed it pretty well.

[Lincoln · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quick read if you're interested in the day-to-day machinations of organized crime. Kind of an effortless read. Some of the statements he says were made by himself or others aren't very believable, but I suppose that doesn't really matter. His anecdotes and explanations of how a generally moral person can succeed in organized crime are interesting.

[Mikey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, very inspiring.

[Ludmil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detailed and factual, mr. Franzese's story captivates with it's truthful, fair and even vulnerable self reflection. A man, truly changed by God. Excellent read.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a fascinating look at the mafia of modern times. Michael Franzese tells his story with frankness and honesty. He grew up in a mob family ... his father being second in line to the top mob boss of the Colombo crime family. Michael took his place at some point after his father was sentenced to 50 years in prison. It is amazing how much these guys get away with. The wealth that Michael Franzese was able to amass by means of his many business schemes was mind boggling ... yet he and his mob buddies live with the constant threat of going to jail. They are never able to relax their guard.
I was fascinated by the number of familiar names and places i ran across in this book ie. John Gotti (I remember reading about his arrest when that was all over the news), Rudi Giuliani, Al Sharpton, Frank Sinatra ... Franzese spent some time in the Otisville Federal Correctional Facility just about 7 minutes up the mountain from us.
I believe his conversion and change of heart are genuine. His turning to Christ was a direct result of his meeting and being absolutely smitten by a young Christian woman who later became his wife. Wow, we never know how our life will be used by God to impact someone else for good !
While I definitely enjoyed the book, it was not a particularly well written book and thus the three stars.

[Daniel Fazzina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating read - an insider's look at the real mafia, and a redeeming personal spiritual memoir at the same time. I enjoyed this book very much. I had an opportunity to have Michael Franzese as a guest on my radio show, "Divine Intervention." He was able to tell his story of coming to faith in Christ, and how he managed to leave the mob without going into witness protection or turning state's evidence. A truly fascinating interview, and a powerful testimony to the redeeming and transformational power of Jesus Christ.

You can listen to the interview here:

http://divineintervention.typepad.com...

[Shiranui · Rating 2 out of 5]

Michael's life makes for an interesting story with insights from a perspective we normally never get to see, which is why I picked up this book, but aside from the inherently interesting aspects about his life the writing style leaves something to be desired. It's clear Michael is a speaker, not a writer. The book as a whole feels rather dry.

He gets too preachy, especially toward the end, which was really off-putting and negatively impacted my opinion on the book overall.

[Meagan Church · Rating 4 out of 5]

Franzese's story is an interesting one. While this book was a departure from my typical reads, I did enjoy it and was fascinated by the dramatic twists and turns that his life has taken. How amazing to go from a Mob captain to a born-again Christian who is not afraid to share his testimony. Very powerful.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hats off to Michael, who did the impossible and still is alive to tell about it. I picked up this book after hearing him speak and really wanted to know more of his story than could be told in a 1 hour lecture.

[Kristy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was interesting enough but could have been shorter and the points would have still been clearly made.

[Larry White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promising . . . Discomforting . . . Redeeming

Two things encouraged me to stick with this book, and I’m glad I did. First and foremost, Lee Strobel, the former agnostic turned Christian apologist, gave a favorable review calling Franzese’s life “an incredible tale of redemption, grace and hope.” The book has a photo of Franzese and Strobel together also, further reinforcing my hopes since I hold Strobel in very high regard. Second, in an introductory note to the reader, Franzese warns that the book is in “the language of the street . . . how I experienced it, . . . because I want you, the reader, to experience it with me.” Were it not for that warning and Strobel’s assurances, I would not have finished the book.

Here’s my review, in Kindle progress fashion:

0% -- Very high hopes for this book about improbable redemption, based on endorsements and reviews.

40% -- This feels like too much self-justification. These were bad choices Franzese made, and I sense no remorse or even meaningful introspection. Very self-absorbed and rationalizing. Is this really about redemption?

50% -- it’s only gotten more difficult to feel empathy. He is more and more like Michael Corleone.

60% -- Some hints of redemption, but are they only superficial? Photos with notable people like Samuel Alito, President Obama, and devout Christians Darryl Strawberry, Greg Laurie and Lee Strobel offer encouragement to continue into the remaining chapters comprising “Book Two”.

80% -- My skepticism may have been right.

