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Carmine the Snake: Carmine Persico and His Murderous Mafia Family
The shocking true story of the most ruthless and deadly mob boss in the annals of the American Mafia.
In the golden age of organized crime, Carmine “The Snake” Persico was the King of the Streets. The defacto boss of the Colombo Mafia family since the 1970s, he oversaw gang wars, murders, and major rackets, even from prison. He is suspected of personally murdering as many as 60 people and ordering the hits of hundreds more. Sentenced to 139 years in the fed, he continued to exert power over a vast criminal empire from behind bars. His brutal rise and bloody reign is the stuff of legend.
In this blistering street-level account, “Mafia survivor” Frank Dimatteo teams up with true-crime master Michael Benson to take down one of the most notorious figures in the American La Cosa Nostra. This is the real inside story of Carmine “The Snake” Persico, from his crime-filled childhood on the streets of Brooklyn to the long-term jail sentences that didn’t stop him from controlling his criminal empire with the help of his brother, the equally kill-crazy Alphonse "Allie Boy" Persico.
His deadly teen years as leader of the fearsome Garfield Boys. His recruitment into the Profaci—later the Colombo—crime family. His bloody betrayal of the Gallo brothers. His role in the hair-raising ambush-slaying of Albert Anastasia—the Lord High Executioner of Murder, Inc.—as he sat in a barbershop chair getting a shave. The terror he struck into the hearts of the New York Mafia’s other families, and even his own crews. And the many courtroom trials where Persico walked after witnesses came down with sudden cases of amnesia.
Today, Carmine “The Snake” Persico schmoozes with Ponzi king Bernard Madoff behind bars where at age 84 his legend, packed as it is with cold-blooded brutality, continues to inspire goodfellas everywhere.
In the golden age of organized crime, Carmine “The Snake” Persico was the King of the Streets. The defacto boss of the Colombo Mafia family since the 1970s, he oversaw gang wars, murders, and major rackets, even from prison. He is suspected of personally murdering as many as 60 people and ordering the hits of hundreds more. Sentenced to 139 years in the fed, he continued to exert power over a vast criminal empire from behind bars. His brutal rise and bloody reign is the stuff of legend.
In this blistering street-level account, “Mafia survivor” Frank Dimatteo teams up with true-crime master Michael Benson to take down one of the most notorious figures in the American La Cosa Nostra. This is the real inside story of Carmine “The Snake” Persico, from his crime-filled childhood on the streets of Brooklyn to the long-term jail sentences that didn’t stop him from controlling his criminal empire with the help of his brother, the equally kill-crazy Alphonse "Allie Boy" Persico.
His deadly teen years as leader of the fearsome Garfield Boys. His recruitment into the Profaci—later the Colombo—crime family. His bloody betrayal of the Gallo brothers. His role in the hair-raising ambush-slaying of Albert Anastasia—the Lord High Executioner of Murder, Inc.—as he sat in a barbershop chair getting a shave. The terror he struck into the hearts of the New York Mafia’s other families, and even his own crews. And the many courtroom trials where Persico walked after witnesses came down with sudden cases of amnesia.
Today, Carmine “The Snake” Persico schmoozes with Ponzi king Bernard Madoff behind bars where at age 84 his legend, packed as it is with cold-blooded brutality, continues to inspire goodfellas everywhere.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 28, 2018
I found this to be a wonderful book to learn about Carmine “The Snake” Persico, Jr. aka “the Immortal” and “Junior”, who was known for being the longtime boss of the Colombo crime family. It tells a lot about his family and how he got started so young on the streets even in primary school. He was head of his own youth gang, the Garfield Boys. He was investigated for murder by the time he was just 16 years of age when a young man was killed during a fight between rival gangs over a girl supposedly. Other places (and sources) cite age 17 in the book for the age of the arrest. His older brother Alphonse “Allie Boy” eventually took the rap and went away for the murder.
