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The King of Con: How a Smooth-Talking Jersey Boy Made and Lost Billions, Baffled the FBI, Eluded the Mob, and Lived to Tell the Crooked Tale
A Jersey boy with a knack for numbers, a gift for making people trust him, and an all-consuming hunger to be king of the business world, Tom Giacomaro could convince anyone of anything.
As a teenager, Tom Giacomaro began working in the mob-laden New Jersey trucking industry. A charming, brash-talking salesman, he climbed the ranks, and let his lust for money and relationships with New York and Philadelphia crime families send him spiraling into a world of drugs and violence. Forced to go on the lam in South Africa and Europe he returned a year later, with millions of dollars, worth of diamonds stuffed in his underwear. And that's only the beginning.
In his memoir, Tom details how he eventually hashed out a deal with the FBI, agreeing to become a special crime informant to avoid jail time, only he somehow manages not to rat anyone out and, incredibly, continues his high-finance, shady dealings, luring celebrities and other high-profile contacts to invest millions in his new business ventures. When it all inevitably comes crashing down, Tom is thrown in prison for over a decade, yet, even behind bars, he's able to get what he wants from anyone: the warden, the doctors, the guards, and his fellow inmates . . . and finds a way to get released early.
Cowritten by Natasha Stoynoff, The King of Con is the true story about a smart, streetwise Jersey boy who talked his way to the top and became richer and more successful than his wildest dreams. It offers an unforgettable look into the life of a man who became hooked on living life to thrilling and dangerous excess, rubbing elbows with celebrities and crime bosses, until he was humbled by the FBI, by the US Attorney, and by life itself.
Now, Tom is back in his old New Jersey neighborhood. His mob cronies are calling, his palms are itching to make billions again, and the US Attorney's office is watching. Will he stay on the straight and narrow, or will he return to his old ways and steal back his crown of crime as the King of Con?
As a teenager, Tom Giacomaro began working in the mob-laden New Jersey trucking industry. A charming, brash-talking salesman, he climbed the ranks, and let his lust for money and relationships with New York and Philadelphia crime families send him spiraling into a world of drugs and violence. Forced to go on the lam in South Africa and Europe he returned a year later, with millions of dollars, worth of diamonds stuffed in his underwear. And that's only the beginning.
In his memoir, Tom details how he eventually hashed out a deal with the FBI, agreeing to become a special crime informant to avoid jail time, only he somehow manages not to rat anyone out and, incredibly, continues his high-finance, shady dealings, luring celebrities and other high-profile contacts to invest millions in his new business ventures. When it all inevitably comes crashing down, Tom is thrown in prison for over a decade, yet, even behind bars, he's able to get what he wants from anyone: the warden, the doctors, the guards, and his fellow inmates . . . and finds a way to get released early.
Cowritten by Natasha Stoynoff, The King of Con is the true story about a smart, streetwise Jersey boy who talked his way to the top and became richer and more successful than his wildest dreams. It offers an unforgettable look into the life of a man who became hooked on living life to thrilling and dangerous excess, rubbing elbows with celebrities and crime bosses, until he was humbled by the FBI, by the US Attorney, and by life itself.
Now, Tom is back in his old New Jersey neighborhood. His mob cronies are calling, his palms are itching to make billions again, and the US Attorney's office is watching. Will he stay on the straight and narrow, or will he return to his old ways and steal back his crown of crime as the King of Con?
9 pages, Audiobook
First published September 25, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 14, 2018
How a Smooth-Talking Jersey Boy Made and Lost Billions, Baffled the FBI, Eluded the Mob, and Lived to Tell the Crooked Tale. That’s quite a sub-title and a mouthful all at once I’d say. This book was intriguing from the start and only got better. .It tells the crazy story of how Tom Giacomaro a smooth talking guy from Jersey, who started out in the mob-heavy trucking business and learned as he went. He took that wisdom with him as he moved on, soon making money like he never dreamed of as a salesmen getting accounts because he was so good at it. He could talk anyone into anything, and his lifestyle changed drastically along with his income.
