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Rat Bastards: The Life and Times of South Boston's Most Honorable Irish Mobster
You've met the Italian mob
in The Godfather, now welcome
to the real-life world of Irish
America's own murderous clan
of organized crime
The man who has remained silent for more than a decade finally speaks, revealing the gritty true story of his life inside the infamous South Boston Irish mob led by the elusive, Machiavellian kingpin Whitey Bulger, who to this day remains on the lam as one of the world's Ten Most Wanted criminals, second only to Osama bin Laden.
John "Red" Shea was a top lieutenant in the South Boston Irish mob, rising to this position at the age of twenty-one. Thus began his tutelage under the notorious Irish godfather James "Whitey" Bulger. An ice-cold enforcer with a legendary red-hot temper, Shea was a legend among his Southie peers in the 1980s. From the first delivery truck he robbed at thirteen to the start of his twelve-year federal sentence for drug trafficking at twenty-seven, Shea was a portrait in American crime -- a terror, brutal and ruthlessly ambitious. Drug dealer, loan shark, money launderer, and multimillion-dollar narcotics kingpin, Shea was at the pinnacle of power -- until the feds came knocking and eventually obliterated the legendary mob in a well-orchestrated sweep of arrests, fueled by insider tips to the FBI and DEA.
While Bulger's other top men turned informant to save their own hides, Shea alone kept his code of honor and his mouth shut -- loyalty that earned him a dozen years of hard time even as the man he was protecting turned out to be, himself, a rat. For in the end, in a remarkable show of betrayal, Bulger turned out to be the FBI's "main man" and top informant -- tipping off the feds for decades while still managing to operate one of the most murderous and profitable organized crime outfits of all time.
In Rat Bastards, Shea brings that mysterious world and gritty urban Irish American street culture into sharp focus by telling his own story -- of his fatherless upbringing, his apprenticeship on the tough streets of Southie, and his love affair with trouble, boxing, and then the gangster life. In prose that is refreshingly honest, personal, and surprisingly tender, Shea tells his harrowing, unflinching, and unapologetic story. A man who did the crime, did the time, and held fast to the Irish code of silence, which he was raised to follow at any cost, Shea remains a man of honor and in doing so has become a living legend. One of the last of a dying breed, a true stand-up guy.
Shea expects no forgiveness and makes no excuses for the life he chose. His story is intense, compelling, and in your face.
in The Godfather, now welcome
to the real-life world of Irish
America's own murderous clan
of organized crime
The man who has remained silent for more than a decade finally speaks, revealing the gritty true story of his life inside the infamous South Boston Irish mob led by the elusive, Machiavellian kingpin Whitey Bulger, who to this day remains on the lam as one of the world's Ten Most Wanted criminals, second only to Osama bin Laden.
John "Red" Shea was a top lieutenant in the South Boston Irish mob, rising to this position at the age of twenty-one. Thus began his tutelage under the notorious Irish godfather James "Whitey" Bulger. An ice-cold enforcer with a legendary red-hot temper, Shea was a legend among his Southie peers in the 1980s. From the first delivery truck he robbed at thirteen to the start of his twelve-year federal sentence for drug trafficking at twenty-seven, Shea was a portrait in American crime -- a terror, brutal and ruthlessly ambitious. Drug dealer, loan shark, money launderer, and multimillion-dollar narcotics kingpin, Shea was at the pinnacle of power -- until the feds came knocking and eventually obliterated the legendary mob in a well-orchestrated sweep of arrests, fueled by insider tips to the FBI and DEA.
While Bulger's other top men turned informant to save their own hides, Shea alone kept his code of honor and his mouth shut -- loyalty that earned him a dozen years of hard time even as the man he was protecting turned out to be, himself, a rat. For in the end, in a remarkable show of betrayal, Bulger turned out to be the FBI's "main man" and top informant -- tipping off the feds for decades while still managing to operate one of the most murderous and profitable organized crime outfits of all time.
In Rat Bastards, Shea brings that mysterious world and gritty urban Irish American street culture into sharp focus by telling his own story -- of his fatherless upbringing, his apprenticeship on the tough streets of Southie, and his love affair with trouble, boxing, and then the gangster life. In prose that is refreshingly honest, personal, and surprisingly tender, Shea tells his harrowing, unflinching, and unapologetic story. A man who did the crime, did the time, and held fast to the Irish code of silence, which he was raised to follow at any cost, Shea remains a man of honor and in doing so has become a living legend. One of the last of a dying breed, a true stand-up guy.