80%+ -- Oh my, maybe he is for real. But what about the Mob? Why would they let him off?

86% -- He comes to terms with the threat of Mob retribution (Proverbs 16:7).

90% -- I’m so glad I didn’t give up on this.

So, this is quite a difficult story. Franzese is bold enough to pull no punches as he relates his life in the Mob in “the language of the street.” It’s not full of profanities in its language, but the life he relates is profane but seemingly rationalized, as he experienced it and warns the reader. Ultimately, it is, however, a tale of redemption, grace and hope, just as Lee Strobel promises. Franzese is convincingly redeemed but without delusions. Still, he demonstrates that salvation is available to all no matter our human weaknesses if only we repent. If his life can be redeemed there is hope for anyone. As he confesses, “I am a Christian sinner, but a sinner nonetheless.” Me too.

In summary, a most interesting book and a good read, but you must stick with it until the end.

[Brad Blose · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Wife Minerva took a picture of me, Michael & his wife Camille while I got an autographed copy from this guy that quit the mob and is living proof that "When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him (proverbs 16:7)." After our Church service where Michael was our guest speaker, he autographed my copy of Blood Covenant, "Brad, Proverbs 3:5-6". I agree with our pastor Barry L. Cameron that Michael Franzese's testimony is one of the most powerful that anyone has ever heard probably because he was one of the wealthiest mobsters ever who didn't go to prison forever because he never killed anyone. While in prison his Christian wife Camille and her family prayed for him and a prison guard gave him a Bible that made him angry at first until he opened it and read, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6)." Michael then read the entire Holy Bible from cover to cover and acknowledges Jesus Christ as his Hero, Lord & Savior even though he still had some hard time to finish before moving back with his wife Camille and their family... https://amzn.to/3PaSRJK

[Sean Zimprich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book - it was a very honest look at the inner workings of life lived in the mafia, how it affects family dynamics and relationships, but also the complexities it causes in its members life long. I enjoyed hearing how God really did work through the concrete details in his life to draw him in to himself and deepen his faith through the real crises that without which he may not have known how to rely on God. The story spoke light to the dark corners of my soul and for that I am thankful. The one critique I would give is I would have loved for him to explore the theme of this book a little more -“blood covenant” both in the context of his mafia life vs life in Christ. It might be that he hasn’t sufficiently plumbed the depths of that stark contrast but I would have liked to hear more of his experience after his conversion in relation to his “old life” or the interactions he had with former friends and acquaintances through the mob after he had started to grow in his faith. His proclamations of faith just seemed very elementary and lacking development and nuance. But then again, that might just be where he is at spiritually. All in all, I did enjoy the story of his life.

[Joanna Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an amazing story! This is a five star book in many ways, the writing is conversational, and at times it’s really intense. His testimony is so powerful, and the way Christianity became real to him was through careful evaluation, not just an emotional decision. His relationship with Cammy is a mess that God turns to a miracle. It is definitely not a blueprint for Christians to follow. Reminds me of the verse “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy…” Why God has mercy on any of us is a mystery of His sovereignty.

On page 331, he makes the statement “Overlooking sin was what His grace was all about.“ I strongly disagree with this statement. That is not grace! God NEVER overlooks sin, and that was never more clear than when His Son suffered excruciatingly on the cross.

Nonetheless, he presents a good case for the deity of Christ and the authenticity of the Bible. He is very evangelistic in the last part of the book, and in the epilogue even pleads with his family to be saved.

Quite interesting! Of course, reading about the Kennedys leads to a book about the mafia. 😆
In this case, it was a pleasant surprise. 😍

[James Michels · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic rise-and-fall story, but there is a happy ending. Michael Franzese was once a captain in the Mafia and had untold millions of dollars and a small army at his disposal. Then it came undone by two very different entities, one the U.S. government and the other a beautiful woman with a strong faith in God. When his empire crumbled, and he faced the rest of his life in prison, Michael realized it was time for a change.
This book is part true crime and part faith, and it’s completely amazing. Michael’s story is fascinating in how he transformed from ruthless Mafia capo to born-again Christian. I am absolutely intrigued by redemption stories, of which Michael’s is one of the best. A must-read for Christians, true crime fans, and people looking for direction in life.

