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Murder Machine
"The inside story of a single Brooklyn gang that killed more Americans than the Iraqi army."--Mike McAlary, columnist, New York Post
They were the DeMeo gang--the most deadly hit men in organized crime. Their Mafia higher-ups came to know, use, and ultimately fear them as the Murder Machine. They killed for profit and for pleasure, following cold-blooded plans and wild whims, from the mean streets of New York to the Florida Gold Coast, and from coast to coast.
Now complete with personal revelations of one of the key players, this is the savage story that leaves no corpse unturned in its terrifying telling.
INCLUDES PHOTOGRAPHS
They were the DeMeo gang--the most deadly hit men in organized crime. Their Mafia higher-ups came to know, use, and ultimately fear them as the Murder Machine. They killed for profit and for pleasure, following cold-blooded plans and wild whims, from the mean streets of New York to the Florida Gold Coast, and from coast to coast.
Now complete with personal revelations of one of the key players, this is the savage story that leaves no corpse unturned in its terrifying telling.
INCLUDES PHOTOGRAPHS
496 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 1992
325 people are currently reading
3571 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
May 14, 2015
Interesting story of an incredibly brutal crew from Brooklyn. Not sure how factual some of the information is on Roy and other core crew members due to a lot of the information was received from Dominick who was not a core member and was drunk/stoned most of the time. I also didn't believe Dominick as being the poor family member drawn into the life and escaped a hero by putting many people away to jail for life. Fact is he's a rat and when the going got tough he rolled on other members of his crew. In all though a great read on lower level mobsters striving to earn by whatever is necessary, including the dirty work.
December 23, 2020
Considering the main source of information was high or drunk most of the time I highly doubt this book to be accurate, especially when the source paints himself in such a good light a lot of the time, just accidentally fell in with ‘that scene’. The names are confusing and it jumps around a lot. It was interesting but I have read much better mafia related books
December 14, 2012
Not super well written, but interesting subject matter. I had a hard time following all of the different "characters", but I put it down a lot. Never finished - was just too confusing trying to remember who everyone was and how they were related.
June 14, 2020
Very absorbing read, and well written- by the time I finished it, I felt I'd really grown to know Dominick, Freddy, etc.
As is unavoidable with books like this, there were a few parts where it felt like it dragged a bit, but those were parts which provided the context or history behind events that occurred.
As is unavoidable with books like this, there were a few parts where it felt like it dragged a bit, but those were parts which provided the context or history behind events that occurred.
May 14, 2018
If there was a mafia family that kills whoever comes in their path in the streets what would the reactions be like? The DeMeo crew killed more people than the casualties in the Iraq conflict. The book Murder Machine written by Jerry Capeci and Gene Mustain is a thrilling and bone chilling true story about the most feared and notorious gang in all of New York.
The story starts out as two of the DeMeo hitmen (that remain nameless) stalk a nightclub owner like vultures. This murder is one of their best pieces of work and the most gruesome of them all. The nightclub owner is heading into his house and the two hitman pounce like cobras. The two went up to the nightclub owner and shot him in the chest twice and in the head once. They bashed his head in with a louisville slugger and a boot heel. The hitmen put him on a black tarp and cut out the heart so the corpse wouldn’t bleed as much. Then they waited for the corpse to be done bleeding, that would take about a hour or more so, the two ordered a pizza and ate it while they waited. After they were done they took the nightclub owner to the bathtub. That is where they saw off every lim on the nightclub owner and put each piece in a different dumpster all over Brooklyn. The two never got caught until 1987 where the two and many other were put on trial for murder, gambling, fraud, burglary and about every other felony known to man.
The book Murder Machine is for the people who love mafia history and lots of gruesome and detailed murders. The rating of this book is a five out of five stars for me.
The story starts out as two of the DeMeo hitmen (that remain nameless) stalk a nightclub owner like vultures. This murder is one of their best pieces of work and the most gruesome of them all. The nightclub owner is heading into his house and the two hitman pounce like cobras. The two went up to the nightclub owner and shot him in the chest twice and in the head once. They bashed his head in with a louisville slugger and a boot heel. The hitmen put him on a black tarp and cut out the heart so the corpse wouldn’t bleed as much. Then they waited for the corpse to be done bleeding, that would take about a hour or more so, the two ordered a pizza and ate it while they waited. After they were done they took the nightclub owner to the bathtub. That is where they saw off every lim on the nightclub owner and put each piece in a different dumpster all over Brooklyn. The two never got caught until 1987 where the two and many other were put on trial for murder, gambling, fraud, burglary and about every other felony known to man.
The book Murder Machine is for the people who love mafia history and lots of gruesome and detailed murders. The rating of this book is a five out of five stars for me.
July 21, 2023
With a title like Murder Machine it’s not surprising that there are no likable characters within this book. A periphery mob associate rats out his own uncle after getting into a spot of bother selling drugs and blackmailing people is supposed to be the main focus, however even the cops come across as unlikable.
Quite a few factual mistakes here if you’re familiar with New York crime history, but it’s well worth a read.
Five Families is a much better read on the NYC mafia though.
3/5
Not bad
Quite a few factual mistakes here if you’re familiar with New York crime history, but it’s well worth a read.
Five Families is a much better read on the NYC mafia though.
3/5
Not bad
March 25, 2009
"Murder Machine" is this extremely brutal and compelling read that is quite unforgettable in all of its gory, non-stop bloodletting as it superbly details the day-to-day life of this nasty and vicious organized crime group from the Canarsie section of Brooklyn (known as the Demeo crew!) that was comprised of drug-dealers, car thieves, porn peddlers, loansharks, scam artists and these savage, merciless assassins who, while led and encouraged by their intrepid leader, Roy Demeo, killed and chopped up more people than any other gang in modern American history!
For according to those heroic law-enforcement agents and sources that once monitored and eventually brought that utterly ruthless and bloodthirsty gang down the Demeo crew was responsible for committing over 200 homicides between 1975-1983, and in which many of the victims of those professional "hits" were never found, mainly because they were subjected to the gruesome and ritualistic "Gemini method" where the body, after being shot to death and stabbed in the heart several times, was stripped naked and dragged into this bathroom that was located in the gang's notorious execution chamber and then it was hung upside down in the shower for roughly 45 minutes (so as to allow the blood to congeal). After the body was taken down (usually after the crew ordered and fed themselves pizza!) it was placed on this blue tarpaulin, systematically hacked to pieces and dismembered with these razor-sharp knives, then wrapped in garbage bags, which were then stored in cardboard boxes before they were finally taken to this pre-selected dump for disposal.
It was this pretty horrifying and macabre procedure indeed, and those lethal and sadistic members of the trigger-happy Demeo crew (which usually included around 5 or 6 hard-core killers) often laughed and made jokes about each of their killings, many of which involved innocent bystanders and potential witnesses that the gang figured needed to be rubbed out. Pretty scary stuff, for those psychopathic killers, the most murderous crew in NYC (or the entire country for that matter!) had no remorse whatsoever, and every other Mafia crew, including John Gotti and co., greatly feared and respected Roy Demeo's gang of merry hitmen (though many of their killings were also quite impulsive and on the spot, which only served to further enhance their already deadly, cowboy reputations!).
Both Mustain and Capeci do this wonderful, very detailed job in tracing the origins of every prominent member of the Demeo crew, while revealing to this good degree their individual traits, family histories and various criminal specialties. They also provide this thoroughly researched background description/brief historical synopsis of the Canarsie/Flatlands section of Brooklyn so as to broaden and enhance the overall context from which that horrid gang arose, and to also provide this understanding of how all those local, tight knit scumbags/lowlifes came together and eventually morphed into these extremely violent psychopaths and fearsome contract killers who became even more tightly knit as their horrendous acts of violence simply proliferated into even more acts of blood spattered mayhem and madness.
The authors also go into sufficient detail on the life and times of Mafia capo Nino Gaggi and his often troubled, habitually coked up nephew Dominick Montiglio, whose job it was to keep an eye on Roy Demeo's undoubtedly profitable, yet undeniably dangerous, crew, the worst and most uncontrollable in Mafia history.
For the kill-crazy, utterly depraved Demeo crew certainly indulged in the sinister art of killing with this gleeful ruthlessness as they became ever more ferocious and wild, establishing this well-earned reputation as the most feared and horrible gang in NYC, and no other gang of killers in American history were as vile or as prolific. Also, in many ways it was their incurably violent natures, along with much greed and general carelessness, that eventually brought that pernicious and cold-blooded crew down (thank God!), and as I've already stated the authors do this great, very eloquent job in tracing and documenting the entire history of the Demeo gang from its very origins, to the height of its power and depravity, till its final downfall along with the individual demise of every member.
Furthermore, common themes and threads of ambition, loyalty, brotherhood, neighborhood bonds, love, admiration, teamwork, self-preservation, revenge, hatred, blood lust, greed, and even greater ambition---along with more themes revealing these clever, profit-minded business schemes, various power struggles, moments of deep regret, these perverse rituals, extreme violence, feelings of jealousy and bitterness, and finally, the act of ultimate betrayal---are all woven together into this easy to read, hugely absorbing, yet very chilling tale where the bad guys are very bad, and quite proud of their prowess with guns, knives and body disposal techniques. Though in the end the good guys win, and the crooks are all either killed or tossed in jail where they're left to rot. "Murder Machine" is , for the most part, this outstanding, yet often revolting, read about the most brutal and vicious group of hitmen in the annals of American crime (unless one factors the notorious and crazy Westies into the picture, yet I think that the Demeo crew was worse, and more insatiable in their evil blood lust!).
For according to those heroic law-enforcement agents and sources that once monitored and eventually brought that utterly ruthless and bloodthirsty gang down the Demeo crew was responsible for committing over 200 homicides between 1975-1983, and in which many of the victims of those professional "hits" were never found, mainly because they were subjected to the gruesome and ritualistic "Gemini method" where the body, after being shot to death and stabbed in the heart several times, was stripped naked and dragged into this bathroom that was located in the gang's notorious execution chamber and then it was hung upside down in the shower for roughly 45 minutes (so as to allow the blood to congeal). After the body was taken down (usually after the crew ordered and fed themselves pizza!) it was placed on this blue tarpaulin, systematically hacked to pieces and dismembered with these razor-sharp knives, then wrapped in garbage bags, which were then stored in cardboard boxes before they were finally taken to this pre-selected dump for disposal.
It was this pretty horrifying and macabre procedure indeed, and those lethal and sadistic members of the trigger-happy Demeo crew (which usually included around 5 or 6 hard-core killers) often laughed and made jokes about each of their killings, many of which involved innocent bystanders and potential witnesses that the gang figured needed to be rubbed out. Pretty scary stuff, for those psychopathic killers, the most murderous crew in NYC (or the entire country for that matter!) had no remorse whatsoever, and every other Mafia crew, including John Gotti and co., greatly feared and respected Roy Demeo's gang of merry hitmen (though many of their killings were also quite impulsive and on the spot, which only served to further enhance their already deadly, cowboy reputations!).
Both Mustain and Capeci do this wonderful, very detailed job in tracing the origins of every prominent member of the Demeo crew, while revealing to this good degree their individual traits, family histories and various criminal specialties. They also provide this thoroughly researched background description/brief historical synopsis of the Canarsie/Flatlands section of Brooklyn so as to broaden and enhance the overall context from which that horrid gang arose, and to also provide this understanding of how all those local, tight knit scumbags/lowlifes came together and eventually morphed into these extremely violent psychopaths and fearsome contract killers who became even more tightly knit as their horrendous acts of violence simply proliferated into even more acts of blood spattered mayhem and madness.
The authors also go into sufficient detail on the life and times of Mafia capo Nino Gaggi and his often troubled, habitually coked up nephew Dominick Montiglio, whose job it was to keep an eye on Roy Demeo's undoubtedly profitable, yet undeniably dangerous, crew, the worst and most uncontrollable in Mafia history.
For the kill-crazy, utterly depraved Demeo crew certainly indulged in the sinister art of killing with this gleeful ruthlessness as they became ever more ferocious and wild, establishing this well-earned reputation as the most feared and horrible gang in NYC, and no other gang of killers in American history were as vile or as prolific. Also, in many ways it was their incurably violent natures, along with much greed and general carelessness, that eventually brought that pernicious and cold-blooded crew down (thank God!), and as I've already stated the authors do this great, very eloquent job in tracing and documenting the entire history of the Demeo gang from its very origins, to the height of its power and depravity, till its final downfall along with the individual demise of every member.
Furthermore, common themes and threads of ambition, loyalty, brotherhood, neighborhood bonds, love, admiration, teamwork, self-preservation, revenge, hatred, blood lust, greed, and even greater ambition---along with more themes revealing these clever, profit-minded business schemes, various power struggles, moments of deep regret, these perverse rituals, extreme violence, feelings of jealousy and bitterness, and finally, the act of ultimate betrayal---are all woven together into this easy to read, hugely absorbing, yet very chilling tale where the bad guys are very bad, and quite proud of their prowess with guns, knives and body disposal techniques. Though in the end the good guys win, and the crooks are all either killed or tossed in jail where they're left to rot. "Murder Machine" is , for the most part, this outstanding, yet often revolting, read about the most brutal and vicious group of hitmen in the annals of American crime (unless one factors the notorious and crazy Westies into the picture, yet I think that the Demeo crew was worse, and more insatiable in their evil blood lust!).
May 10, 2022
Although I'm not usually go for crime stories and haven't read anything that described "that life" before, I'm happy it was Murder Machine that exposed me to the topic. It seem to be extremely well research piece of work that explained all characters and their motives and backgrounds letting you really feel the climate of the times and ruthlessnes of DeMeo crew that opened my eyes on how cheap life was to people like them. Interesting read, putting mob in not so romantic scenery, full of lies, intimidation, lack of trust, chasing money and lots and lots of blood.
February 13, 2018
Murder Machine is a true crime book that reads like a novel. Authors Mustain and Capeci dissect the New York underworld of the 70's and 80's through meticulous research and with an unflinching eye for detail. This results in a fast-paced narrative that although highly informative, never devolves into dry reading.
Contrary to some other true crime works, the focus here is bottom-up, rather than top-down. Barely visible are the high level scheming and plotting of the Mafia godfathers; instead the authors focus on the day-to-day struggles of lowly-ranked hoods. Thus dispelling some of the Hollywood mythos surrounding this particular subculture, and bringing the dirt and grime of Brooklyn street life into clear focus. (One need only read the back-of-cover summary to understand exactly what this entails).
Murder Machine is highly recommended for fans of the genre who are interested in experiencing a change of perspective that may further complete their image of organized crime activities in the New York area during the second half of the 20th century.
Contrary to some other true crime works, the focus here is bottom-up, rather than top-down. Barely visible are the high level scheming and plotting of the Mafia godfathers; instead the authors focus on the day-to-day struggles of lowly-ranked hoods. Thus dispelling some of the Hollywood mythos surrounding this particular subculture, and bringing the dirt and grime of Brooklyn street life into clear focus. (One need only read the back-of-cover summary to understand exactly what this entails).
Murder Machine is highly recommended for fans of the genre who are interested in experiencing a change of perspective that may further complete their image of organized crime activities in the New York area during the second half of the 20th century.
October 11, 2023
This book was okay. I have read several books about the Mafia and this book really didn't have anything new or different. It is very violent and talks a lot about the hierarchy of a "family". If you like books about the Mafia you might find it interesting but if you are looking for more information this book isn't it.
September 19, 2018
Didn’t love the run-on sentences at times. But loved the book still. Very interesting story. Great mob book.
July 20, 2021
An excellent book about the lesser-known Brooklyn faction of the Gambino family.
July 26, 2017
This book started out a little bit slow but picked up a lot of steam as it went on. Very well detailed and smartly written and laid out chapter by chapter perfectly. There is no mistaking that the crew written about were nothing more than blood thirsty serial killers who just happened to be gangsters. I found myself angry at the innocent lives taken that had no absolutely no ties to organized crime. To me it wasn't enough that Roy got killed and dumped in a trunk by his own men for the trail of misery he left in his wake. I liked reading how the different organizations came together to stop this crew but wished for a better ending which is no fault of the authors. The real life story was the real life story but u didn't see Dominick as the most sympathetic character so I didn't feel some great joy that he got to escape the life in the end. Still a fascinating look at the Mob and how really terrible it is and how it shouldn't be glorified.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2015
This was intense. Kudos to the reporters for all the facts. However, it was full of so much information that I got lost, at times. Although, I appreciated the epilogue. Overall, best for Mafia buffs.
May 17, 2016
It was a page turner and hard to put down. Almost gave it 5 stars, except for the fact that parts of the book were hard for me to follow at times...and I'm not sure how factual it all was. But definitely a good historical read on organized crime primarily in the seventies.
November 10, 2023
Absolutely brilliant book, always interesting and very well written. A book about true criminals and their life styles the type that are very rare. I am amazed that no film has ever been made about this, unlike the bullshit tales of the"Iceman" Richard Kuklinski, this is all truth
October 3, 2008
A lot of people to keep track of in this book. Otherwise very interesting.
September 17, 2012
You would have thought that a book about the Mob would be more interesting. But it wasn't. Couldn't wait to finish it, skimmed a fair amount too.
June 25, 2013
As good a mob story as you'll find. This Brooklyn crew set records for savagery and cold-blooded murder. A great tale, made even more chilling because it's all true.
October 26, 2020
Kind of wonder what could have been if Martin Scorsese had gotten his hands on this book before Nicholas Pileggi’s Wiseguy. This is Goodfellas, only if the murder montage was like half the movie.
I knew the name Roy DeMeo and that he was the head of perhaps the most murderous crew in Mafia history but I didn’t know exactly what is story was or how it operated. On a bit of a mob kick, I finally picked this one up. It’s a brutal tale and both writers tell it well, with all the requisite tragedy and angst that come with rise-and-fall organized crime narratives.
Wisely enough, both writers make Dominick the center of the story. It certainly helps that he’s the lone survivor but using his narrative to connect the through line between the different factions of the Gambino crime family made for a more interesting tale. The DeMeo folks are a part of it, a big part of it, but Capeci and Mustain are wise not to wallow in the sadism and bloodletting of the gangsters. They detail who died and how they died, giving a few discourses on the gross methods of body disposal. But beyond that, they don’t glorify people who got away with many, many (many!) murders for far too long.
What makes this one of the better mafia tales I’ve read is how the story encompasses both the beginning and near end of the Gambinos (it was published just before Gotti went away), their impact on Canarsie and all over Brooklyn, and even their unlikely alliance with the Westies in Hell’s Kitchen. Definitely a must read if you’re curious about mafia stories.
I knew the name Roy DeMeo and that he was the head of perhaps the most murderous crew in Mafia history but I didn’t know exactly what is story was or how it operated. On a bit of a mob kick, I finally picked this one up. It’s a brutal tale and both writers tell it well, with all the requisite tragedy and angst that come with rise-and-fall organized crime narratives.
Wisely enough, both writers make Dominick the center of the story. It certainly helps that he’s the lone survivor but using his narrative to connect the through line between the different factions of the Gambino crime family made for a more interesting tale. The DeMeo folks are a part of it, a big part of it, but Capeci and Mustain are wise not to wallow in the sadism and bloodletting of the gangsters. They detail who died and how they died, giving a few discourses on the gross methods of body disposal. But beyond that, they don’t glorify people who got away with many, many (many!) murders for far too long.
What makes this one of the better mafia tales I’ve read is how the story encompasses both the beginning and near end of the Gambinos (it was published just before Gotti went away), their impact on Canarsie and all over Brooklyn, and even their unlikely alliance with the Westies in Hell’s Kitchen. Definitely a must read if you’re curious about mafia stories.
January 28, 2023
Okay, so….. I have read a lottttttt of mafia books. Like, a lot. This one is by far, bar none the best one. I don’t say that lightly. It’s SO wildly entertaining, interesting and shocking, even if you don’t love mafia books. It’s fascinating to read about all the workings of the gang, including the huge rise and the massive fall of all the members. I think this is such an interesting read for a few reasons:
1. The gang is a rag tag group of guys - some come from affluent backgrounds, some have law enforcement ties, some were accepted to be police officers… and somehow they chose this life of murder, crime and chaos.
2. The inner workings, relationships and dynamics of the members are fascinating - some are friends, some are foes and some do the ultimate betrayal of each other, murder…. Even the best of friends.
3. They are the deadliest mafia group in history, full stop - that’s saying something, lol. In a culture of murder and crime, this group soars above the norm.
4. The context of this group & their activities is fascinating - the DeMeo gang was tied to some of the most famous gang members in history (think John Gotti) and murders (Paul Castellano, boss of bosses in the New York Mafia). It feels like you’re getting a lesson in history, culture and crime all in one.
I can’t wait to read this one again, honestly. Great length, suspenseful writing, twists and turns at every chapter. It’s a must read!
1. The gang is a rag tag group of guys - some come from affluent backgrounds, some have law enforcement ties, some were accepted to be police officers… and somehow they chose this life of murder, crime and chaos.
2. The inner workings, relationships and dynamics of the members are fascinating - some are friends, some are foes and some do the ultimate betrayal of each other, murder…. Even the best of friends.
3. They are the deadliest mafia group in history, full stop - that’s saying something, lol. In a culture of murder and crime, this group soars above the norm.
4. The context of this group & their activities is fascinating - the DeMeo gang was tied to some of the most famous gang members in history (think John Gotti) and murders (Paul Castellano, boss of bosses in the New York Mafia). It feels like you’re getting a lesson in history, culture and crime all in one.
I can’t wait to read this one again, honestly. Great length, suspenseful writing, twists and turns at every chapter. It’s a must read!
February 27, 2019
Superb chronicle of the DeMeo gang, one of the most brutal members of the New York mafia who personally killed and dismembered hundreds of people. Mustain and Capeci do an excellent job detailing the gang's rise and downfall, pointing out its diverse membership, from an old school mafia captain to a decorated Green Beret. They don't skimp on the brutal details, even pointing out the DeMeo's killed more Americans than died in the First Gulf War but also show they were human beings, even when committing the most evil of acts (more than a few were doting husbands and fathers). An excellent true crime book for any fan of the genre.
January 14, 2022
This book shows the inner workings of the mafia in NY from 1940’s to when the police tried to take it down in the 1980’s. There were so many players with the same name some where the author interchangeably used their name & nickname, that it was hard to keep track of who was who. There was also a lot of name dropping in the book from Cher to Gina Davis, which I didn’t think was necessary. But overall it was so interesting to read about how little by little, things got worse inside the organization. More risks were taken all for more money. I was actually shocked to learn of the fates of the main characters. Not gonna spoil those for you!
March 4, 2022
An exhaustive look at Gambino hitman Roy Demeo who came up under Nino Gaggi. Essentially this is his story told by Nino's nephew Dominic. Roy and his crew used to dismember his victims in the apartment at the Gemini club and send them out to sea. Some people say he killed or orchestrated over 100 hits, including many unsanctioned murders outside the Mafia. Other mafia members say he loved killing so much he became a serial killer and had to be dealt with. In the end he was killed gangland style himself and stuffed in a trunk. The mafia got to him before other suspected hits were carried out on him.
September 26, 2015
Even Gotti Was Fearful …
Although cinematic portrayals of the Mafia have generated plenty of cringe-worthy moments, reading about the real-life deeds of Nino Gaggi’s murderous underlings makes the “Sopranos” appear like a series more suitable for Nickelodeon. MURDER MACHINE details the rise and fall of a Gambino-family crew that may have been responsible for up to 200 murders and how the legal system finally caught on to them.
While I thought this was going to be a book exclusively about the notorious Roy DeMeo, it actually isn’t. MURDER MACHINE presents a broader perspective by illustrating DeMeo and his gang of thugs as an efficiently effective cog in the Gambino family wheel of criminal activity. The main underlying theme that runs throughout the book is the tempestuous relationship between Nino Gaggi and his nephew, Dominick Montiglio … a relationship that eventually gave law enforcement the tools necessary to shut down the “Murder Machine”.
What I really liked about MURDER MACHINE is that the authors provide readers with a complete picture of Mafia serial killing. A story that starts with a patriarchal Nino Gaggi essentially stealing his nephew, Dominick, to serve as his pseudo-son and how that tenuous relationship ultimately implodes and ends with Dominick providing prosecutors the nails needed to seal the Gaggi/Demeo coffin. While the Gaggi/Montiglio team serves as bookends to the storyline; DeMeo and his crew provide the (no pun intended) “meat” in the middle. Mustain and Capeci do a good job illustrating the seedy atmosphere of New York in the 1970s that suitably caters to the criminal activity and grisly murders committed by the DeMeo gang. The detailing vividly covers events in a manner that make it easy to image the entire storyline in movie-like fashion. I particularly appreciated this aspect of the book as it thoroughly illustrates the depravity of Gaggi and DeMeo’s activities. While some may feel the minutiae bogs the story down, I considered it critical in providing the clarity needed with so many individuals and events meshing together.
What separates MURDER MACHINE from so many other Mafia-related books is that it covers a particularly bloodthirsty group of men that seemed wired to kill and did so with relish. Roy Demeo angle was certainly interesting and it is clear that the man was an insecure thug without a conscience. DeMeo’s name gets all the attention, but his crew of underlings were just as bad, if not worse … and all killing was generally done with capo Gaggi’s unspoken approval. As long as the money flowed to Gaggi and his superior, Gambino boss Paul Castellano, no one seemed to care who was killed, how they were killed or how the money was made. The book eerily illustrates how the Mafia’s tendrils crept into the everyday lives New Yorkers and it didn’t just involve drugs or loan-sharking. DeMeo’s crew was responsible for stealing thousands of cars … every year. Paralleling the criminal activities is the slow creep of law enforcement linking murders to Gaggi/DeMeo and eventually building an operation to take them down by getting Mafia underlings to become witnesses for the prosecution.
While murder and dismemberment are the book’s trademarks, I found the machination within the Gambino crime family and the characters involved more compelling. MURDER MACHINE continuously introduces readers to a cast of characters that keep things interesting. Aside from the insecurities of Gaggi and DeMeo, there is Dominick Montiglio, the Green Beret who fought with valor in Vietnam only to become embroiled in his uncle’s criminal empire and eventually succumbing to the debauchery associated with his uncle’s Mafia life. It is Dominick who seems to provide much of the book’s details. The other characters in the book give the stories color: Vito Arena, the obese gay hitman, the “Gemini Twins” and their enthusiasm toward dismembering victims, “Dracula” the creepy old mobster who actually lived in the apartment where the dismembering was done and a host of other interesting criminals and victims. In some cases, even friends become prey for the “murder machine”. We also get a clear picture of the guiltless lust for power and money exhibited by Mafia members and the paranoia it infuses within the ranks … no one is truly safe or invincible … as most of the characters, including DeMeo, find out.
One thing I did find quite interesting is that Richard “Iceman” Kuklinski is NEVER mentioned in the 458 page book. My initial introduction to Roy DeMeo was from watching HBO’s “The Iceman Tapes” in which Kuklinski coldly places himself as a major hitman in DeMeo’s crew of killers. MURDER MACHINE either debunks Kuklinski’s claims or simply ignores his “contributions”. Considering the number of unsolved murders/missing people possibly linked to DeMeo, it is still hard to tell whether or not Kuklinski was or wasn’t involved with any of the killing.
While I didn’t find MURDER MACHINE particularly “chilling”, it does reveal how ruthless the Mafia is and how indiscriminant its members can be when it comes to killing those who’ve crossed or inconvenienced them. The criminal activity and the story of those committing the crimes comprise the soul of MURDER MACHINE, not the grisly method of disposing bodies. This is certainly one of the better Mafia storylines I’ve read over the years and it seems to work hand-in-hand with the filthy, run-down image of New York City in the 70s.
Although cinematic portrayals of the Mafia have generated plenty of cringe-worthy moments, reading about the real-life deeds of Nino Gaggi’s murderous underlings makes the “Sopranos” appear like a series more suitable for Nickelodeon. MURDER MACHINE details the rise and fall of a Gambino-family crew that may have been responsible for up to 200 murders and how the legal system finally caught on to them.
While I thought this was going to be a book exclusively about the notorious Roy DeMeo, it actually isn’t. MURDER MACHINE presents a broader perspective by illustrating DeMeo and his gang of thugs as an efficiently effective cog in the Gambino family wheel of criminal activity. The main underlying theme that runs throughout the book is the tempestuous relationship between Nino Gaggi and his nephew, Dominick Montiglio … a relationship that eventually gave law enforcement the tools necessary to shut down the “Murder Machine”.
What I really liked about MURDER MACHINE is that the authors provide readers with a complete picture of Mafia serial killing. A story that starts with a patriarchal Nino Gaggi essentially stealing his nephew, Dominick, to serve as his pseudo-son and how that tenuous relationship ultimately implodes and ends with Dominick providing prosecutors the nails needed to seal the Gaggi/Demeo coffin. While the Gaggi/Montiglio team serves as bookends to the storyline; DeMeo and his crew provide the (no pun intended) “meat” in the middle. Mustain and Capeci do a good job illustrating the seedy atmosphere of New York in the 1970s that suitably caters to the criminal activity and grisly murders committed by the DeMeo gang. The detailing vividly covers events in a manner that make it easy to image the entire storyline in movie-like fashion. I particularly appreciated this aspect of the book as it thoroughly illustrates the depravity of Gaggi and DeMeo’s activities. While some may feel the minutiae bogs the story down, I considered it critical in providing the clarity needed with so many individuals and events meshing together.
What separates MURDER MACHINE from so many other Mafia-related books is that it covers a particularly bloodthirsty group of men that seemed wired to kill and did so with relish. Roy Demeo angle was certainly interesting and it is clear that the man was an insecure thug without a conscience. DeMeo’s name gets all the attention, but his crew of underlings were just as bad, if not worse … and all killing was generally done with capo Gaggi’s unspoken approval. As long as the money flowed to Gaggi and his superior, Gambino boss Paul Castellano, no one seemed to care who was killed, how they were killed or how the money was made. The book eerily illustrates how the Mafia’s tendrils crept into the everyday lives New Yorkers and it didn’t just involve drugs or loan-sharking. DeMeo’s crew was responsible for stealing thousands of cars … every year. Paralleling the criminal activities is the slow creep of law enforcement linking murders to Gaggi/DeMeo and eventually building an operation to take them down by getting Mafia underlings to become witnesses for the prosecution.
While murder and dismemberment are the book’s trademarks, I found the machination within the Gambino crime family and the characters involved more compelling. MURDER MACHINE continuously introduces readers to a cast of characters that keep things interesting. Aside from the insecurities of Gaggi and DeMeo, there is Dominick Montiglio, the Green Beret who fought with valor in Vietnam only to become embroiled in his uncle’s criminal empire and eventually succumbing to the debauchery associated with his uncle’s Mafia life. It is Dominick who seems to provide much of the book’s details. The other characters in the book give the stories color: Vito Arena, the obese gay hitman, the “Gemini Twins” and their enthusiasm toward dismembering victims, “Dracula” the creepy old mobster who actually lived in the apartment where the dismembering was done and a host of other interesting criminals and victims. In some cases, even friends become prey for the “murder machine”. We also get a clear picture of the guiltless lust for power and money exhibited by Mafia members and the paranoia it infuses within the ranks … no one is truly safe or invincible … as most of the characters, including DeMeo, find out.
One thing I did find quite interesting is that Richard “Iceman” Kuklinski is NEVER mentioned in the 458 page book. My initial introduction to Roy DeMeo was from watching HBO’s “The Iceman Tapes” in which Kuklinski coldly places himself as a major hitman in DeMeo’s crew of killers. MURDER MACHINE either debunks Kuklinski’s claims or simply ignores his “contributions”. Considering the number of unsolved murders/missing people possibly linked to DeMeo, it is still hard to tell whether or not Kuklinski was or wasn’t involved with any of the killing.
While I didn’t find MURDER MACHINE particularly “chilling”, it does reveal how ruthless the Mafia is and how indiscriminant its members can be when it comes to killing those who’ve crossed or inconvenienced them. The criminal activity and the story of those committing the crimes comprise the soul of MURDER MACHINE, not the grisly method of disposing bodies. This is certainly one of the better Mafia storylines I’ve read over the years and it seems to work hand-in-hand with the filthy, run-down image of New York City in the 70s.
August 23, 2022
This arm of the Gambino crime family disappeared countless bodies. Mustaine & Capeci pulled no punches when describing these harrowing murders committed by the DeMeo crew. Well written and absolutely brutal; this book is definitely not for the feint of heart.
It's difficult to fathom this level of violent heartlessness -- second only to atrocities during WW2 or instituted by despots -- I couldn't find any kind of catharsis. But in the 'True Crime' world, this group's systematic killing is about as brutal as it gets.
I also recommend their other book, 'Mob Star', about John Gotti.
It's difficult to fathom this level of violent heartlessness -- second only to atrocities during WW2 or instituted by despots -- I couldn't find any kind of catharsis. But in the 'True Crime' world, this group's systematic killing is about as brutal as it gets.
I also recommend their other book, 'Mob Star', about John Gotti.
October 4, 2022
Murder Machine is written in such a way that you feel that you are right there in the mix of all the murder and mahem that is going on within a faction of the Mafia. And boy, there is more murder than I might have guessed. I found the first 60% of the book to be fascinating. I felt that it bogged down somewhat after that where I'd just skim pages for awhile. I did read in more detail near the end because I wanted to find out what happened in or out of court with the main characters. If you have interest in the Mafia, this book is recommended reading.
January 10, 2025
An interesting and true story of an incredibly brutal crew from Brooklyn. A lot of the information in the book was received from Dominick who was not a core member and was drunk or stoned most of the time, so I'm not sure how accurate the book is. Dominick being a poor family member drawn into the life of crime and escaping as a hero by putting many people away to jail for life was obviously him trying to paint a nice picture of himself. Regardless of this, great read about the Mafia, mostly dealing with lower-level gang members.
April 15, 2020
Amazing true crime book about the DeMeo gang, who operated in NYC in the 1980's this is true crime at it's best.
This book follows the careers of several hit men who may have collectively committed as many as 200 murders during their reign of terror, Gambino Crime family associates, but at the time they were a modern day Murder Incorporated who killed for many different organizations.
If you are a fan of true crime Murder Machine is a must.
This book follows the careers of several hit men who may have collectively committed as many as 200 murders during their reign of terror, Gambino Crime family associates, but at the time they were a modern day Murder Incorporated who killed for many different organizations.
If you are a fan of true crime Murder Machine is a must.
April 15, 2024
Unbelievable. Deserves a spot on the Mount Rushmore of Mafia books. Highly recommend to anyone interested in true crime. It was as chilling as it was thrilling. It really de-romanticizes the mob from classy, cigar chomping gentlemen, to glorified sociopathic serial killers with fragile egos. Wish Scorsese would make an adaptation. Some sequences in the book felt straight out of a movie scene. Firmly putting this book in the "could not put down" category.
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