No comments about Blood On The Table: The Greatest Cases of New York City's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

5 comments about The Boys from New Jersey: How the Mob Beat the Feds.

1. Forget about "The Sopranos" - this is the real thing -- The New Jersey mob at its gritty and funny best. I've read a lot of "true" crime stories, but this one had me turning pages with all the anticipation of a suspense novel -- while laughing at the real-life antics of "The Boys." It's a treat to read.



2. As a young man living in the area where this story takes place I can say that just like the man that is telling this story some is truth and some is fiction all in all it portrays Newark N.J. in the 70,s



3. Certainly worth the read, slow to start but when the story speeds up its pretty hard to put the book down.
   In a nutshell, the Feds put together what they think is a watertight case against Lucchese capo Anthony Acceturo's New Jersey crew, but get more than they bargain for when the case reaches the courtroom, due in no small part to Martin Taccetta's attorney, one Michael Crithley.(Taccetta being Acceturo's protege and successor).
   In a case that made history in the US, droning on for almost 2 years, the Feds roll out ex cons who have been planted in the Witness protection programm to put an end to thier one time partners in crime, only for Crithley to shoot them all down in flames, questioning the governments double standards in letting off convicted murderers and drug dealers,if they cut a deal with them,which sometimes might make you think that its the Feds on trial and not the Mob.
   One of the main characters in an out of sorts thug called Jackie Dinorsico, who represents himself in the trial, and somehow stumbles his way through the trial,upsetting anyone that stands in his path.(the Judge and fellow defense attorneys included),and quite often humouring them.
   Not your typical Mob read but definetly worth it, just to find out how 20+ mafia members and hangers on somehow managed to convince 12 weary srangers that it was the US government and not themselves were the bad guys after all.



4. Although Anthony Acceturo doesn't endorse this book, records and witnesses back up Rudolph's story. Anyone who is a diehard fan of The Sopranos on HBO knows that the character of Tony Soprano is based Anthony Acceturo. Their fictional and nonfictional paths mirror one another to the present - except Acceturo is now free of the Mafia and a legit businessman.



5. Hilarious-----and True!!! Better written, better styled than anything written by Jimmy Breslin or Murray Kempton. If a movie was ever made, danny deVito would be the star. I know of no other book more widely read in law enforcement circles than this. I know one law sch prof who made it required reading.

5 comments about You Can't Win.

1. I thought this was a tip-top book. Blacky's adventures out West and in Canada around the turn of the century were very intruiging. I just wish there were more books written by him and not so much of a mystery of what happened to him later in life. Or maybe that's what makes him so appealing. I agree with several others about the "extras" at the end of the book. Especially his article that appeared in Harpers. That could've have been written today.



2. My son, who this book was purchased for, enjoyed this book very much. Thank you.



3. This is an amazing story that drags you into this guy's lonely world. Sexy, it ain't. It's a man's, man's world. It's obvious this guy did some hard time getting all the details down. I guess living it would allow you plenty of ammunition. After reading I had acquired a whole new paranoia regarding breaking and entering. It's depressing and lonely and stark. This is a book that needs to live on and on.



4. as far as im concerned its the best piece of hobo literature out there. jack black is an amazing writer and it shows. he doesnt try to get your sympathy and is just documenting his life and those surrounding him in a fantastic matter that you think he had spent 20 years on this book.



5. Once I started reading this historical account of life as a hobo, grifter and thief from the turn of the last century, I just couldn't put it down. It was very well written and an interesting telling of life on the road, riding trains and the experience of someone who lived his life on the very edges of regular society. It gives the reader a clear picture of what that experience was like. Although the author is essentially anonymous, using a fictious name, there are glimpses of his real life when he mentions cities, institutions and real people that he visited and knew. A very worthwhile book.

2 comments about Players: Con Men, Hustlers, Gamblers, and Scam Artists.

1. This baroque , shady and very entertaining book is an epic tour of the gilded and subterrean world of con men, hustlers and gamblers. What surprised me about this book is despite the narcissism and aggression of many of the characters portrayed here, they (and the book) have a artistic and poetic pedigree too. A lot of great writers are in this book --Borges, Baudelaire, Dostoevsky, Luc Sante, Runyon, Brecht, Saul Bellow, Nick Pilegg,i. Hunter Thompson, David Mamet, Nick Tosches and Martin Amis. BUt for my money, the gem or the jewel in the crown is John Molyneux's mini-memoir of gambling in London in the sixties, which, apparently, is a piece written especially for the book.