Shea expects no forgiveness and makes no excuses for the life he chose. His story is intense, compelling, and in your face.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
59 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
John "Red" Shea
4 books4 followersJohn "Red" Shea, 40, was a top lieutenant in the South Boston Irish mob run, led by James "Whitey" Bulger. An ice–cold enforcer with a red–hot temper, Shea was a legend among his peers in the 1990s South Boston, as much as John Gotti, Bugsy Siegel, and Al Capone were in their time and place.
From the age of thirteen, when he started robbing delivery trucks, to the age of twenty–seven, when he began serving a twelve–year federal sentence for drug trafficking, Shea was a portrait in American crime – a bantam–weight, red–headed terror, brutal with his fists and deadly with a lead pipe, a baseball bat, or a knife. At fifteen he was selling marijuana . At seventeen he was handling Bulger's cocaine. At eighteen he was loan sharking and laundering Bulger's money. At twenty, initiated into Bulger's inner circle at the point of an Uzi, he was running a multimillion–dollar narcotics operation for his mentor.
RAT BASTARDS was the first–ever, firsthand account of mob life that wasn't told by a rat. Red Shea did his crime, then did his time––and never informed, unlike Henry Hill of Wiseguy, Sammy "The Bull" Gravano of Underboss, and so many others. Holding fast to the code of his upbringing, he remained a man of honor.
John "Red" Shea, forty, completed his twelve-year federal prison sentence in 2002 and is now living on the right side of the law and working in Boston, Massachusetts.
From the age of thirteen, when he started robbing delivery trucks, to the age of twenty–seven, when he began serving a twelve–year federal sentence for drug trafficking, Shea was a portrait in American crime – a bantam–weight, red–headed terror, brutal with his fists and deadly with a lead pipe, a baseball bat, or a knife. At fifteen he was selling marijuana . At seventeen he was handling Bulger's cocaine. At eighteen he was loan sharking and laundering Bulger's money. At twenty, initiated into Bulger's inner circle at the point of an Uzi, he was running a multimillion–dollar narcotics operation for his mentor.
RAT BASTARDS was the first–ever, firsthand account of mob life that wasn't told by a rat. Red Shea did his crime, then did his time––and never informed, unlike Henry Hill of Wiseguy, Sammy "The Bull" Gravano of Underboss, and so many others. Holding fast to the code of his upbringing, he remained a man of honor.
John "Red" Shea, forty, completed his twelve-year federal prison sentence in 2002 and is now living on the right side of the law and working in Boston, Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 26, 2021
Well what a waste of money this book was. Luckily I got it used for $4. Still. This is by far the worst book I’ve read in a long time. No real story, no insight into the Irish mafia underworld, no gritty interaction between the author and the main player, Whitey Bulger. What you get is an egotistical psychopath talking about his manhood and pages, pages, and pages of just how tough he is physically and mentally that causes girls to swoon and strikes fear in everyone around him.
I usually don’t write reviews on books but felt if I could save anyone from paying for this book I should.
I usually don’t write reviews on books but felt if I could save anyone from paying for this book I should.
May 19, 2011
Actually it was boring. He didn't say anything. No insight to Boston under world. Just a guy who was bad and went to jail. Glad I borrowed the book.
February 20, 2013
An interesting book, but a hard book to read. What becomes readily apparent is that the author is a bleeping psychopath and a liar. He claims he is an honorable man but he knows nothing about honor. While not ratting out his crooked buddies is honorable, everything else he does contradicts that, making him either a huge phony or a complete dummy. Your choice. Not recommended.
August 30, 2012
This book was a true account of a man who lives by the code of loyalty and respect. John Shea is a true old school gangster and paid his debt to society like a real man. Kudos John I enjoyed the book immensely. A must read if you enjoy a good gangster story.
November 2, 2007
Good book but this guy's ego is a bit out of control.
June 14, 2009
Intense book from an intense individual. Eye opening into the mobster world for me.
March 25, 2014
Pompous a**hole who likes to think he was more involved with the criminal underworld of South Boston. He was a drug dealer that Whitey took "his cut" from. Nothing more!!
May 27, 2017
Some people might say that Mr. Shea should have maintained his criminal career and let the professionals do the writing. Lets give credit where it is due, the guy made an attempt. Some of us do not have a single word to ourselves. From being an outlaw to being an abiding citizen it takes a lot. He became what he despised, a model citizen.
The biography. I realised late that the mobster 'John Red Shea' was the author of these book. He tells us his life's story and most of all the fact that he was not a 'rat bastard'. So much for the talking. As if that is not enough, we endlessly hear of his life working under Whitey Burger and his bravery in and out of prison. A role model to everyone who wishes to live by the gun. To be a man one must not snitch on his brothers. Good code when you are on the wrong side of the law.
Comparables. I got excited when I saw this book in my 'bookshop'. I thought it was going to be something like 'the Valachi Papers' or even 'Serpico'. Not even close. Left me with a bad taste. All in all, I managed to get to the end of it and am glad.
Conclusion. Good luck to all those looking forward to reading this.
The biography. I realised late that the mobster 'John Red Shea' was the author of these book. He tells us his life's story and most of all the fact that he was not a 'rat bastard'. So much for the talking. As if that is not enough, we endlessly hear of his life working under Whitey Burger and his bravery in and out of prison. A role model to everyone who wishes to live by the gun. To be a man one must not snitch on his brothers. Good code when you are on the wrong side of the law.
Comparables. I got excited when I saw this book in my 'bookshop'. I thought it was going to be something like 'the Valachi Papers' or even 'Serpico'. Not even close. Left me with a bad taste. All in all, I managed to get to the end of it and am glad.
Conclusion. Good luck to all those looking forward to reading this.
February 14, 2026
Good book with first hand knowledge from a kid that came from Boston. (Southie). John Shea comes from a tough upbringing and soon learns how to manage his energy. Boxing . He captures the eye of James “Whitey” Bulgar, the head of the Irish crime family in Boston. Bulgar survives on being a very smart gangster with Machiavellian principles. He brings in Shea to run his lucrative drug business. Shea is 21 and very capable. This first hand account of Shea’s story is being told for the first time in this book and it is after Shea is imprisoned for 12 year for drug trafficking. Shea is one of a very few that refuses to cooperate with the Federal Government about his “activities” while working for Bulgar and it costs him dearly. What he finds out after a few years locked up is the one thing he doesn’t want to believe: James “Whitey” Bulgar is a rat. He used the government as an informant on other crime families and most likely on Shea. Shea’s story is compelling and holds your attention because Shea is a good story teller. He revisits his youth and harshness that was just normal for his neighborhood. No father and 3 sisters and a mom that worked 3 jobs to put what little food they had. Shea uses his fists to climb out of his neighborhood. by joining a local boxing gym and fighting from age 6. He learns the discipline of being an athlete there. He is no angel by any means and he does not pretend to be.
After a few pro fights he tires of the game of everyone that latches onto him wants a huge piece out of him. He just wants to be his own man and be respected. He returns to his old neighborhood where he begins to sell cocaine and it’s the late 1980’s: everyone is doing coke and it is a good buisness. Shea quickly learns how to retail his own package by ways of Florida and he catches Bulgars eye because Shea is smart and not easily intimidated- but he is not “kicking up” to Bulgar. Bulgar knows a good soldier when he sees one and brings John “Red” Shea into his fold, and that is where his life changes; he quickly goes from a local guy under the radar to one of Bulgars lieutenants and The Fed’s begin to target him. What they see is possibly a way to finally nail Bulgar. They think they can intimidate-influence Shea to turn on his higher ups. Shea is only 21 when he is brought into Whitey’s operation but he is an old soul when it comes to snitchin’.
In his book he explains what he did and his story of being arrested and jailed for 12 years. He methodically lays it all out chapter by chapter with a quick summary of his life and he captures the essence of every detail. John Shea is a likable guy. He is very charming and if you ever have truly worked with your hands to make a living -you can not help put like this guy, even though he did some not so good things . He stands tall and admits that it was his decision and he made his own choices. What may look like “bravadoness “ in his writing is how he survived and as in his life-he pulls no punches as he tells his tale. He doesn’t waste any ink on feeling sorry for himself and although he is not politically correct in his writing -it is refreshing to see someone not afraid to write what they believe. The trial and the time he serves in prison was my favorite part-not because I wanted him to pay-far from it. He got 12 years and did every single minute of it because of his belief of not turning /ratting others out to make his deal better. That was not a hard choice for him. It’s in his DNA and he has no sympathy for anyone that chooses to rat. Imagine how he felt when he found out that Whitey -his mentor and closest thing to a father figure “ratted” on all of them to serve his own purpose and while preaching that a rat was the vilest thing on earth. You can feel the pain in his words.
