Hunting Whitey: The Inside Story of the Capture & Killing of America's Most Wanted Crime Boss

by Casey Sherman, Dave Wedge

Based on exclusive, fresh reporting, the thrilling, definitive inside story of the pursuit, capture, and killing of legendary South Boston mob boss, James “Whitey” Bulger, detailing as never before his years on the run, how he evaded capture, and his brutal murder in prison.

For the first time, Boston reporters Casey Sherman and Dave Wedge draw on exclusive interviews and exhaustive investigative reportage to tell the complete story of Whitey Bulger, one of the most notorious crime bosses in American history—alongside Al “Scarface” Capone and Vito Genovese—and a longtime FBI informant. The leader of Boston’s Winter Hill Gang and #1 on the FBI’s Most Wanted list, Bulger was indicted for nineteen counts of murder, racketeering, narcotics distribution, and extortion. But it was his sixteen-year flight from justice on the eve of his arrest that made him a legend and exposed deep corruption within the FBI.

While other accounts have examined Bulger’s crimes, this remarkable chronicle tells the story of his life on the run, his capture, and his eventual murder inside one of America’s most dangerous prisons—”Misery Mountain”—in 2018. Interweaving the perspectives of Bulger, his family and cohorts, and law enforcement, Hunting Whitey explains how this dangerous criminal evaded capture for nearly two decades and shines a spotlight on the dedicated detectives, federal agents, and prosecutors involved in bringing him to justice. It is also a fascinating, detailed portrait of both Bulger’s trial and his time in prison—including shocking new details about his death at Misery Mountain less than twenty-four hours after his arrival.

Granted access to exclusive prison letters and interviews with dozens of people connected to the case on both sides, Sherman and Wedge offer a trove of fascinating new stories and create an incomparable portrait of one of the most infamous criminals in American history.

Hunting Whitey includes an 8-page photo insert.

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

368 pages, Hardcover

First published May 26, 2020

About the author

Casey Sherman is a New York Times Bestselling Author of 13 books including The Finest Hours (now a major motion picture starring Casey Affleck & Chris Pine), Boston Strong (the basis for the film Patriots Day starring Mark Wahlberg), Animal & Hunting Whitey.
Sherman is also the author of 12, Search for the Strangler, Animal, Bad Blood, Black Irish, Black Dragon, Above & Beyond and The Ice Bucket Challenge.
Sherman is a contributing writer for TIME, Esquire, Washington Post, Boston Herald and Boston Magazine and has appeared as a guest an analyst on more than 100 television news programs.
Sherman is a graduate of Barnstable High School (Cape Cod), Fryeburg Academy (Fryeburg, Me.) and Boston University.

Reviews

[Jaksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this for my husband who'll read ANYTHING about gangsters, mobsters, and loves the same and movies and on TV. Unfortunately, he's not a big reader, just a 'few books a year' reader. All the same, when I saw this come out I knew he'd love it.

And he did, took his time with it, and over three weeks devoured it, prob. will read it again. (I read it along with him.) The story of Whitey Bulger, the infamous Boston bad-guy who ruled over gangsterville for several decades, while all the time working as an informant for the FBI. But not a good informant, but a seriously evil one. In return for telling the FBI what other gangsters were up to, he milked the agents for what they knew, with some of them falling into deadly line with him. They in turn often warned him about stakeouts, and lines of investigation, giving Whitey an advantage over the other gangs and gang-leaders in the city.

I live just outside Boston; I know the terrain, and prob. came in contact with a few in the book. (And I did! I had their kids in school. OMG! but I'm not naming names...)

Okay, it's just some of the non-gangsters mentioned here and there. At any rate, a very linear story, starting with who Whitey was, what he did, when and where and how - and then, how he was caught while living out in California with one of his several girlfriends. The way this is written, it's not overly graphic, but it is very real.

A must-read for those who read true crime.

Four stars.

[Joseph Finder]

Hunting Whitey feels like pulling up to the bar to hear the story of a lifetime. With extraordinary access to first-hand witnesses, Casey Sherman and Dave Wedge report the real story of how America's most-wanted criminal met his final judgment.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reads like fiction! While I was already familiar with the story, the details provided in this book were fascinating. I was hooked from the start.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I had watched 'Black Mass' (which I didn't enjoy) and 'The Departed' (which I did) and there were often news references to Whitey Bulger while he was on the run, but didn't know much about Bulger until picking up the book (or, in this case, the iPad). The authors have really done their research, but was a little disappointed that they tended to glance over his earlier career, yet were quite repetitive in other parts. Overall, it was a reminder that we really don't know who is living next door! Incredible that someone can be so cold-blooded yet show compassion to others. One of the most telling aspects is in the photo section of the moments after Bulger was arrested and handcuffed - he just looks like a tired, bewildered old man. Kudos to the use of Shakespeare: "Time is the old justice that examines all offenders".

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much better than I expected and surprising. The "aging moll girlfriend" had cosmetic work done to her face and breast implants. Her doctor had photos. And serial numbers for the implants! So she was identified by the photos but, had she been deceased, she would / could have been identified by the implants' serial numbers. Too funny. Her twin was much better looking. This is a wonderful true crime book for a "shelter in place" reader. They stayed "safe in place" for years with cash and loaded guns. Her description as an animal lover, her vanity, and her photos did them in.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is sad that brutal criminals such as Bulger are seen as inspiration to some but the victims of these monsters and forgotten or treated as if they somehow deserved their unfortunate fate. Can't say that I am sorry for how things ended for Bulger. What is sickening is that we expect law enforcement agencies and the legal system to uphold the law and protect those of us who pay their salaries through taxes but they enable these criminals sometimes. Why they choose to do that is completely incomprehensible. What a world!

[Cyndi T · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+, but not quite a 4

[Amar Pai · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 star story, 3 star told

[KR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched and written. The trial part has horrible murder descriptions. These were/are despicable people. ‘Reminded me of the Nazi-inflicted atrocities.

Having driven by Southern Hills Country Club on the day Roger Wheeler was murdered, seeing dozens of police units, and yellow tape around the entire perimeter of the upscale golf course, I knew it was bad. Really bad. Within 24 hours, the Tulsa media was reporting this as a “hit”, but it remained a mystery to me until I began reading a book in my doctor’s office in Virginia Beach 20 years later, “Black Mass: The Irish Mob, the FBI, and a Devil’s Deal”. And there was Roger Wheeler’s picture, a Tulsa businessman who had a lovely home & large property on a NW corner of South Lewis. (It has since been partitioned to squeeze in another large house.) Such a shocking event, yet according to the authors of this book, it was just one of many reprehensible criminal acts perpetrated by Bulger and his gang. Was so glad when he was caught! (p.s. I knew he wasn’t dead when I first saw the movie, “The Departed”; knew that he was still “out there”.)
Evil, evil man - and his cronies.

[Vakaris the Nosferatu · Rating 4 out of 5]

all reviews in one place:
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu

About the Book: A ruthless mob boss, self proclaimed gentleman, and a loving father to his children. James “Whitey” Bulger’s name is mentioned along side such notorious ones as Al Capone or Vito Genovese. This is a book of his long overdue capture, long and tough years in prison, and death by murder.

My Opinion: A pretty good book, well written, with plenty of details and names (an important factor for fact-checking). I’m just surprised I had no clue who this man was, since he was second most wanted man in the USA, just after Osama bin Laden.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The good narrative nonfiction that reads like fiction but is all based on the hunt to capture a notorious mobster who spent time at his "alma mater" Alcatraz. He was a man with a dual nature: don't hurt defenseless animals, but he's off anyone who got in his way. And he beat women.

The facts of the case including the treachery and undercover work in addition to the corruption are just as fascinating as the man himself (and the women who loved him!)

There's the action of the story-- the things he did to become notorious and then how he lived afterward as an old man on the run who had a settled life. Before rolling into the trial. It's focused but complete in it's presentation. and worth the listen.

[RICK "SHAQ" GOLDSTEIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: A WHITE RAT & CORRUPT FBI THEN… A CORRUPT FBI NOW
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Whitey Bulger was/is synonymous with murder and mayhem in the Boston area for years… and then on the lam for sixteen years as the #1 NAME ON THE FBI’S MOST WANTED LIST… though he fell to second on the list for a period until Osama bin Laden was killed. Whitey not only was accused of nineteen murders… but he was a spineless RAT for the FBI… turning evidence of friends and foes alike. He also had numerous CORRUPT cops and FBI agents on his payroll. His main FBI flunky was John Connolly. His part in corruptness that stunk up the FBI lasted f0r decades and even years after his involvement the smell of rancid fish permeated all things FBI in Boston. Good… dedicated agents that followed have had to try to operate with the lack of respect and doubt… that was rightfully left behind… hovering like a nuclear cloud .

The author’s do a stupendous job in integrating Bulger’s life story… with flashbacks… and flash-forwards of his murderous… criminal career… while meticulously tracking and explaining his sixteen years of disappearing from the grid… and attempting to live anonymously while still being sought by many different FBI workers… with different levels of perseverance. From gruesome descriptions of his murders… to the street level maneuvers… like buying drivers licenses… social security cards… and birth certificates… from down and out homeless people and alcoholics… to his girlfriend Catherine Greig’s plastic surgery records… leading the FBI after almost sixteen years of pursuit…to actually finance and release a TV commercial asking for help… and offering a reward… for assistance in tracking down Bulger and Greig. This unique ad did produce the lead that led to their capture. They were holed up and living anonymously in Santa Monica… and Whitey actually drove to San Diego to a movie theatre to watch “The Departed” the movie based upon him starring Jack Nicholson and Matt Damon. A local sheriff was watching the movie also and thought he recognized Bulger and contacted the task force… but they didn’t respond quick enough.

As mentioned earlier the authors not only flash back seamlessly… but some of their flashback facts are absolutely intriguing… such as that Whitey considered Alcatraz as his alma mater after serving time on “The Rock” from 1959 to 1962… and he had special ties to some of his co-inhabitants there… and always tried to stay in touch with them and help them… including but not limited to “The Choctaw Kid”. Fascinating is the only word I can use to describe the revelation that Whitey volunteered “to take part in a covert CIA program called MK-Ultra in exchange for time shaved off his sentence. Bulger and other prisoners were lied to and told that they were participating in a study to find a cure for schizophrenia. In reality, the CIA was working on a mind control weapon. Whitey was injected with LSD for weeks at a time, and he suffered terrifying hallucinations as he envisioned blood pouring from his cell walls while his prison bars transformed into slithering black snakes. He felt his head change shape and heard haunting voices. Years later he read that LSD also caused chromosome damage, and he blamed the drug for the death of his only son.” (Reviewers personal note: during my time in the military I was privy to historical records that related to the same tests. MLK’s killer was also involved in similar tests if you have the capability of researching those documents.)

Throughout the hunting of Bulger… his family left behind in Massachusetts was constantly contacted and questioned about his whereabouts and they would never give an inch. And his family included Billy Bulger THE PRESIDENT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS SENATE… one of the most powerful Massachusetts politicians ever. It is stated in the book that he lied under oath on one occasion.
The story never slows down… and you learn what makes the current Bulger task force individuals tick… and how in addition to wanting to capture this lowlife killer who was mistakenly made a folk hero… like a Robin Hood in Boston… that in addition to the capture alone… they’re trying to re-capture the dignity that was once the FBI. But based on current FBI corruption… they need to start all over with even a bigger burden to clear.

When finally captured in Santa Monica… the agents with guns pointed at Bulger in the garage below the apartment he was living in… yelled out to him…. “WHAT’S YOUR NAME?” Bulger’s reply… “YOU KNOW WHO I AM.”

In Whitey’s small apartment they found “more than thirty firearms, including a Ruger pistol and several Smith & Wesson and Colt revolvers that he kept hidden inside cut-out walls and hollowed-out-books, along with killing knives and $822,000 in cash. He also had two shotguns and two rifles stored under his bed and a pistol at his bedside. All the weapons were loaded, and there was enough ammunition on hand to defend against a small army. Bulger was armed to the teeth and had vowed that he’d never be taken alive.”

But… alive he was taken… and along with false braggadocio… he always made an attempt to rewrite history. The story then closes with his trial and his murder. The reader will certainly get a good feel of what life is like on the run… and you’ll also learn that everyday people can be living right next door to the #1 wanted man in America… who despite constantly being seen for years on his balcony looking up and down the street with binoculars… and never letting anyone in his apartment… could still not put two and two together.

[Katie Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publishers! I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

I enjoyed this book. I read a lot of true crime books but I didn’t know a lot about Whitey going into this. I think the authors did an excellent job- specifically with the chapters related to Whitey’s early life and time on the run. The details that they captured from people that had contact with Whitey and Catherine while they were on the run were excellent. The stories from these people painted such a full picture for me that I think I would read a whole book just about Whitey’s time on the run. These chapters also clearly stated Whitey’s crimes without the gory details which I prefer when I read true crime. There are some references to “The Departed” so if you have not seen the movie you may want to run through a synopsis and the list of actors/characters. I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 because of the chapters related to Whitey’s trial. These chapters were very dense and we were introduced to new characters quickly and with very little background information. I found myself flipping back and forth between pages to remind myself who was who. The traditional Italian and Irish names definitely made it harder to track who was related to who and why. Overall, I loved this book. I think it is a good choice for both a true crime lover and a reader looking for a thorough and factual telling of Whitey Bulger’s life.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to HarperCollins publishers, who supplied this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

I've never read the true crime genre, so this was a first. I was curious because of Whitey's notoriety. This book was an eye opener - detailing his crimes in South Boston, the corruption in the FBI, the supporting cast of characters in the various mob crews. All of the dedicated people at various levels of law enforcement, who did not give up during the q6-year manhunt. His girlfriend Catherine who was with him the whole time and who, unwittingly, was the loose thread that undid their life on the run. The events that transpired during his trial and thereafter. And the shocking end of the book, and of his life. It's all in this book. It's horrifying and intriguing at the same time. Well done!

[Denver Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

It never ceases to amaze me how many mobsters turn on one another. It does cause me to wonder how an organization can function so dysfunctionally. I am impressed with the way, Whitey was able to elude capture for so long. It was incredibly genius hiding out in the open the way he did. Yes, living under the radar but still in plain sight. I was truly shocked at the ease with which Whiteys executioners were able to carry out their contract. I believe that the bureau of prison should be held accountable for that. Yes I understand. He was a criminal, however it is the hBOP‘s obligation to protect those they incarcerate

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook offered some new insights into the Bulger case, but I have say, the authors lost some credibility when they claimed the lions standing sentry at the NYC Library were named for Mrs. Astor and another NY socialite of the time. In actuality they are named Patience and Fortitude and just about anyone worth their salt knows that.

That said, they did well balancing the storyline and not romanticizing Whitey’s horrific crimes. There were few people without dirty hands in this saga, including supposed law enforcement officers.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This history of the manhunt for the notorious gangster Whitey Bulger is fantastic; it reads like a novel, and is filled with twists, turns, and details that kept me reading deep into the night. The authors are excellent journalists, but are also clearly prose stylists who know how to ratchet up the tension in a narrative and this book is seeded with grim and lurid details that make you feel like you're peering into a window in the backrooms of organized crime.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't know much about Whitey Bulger before reading this book. What little I did know was the sensationalized reporting around his apprehension, sentencing, and demise in prison. I wondered how something like that could happen. This book offered insights into Whitey's time on the run and the many missed opportunities to bring him to justice, and why these events transpired the way they did. I could have skipped the occasional details on how he murdered his victims, but otherwise a good read.

[Scott Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched true life story of the famous Irish gangster from Boston Whitey Bulger. It starts with a brief recap of some of Whiteys crimes which are horrifying and numerous.

This of course sets up Whitey going on the run and avoiding capture for 16 years much to the embarrassment of the FBI. Finally a new person takes over the case with a different approach which pays off.

The biggest disappointment would be the actual capture which I think could have been told in even more detail and with more suspense.

The biggest surprise for me was all the supposedly law abiding citizens who helped protect Whitey. The experience in reading this book was similar to reading Ronan Farrows book about Harvey Weinstein. I went into the books knowing that Weinstein and Bulger were disgusting but what shocks me is all the people that enabled them.

[James Cummings, Sr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

Very well written and concise narrative of a true monster regarded by many as a Robin Hood. This is reminiscent of John Gotti. It’s hard to comprehend that this fatherly appearing individual personally killed 19 people and destroyed the lives of countless others.

[Mason E Searle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good true crime story. Could have used more details, but was well researched. Had some areas where they took maybe a little too much license in painting pictures like the look on his face when he was killed. That said, one of the better true crime stories I've read.

[Lewlew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Authentic and enthralling. Engrosing and descriptive down to the minute details. I was so cativated by the story/case, that I actually obtained tickets to “Hunting Whitey” at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston. Honestly, both the book and the production deserve 5 stars!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a little dry and by the end I was done. But if you want to learn some really interesting information about America’s most wanted it is worth the read. But just so you know it’s very to the point.

[Wesley Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read countless books about Whitey Bulger, but had never read one about his time on the run and his capture and trial. Loved the pace of this book, as well as how it skipped the long exposition about his time running the streets of Boston. I now feel like I got the full story of Whitey Bulger.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. Moves along quickly with short chapters. Good portrayal of Bulger’s time on the run, in prison and death.

[Michael F. Kinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Satisfying yet sad

Too many names to keep up with and the trial was boring but the getaway and chase were exciting. Hard to cheer too long for a monster, however.

[Cassidy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative and easy to follow, but nothing that makes it stand out from most other true crime books.

[Debi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book. So many lives destroyed by Whitey.

[Camille Pum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in the giveaway! I am obsessed with true crime and devoured the information Casey Sherman presented in this wonderfully written book. I highly recommend to anyone with an interest!

[Phil Goerner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok- more about the capture and trial. He was a bad dude!