The book shows good insight into Persico, sharing his life during the years on his way coming up through the ranks as he learned by watching and listening. Carmine started out doing bookmaking and loan-sharking, and later moved up to burglaries and hijackings. He was very intelligent and a good earner. Then as he got closer to the seat of power, watching how things were done. And of course his years when he was in charge, after turning ‘snake’ to become head and claim power for himself. Fascinating to see how he handled it, and the overall effect it had on the people under him, and on his real family, in the end. He made a lot of money, “enough for ten lifetimes” he claimed to someone he trusted.
Persico is one of the few from that era still alive surprisingly, at least as of this writing. Born August 8, 1933, he just had his 85th birthday a few weeks ago. The book ended with his lawyers trying to get him out on time served, using some recent discoveries from documents from the government’s case against him, including one crime he’d been convicted of he may not have committed, and others exaggerated, plus his rapidly failing health. So he may be out of prison by now, released from his 100+ year sentence. Very well researched and put together, It flows easily and for the most part has a straight time-line with few jumps back and forth. Overall, an excellent true crime and mob read I’d recommend if either interests you. It surely gives a great life lesson to anyone considering a life of crime.
The first thing you need to know
about gangsters back then is they
were cowboys—and the streets of
South Brooklyn was the Old West.
Gangs ruled. The street corner
Garfield Boys of Carmine’s youth
were a starter program, a farm
system, feeding the behemoth of
Joseph Profaci’s South Brooklyn
brugad”--i.e., the borgata.
Street Tough
Carmine was first arrested for
murder at sixteen, brawling in a
gang fight straight out of West Side
Story, a rumble that left one youth
still and cold on the dark side of
Prospect Park and another
screaming in agony with a stab
wound to the guts.
An advance electronic copy was provided by NetGalley, authors Frank Dimatteo & Michael Benson, and the publisher for my fair review.
Citadel
Pub: August 28th, 2018
My Bookzone blog at Wordpress.com: https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
The book shows good insight into Persico, sharing his life during the years on his way coming up through the ranks as he learned by watching and listening. Carmine started out doing bookmaking and loan-sharking, and later moved up to burglaries and hijackings. He was very intelligent and a good earner. Then as he got closer to the seat of power, watching how things were done. And of course his years when he was in charge, after turning ‘snake’ to become head and claim power for himself. Fascinating to see how he handled it, and the overall effect it had on the people under him, and on his real family, in the end. He made a lot of money, “enough for ten lifetimes” he claimed to someone he trusted.
Persico is one of the few from that era still alive surprisingly, at least as of this writing. Born August 8, 1933, he just had his 85th birthday a few weeks ago. The book ended with his lawyers trying to get him out on time served, using some recent discoveries from documents from the government’s case against him, including one crime he’d been convicted of he may not have committed, and others exaggerated, plus his rapidly failing health. So he may be out of prison by now, released from his 100+ year sentence. Very well researched and put together, It flows easily and for the most part has a straight time-line with few jumps back and forth. Overall, an excellent true crime and mob read I’d recommend if either interests you. It surely gives a great life lesson to anyone considering a life of crime.
The first thing you need to know
about gangsters back then is they
were cowboys—and the streets of
South Brooklyn was the Old West.
Gangs ruled. The street corner
Garfield Boys of Carmine’s youth
were a starter program, a farm
system, feeding the behemoth of
Joseph Profaci’s South Brooklyn
brugad”--i.e., the borgata.
Street Tough
Carmine was first arrested for
murder at sixteen, brawling in a
gang fight straight out of West Side
Story, a rumble that left one youth
still and cold on the dark side of
Prospect Park and another
screaming in agony with a stab
wound to the guts.
An advance electronic copy was provided by NetGalley, authors Frank Dimatteo & Michael Benson, and the publisher for my fair review.
Citadel
Pub: August 28th, 2018
My Bookzone blog at Wordpress.com: https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
July 22, 2018
I have had the opportunity to read other books on organized crime, some of them visiting the same topics covered by the author of “Carmine the Snake.” However, these books had more of a historical feel to them and did not come close to the intimacy reflected on the pages of author Frank DiMatteo’s retelling of the same events.