This book is written after his 12 years and it is penned in 2006., so I am a little late for this review (2025.) The good thing is we know now what Shea does not know when this book was written: James Whitey Bulgar gets what he deserves in the end-but unfortunately he took Shea’s youth (and so much more) from him-but Shea gets what he wanted -demanded and what he deserved; he is his own man and respected by his actions -not his words.
.
After a few pro fights he tires of the game of everyone that latches onto him wants a huge piece out of him. He just wants to be his own man and be respected. He returns to his old neighborhood where he begins to sell cocaine and it’s the late 1980’s: everyone is doing coke and it is a good buisness. Shea quickly learns how to retail his own package by ways of Florida and he catches Bulgars eye because Shea is smart and not easily intimidated- but he is not “kicking up” to Bulgar. Bulgar knows a good soldier when he sees one and brings John “Red” Shea into his fold, and that is where his life changes; he quickly goes from a local guy under the radar to one of Bulgars lieutenants and The Fed’s begin to target him. What they see is possibly a way to finally nail Bulgar. They think they can intimidate-influence Shea to turn on his higher ups. Shea is only 21 when he is brought into Whitey’s operation but he is an old soul when it comes to snitchin’.
In his book he explains what he did and his story of being arrested and jailed for 12 years. He methodically lays it all out chapter by chapter with a quick summary of his life and he captures the essence of every detail. John Shea is a likable guy. He is very charming and if you ever have truly worked with your hands to make a living -you can not help put like this guy, even though he did some not so good things . He stands tall and admits that it was his decision and he made his own choices. What may look like “bravadoness “ in his writing is how he survived and as in his life-he pulls no punches as he tells his tale. He doesn’t waste any ink on feeling sorry for himself and although he is not politically correct in his writing -it is refreshing to see someone not afraid to write what they believe. The trial and the time he serves in prison was my favorite part-not because I wanted him to pay-far from it. He got 12 years and did every single minute of it because of his belief of not turning /ratting others out to make his deal better. That was not a hard choice for him. It’s in his DNA and he has no sympathy for anyone that chooses to rat. Imagine how he felt when he found out that Whitey -his mentor and closest thing to a father figure “ratted” on all of them to serve his own purpose and while preaching that a rat was the vilest thing on earth. You can feel the pain in his words.
This book is written after his 12 years and it is penned in 2006., so I am a little late for this review (2025.) The good thing is we know now what Shea does not know when this book was written: James Whitey Bulgar gets what he deserves in the end-but unfortunately he took Shea’s youth (and so much more) from him-but Shea gets what he wanted -demanded and what he deserved; he is his own man and respected by his actions -not his words.
.
May 29, 2011
Some people just shouldn't bother writing books and some books just shouldn't be published.
Only read half and skipped around a little in the second 1/2 before quitting. Hard to get back to reading anything after that.
Only read half and skipped around a little in the second 1/2 before quitting. Hard to get back to reading anything after that.
Read
May 16, 2011An awful book.
September 12, 2023
I was intrigued for awhile, since I know the neighborhood well and lived in Boston during Whitey’s tenure. It was fun to recognize the streets and places…and the story of poverty , hard lives and few options rang true. But the author’s racist feelings, his attitude toward women and his utter embrace of violence and a criminal life were appalling. The author is basically a sick self-aggrandizing punk with little self knowledge who is only out for himself….and who appears to have no redeeming qualities. Glad I didn’t contribute to his royalties- I found the book the give away shelves at work. Couldn’t finish it…and just threw it in the recycle barrel as I didn’t want to subject anyone else to it.
January 17, 2018
A true telling tale of Irish mobsters growing up from Southie Mass. As being in an Irish family, I felt a weird connection the the Irish Mobster Red Shea despite having nothing in common with him. He really exposes the inner lights and unsuspected traits of the life of a mobster.
April 29, 2019
The book started strong but I'm not sure if I lost interest in the whole irish mob thing or the book just wasn't that captivating because I never finished. I don't have any inclination to try to pick it back up either.....