Soon he had a new Cadillac, he was wearing a Rolex and wore expensive suits. It made him feel good after his father telling him all his life that he was nothing and never would be anything. But, as many guys like him do, they get too slick for their own good and Tom develops problems as he is also cheating on his wife, and he starts selling coke on the side too. Soon the money begins pouring in, so much he begins filling shoe boxes with it at home and stacking them up. But his performance at work begins to suffer and he’s rarely at home anymore.
He changed jobs and took one for even more money, serious money, an even better car and an unlimited expense account. He made his mom proud finally. But his dad said he was still nothing. Things keep escalating and just get more out of hand, a very wild ride indeed as he gets involved with the mob as a partner.
This true crime book is very readable and I enjoyed it a lot. I got pulled in and didn’t want to stop to sleep at spots where it got good. That’s always too much temptation for me. My thanks for the advance electronic copy that was provided by #netgalley, authors Thomas Giacomaro & Natasha Stoynoff, and the publisher for my fair review.
BenBella Books
Pub: Sept 25th, 2018
My blog BookZone:
https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
Soon he had a new Cadillac, he was wearing a Rolex and wore expensive suits. It made him feel good after his father telling him all his life that he was nothing and never would be anything. But, as many guys like him do, they get too slick for their own good and Tom develops problems as he is also cheating on his wife, and he starts selling coke on the side too. Soon the money begins pouring in, so much he begins filling shoe boxes with it at home and stacking them up. But his performance at work begins to suffer and he’s rarely at home anymore.
He changed jobs and took one for even more money, serious money, an even better car and an unlimited expense account. He made his mom proud finally. But his dad said he was still nothing. Things keep escalating and just get more out of hand, a very wild ride indeed as he gets involved with the mob as a partner.
This true crime book is very readable and I enjoyed it a lot. I got pulled in and didn’t want to stop to sleep at spots where it got good. That’s always too much temptation for me. My thanks for the advance electronic copy that was provided by #netgalley, authors Thomas Giacomaro & Natasha Stoynoff, and the publisher for my fair review.
BenBella Books
Pub: Sept 25th, 2018
My blog BookZone:
https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
March 27, 2022
What in the self-aggrandizing hell was this drivel?
Tommy Giacomaro is so smart, so talented, so impressive. Do you know how I know? Don’t worry - he will tell you.
Tommy Giacomaro is so smart, so talented, so impressive. Do you know how I know? Don’t worry - he will tell you.
December 28, 2019
Audible at 2.5X
Just another tale of a bad guy being bad.
No redemption. No revelations.
Maybe I’ve just outgrown this genre.
Just another tale of a bad guy being bad.
No redemption. No revelations.
Maybe I’ve just outgrown this genre.
April 21, 2019
Fascinating. What kind of person is Giacomaro? Somewhere between good and bad, toward the bad end of the spectrum. He has a lot of excuses and justifications for his behaviors. He is morally reprehensible. At the same time, he comes across as fairly honest. He did, eventually, reflect on his past and admit that he hurt people. He doesn’t come across as regretful or apologetic, but he does admit to foolish choices, to stupidity, violence, anger, selfishness, and arrogance and acknowledging them as weaknesses. He also seems fun-loving and hardworking. He’a a hustler who never learned when to put on the breaks, and ending up busting his life up. He seems to have matured and learned, if not exactly how to be a morally upright person, how to stop being as much of an asshole and how to keep himself in check, and to be a little more thoughtful in his choices. It’s difficult to really say for sure, but it’s definitely a fascinating ride to watch.
April 30, 2021
This is a fast-paced story/memoir of a world where the good guys don't always win, much like most of the world around us.
It was an interesting and engaging listen/read.
My only issue with Thomas Giacomaro & Natasha Stoynoff's book is that really, you the reader, suspect that you are also being conned.
It was an interesting and engaging listen/read.
My only issue with Thomas Giacomaro & Natasha Stoynoff's book is that really, you the reader, suspect that you are also being conned.