2. There's a lot to love in this sumptous serving of conartistry and viliany. Lovers of "Gangs of New York" and "Catch Me if You Can" will find pieces by Herbert Asbury (author of Gangs) and Frank Abaganale (author of Catch me); lovers of 19th century lit will find the Russian and French masters; and lovers of the down and dirty will dig the pieces by David mamet, Nick Ppileggi. JOhn Ridley and Nick Tosches. Mr Geno Zanetti does it again!

5 comments about Murder in Greenwich: Who Killed Martha Moxley?.

1. Let's face it, Mark Fuhrman is not somebody that I consider reliable. Dominick Dunne, another old man bent on revenge over his daughter's murder, goes after the Kennedy family. Okay, I'm not saying that Michael Skakel did it or not because he was convicted of the crime but the story's not over until the case was done in the court of law. I believe the book came well before the guilty verdict which was too soon and judgmental. Yes, the Kennedys have a lot of power and money but Greenwich is still a place where people drive expensive cars, live in mansions, and are completely out of touch with reality. I don't believe Fuhrman anymore than I believe Dunne because they're totally ready to convict based on little evidence, hearsay, and gossip.



2. The problem with this book is that Heir Furhman takes the credit for solving the crime. This couldn't be further from the truth.
   
   If you want to read the most factual account of this murder, read "Conviction" by Len Levitt.
   
   However, I believe that if Mr. Skakel can't recall if he committed the murder, how can anyone else be so sure.



3. My book is called Murder In Greenwich and it is about a murder of a 15 year old girl named Martha Moxley.The book is written by Mark Fuhrman.The case was never solved but i think its an excellent book because it gave alot of details.It also show pictures of where the murder occurred and also of Martha Moxley.The author is also an excellent writer.I recommend this book if u like Mark Fuhrman books or mystery books!I would not recommend this book to people that dont like murders or blood. ~~~~BY TORI SORIANO 16 YEARS OLD LINCOLN CITY OR!!!~~~



4. This is an okay book. Furman repeats alot of the info over and over. I didn't even finish the last few pages as they started out the same as everything we already read.



5. This book was a great read! I started reading and couldn't stop until it was finished. Mark Fuhrman is a top notch author, he really constructed an excellent book here.
   
   Be careful not to do too much research about the Moxley case before reading this book, it may ruin the ending for you.

1 comments about First Word Search: Easy First Words (First Word Search).

1. This word search is simple enough yet challenging for my twin boys. The letters are good size and it is not overwhelming for them to complete one puzzle.

5 comments about Cops.

1. This is a book about cops, for cops, and by cops. The author has done an excellent job of organizing their stories about what it means be a member of the blue team. There are over a hundred such accounts compiled, and each one has a ring of authenticity, colored by a layer of humor and cynicism that goes often goes with the territoty. The often raw and gritty language, coupled with their vividly described experiences, gives the reader a birdseye view of the underbelly of the beast.

   The only problem with the book is that policing has undergone a substantial change in the past several years, which is, of course, not reflected in this book, as it was published in 1985. Read in that context, the book is somewhat anachronistic. Still, it is one that will be enjoyed by those with a penchant for police war stories. If you are an avid cop buff, add one star to my rating.




2. This book is filled with short stories of cops in their own words. No censorship: From the cold description of an impaled baby on a tree on the scene of a terrible car accident to a blown up drug addict body in a bloody appartment. I almost vomited on my way to work when I read it two years ago on the city bus. So be sure to be prepared for horrible descriptions, lots of action and a superb inside view of the psychological aspect of the policemen/women. But remember that the tales are mostly taking part in the early 1980s. Every chapter starts with the author's take on a selected aspect of the police work. Are you ready for Atari-boy-killer, incredible housecalls, drugs, alcohol, sex and corruption? Then this book is for you. Very easy reading because each story is clearly divided by little stars. A must for police-related readers.



3. It's true. Cop work has changed in the last few years. The ranks are now filled with pussies. But this book reflects how police work used to be.
   
   The vignettes are well-written and interesting and how-it-was.



4. I cannot say much more then the other reviewers here have. Truly astounding writing puts you right in the front seats with these seasoned (and not so much) veterans as they deal with day to day life on the beat. If you ever wanted to know what life is like being a cop, this is the book for you.
   