February 18, 2025
Hard hitting book. He really pulled no punches. I’ve read a few accounts of the Bulger gang and Winter Hill, I liked this one because I felt like he told it as it was. It’s also really sad that he wasted such potential for fadt money and a life of crime.
September 21, 2025
I read this book when I was reading any and everything about Whitey Bulger and Boston organized crime. As I finished the last page I couldn’t help but think that it was written by someone trying to cash in on people who were reading any and every book about Whitey and Boston organized crime.
November 29, 2025
Red Shea, is a POS. He poisoned thousands of kids throughout Boston, ruined their lives, but wears a badge of honor because he supposedly didn’t rat. The story is boring and spent way too much time about him staying in prison.
November 14, 2021
Meh. Just a dude who thinks he is a mob boss, but in reality is a pawn being used and thrown away.
February 13, 2024
Good story of life in the mob.
January 30, 2012
One of the New York Times' best selling books, "Rat Bastards," is an interesting and intense book. This memoir features John "Red" Shea, whom the memoir is written by and about, a young Irish man who grew up in south Boston. He joined the Irish mob scene at a young age and essentially became the protégé of Irish godfather James "Whitey" Bulger. He had worked his way up to become one of the most powerful people in the Irish mob scene, by the age of 21. This book shows the circumstances dealt with when being an Irish mobster and living in south Boston. Shea uses a first hand knowledge and experiences in order to write this fascinating story about the events that occurred in his life.
This memoir starts off with Shea being released from prison on August 7th, 2002. He has been released after being locked up due to Whitey Bulger's slandering, and release of information to an FBI agent by the name of John Connolly. He then fulfills almost all of the memoir to explain his life as he grew up in "Southie," and his apprenticeship in the mob scene. He grew up fatherless, with no guidance whatsoever; which was similar to the situation of many other Southie kids. He loved to get himself into trouble, and as he got older, he learned to love the sport of boxing. John Shea grew and became one of the best young boxers around, but when he got involved in selling drugs, he soon developed into an Irish mobster.
John Shea had started selling drugs, mostly cocaine, in order to make money, travel, and to try and promote his boxing career. However, once he had started to become even more involved in the drug trade, he soon met Whitey Bulger. After his first encounter with the infamous mob boss, Shea soon began being watched by Whitey, who had become fond of him and his tough "I don't give a damn" attitude. One really important theme that continues throughout this memoir is. in essence, not being a "rat." The people who had grown up in Southie stuck to their own civil code of not saying anything when it came to certain situations such as speaking with the police or other unwanted government officials.
This book was one of the most suspense filled works of literature I have ever read. It contains both the elements of reality, as well as fantasy. I learned about the tough life that most Southie kids had to deal with. However, Shea, as well as the other kids, realized that they couldn't change much, and they dealt with their lifestyle. I also learned about how serious and insane some of the things are when involved in groups such as the South Boston Irish mob. Fantasy-wise, you imagine just how messed up things were, and that some people believed that they could actually live a healthy, profitable life by being involved in drug trades and violence.
It makes you think a lot, and I had thought about how different my life was compared to the life of John "Red" Shea. Overall, this book was very attention-grabbing, and had grasped my interest after the first several sentences. It contains detailed descriptions of the kinds of fixations that can, and did occur. From sex, to drugs, to boxing and living the life of a gangster, this book had unbelievable content and I highly recommend reading it. John "Red" Shea accepts the life that he chose and his story is intense as well as compelling.
This memoir starts off with Shea being released from prison on August 7th, 2002. He has been released after being locked up due to Whitey Bulger's slandering, and release of information to an FBI agent by the name of John Connolly. He then fulfills almost all of the memoir to explain his life as he grew up in "Southie," and his apprenticeship in the mob scene. He grew up fatherless, with no guidance whatsoever; which was similar to the situation of many other Southie kids. He loved to get himself into trouble, and as he got older, he learned to love the sport of boxing. John Shea grew and became one of the best young boxers around, but when he got involved in selling drugs, he soon developed into an Irish mobster.
John Shea had started selling drugs, mostly cocaine, in order to make money, travel, and to try and promote his boxing career. However, once he had started to become even more involved in the drug trade, he soon met Whitey Bulger. After his first encounter with the infamous mob boss, Shea soon began being watched by Whitey, who had become fond of him and his tough "I don't give a damn" attitude. One really important theme that continues throughout this memoir is. in essence, not being a "rat." The people who had grown up in Southie stuck to their own civil code of not saying anything when it came to certain situations such as speaking with the police or other unwanted government officials.