Mr. DiMatteo tells the story of Carmine Persico in chronological order, and when he detours away from the timeline, it is for a good reason and he gives the reader fair warning. The book begins in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Red Hook, offering us a view of Carmine’s parents before his conception, moves on to Carmine’s early days of leadership with a neighborhood gang, and onward through his tumultuous life both in and out of prison.
What separates this book from others is the author’s unique perspective, provided due to his upbringing as the son of a member of the Gallo gang. Mr. DiMatteo personally witnessed some of the events during the gang wars and he adds those memories to the book. You almost feel like you are sitting with the author while he relates tales of what happened over the last 80 years. Details scrambled in other books are explained and corrected, and Mr. DiMatteo is not shy about seasoning his book with colorful expressions and language that match the stories but may offend or redden the ears of more delicate readers. Using words typically not found in most history books definitely added to the book’s personality.
One helpful addition might have been an appendix of names. There are many people that Carmine Persico interacted with during his lifetime. To his credit, the author included full names, nicknames, or other identifying factors to jog our memories, so while I felt there were many characters, Mr. DiMatteo did his best to help me through the pages.
This is an interesting book, and I would recommend it to anyone who has read other books on organized crime as well as those who are new to the subject. The author, while focusing on Carmine Persico’s life, still describes many of the major events that affected the five crime families in New York. Five stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advance complimentary copy of this book.
Mr. DiMatteo tells the story of Carmine Persico in chronological order, and when he detours away from the timeline, it is for a good reason and he gives the reader fair warning. The book begins in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Red Hook, offering us a view of Carmine’s parents before his conception, moves on to Carmine’s early days of leadership with a neighborhood gang, and onward through his tumultuous life both in and out of prison.
What separates this book from others is the author’s unique perspective, provided due to his upbringing as the son of a member of the Gallo gang. Mr. DiMatteo personally witnessed some of the events during the gang wars and he adds those memories to the book. You almost feel like you are sitting with the author while he relates tales of what happened over the last 80 years. Details scrambled in other books are explained and corrected, and Mr. DiMatteo is not shy about seasoning his book with colorful expressions and language that match the stories but may offend or redden the ears of more delicate readers. Using words typically not found in most history books definitely added to the book’s personality.
One helpful addition might have been an appendix of names. There are many people that Carmine Persico interacted with during his lifetime. To his credit, the author included full names, nicknames, or other identifying factors to jog our memories, so while I felt there were many characters, Mr. DiMatteo did his best to help me through the pages.
This is an interesting book, and I would recommend it to anyone who has read other books on organized crime as well as those who are new to the subject. The author, while focusing on Carmine Persico’s life, still describes many of the major events that affected the five crime families in New York. Five stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advance complimentary copy of this book.
October 12, 2021
An insider's look at the story of mafioso Carmine Persico, the head of the Colombo family. Persico (later nicknamed the Snake, or Mr. Immortal) began his criminal career at a very young age in the streets of New York City. Already at age 17, he was charged with his first murder. The book documents his rise in the rank and his participation in many of the infamous mafia hits.
Through it all, Persico emerges as a highly intelligent man, with an incredible sense of honor to the code of "Omerta". Despite being in prison on repeated stints, and now locked up for the rest of his life, he never "rats" out anyone.
The book discusses the huge impact the "RICO" laws had on the mafia. Basically, no matter how careful you were, and how many levels you had between you and the actual crime, it was "guilt by association".
The author is in a unique position. As the son of an actual "hitman' for the Gallo crime family, he witnessed the life firsthand. His level of insight is unique. While you would think you would be repulsed by Persico, the author manages to make him come across as an almost normal character. One who, if his life had taken a different direction, could have been a respected and successful business man or politician. The author's disgust for the judicial system and it's RICO laws is palpable. Not to give anything away, but Rudy Giuliani is lucky to be alive today.
The book was great, and very readable. The nicknames tended to confuse me, one almost needs an index to keep track of who was who. In fact, that would be a great idea for the next publishing of this book.
Finally, on a personal note, I spent over 20 years working in the Federal Prison system. Over the course of my career, I met and interacted with many incarcerated members of the "Mafia". While I know they were dangerous and violent men, and I have no doubt they were criminals, they always acted with honor and respect towards the officers. If you didn't harass them, you would never have a problem with them. They had their rackets, but they never ran around the prison creating havoc and disorder like many of the other inmates.
To be sure, they were running their rackets, but they never ran around the prison creating havoc and disorder like many of the other inmates. And they never whined about their conditions, as did most of the "white-collar" criminals incarcerated.
Through it all, Persico emerges as a highly intelligent man, with an incredible sense of honor to the code of "Omerta". Despite being in prison on repeated stints, and now locked up for the rest of his life, he never "rats" out anyone.
The book discusses the huge impact the "RICO" laws had on the mafia. Basically, no matter how careful you were, and how many levels you had between you and the actual crime, it was "guilt by association".
The author is in a unique position. As the son of an actual "hitman' for the Gallo crime family, he witnessed the life firsthand. His level of insight is unique. While you would think you would be repulsed by Persico, the author manages to make him come across as an almost normal character. One who, if his life had taken a different direction, could have been a respected and successful business man or politician. The author's disgust for the judicial system and it's RICO laws is palpable. Not to give anything away, but Rudy Giuliani is lucky to be alive today.
The book was great, and very readable. The nicknames tended to confuse me, one almost needs an index to keep track of who was who. In fact, that would be a great idea for the next publishing of this book.
Finally, on a personal note, I spent over 20 years working in the Federal Prison system. Over the course of my career, I met and interacted with many incarcerated members of the "Mafia". While I know they were dangerous and violent men, and I have no doubt they were criminals, they always acted with honor and respect towards the officers. If you didn't harass them, you would never have a problem with them. They had their rackets, but they never ran around the prison creating havoc and disorder like many of the other inmates.
To be sure, they were running their rackets, but they never ran around the prison creating havoc and disorder like many of the other inmates. And they never whined about their conditions, as did most of the "white-collar" criminals incarcerated.
March 23, 2023
With each book I read about organized crime, I marvel at our society's acceptance and romanticization of these criminals. Hollywood has done this country no favors with its portrayal of this violent, murdering, group of criminals.
The degree of cognitive dissonance in the portrayal of organized crime figures juxtaposed and compared to the criminal elements of other societal groups is astounding. Although the violence of Mafia members is written about and lamented, it is never treated with the derision and scorn shown to criminals of color. The criminality of the Mafia is always tempered with their so-called honor.
Crime is crime. It doesn't matter who commits the crime. The romanticization of Organized crime really needs to stop.
The degree of cognitive dissonance in the portrayal of organized crime figures juxtaposed and compared to the criminal elements of other societal groups is astounding. Although the violence of Mafia members is written about and lamented, it is never treated with the derision and scorn shown to criminals of color. The criminality of the Mafia is always tempered with their so-called honor.
Crime is crime. It doesn't matter who commits the crime. The romanticization of Organized crime really needs to stop.
October 22, 2018
A Fast-Moving, Informative, Interesting Mafia Biography!
Many years ago my interest in reading started after reading a series of biographies about a variety of Mafia figures; and while my reading interests have expanded over the years into a variety of other genres, "mob" books (both fiction and non-fiction) still remain as one of my favorites. Having liked the author's The President Street Boys: Growing Up Mafia, I was happy to receive an advance ecopy of DiMatteo's (and Benson's) newest book, Carmine The Snake from NetGalley and the publisher.
Having now finished Carmine The Snake, I'm glad I read it and would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in these types of books. DiMatteo and Benson pull no punches in providing an in-depth, comprehensive street-level accounting of Carmine Persico's life in crime, spanning about 70 years.