   "You see the hilarious and cannot laugh, you see the heartbreaking and cannot cry. This is what it takes to be a cop." --Mark Baker



5. Whether you love cops, hate them or just want to understand them a little better - this is the book to get. I'm not a cop. But like most, I've known cops, been rudely stopped by cops and been helped by cops. This is their story. Yes, the interviews were in the mid-80's - but while techology has changed, even the training probably - the situations, the stresses and the core of who these guys are is as good as the day they told their stories.
   
   For the most part, I've always felt a bit of admiration and a bit sorry for these folks whose job is to protect and serve - who generally see people only when they are at worst and only rarely get a person who is just delighted to see them. This book reminds you of the horror and the black humor they often use to face it. It's like being a fly at a cops bar, listening to them tell their true tales - even the older tales still tell you who they are.
   
   When you get tired of watching cop shows - and want to know what it's really like - I'd read this. For a different spin on the reality of Detectives versus street cops, I'd also recommend Cop Talk: True Detective Stories from the Nypd- especially good if you're a Law and Order fan.

5 comments about Confessions of a Second Story Man: Junior Kripplebauer and the K & A Gang.

1. I grew up in Kensington and know several of the people referenced in the book. Therefore; the book probably had more impact on me than it would on others, but it is an interesting book much in the same vain as the movie Good Fellows. If you like stories about wise guys and crooks it is a great read



2. Excellent book!!!! My father was "Raybo". He would have really enjoyed reading this book. Just as your dad had changed, mine did too. The stories from back then were fun to listen to over the years, but it was his past. I remeber him telling me his stories, and the funny comments he would say. I always wondered if he just added that stuff to make the story amusing, but when the author talks about when my dad got shot in the leg and he told the bartender to leave his drink he'd be back by last call I couldn't help but laugh. He REALLY was like that! He was always a funny guy:-)
   
   I thought I was gonna die when I saw my fathers picture in this book as I stood in Barnes and Noble. I couldn't believe it!!!!!
   
   P.S. EVERYTHING they did was against the law.....DUH



3. This is a very accurate book. I knew most of the people in this book because I grew up with them. Some were my friends.Many years later, as a detective at East Detectives , in Philadelphia, I saw them frequently.
   As luck would have it, they were under arrest at those times. I was probably most friendly with Donnie Abrahms, known as "Don the Dude".
   I was sorry to see he was still in the old neighborhood. At least he isn't in prison or dead as most of the old crowd is. This was very nostalgic reading for me.



4. This is a facinating book about what was essentially Philadelphia's Irish Mob. A tough as nails group of burglers, and stick up men, who were not only exceedingly clever, but could fight and kill with the best of them as well. Even the Philly Mob (The Bruno/Scarfo/Merlino Family) and the Philly Black Muslim Mob, were wary of crossing into these guys territory or messing with them in or out of prison.
   
   This book shows their transformation from first class burglars in the 50's, 60's and mid 70's to a powerfull organized crime group in the 80's and 90's, who ran a multimillion dollar "meth" ring, and did contract murder for the Italians. Like the Westies in NY and the Winter Hill Mob in Boston, the K&A boys were the last of the old time Irish mob, who ruled their territory with utter ruthlessness and cunning.



5. I grew up in Kensington and personally knew some of the subjects in this book. As such, it's a great personal interest read. Finished it in basically two days. Was pretty much fascinated how so many people put together their street smarts to rob and steal from the wealthy. That's the way it was in the neighborhood, lots of common sense, street smarts, put it to use. These guys did. But eventually law enforcement and technology caught up with them. But I'm sure most of them would say it was a great ride.
   Lee

5 comments about Out in Bad Standings: Inside the Bandidos Motorcycle Club--The Making of a Worldwide Dynasty.

1. I guess this book might be interesting from an intel standpoint to someone who actually is a one-percenter (I'm not ... anymore) or to the legions of weekend warriors, wannabees, and 'overnighters' who populate the average biker bar nowadays. But to someone who has at least a year or two of middle school or who isn't fascinated by old newspaper clippings of the 'biker wars' of the 80s and 90s it is absolute garbage. It really is almost unreadable.
   
   It's not the author's fault, really. Someone paid him to write a book ... a task that is clearly over his head. Hey ... I'd take the money, too. I blame the folks who should have told him the truth and saved him from embrarrassment. And speaking of those poor, misguided souls at the publisher, I must ask again ...
   
   Did he whack his editors? Good. After reading the first two chapters of this crap I'd say they deserved it.