This book was one of the most suspense filled works of literature I have ever read. It contains both the elements of reality, as well as fantasy. I learned about the tough life that most Southie kids had to deal with. However, Shea, as well as the other kids, realized that they couldn't change much, and they dealt with their lifestyle. I also learned about how serious and insane some of the things are when involved in groups such as the South Boston Irish mob. Fantasy-wise, you imagine just how messed up things were, and that some people believed that they could actually live a healthy, profitable life by being involved in drug trades and violence.
It makes you think a lot, and I had thought about how different my life was compared to the life of John "Red" Shea. Overall, this book was very attention-grabbing, and had grasped my interest after the first several sentences. It contains detailed descriptions of the kinds of fixations that can, and did occur. From sex, to drugs, to boxing and living the life of a gangster, this book had unbelievable content and I highly recommend reading it. John "Red" Shea accepts the life that he chose and his story is intense as well as compelling.
February 23, 2010
This is a good memoir and an easy read. If you enjoy stories about
gangsters, fighters, drug dealers, America's most wanted fugitives, and
prison violence then you are going to want to check out "Rat Bastards".
In all seriousness though this is a well written account of this guy's
life as a short lived professional boxer, a cocaine dealer, and
ultimately a convicted criminal and prisoner. John "Red" Shea lives his
entire life by the code of the streets of Southie which basically means
keep it in the neighborhood, take care of your own, an eye for an eye,
and above all don't rat on anyone no matter what the consequences. He
makes no apologies for the way he has chosen to live his life, quite the
contrary, he embraces it. So much so in fact he ends up doing a 12 year
bid (That's gangster for 12 years in prison).
I cant help but be in awe of this guy's fearlessness and toughness. He
wasn't afraid of ANYONE and this is in his world a world filled with
notorious ruthless gangsters, killers, and inmates with little to lose.
On the one side he's callous, short tempered and dangerous, quick to
bust someone's head open with a baseball bat to make an example. Then
again he's loyal and extremely driven when he chooses to be, running 6
miles a day, training incessantly as a boxer and of course...finding
clever ways to sell more and more drugs. The quintessential yin and
yang. Love him or hate him you have to admire that he doesn't
compromise his ideals. Take him or leave him he has interesting stories
to share.
I put this book down with a desire to hear more about John Shea. I would especially like to hear more from someone who knew him to get a
different, more objective perspective of the guy if only to see if he enormous ego is warranted. For a small town white boy who grew up listening to gangster rap this guy is my generation's John Wayne!
gangsters, fighters, drug dealers, America's most wanted fugitives, and
prison violence then you are going to want to check out "Rat Bastards".
In all seriousness though this is a well written account of this guy's
life as a short lived professional boxer, a cocaine dealer, and
ultimately a convicted criminal and prisoner. John "Red" Shea lives his
entire life by the code of the streets of Southie which basically means
keep it in the neighborhood, take care of your own, an eye for an eye,
and above all don't rat on anyone no matter what the consequences. He
makes no apologies for the way he has chosen to live his life, quite the
contrary, he embraces it. So much so in fact he ends up doing a 12 year
bid (That's gangster for 12 years in prison).
I cant help but be in awe of this guy's fearlessness and toughness. He
wasn't afraid of ANYONE and this is in his world a world filled with
notorious ruthless gangsters, killers, and inmates with little to lose.
On the one side he's callous, short tempered and dangerous, quick to
bust someone's head open with a baseball bat to make an example. Then
again he's loyal and extremely driven when he chooses to be, running 6
miles a day, training incessantly as a boxer and of course...finding
clever ways to sell more and more drugs. The quintessential yin and
yang. Love him or hate him you have to admire that he doesn't
compromise his ideals. Take him or leave him he has interesting stories
to share.
I put this book down with a desire to hear more about John Shea. I would especially like to hear more from someone who knew him to get a
different, more objective perspective of the guy if only to see if he enormous ego is warranted. For a small town white boy who grew up listening to gangster rap this guy is my generation's John Wayne!