Just a few of the various aspects of Persico's life you'll learn about include his teenage years as the leader of the Garfield Boys gang in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn, his recruitment into the Profaci (which subsequently became the Colombo) crime family, his roll in betraying the Gallo brothers, his involvement in the assassination of Albert Anastasia and being suspected of personally murdering as many as 60 other people and ordering the hits of many, many more, and his becoming the Boss of the Colombo Family, which (with the help of some other Persico relatives) he's been in control of since the 1970s -- despite his currently being 84 years old and being incarcerated for decades.
The one factor I would have liked to have learned more about in this book is Carmine Persico’s personal life and his relationships with his wife, brother, son, etc. While the book does a very good job in informing readers about what he did, I what have liked to know more about the type of person he is/was when he wasn’t “taking care of business.”
Many years ago my interest in reading started after reading a series of biographies about a variety of Mafia figures; and while my reading interests have expanded over the years into a variety of other genres, "mob" books (both fiction and non-fiction) still remain as one of my favorites. Having liked the author's The President Street Boys: Growing Up Mafia, I was happy to receive an advance ecopy of DiMatteo's (and Benson's) newest book, Carmine The Snake from NetGalley and the publisher.
Having now finished Carmine The Snake, I'm glad I read it and would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in these types of books. DiMatteo and Benson pull no punches in providing an in-depth, comprehensive street-level accounting of Carmine Persico's life in crime, spanning about 70 years.
Just a few of the various aspects of Persico's life you'll learn about include his teenage years as the leader of the Garfield Boys gang in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn, his recruitment into the Profaci (which subsequently became the Colombo) crime family, his roll in betraying the Gallo brothers, his involvement in the assassination of Albert Anastasia and being suspected of personally murdering as many as 60 other people and ordering the hits of many, many more, and his becoming the Boss of the Colombo Family, which (with the help of some other Persico relatives) he's been in control of since the 1970s -- despite his currently being 84 years old and being incarcerated for decades.
The one factor I would have liked to have learned more about in this book is Carmine Persico’s personal life and his relationships with his wife, brother, son, etc. While the book does a very good job in informing readers about what he did, I what have liked to know more about the type of person he is/was when he wasn’t “taking care of business.”
August 28, 2018
The author did a great job of capturing the highs and lows of Carmine Persico's life as the head of the Colombo Mafia. He was arrested for murder as a teenager and was behind some of the bloodiest and brutual mob hits over decades. Even being in prison hasn't stopped Carmine from having control. This was a great read!
November 6, 2018
Interesting Read a Little Difficult to Follow
I enjoyed the read, however the volume of names was a little overwhelming. The authors did a good job describing and attempting to sort everything out, but there was just too many people to organize efficiently, (pun intended). All in all I liked the book and recommend to persons interested in the Mafia culture.
I enjoyed the read, however the volume of names was a little overwhelming. The authors did a good job describing and attempting to sort everything out, but there was just too many people to organize efficiently, (pun intended). All in all I liked the book and recommend to persons interested in the Mafia culture.
August 21, 2019
An interesting read of how Carmine “The Snake” rose to power. The author takes you from the beginnings of his early childhood and then into the first few crimes that he was associated with. Even from the very beginning, he had a knack of getting off even when they went to court. This is explained in detailed. You are shown how he begins to rise through the ranks and the friends and enemies that he makes. But do they actually make any friends in the Mafia? He is always watching and learning seeing how the police and the FBI are taking the members down. He will not talk in cars, or in a bar he does not want to be on tape giving out any information. The book also goes into associates that were around him. Some that worked with him and some that wanted him killed. You also hear about the crimes he committed and how the government came up with the RICO laws for men like him so they could put him away since they could not actually tie him to any one thing but because of his association with certain people he was, therefore, a criminal. Trying to fight it in court he lost. Overall a good book and shows you what was going on during that time period. If you are into these books you will recognize most of the names that are mentioned. A really well-written book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
May 6, 2021
I've read plenty of poorly written, boring, or otherwise uninteresting books that offer insider history of the American Mafia...this book was not one of them.
Mr. DiMatteo tells this story succinctly but with a pop of energy and color that brings the history to life. It's also (importantly) an honest telling that doesn't aim to glorify or demean.