2. I really can't add much to the reviews already stated, me, me and more of me. All I know that toward the middle of the book I started skipping anything that had to do with his job or kid. Kind of made a proud orginization look bad to say the least. As a member of a club all I know is that I'm surprised that he's still walking around running his mouth. He nothing but a little skinny wanna-be, a hey look at me dude, nothing better then a rat, a thief, a bike thief, he was/is so proud of that fact. On top of all that he mentions the names of the "Brothers" that still talk to him, I don't think he has any friends now! He just couldn't handle club life, punkstyle.



3. I read the book and enjoyed it till the last 1/4 of reading. I was a member and enjoyed hearing about some of my old brothers.
   The (how great I'am) did get to me to. And the BS about the president wants me gone even if someone was to kill him. This was the first book of this nature I have read but I will be reading others The brotherhood is my next one.
   I contacted one of my old brothers and ask him if he had read it he said no. I told him he should till I got 3/4 of the way through it. I called him back and advised against it.
   There are so many of the older members who could of done a better job on this type of book. To bad I didn't keep notes when I was a member. But I was having way to much fun.
   I was a member when Don Chambers was president Ed is just lucky Don is not here anymore. Billy



4. I enjoyed the book immensely, and while reading the book actually thought about joining the Bandido M.C., but towards the last of the book, I changed my mind. I pre-ordered the next book by Ct. Ed and am looking forward to reading it.
   vincemor



5. I have also read all Outlaw motorcycle club books that are out , So this one gave Me some answers to some of the questions I had about a couple of the other books I have read, it was hard to see where He was going at times , and other times repeating what every one had already read a million times, but all in all its a good book,

4 comments about The Lynchings in Duluth (Borealis Books).

1. I visited Duluth for the first time last year and liked the town so much, I went back three days ago. The title of this book was enough to shock me into buying it and reading it from cover to cover within a few hours of leaving the shop. The subject is depressing, yet fascinating; the book overturned my outsider's assumptions about the town and the state. Fedo does not get sidetracked by excessive detail or the urge to be judgmental; he tells a horrible, simple story in a way that is both easy to read and deeply disturbing. He tries to understand the motivations of most of the key players, the heroes and the villains, and conveys the difficult choices faced by some of those present. For the police and bystanders in Superior Street that day there was a very thin dividing line between complicity and innocence. As William Green asks in the introduction, "at what point is one's guilt by association manifest?".

   This tragedy could have happened in any state in the country and it would be harsh to say the events of June 1920 suggest that Duluth folk were uniquely bad amongst the people of the North. A set of chance occurrences came together at that moment in that place with consequences that reflect badly on the entire nation in that era. If Duluth is stained by the murders it is as much for the shameful cover-up (the collective amnesia that allowed three victims to lie forgotten for so many decades) as for the events of eighty years ago. Fedo deserves a lot of credit for excavating this episode from his town's past.




2. I stumbled upon this while doing research on my family--imagine my shock to discover my great-grandfather's name mentioned several times in this book. My mother and I read it apprehensively, unsure of what we would discover. My mother worried that her "pa" would be portrayed as a monster, but Mr. Fedo's writing is factual, fair and honoring of the era's perspective. Disturbing and horrifying, I appreciate this valuable document as a lesson in humanity and a testament to how even the most upstanding, warm people can be capable of abhorrent things.



3. When I was growing up in the Duluth area, I had heard references to this event in the city's past, but no one seemed to know much of anything about it. Finally, I see and understand more clearly what happened that night in June 1920.

   I also feel now that I understand the city of Duluth better than I did before I read this book. I always thought that there was a black cloud over the city, but only those who have lived in the city all their lives seemed to be in tune with it. I now see that intense skepticism, lack of passion, and a touch of guilt had been passed down to future generations without those persons even realizing it. I hope that with a memorial on the spot where this tragic event occured that the healing can begin.




4. Much like the public hanging of 38 Dakota in Mankato, MN, the 1920 lynchings that took place in Duluth were part of a dark piece of the state's history that were tacitly buried--almost to the point of being forgotten. Fortunately, Michael Fedo wrote this somewhat comprehensive account of the events and social conditions that culminated in this abhorrent outburst. Unfortunately, the citation is minimal and a couple of key names were changed to protect the people involved; Fedo, a Duluth native himself, originally wrote this book in 1979 (to a lukewarm reception) and seems to have been a bit wary of upsetting people who were involved in the incident and still alive at the time. However, despite these shortcomings, this is one of the only books that documents the lynchings of Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson, and Isaac McGhie on June 15, 1920, and the trials that followed. (The only other book that I could find that gives a detailed account of the lynchings is John Bessler's LEGACY OF VIOLENCE--much of his material is cited from Fedo's book).