Read
August 16, 2010Another book about Whitey Bulger and South Boston. This book was informative, dramatic, exciting, and hard two put down. I read it in three sittings, and read many parts out loud to Donald. However, I agree with all of the critics on line, too. John Shea was one of Whitey Bulger's top men in the Irish Mafia in Boston. After decades of having free reign, Bulger and his organization were brought down by the DEA. In the ensuing investigation, every one of Bulger's minions turned states' evidence, violating the most important rule of Southie, to remain a man by not ratting. Every one but John Shea, who refused to give law inforcement any information and served a 12 year sentence. Yes, Shea is cocky, yes he is a braggart, and I agree with everyone who says, "this guy totally contributed to the pain and suffering in his neighborhood (see "All Souls" by Michael MacDonald). Still, this was a good book.
May 11, 2009
The book deals with the life and times of a one time Boston Mobster. While the book is very frank in it's discussions on the mob life style and in some ways seems to glamorize it even though it is firmly entrenched in illegality.
The book also has a lesson to teach, and that is one of values. Yes, it seems odd that a book that idolizes the criminal life style can teach values. But, it does pull it off.
If you are at all curious just what it is like to live and work in an organized criminal organization I would recommend this book. It is a fascinating look into an area in which most of us will never see.
The book also has a lesson to teach, and that is one of values. Yes, it seems odd that a book that idolizes the criminal life style can teach values. But, it does pull it off.
If you are at all curious just what it is like to live and work in an organized criminal organization I would recommend this book. It is a fascinating look into an area in which most of us will never see.
February 19, 2016
John Shea has a decent story to tell. Sadly, he's very immature and full of machismo. I suppose that's to be expected of a gangster from Southie. The book is interesting enough but Shea's lack of depth and constant bragging definitely impact the book in negative way. It's a quick, simple, trashy read. I'd recommend it for short trip or a boring afternoon. Shea doesn't shed too much light on Whitey as person or life in Southie. He mainly brags about his toughness, gushes over his ex-girlfriend and romanizes his life as a mid level coke dealer. I feel like this book and Shea have potential to be much better.
August 30, 2024
I find just about any book on Whitey really interesting because its a part of Boston history that touches almost everyone who's parents have grown up here in some way. I never heard of Red Shea personally until I saw this book and I was a little disappointed in it. This guys clearly has anger problems and that pretty much was what the whole book was about. There wasn't much about actually working for Whitey, just that he ran drugs for him and that Whitey had a psychopathic personality which if you've read any books on him you already know. This was just an ok book. If you read it, it's a lot of swears, racial slurs and anger problems.
November 2, 2008
Okay, crime is bad, and people shouldn't break laws. (I'm a father. I have to say that.) That being said, things don't always work out the way they're supposed to. After reading how Red grew up, I could see how you could easily switch Southie with Newark, NJ, where I grew up and still live. Regardless what the man did, it's very admirable when a man faces the music when he's caught and doesn't rat out his boys just to make it easier on himself. Pretty good read, and I'm looking forward to when the movie comes out.
November 8, 2013
"Rat Bastards" was a pretty good read. John Shea is clearly passionate and loyal even when people showed they didn't deserve his loyalty. I was really interested to hear about the workings of the Irish mob in South Boston and that is where the book fell flat. Hearing about Shea's upbringing was interesting but not exactly atypical, and the same can be said for his prison anecdotes. Talking about his time in the Winter Hill Gang seems to be a pretty short section, though I found it the most interesting, and I wish there was a lot more info there.
March 24, 2008
Rat Bastards is the true story of the experiences of a young member of the mob. Despite being a book concerning criminal behavior, the deeper lessons of the story have to do with integrity and loyalty. It is also a book of broken dreams, recounting lost opportunities and the decisions that led to the losing. As a true crime novel, it is unique because it is written by the criminal himself. Much more interesting than the average true crime novel.
March 7, 2009
A decent book, any book that glorifies the “gangster” lifestyle is a disappointment to me, although I think the Author tried hard to keep away from that. He chose to explain (with out excusing) his actions and his upbringing. I also actually enjoyed his insights on his time in prison as well …. *WARNING* if the “F” word is an issue don’t read this book his 10 grade education shows glaringly with his need to use profanity.
January 11, 2013
rat bastards, by John "Red" Shea is a memoir about the mob life of a South Boston Irish mob. The South Boston Irish mob had a very high roll in the trafficking of narcotics and were constantly in fear of the police. Through out the book there were many times where it was a cat and mouse game between the mob and the police. They were also in fear of the risk of somebody tipping off the feds. To sum it all up I would say its a pretty action packed book.
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