December 15, 2022
I was hoping I would have made it into the epilogue😜
September 12, 2021
WHERE is the CON? Seriously, where is the con? The book is an autobiography (and a very routine story) of a mobster from New Jersey.
Goodfellas, Godfather and the rest of the Mafia stories in a book. The only interesting point is that these events are supposed to be true.
I’m glad it was free with Audible premium.
Goodfellas, Godfather and the rest of the Mafia stories in a book. The only interesting point is that these events are supposed to be true.
I’m glad it was free with Audible premium.
August 31, 2018
Devoured this in two sittings. Fantastic tale that shows that truth is stranger than fiction. Giacomaro is The King of Con and anyone remotely interested in cons, crime, politics and the mafia(and how they intersect) will love this book!
March 18, 2022
Not the best mob/crime book I ever read, but definitely not the worst either!
Being a lifetime Jersey boy, I am a big fan of this genre.
It’s a fun and easy read, worth it if you like mob/true crime stuff!
Being a lifetime Jersey boy, I am a big fan of this genre.
It’s a fun and easy read, worth it if you like mob/true crime stuff!
October 29, 2022
The stories the author describes are almost unbelievable. The smooth-talking gangster gets away with a whole lot throughout his life. Many ups & downs. I loved being along for the ride!
November 28, 2022
Goodreads rule #1. - Don't believe reviews purely off Audible. Always check Goodreads before reading. Even if said book is free.
Self indulgent and sloppy writing made this often cringey. Topics present only thing from keeping me going and the hope it would improve....
Don't recommend.
Self indulgent and sloppy writing made this often cringey. Topics present only thing from keeping me going and the hope it would improve....
Don't recommend.
February 11, 2022
If you are versed in psychology, this is a great textbook example.
From the beginning, right to the very end, this person displays dissociative characteristics of Narcissism.
If you pay very close attention to the word selection chosen by Barry Minkow, you will see what I am talking about.
It really shows you why anyone who has dealt with narcisssists in their lives will tell you to run a mile.
Nearly totally resistant to any form of treatment (Ie. Nearly incapable of true reformation), yet like a chameleon, able to learn and act out all the behaviours they feel are required.
No empathy for others, treating them as things, or pawns in a game where the outcome (their glory) is important.
A cautionary tale.
If you have any narcissists in your life, RUN A MILE.
From the beginning, right to the very end, this person displays dissociative characteristics of Narcissism.
If you pay very close attention to the word selection chosen by Barry Minkow, you will see what I am talking about.
It really shows you why anyone who has dealt with narcisssists in their lives will tell you to run a mile.
Nearly totally resistant to any form of treatment (Ie. Nearly incapable of true reformation), yet like a chameleon, able to learn and act out all the behaviours they feel are required.
No empathy for others, treating them as things, or pawns in a game where the outcome (their glory) is important.
A cautionary tale.
If you have any narcissists in your life, RUN A MILE.
September 26, 2022
I listened to the audiobook version. The plus side is it’s fast-paced and entertaining, though the Giacomaro’s various criminal activities tend to blur together. Giacomaro is a sociopath and naturally there not a hint of remorse, and a whole lot of revolting gloating about how much he enjoys manipulating people. The only takeaway is that Giacomaro got off very lightly, given the magnitude of his crimes, though he doesn’t think so. As a description of mob life, the book is so-so, as it is narcissistically focused on the protagonist, who is really not that interesting. I’d say it’s a fast listen to pass the time, but leaves an unpleasant aftertaste.
March 22, 2022
I loved listening to this book. The book is narrated by Thomas Giacomaro himself so it feels like a long confession . He outsmarts everyone , from mobs to investors to prisoners , nothing stops him . I am fascinated by how smart he is and what he was able to get away with for most of his life.
If con man books are your taste of books, you will love this book .
If con man books are your taste of books, you will love this book .
