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Giovanni's Ring: My Life Inside the Real Sopranos
The story of a former FBI undercover task force officer who spent years penetrating New Jersey's DeCavalcante crime family, the criminal organization known to law enforcement as “the real Sopranos”
Giovanni’s Ring is the story of “Giovanni Rocco,” a New Jersey police officer, known undercover as “Giovanni Gatto,” who was the mysterious agent at the epicenter of Operation Charlie Horse, a federal undercover operation that ultimately brought down ten members and associates of New Jersey’s DeCavalcante Mafia family, the criminal organization known as “the real Sopranos.”
Giovanni spent nearly three years working his way into the DeCavalcante hierarchy. He was so convincing in his role that capo Charlie “the Hat” Stango eventually assigned him the task of killing Luigi “the Dog” Oliveri, a troublesome made member of the crime family. That lethal assignment brought the undercover operation to an end in March 2015, and the resulting string of high-profile arrests eviscerated the criminal organization.
Giovanni’s Ring is not simply a chronicle of Giovanni Rocco’s adventures in the murky and dangerous Mafia world he inhabited, but also a fascinating window into the psychological struggles that such a life inevitably entails.
“Rocco conveys the frustrations of his double life poignantly throughout this revelatory read, a captivating true-crime thriller from start to finish and a new gem for Mafia book fans.” — Booklist
Giovanni’s Ring is the story of “Giovanni Rocco,” a New Jersey police officer, known undercover as “Giovanni Gatto,” who was the mysterious agent at the epicenter of Operation Charlie Horse, a federal undercover operation that ultimately brought down ten members and associates of New Jersey’s DeCavalcante Mafia family, the criminal organization known as “the real Sopranos.”
Giovanni spent nearly three years working his way into the DeCavalcante hierarchy. He was so convincing in his role that capo Charlie “the Hat” Stango eventually assigned him the task of killing Luigi “the Dog” Oliveri, a troublesome made member of the crime family. That lethal assignment brought the undercover operation to an end in March 2015, and the resulting string of high-profile arrests eviscerated the criminal organization.
Giovanni’s Ring is not simply a chronicle of Giovanni Rocco’s adventures in the murky and dangerous Mafia world he inhabited, but also a fascinating window into the psychological struggles that such a life inevitably entails.
“Rocco conveys the frustrations of his double life poignantly throughout this revelatory read, a captivating true-crime thriller from start to finish and a new gem for Mafia book fans.” — Booklist
256 pages, Hardcover
First published February 9, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 24, 2021
This is a person with a truly intrepid personality. He's had failures, he's had snippets of popularity and acclaim, but most of all he is the true good intent and observing copper.
You aren't going to get the violent acts, or strong action sequences of a Godfather or a Pulp Fiction here either. People who read this for those crimes and face downs aren't going to be reading what they expect. This is like spy work. It's long, lots of posturing waits, and entirely being THERE in both the foreground and the background without being a blip on the radar, so to speak.
The first 24 pages were confusing and a shortened form of what you will get in the majority of the pages. But melded now and again is his real life with his actual family. And their story is absolutely absorbing. Especially in the telling of their experiences of 9-11 and the 18 month interlude when Giovanni was mostly gone on Vegas trips for undercover tasks.
I don't know how they manage now. Truly think about how it must be to so change a life in witness protection that you can't go "home" anymore. No wider relatives, no former pals or long associated activities or any contacts with a former long life. Crucial suffering and vast deprivation of identity is no small sacrifice.
Good job. But one in which I would never want anyone I know or love to undertake.
I'm still thinking about his wife Anna. Knowing all those people, her Dad etc. Burning jet fuel. Because I knew dozens and dozens by name and personality at one time, I can conceive only on how that has to feel- if it had happened in my neck of the woods. Of course, none of them live life in their "normal" STILL. This will give you a window to that, as well.
You aren't going to get the violent acts, or strong action sequences of a Godfather or a Pulp Fiction here either. People who read this for those crimes and face downs aren't going to be reading what they expect. This is like spy work. It's long, lots of posturing waits, and entirely being THERE in both the foreground and the background without being a blip on the radar, so to speak.
The first 24 pages were confusing and a shortened form of what you will get in the majority of the pages. But melded now and again is his real life with his actual family. And their story is absolutely absorbing. Especially in the telling of their experiences of 9-11 and the 18 month interlude when Giovanni was mostly gone on Vegas trips for undercover tasks.
I don't know how they manage now. Truly think about how it must be to so change a life in witness protection that you can't go "home" anymore. No wider relatives, no former pals or long associated activities or any contacts with a former long life. Crucial suffering and vast deprivation of identity is no small sacrifice.
Good job. But one in which I would never want anyone I know or love to undertake.
I'm still thinking about his wife Anna. Knowing all those people, her Dad etc. Burning jet fuel. Because I knew dozens and dozens by name and personality at one time, I can conceive only on how that has to feel- if it had happened in my neck of the woods. Of course, none of them live life in their "normal" STILL. This will give you a window to that, as well.
July 4, 2022
Quick, but quite a fascinting read. would have preferred more detail regarding the Decavalcante's structure / ins and outs.
Giovanni's time as a UC in that world would have been an incredible experience, however, in the end it just feels like a such a pointless endeavour. Seems like a really good, talented guy. But for all his efforts and sacrifices, he brought down one mobster (who respected Giovanni and considered him family), for plotting to kill another mobster (who admittedly wanted to hurt or even whack Giovanni). Got one bad guy off the streets to leave a worse guy on them.
Effectively, he's made no real difference to that world (LCN), while completely uprooting his and his family's life.
At least he got to share a pretty cool story, I guess that's the point in the end.
Giovanni's time as a UC in that world would have been an incredible experience, however, in the end it just feels like a such a pointless endeavour. Seems like a really good, talented guy. But for all his efforts and sacrifices, he brought down one mobster (who respected Giovanni and considered him family), for plotting to kill another mobster (who admittedly wanted to hurt or even whack Giovanni). Got one bad guy off the streets to leave a worse guy on them.
Effectively, he's made no real difference to that world (LCN), while completely uprooting his and his family's life.
At least he got to share a pretty cool story, I guess that's the point in the end.
June 26, 2021
I thought this was going to be an interesting book but it turned out to be boring. The main character spent about 18 months getting close to a bigwig in a crime family. It was pretty hard to follow all the relationships in this organization and how they related to other families. There was no violence shown. It was amazing how little Giovanni’s lies about his life were checked out by anyone in the family. It they make a movie about this book it would have to be augmented by a lot more action and violence.
December 28, 2021
I’m speechless, this book really messed with my head (in a good way). Giovanni’s story and life trying to take down those inside of The DeCavalcante crime family was intense. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time reading this and trying not to flip to the end to spoil it for myself. This book was everything and more I could ask for in a true crime/mafia story. It really set the scene for the life inside mafia crime and what actually goes on in northern New Jersey (as that’s where I live).
My eyes have now been opened and filled with disbelief. I’m so very happy I picked this book up and read it. Great for fans of The Sopranos or learning about todays mafia in general. By far this is one of the best books I’ve read this year and I’m trying to hold myself back from reading it again. Now I’m just going to look up all I can about this book and drown myself in all its information.
rating:
5/5
My eyes have now been opened and filled with disbelief. I’m so very happy I picked this book up and read it. Great for fans of The Sopranos or learning about todays mafia in general. By far this is one of the best books I’ve read this year and I’m trying to hold myself back from reading it again. Now I’m just going to look up all I can about this book and drown myself in all its information.
rating:
5/5
April 26, 2022
I read this book while doing research for my next novel titled "Mobbed Up" which gave me a real insight into organized crime. Knowing this is a true story only served to heighten my reading experience.
November 2, 2021
This book is a fascinating read. Highly recommend for all true crime fans!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the providers.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the providers.
August 7, 2022
If you play GTA or Cyberpunk 2077, or watch any gangster movies, this nonfiction will be fascinating to you. This is real life. And real life people cannot be ‘loaded’ if they die. That’s the crux of the matter. Giovanni the cop went deep undercover all the way to become the right hand man of Charlie ‘The Hat’ Stango. Then he brought down Charlie and the whole gang with him.
However, it has not been easy.
1. The cop Giovanni cannot actually commit any crimes or encourage others to do so
2. He lived very near the gang, so when he was spotted he could easily been killed so he needed to be very careful
3. His family hardly saw him and part of the gangster persona merged into the cop Giovanni’s real person.
4. The whole family was constantly in danger if spotted with Giovanni, so sometimes he had to disappear and left them to go back themselves from normal family activities like watching a ball game.
5. He grew to love Charlie and Charlie loved him like a son. It was very difficult.
6. There was loyalty in the gangs but that can disappear overnight any time. A mole would have been killed and body dumped somewhere.
7. The government transferred him out only after 9 months. He was an afterthought to the top brass despite taking great risks and succeeded to bring down the crime boss.
The story was gripping and I totally enjoyed this.
However, it has not been easy.
1. The cop Giovanni cannot actually commit any crimes or encourage others to do so
2. He lived very near the gang, so when he was spotted he could easily been killed so he needed to be very careful
3. His family hardly saw him and part of the gangster persona merged into the cop Giovanni’s real person.
4. The whole family was constantly in danger if spotted with Giovanni, so sometimes he had to disappear and left them to go back themselves from normal family activities like watching a ball game.
5. He grew to love Charlie and Charlie loved him like a son. It was very difficult.
6. There was loyalty in the gangs but that can disappear overnight any time. A mole would have been killed and body dumped somewhere.
7. The government transferred him out only after 9 months. He was an afterthought to the top brass despite taking great risks and succeeded to bring down the crime boss.
The story was gripping and I totally enjoyed this.
March 27, 2025
An undercover cop's account of an infiltration operation into the northern New Jersey mob. Unlike most books on the Mafia, this is written as a cop would speak, in short, to the point discussions without a lot of commentary.
Giovanni Gatto, the created identity for this undercover cop, gives his day to day activities while playing a mob actor working to being brought into the DeCavalcante family. The risks, the dangers, and the intrigue are extensive to him, but also to his wife and children. Few people would place such people in that danger. Amazingly, the family stays together throughout the operation, but at enormous costs. Ultimately, the operation ends and the family has to go into a witness protection program. Was it worth it?
It is a most unique approach to Mafia discussions, clearly different from other books such as Al Capone which I reviewed, and more of a daily account of Giovanni's activities. It makes for a fascinating read.
Giovanni Gatto, the created identity for this undercover cop, gives his day to day activities while playing a mob actor working to being brought into the DeCavalcante family. The risks, the dangers, and the intrigue are extensive to him, but also to his wife and children. Few people would place such people in that danger. Amazingly, the family stays together throughout the operation, but at enormous costs. Ultimately, the operation ends and the family has to go into a witness protection program. Was it worth it?
It is a most unique approach to Mafia discussions, clearly different from other books such as Al Capone which I reviewed, and more of a daily account of Giovanni's activities. It makes for a fascinating read.
December 27, 2021
Not great
Seems like a really good dude. However, me personally, I read books like these for the insight into the mob and it wasnt until 30% into the book that anything about the mob came up. Most of the book was about the author, what he went through, his family etc. Thankfully, guys like him are out there but I really am not interested in reading about their life history. Disappointing book all in all
Seems like a really good dude. However, me personally, I read books like these for the insight into the mob and it wasnt until 30% into the book that anything about the mob came up. Most of the book was about the author, what he went through, his family etc. Thankfully, guys like him are out there but I really am not interested in reading about their life history. Disappointing book all in all
February 17, 2024
True story of an undercover cop in the Elizabeth NJ and Bayonne NJ areas. It's another one where I'm familiar with the local and some of the people mentioned. As usual I love books like that!
It's a good book. It surpassed my expectations. I found the author totally believable and for once, in this type of undercover thing, at the end he felt pangs of conscience over some of the people arrested. He had grown quite fond of the main target of the investigation. I found that very believable.
It's a good book. It surpassed my expectations. I found the author totally believable and for once, in this type of undercover thing, at the end he felt pangs of conscience over some of the people arrested. He had grown quite fond of the main target of the investigation. I found that very believable.
August 5, 2022
A first-hand account of an undercover agent who infiltrated the mob
His story gives real life descriptions of the mafia 's criminal activities and the tenuous and life-risking role he masterfully played to bring them to justice, but his feelings of accomplishment were tempered by the genuine affection he felt for some of the mobsters.
His story gives real life descriptions of the mafia 's criminal activities and the tenuous and life-risking role he masterfully played to bring them to justice, but his feelings of accomplishment were tempered by the genuine affection he felt for some of the mobsters.
May 12, 2021
One of the most realistic, edge of your seat, true crime stories from the real deal Giovanni Rocco. The FBI has some good undercover agents, but very few great ones. G is a national asset and literally one of the best that the Bureau has ever produced.
June 8, 2021
Great read
Provides a great understanding of the criminal underworld and the toll it takes on Giovanni and his family. Would love to see this as a series or movie. Well done Giovanni!
Provides a great understanding of the criminal underworld and the toll it takes on Giovanni and his family. Would love to see this as a series or movie. Well done Giovanni!
September 2, 2021
This book is an interesting and fast read.
The real life story of FBI undercover agent Giovanni Rocco and his infiltration into the mafia families of New York and New Jersey
It was well written and keeps you engaged
The real life story of FBI undercover agent Giovanni Rocco and his infiltration into the mafia families of New York and New Jersey
It was well written and keeps you engaged
November 15, 2021
Solid Donnie Brasco-ish quick read. He completes some solid undercover work for big brother and then him and his family are forgotten by those that he served, the same thing his wife warned him about from the outset.
October 28, 2022
What A Ridealong!
Author's double-identity viewpoint is intriguing. His ability to think on his feet so extraordinary; intelligent writing with particularly vivid description. Meticulous notes.
Author's double-identity viewpoint is intriguing. His ability to think on his feet so extraordinary; intelligent writing with particularly vivid description. Meticulous notes.
May 2, 2025
Thank You
Thank you for this story. I am in the beginning of a story about a similar situation with the same people. Your story has inspired me to keep writing and has changed my opinion on some of my characters.
Pattie Luckino
Thank you for this story. I am in the beginning of a story about a similar situation with the same people. Your story has inspired me to keep writing and has changed my opinion on some of my characters.
Pattie Luckino
June 7, 2025
Told in the first person, this book tells the the true story of a NJ policeman who goes undercover with the mob for 2 1/2 half years. At the same time he tries to keep his real family together and safe from harm. This is the real story of The Sopranos
July 25, 2025
Captivating and thought provoking all at once.
Giovanni’s story is exciting, fascinating, yet heartbreaking to me. He has an honest, direct way of speaking that just helps you hear the Jersey accent in your head!! Would definitely recommend!
Giovanni’s story is exciting, fascinating, yet heartbreaking to me. He has an honest, direct way of speaking that just helps you hear the Jersey accent in your head!! Would definitely recommend!
May 11, 2021
This book is a must read! Riveting, real, gritty!! Giovanni Rocco is known as the most successful and experienced Undercover in the FBI.
August 14, 2021
Easy read, editing and layout could have been better. Enjoyable book
December 19, 2021
Entertaining read
December 20, 2021
Great story. Couldn’t put it down
February 10, 2022
Thought this was an amazing story of his life infiltrating a mafia family. One of the most honest and interesting accounts of his life. Amazing read
March 9, 2022
This is more about the author than about the mob.
June 13, 2022
excellent
October 23, 2022
an amazing look inside the world of undercover work in the Mafia.
May 21, 2023
Not bad read. Made
Think of the Sopranos.
Think of the Sopranos.
November 21, 2024
Who has a bigger ego, these cops or the wiseguys they arrest? Probably the first mob book that has made me feel sympathy for the supposed antagonist.
November 26, 2024
Couldn’t put this book down! One of my favorite books I’ve read so far this year.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews