They Call Me Korney

by Michael F. Rizzo

Tony Kalkiewicz was a hardened career gangster. When he met the younger, up-and-coming bootlegger John Kwiatkowski, they hit it off. But when the smarter John took over his gang, Tony gave up the life. In the end they would need each other for one last, explosive heist that would be their undoing and send one of the gang to the chair. Set in Prohibition-era Buffalo, New York, "They Call Me Korney" is based on a true story and is full of never-before-seen photos and original research.

Nook

First published October 6, 2009

About the author

Michael F. Rizzo was born in Buffalo, New York. In the 1990s he produced and wrote a weekly television show, COMX-TV about the busy comic book industry. With his co-host, they interviewed hundreds of comic book creators and attended dozens of conventions.

His first book, Through The Mayors' Eyes, was finished in 1990 but languished for 15 years. He found self-publishing and released the book in 2005. After releasing several more self-published books, he published four books with The History Press.

Rizzo ran Zippy Delivery, a bike messenger courier business, for seven years, then started The Mob Tours, and founded two nonprofits.

In 2013 he and his family moved to the Pacific Northwest. In 2015 Rizzo co-hosted Northwest Brew Talk with his partner.

Following him at https://www.subscribepage.com/g4u1x1

Reviews

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

This is a true crime/book about one of the Polish gangs during the 1920 era. The facts, circumstances, people, and situations were interesting (to say the least) An interesting book to read and ponder about

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the history lesson and mystery behind the events, but not the writing... I felt the story was scattered/unorganized and very sloppily thrown together with blatant typos.

[Gregory Nerogic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important history that is not taught in traditional history books .

Having strong roots and ties to Buffalo's Polish community , I was most interested in reading about the dark underside of the hard-working Polish community in Buffalo ; my grandfather, my mother and her sisters grew up in the shadow of Saint Casmier's Roman Catholic Church on Buffalo's east side community still known as Kaisertown. It is highly likely that they knew of the characters in this book and or traveled in similar circles . A Fun read.

[Justine Janora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up as a Polish girl from the East Side of Buffalo this book really took me back. Some of the names were familiar as well as the places. I loved the maps and the more people I recommend this book to from Buffalo the more thanks I get for recommending it! I have had several people tell me of their ancestors connection to the book and it has sparked many great conversations!

[Adrienne Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written. I found it very interesting.