March 2, 2021
The audio version I listened to had some parts that just repeated verbatim which was weird idk if that is in the normal book or not but it didn't flow well it is a really interesting story for sure my rating is more of a 3.5 than a 3 honestly
October 18, 2023
All the mafia movies in one book. Not too good, not too bad!! Just there!! The hero’s arch can be seen from the beginning, but has that element of surprise.
July 5, 2019
This is an autobiography about an Italian Catholic mobster from northern NJ.
But it truly is so much more than that.
Tom Giacomaro grew up with an abusive father who had no religion and a mother from a solid Catholic faith. Both had severe OCD, with pops having a military background and mom being a germaphobe (and straight-up Italian mother who put plastic on couches). But the boy believed there was no God after his prayers for beatings to stop went unanswered.
I found it utterly fascinating that while he found no remorse, he always confessed thievery and some violent thoughts...and insanely sad that the priest just didn’t care.
My father grew up in central Jersey a smidge before Giacomaro; still, the differences in education and how kids behaved are astounding. I would not be surprised if Giacomaro’s influences, even as a teen, helped create the Paterson I know [of] today.
Despite his perfect SAT scores and very high IQ (156-183), as well as the love of a neighbor who showed him what a father truly was, teenaged Tom purposely chose the path that royally affected his life.
I like how Giacomaro continuously reminds the reader of what was occurring at given moments in time/history. Whether it be the lack of security in the ‘60s and ‘70s that made crime and cons so easy or Kennedy’s death or booming businesses (I was AGOG at how desired Cabbage Patch Kid dolls were, including that shipments of them were under constant surveillance).
After Giacomaro got a job at a trucking company, it took him watching “The Godfather” to realize he was ankle-deep in organized crime.
And then he jumped right in, years before realizing his family had roots in one of the mob scenes.
Giacomaro doesn’t pull back punches; he tells all. Whether it is thievery in general, the mob, drugs [addiction and/or their sales], or any ‘heavier’ (my words) crime, each person is out for themselves. There is no honor; there are no friendships. Individuals become cocky and arrogant; over-confident and ‘sloppy’ (his word). Issues compound and suddenly you’re coked out with FBI knocking down your door for something that you actually aren’t guilty of.
I gaped each time I heard of another scheme he pulled, including marrying someone half his age. Then he worked as a rat for the Feds and befriended one. Crazy!!!
What he had to deal with in prison makes me nauseous. Sweet hell. They are human; such inhuman treatment is not at all necessary. What he did to get through it is amazing.
His is an odd story (for me) for sure.
But it truly is so much more than that.
Tom Giacomaro grew up with an abusive father who had no religion and a mother from a solid Catholic faith. Both had severe OCD, with pops having a military background and mom being a germaphobe (and straight-up Italian mother who put plastic on couches). But the boy believed there was no God after his prayers for beatings to stop went unanswered.
I found it utterly fascinating that while he found no remorse, he always confessed thievery and some violent thoughts...and insanely sad that the priest just didn’t care.
My father grew up in central Jersey a smidge before Giacomaro; still, the differences in education and how kids behaved are astounding. I would not be surprised if Giacomaro’s influences, even as a teen, helped create the Paterson I know [of] today.
Despite his perfect SAT scores and very high IQ (156-183), as well as the love of a neighbor who showed him what a father truly was, teenaged Tom purposely chose the path that royally affected his life.
I like how Giacomaro continuously reminds the reader of what was occurring at given moments in time/history. Whether it be the lack of security in the ‘60s and ‘70s that made crime and cons so easy or Kennedy’s death or booming businesses (I was AGOG at how desired Cabbage Patch Kid dolls were, including that shipments of them were under constant surveillance).
After Giacomaro got a job at a trucking company, it took him watching “The Godfather” to realize he was ankle-deep in organized crime.
And then he jumped right in, years before realizing his family had roots in one of the mob scenes.
