Mobsters and Rumrunners of Canada: Crossing the Line

by Gord Steinke

The prohibition laws of the U.S. in the 1920s led to lucrative dealings between business-savvy Canadians and their mobster connections below the 49th parallel. The stories in this collection are the stuff of legends, with brutal slayings and Keystone Cop adventures in every chapter. Witness a historic meeting between Al Capone and Diamond Jim Grady, his Canadian connection, in the tunnels beneath Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Read about the rumrunners of the Prairies, B.C., Central Canada and the Maritimes, who used elaborate ruses to sneak booze past the long arm of the law on both sides of the border. You'll meet a rogue's gallery of such colourful characters as Rocco Perri, the Purple Gang and Dutch Schulz in Mobsters and Rumrunners of Canada.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Crime

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Robert Knapp · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book suffers from an overly imaginative and under researched approach to rum-rumming. For example, for the surely mythical appearance of Al Capone in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, the author does not rely on any of the solid biographies of Scarface, e.g., that of Laurence Bergreen (who of course doesn't even mention this mythical event). A number of chapters are not much about rum-running--Dutch Schultz in New York, for example. The dialogs, which the author claims are 'true to the sources', go far beyond what we know from the sources into the realm of historical fiction. So this is a good read and the general chapter topics are apposite and interesting, but don't count on it as anything like a definitive history, especially when it comes to Al Capone and the Purple Gang.

[Khalehla Litschel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastically written and superbly researched, Mr. Steinke combines his journalist training with his love of history to produce a remarkably easy to read book. I could not put it down once I began. There is humour and tragedy, love, loss and laughter masterfully woven together to capture the lives of Canada's mobster's and rumrunners. The chapters are packed with historic information, photos, newspaper clippings and quotes.
I would recommend this book to any and everyone. Whether you have an interest in history or just want something interesting to read, this is the book for you!

[Carl Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a well written book and no doubt He did His research , but there is several Mistakes made in it concerning Victoria and the Islands around it . Such as the location of the Leper colony in Canada. I have no doubts in my mind about where it is but in the book Mr steinke Places it on the wrong island. Otherwise the book is very informitive and a fascinating read I suggest it to everyone!!

[Gene Luscombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was an interesting read but I feel some of the dialogue may have been fictionalized. I have no way of proving it but some of the conversations one would only know only if you were there..

[Warren Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book quick read about a time in history that you wouldn't believe if it wasn't true.

[Mark Nenadov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many brief, interesting historical stories from Canadian/American history covering the era of Prohibition in the 1920's and 1930's (all of which in some way involve events on Canadian soil). Note: If you are already familiar with any of these stories, you may find them to be rather surface level.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read.Canada rules.