There is so many great details, so much precise language, and a whole host of lesser known stories (in a very popular and explored period of history) that you know it could have only been written by someone with a first hand (or second) hand account and I greatly appreciated the moments when Mr. DiMatteo's mother spoke directly to the reader through her son.
Overall this is a fascinating read on the Mafia's longest serving boss and should be on every mafia aficionados' list.
Mr. DiMatteo tells this story succinctly but with a pop of energy and color that brings the history to life. It's also (importantly) an honest telling that doesn't aim to glorify or demean.
There is so many great details, so much precise language, and a whole host of lesser known stories (in a very popular and explored period of history) that you know it could have only been written by someone with a first hand (or second) hand account and I greatly appreciated the moments when Mr. DiMatteo's mother spoke directly to the reader through her son.
Overall this is a fascinating read on the Mafia's longest serving boss and should be on every mafia aficionados' list.
Read
January 4, 2022A mediocre biography riddled with inaccuracies. The book has been poorly researched and many apocryphal information has been regurgitated without fact checking. For instance, Persico is credited with the Anastasia hit, something that has been thoroughly debunked. The 1963 attempt on Carmine's life injured his right hand. Even a cursory look at later photographs would reveal this fact. The book states that the injury was to the left hand. This is the level of research that went into the preparation for this book. For the Cosa Nostra enthusiast, this book offers nothing new. Carmine's life of crime in the mid to late 60s is covered in just a couple of pages. Allie Boy Sr.'s tenure in the Colombo family after his release from Sing Sing does not figure at all in this book. On the whole, this is an avoidable read.
January 29, 2022
“Mr. Persico, you are a tragedy,” John F. Keenan, a Federal District Court judge, said in sentencing him to 39 years in prison. “You are one of the most intelligent people I have ever seen in my life.”
Carmine “the snake” Persico. Carmine “the immortal” Persico. Whatever you want to call him, he was a powerhouse amongst the five families. This was a particularly interesting read for me, as he was one of the few bosses that I was least familiar with, so I enjoyed reading about his trials and tribulations throughout his reign as Boss of the Columbo family.
I finished the book feeling a bit sad - I’m not sure whether it’s because - as a judge once pointed out - his life was a tragedy, or whether it’s because, sentenced to a total of 139 years, he spent more than half his life in prison, dying in prison at the age of 85. Hey, mob boss or not, I have a heart.
Carmine “the snake” Persico. Carmine “the immortal” Persico. Whatever you want to call him, he was a powerhouse amongst the five families. This was a particularly interesting read for me, as he was one of the few bosses that I was least familiar with, so I enjoyed reading about his trials and tribulations throughout his reign as Boss of the Columbo family.
I finished the book feeling a bit sad - I’m not sure whether it’s because - as a judge once pointed out - his life was a tragedy, or whether it’s because, sentenced to a total of 139 years, he spent more than half his life in prison, dying in prison at the age of 85. Hey, mob boss or not, I have a heart.
September 1, 2018
Good Mafia biography
This account of Carmine Persico's life of crime kept my interest throughout. He came across as human. I wish there had been more about his day to day life, relationships with family and such. But people are dead or not talking. For all that, it wasn't just a list of facts strung together. The book is interesting.
Persico is smart, but doesn't seem to learn from his mistakes. He's in jail, his fourth decade there. His kids, nephews, brothers--everyone behind bars. For years and years. I wonder if he ever asked himself if life in organized crime was worth the results.
This account of Carmine Persico's life of crime kept my interest throughout. He came across as human. I wish there had been more about his day to day life, relationships with family and such. But people are dead or not talking. For all that, it wasn't just a list of facts strung together. The book is interesting.
Persico is smart, but doesn't seem to learn from his mistakes. He's in jail, his fourth decade there. His kids, nephews, brothers--everyone behind bars. For years and years. I wonder if he ever asked himself if life in organized crime was worth the results.
August 28, 2021
One of the better books on organised crime.
I have read a lot of books on organised crime and this is one of the best. It explains things in detail concerning other characters and blends it in with the main character. Because of this the book is longer than the average book on organised crime. The author appears to have done a lot of research instead of writing from facts found in other books. I would highly recommend this book and taking the time to absorb the information on the other characters will make the book more enjoyable.
I have read a lot of books on organised crime and this is one of the best. It explains things in detail concerning other characters and blends it in with the main character. Because of this the book is longer than the average book on organised crime. The author appears to have done a lot of research instead of writing from facts found in other books. I would highly recommend this book and taking the time to absorb the information on the other characters will make the book more enjoyable.
June 5, 2021
This was a good read and a page-turner. Really gives a fascinating view into the life of these characters and it was interesting, and having re-watched The Sopranos recently, it seems a lot of those stories (and parts of The Godfather) were inspired by these events...oh, and some of West Side Story, as well(!) and is based in Red Hook area of Brooklyn, where I've hung out a bit, so it was cool to read about Carmine's boyhood there.
September 14, 2021
The Unusual Life of the Persico Family
This was an interesting account of the Persico family and their life in the mob. The drama and carnage is astounding. The relationships, friendships, vendettas, court cases and more can be overwhelming, I had to listen to several sections a few times to keep everyone straight. Real life is stranger than fiction. An interesting book and a great audiobook, perfectly narrated by Johnny Heller.
This was an interesting account of the Persico family and their life in the mob. The drama and carnage is astounding. The relationships, friendships, vendettas, court cases and more can be overwhelming, I had to listen to several sections a few times to keep everyone straight. Real life is stranger than fiction. An interesting book and a great audiobook, perfectly narrated by Johnny Heller.
April 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this book although it was about the horrible violence and atrocities committed by Carmine Persico. It was very well written and it gave me a new understanding of the Mafia. Very frightening story of what really went on from the very beginning up until 2016. It was very interesting ad informative.
April 29, 2021
This book covers the life of Carmine Persico, from childhood through his life in the Mafia. I remember reading his name in other Mafia books, so I was excited to catch this one on sale on Audible. It was interesting and action packed. I learned a lot about the Profaci/Colombo family that I had not read before. This was a pretty good read.
June 10, 2021
Well worth a read
I thought this was a thoroughly enjoyable account of the Mafia and the five Costs Nostre families of New York and the dubious ways they went about
their illicit business. I may have enjoyed a little bit more detail on some o the crimes but nevertheless an excellent book
I thought this was a thoroughly enjoyable account of the Mafia and the five Costs Nostre families of New York and the dubious ways they went about
their illicit business. I may have enjoyed a little bit more detail on some o the crimes but nevertheless an excellent book
July 16, 2022
Must read
A must read for anyone interested in New York mobsters. Very informative. Only thing missing is photos. A little difficult to keep names straight, since there were similarities, juniors, etc.
A must read for anyone interested in New York mobsters. Very informative. Only thing missing is photos. A little difficult to keep names straight, since there were similarities, juniors, etc.
November 13, 2019
What can you say. It was refreshing to read a book written by someone who hadn't written one before and had familial ties to the subject at hand.
April 11, 2021
Boring.
December 27, 2021
Great Reading
Well Written, the chronology is perfect as the description of the life. Very entertaining as well as educational. A lifetime of crime to the very end.
Well Written, the chronology is perfect as the description of the life. Very entertaining as well as educational. A lifetime of crime to the very end.
January 19, 2022
I already knew most of this story but it just reiterates the Snake was nobody to reckon with....a backstabbing violent boss that dragged his entire family through hell on the way to a life sentence.
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July 6, 2022Just another Mafia book, no Godfather.
February 26, 2023
4 stars, almost a 5. Carmine Persico had interested me for a long time, it seemed the other 4 New York families always got a lot more publicity. This book tells his life story well.
December 27, 2019
I've read this book twice already, it is so good. Its written in a exciting way and told by a person that was somewhat in the neighborhood of Carmine's. If your looking for his life story then this is the only book you'll need, its complete.
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