[Tom Stamper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book about made mafia man that gave it up for the love of a woman and his born again faith. Worthwhile for anyone that has interest in the workings of the mob. His dad was a made guy and quite a fascinating character himself. Franzese is honest about his own illegal activities without ever going stool pigeon against his associates. The courage it took to do that is reminiscent of G. Gordon Liddy, the only Watergate figure not to talk. And like Liddy, Michael spent many years in jail away from his family and you get a feel for that experience.

I came upon this book after watching Michael's podcast about mob life and the parallels with how the government itself works.

https://www.youtube.com/@michaelfranzese

[Adam T. Calvert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually heard Franzese speak at The Great Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati in 2017. And he covered a lot of the same topics in that talk as he did in this book.

It's basically his autobiography from childhood up until the time it got published. And it's a fascinating story of how God took him from being such a high-profile Mob Boss to a servant of the gospel.

While he freely admits that his understanding of the gospel and his progress in sanctification were very shaky for a while throughout his life (since his conversion experience that is), his testimony at the end is undeniably solid.

I pray the Lord continues to use him in this ministry.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! First of all, if you like audiobooks, then definitely listen to this one. It’s awesome to hear Michael’s story from his own mouth! Secondly, his story is crazy! If you love mob stories with a little bit of romance and a twist ending, definitely check this book out. And the best part is - it’s all true! Michael does a FANTASTIC job retelling his experiences in the mob and his life after. It’s only by God’s grace that he is still alive! I had the privilege of meeting and hearing Michael speak a few months ago and it’s hard to believe that he used to be a Capo in an infamous mob family. You definitely need to hear his story!

[JD' · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got to see Michael Franzese guest speak at the largest church in Las Vegas. I finished listening to his audiobook (read by the author) while visiting California, walking on the beach.
Franzese, was in pre-med school but dropped out when his father was caught in a bank robbery. From mob guy to crime boss, Michael Franzese was being chased by Mayor Rudy Guilliani and the Feds. A cat and mouse game. The mob guy got locked up. but before all this he met a girl, Camille, a model and even though his prong is to never fall in love, he does gets married, becomes born again has children and a family and reads Born Again while in jail and the Bible.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty interesting stuff! I learned a lot about many things completely foreign to me: the mob, what it's like for a mobster's family (especially their view of "the feds"), prison time... And the amazing fact that this former mob capo is now my brother in Christ! I will say that sometimes it felt like it went on a bit long about certain periods of life. I think he was just very interested in being accurate and recording everything, but I think some of these details could have been sacrificed for the sake of a smoother read.

[Corey]

Decent book, although I’d have wished for more wisdom to be interspersed throughout its pages and more sharp-wittedness, especially the mob kind of sharp-wittedness, to be drizzled over it. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it. It’s the story of a man facing ambivalence upon realising the hypocricy which encompassed his daily affairs. Through this ambivalence and through also the involvement of love, and with new extraneous factors, we witness the gradual change of a mob captains views and attitude towards life.

[Dean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook: Listened to this on YouTube while isolating with Covid. It was an alright listen. I’ve seen videos of Michael talking about the Mafia before so was intrigued. There were some interesting points and details. The gas tax scheme was cool. Overall though it was a lot of how his wife felt, what his wife did when things happened to him and then towards the end a lot of bible bashing. Telling the reader to take up gods offer. I was hoping for a much more gritty tale than this to be honest.

[John Ulrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Mafia book. I already knew most of what was here because I found Michael's podcast first and heard him tell some of these stories. But he had a great transformation and is now a witness for Christians and has turned his life around and was able to walk away from that life and live to see another day. Usually when you break the blood oath that means the death penalty but he found a way out. Was sad when it ended!

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book as part of the two for one credit sale on Audible. I have a wide array of Mafia related books, so I was pleased to add this to my library. This was an entertaining tale of how Michael Franzese grew up with a mafioso father and how he came to be inducted into the world of organized crime. He went into detail about his business dealings and how he managed to get out of the life and live to tell about it. I think this was about 5 hours to listen to, so fairly short.

[KnowledgeSpecter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version with Michael narrating it. That made the book come alive in a great way.

The book is an autobiography on Michaels life.
It was interesting to read about Michaels transition into the mob whilst also getting an intimate look into his mindset.

I would’ve liked to hear more about the business side but Michaels already written a book on it.

Neither less the book was great and I enjoyed listening to it.