Giacomaro doesn’t pull back punches; he tells all. Whether it is thievery in general, the mob, drugs [addiction and/or their sales], or any ‘heavier’ (my words) crime, each person is out for themselves. There is no honor; there are no friendships. Individuals become cocky and arrogant; over-confident and ‘sloppy’ (his word). Issues compound and suddenly you’re coked out with FBI knocking down your door for something that you actually aren’t guilty of.
I gaped each time I heard of another scheme he pulled, including marrying someone half his age. Then he worked as a rat for the Feds and befriended one. Crazy!!!
What he had to deal with in prison makes me nauseous. Sweet hell. They are human; such inhuman treatment is not at all necessary. What he did to get through it is amazing.
His is an odd story (for me) for sure.
June 16, 2021
I enjoyed this book but it certainly made me uneasy. Thomas Giacomaro gives the inside story of the mob and labour unions in the US. He basically led a life of crime, eventually ran away, gave himself up and became an informer. While as informer he was able restart his life of crime again and he got away with it for many years under police protection from prosecution. In the end he justifiably ended up in prison and seems to have become a reformed character.
It surely is an interesting story and gives a window into the crime syndicates and the police.
My big take-way was that most hard-working people live a normal life and if they work hard and are lucky, retire with enough money to end their days in comfort and some in luxury. In his case he led a life of crime, lived in luxury for most his life, got caught, served a term in prison and eventually got out to lead a somewhat normal life.
In terms of maximum number of years living in luxury his life seems to be have been very successful and was able for a while to give his family and friends a share of his fortune.
Had his life ended, which it almost did, in a gangland hit, or he served the rest of days in prison you might say "Ha! He got the end he deserved.", but since he came out of it then you wonder whether it was all worth it. I don't recall him saying that it was a mistake and I shouldn't have done it but instead he wrote this book to tell you of his adventures. A good story but weak moral. His relationship to his father is the crux of the story and I do sympathise with him for what went on there and how it may have affected his life path.
It surely is an interesting story and gives a window into the crime syndicates and the police.
My big take-way was that most hard-working people live a normal life and if they work hard and are lucky, retire with enough money to end their days in comfort and some in luxury. In his case he led a life of crime, lived in luxury for most his life, got caught, served a term in prison and eventually got out to lead a somewhat normal life.
In terms of maximum number of years living in luxury his life seems to be have been very successful and was able for a while to give his family and friends a share of his fortune.
Had his life ended, which it almost did, in a gangland hit, or he served the rest of days in prison you might say "Ha! He got the end he deserved.", but since he came out of it then you wonder whether it was all worth it. I don't recall him saying that it was a mistake and I shouldn't have done it but instead he wrote this book to tell you of his adventures. A good story but weak moral. His relationship to his father is the crux of the story and I do sympathise with him for what went on there and how it may have affected his life path.
November 13, 2024
Why was I reading this?
I think it was mentioned in Without Conscience.
There are a couple of reviews on here that end with something like "but I was left wondering... was I, the reader, being conned?"
The answer is yes. Obviously.
Giocomaro is clearly a dangerous psychopath. He boasts of stealing millions of dollars from pensions, destroying tens of thousands of jobs, and leaving entire industrial ecosystems as smoking craters after extracting all their resources through violence and theft.
There's one story where his friend buys second hand computers from a computer company. He didn't realise he was buying second hand computers (not questioning the fact that they cost one third as much as normal), and Giocomaro thought a proportionate response was to hire a bunch of goons to stalk the guy who owned the computer company's family. Giocomaro threatened to murder the computer guy's wife and children before his eyes if he didn't pay back the million dollars fee, plus 200 thousand dollars for goon fees. That is, he stole $1.2 million from a totally legitimate business by threatening to murder children because his friend had buyer's remorse.
There's nothing charming or clever about this guy. He never outright says that he's a rapist and a murderer (they could never publish that), but given how he destroys tens of thousands of lives over the course of the book with no indication of remorse or empathy, you can bet your biscuit that he's engaged in all the most heinous activities you can imagine.
I think it was mentioned in Without Conscience.
There are a couple of reviews on here that end with something like "but I was left wondering... was I, the reader, being conned?"
The answer is yes. Obviously.
Giocomaro is clearly a dangerous psychopath. He boasts of stealing millions of dollars from pensions, destroying tens of thousands of jobs, and leaving entire industrial ecosystems as smoking craters after extracting all their resources through violence and theft.
There's one story where his friend buys second hand computers from a computer company. He didn't realise he was buying second hand computers (not questioning the fact that they cost one third as much as normal), and Giocomaro thought a proportionate response was to hire a bunch of goons to stalk the guy who owned the computer company's family. Giocomaro threatened to murder the computer guy's wife and children before his eyes if he didn't pay back the million dollars fee, plus 200 thousand dollars for goon fees. That is, he stole $1.2 million from a totally legitimate business by threatening to murder children because his friend had buyer's remorse.
There's nothing charming or clever about this guy. He never outright says that he's a rapist and a murderer (they could never publish that), but given how he destroys tens of thousands of lives over the course of the book with no indication of remorse or empathy, you can bet your biscuit that he's engaged in all the most heinous activities you can imagine.
Want to Read
October 29, 2020Ah The King of Con.... This book is a story about a man named Thomas Giacomaro who was very intelligent and brought into the trucking industry by the mob. Tom had a way about him that made everyone he met like him instantly. He had the gift of gab also and could sell ice to an Eskimo. Once he was infiltrated into the mob scene he was sent to many places and to do many things... illegally. The FBI on his trail he had to make a deal with them to avoid jail time. That deal was to give up info he had on others. But, would it be that easy. Couldn’t he just continue working while having the fbi arrest his competition? While helping the fbi, Tom was still scheming others and becoming even more rich. This is a true story that will have you questioning the justice system and wondering how he was able to get this far without being caught so many years before.this. Well told and in a great time sequence as well.
THANK YOU NETGALLEY as well as the author/publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
THANK YOU NETGALLEY as well as the author/publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 14, 2022
Well written fun and engaging. A few times all I could think of is what a snitch, asshole, self defeating no real self esteem little boy. I do love cars money guns drugs and the sun. Oh and don’t forget a good business plan. There is so much money tobe made and used it’s just making sure the right people get their envelopes. The USA Govt is the big drug mover and human traffickers in the world all under the badge of authority….
So.. elections and who rigs those dominion voting machines. Think they have for profit prisons now and how many people does it hire and take to make business and move goods, services and money…..
I’m a fan! Better yet I have ideas…
So.. elections and who rigs those dominion voting machines. Think they have for profit prisons now and how many people does it hire and take to make business and move goods, services and money…..
I’m a fan! Better yet I have ideas…
November 7, 2024
A very detailed insight into Tom Giacomaro’s life with lessons of his childhood/background leading him to take a path of illegal business/ crime, sharing his experiences in prison and stubbornness to keep going. A frustrating read at times due to the hard headedness of Tom but seeing how Tom was able to unpack why he and his father behaved the way they did and moving on from the past to become a better person is motivating.
October 19, 2018
Very entertaining, hard to believe all the crazy stories. I’m sure there were many more not fit for print.
October 19, 2018
Reminds me of the movie "Goodfellas". Received as a Goodreads giveaway.
October 26, 2018
If you are interested in trucking or the mob this is the book for you. I enjoyed reading about the Author's rise to crime boss.
December 5, 2018
Love the genre.
Received a Goodreads giveaway.
Received a Goodreads giveaway.
February 6, 2019
This book is a must read. It is the best autobiography that I have read in years. Loved it!
June 15, 2019
Loved it
Sorry it ended, but the very best of luck to you. Stick With it. Looking forward to the next chapter
Sorry it ended, but the very best of luck to you. Stick With it. Looking forward to the next chapter
October 8, 2019
Tom is a mobbed up version of the Wolf of Wall Street. Some absolutely wild stories in this book.
April 14, 2020
Very good read. Just remember at the end of the day Tom Giacomaro is a thief, former drug dealer and addict and a very smart man but a con man all the same.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews