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ebralz's review against another edition
3.0
This was a well written book and the author did a good job organizing all the names and incidents so wasn’t too confusing. It just took me a long time to get through for some reason. But that time period is really fascinating.
maxac32's review against another edition
5.0
Michael Cannell nailed it with this book. I received this as a Christmas present from a friend a few years ago and to this day, it is one of the best presents I have ever received.
jeffphilly's review against another edition
4.0
Not my typical read, however it did keep my interest. The book largely centers around one individual, the turncoat. I had not really read too much on mafia events, but clearly this was a significant event in the history of the mafia. There were some things I learned of which I had not been aware of, specifically the cooperative interaction between mobsters of different ethnic backgrounds. I had always believed that the different groups stayed to themselves and would not cooperate with others. I had never imagined anything such as the Commission.
mommasaystoread's review against another edition
4.0
I used to read true crime a lot and got away from it, mostly because real life is stressful enough nowadays. However, I've heard of Murder, Inc and this one looked intriguing. The story focuses a lot on Abe Reles, but there are a lot of people to keep track of. The author's attention to that is impressive with little reminders here and there. In many cases, that would be tedious to me, but it's done very well here. The book is well written, and it's just another example of the truth sometimes being stranger than fiction. Definitely more shocking if for no other reason than it being truth rather than fiction. If you read true crime, I'd certainly recommend this one.
bloodravenlib's review against another edition
4.0
Quick impressions: Overall, I really liked the book. It is interesting, well written with good research. It is engaging, and the narrative is well paced. Readers of this genre are likely to enjoy the book as well as U.S. history readers.
(Full review on my blog later)
(Full review on my blog later)
history_bot's review against another edition
4.0
For my full review, check out my blog!
We’ve all heard stories—or can guess at—what happens to gang members who talk to the cops. At the height of the mob’s power in New York City, the late 1930’s, a band of mobsters known as Murder, Inc. took money to eliminate witnesses who were willing to testify against their fellow mobsters to escape punishment themselves—until the head of Murder, Inc. became a rat himself.
This is a very dense book, although it isn’t particularly challenging to read. If you try to remember every person’s name, you will have a tough time because there are a lot of moving parts. However, I think Cannell did a great job organizing the book in such a way that it isn’t overwhelming. I wouldn’t call it light reading, though, at least not in terms of subject matter. This book is about a man who, in order not to be taken to court for the 11 murders he committed, turned state witness against other men who took money to kill people, and those murders are often described in horrific detail. This book is not for the faint of heart.
I found this to be an enjoyable and informative book about New York City mobsters, and their downfall. I think it takes a lot of talent to weave together so many loose ends into one coherent narrative, and Cannell has certainly taken the time to do his research properly. If you are at all interested in early 20th-century gangsters or mobs, I think this would be a worthwhile book for you to pick up.
Disclaimer: I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.
We’ve all heard stories—or can guess at—what happens to gang members who talk to the cops. At the height of the mob’s power in New York City, the late 1930’s, a band of mobsters known as Murder, Inc. took money to eliminate witnesses who were willing to testify against their fellow mobsters to escape punishment themselves—until the head of Murder, Inc. became a rat himself.
This is a very dense book, although it isn’t particularly challenging to read. If you try to remember every person’s name, you will have a tough time because there are a lot of moving parts. However, I think Cannell did a great job organizing the book in such a way that it isn’t overwhelming. I wouldn’t call it light reading, though, at least not in terms of subject matter. This book is about a man who, in order not to be taken to court for the 11 murders he committed, turned state witness against other men who took money to kill people, and those murders are often described in horrific detail. This book is not for the faint of heart.
I found this to be an enjoyable and informative book about New York City mobsters, and their downfall. I think it takes a lot of talent to weave together so many loose ends into one coherent narrative, and Cannell has certainly taken the time to do his research properly. If you are at all interested in early 20th-century gangsters or mobs, I think this would be a worthwhile book for you to pick up.
Disclaimer: I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.
nici2023's review against another edition
4.0
A Brotherhood Betrayed is a very interesting and eye opening read. I didn't know much about the mob in the 30s and 40s, but now I definitely know a lot. The book is very detailed and therefore pretty long. I felt all the information was necessary though. I enjoyed the descriptions of all the players and kept looking them up to see their pictures. All in all, I really liked it and would recommend to anyone wanting to look into this topic!
angelkat556's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
This book is a veritable "who's who" of NYC gangs back in the day! It follows several gangsters and the rise and fall of Murder Inc, the hitman branch of the mob. The second half follows all the trials and court apprarances of the mobsters. This book was good, very thoroughly researched, but got a bit bogged down with extraneous details and so, so many names. All in all a good read though!
This book is a veritable "who's who" of NYC gangs back in the day! It follows several gangsters and the rise and fall of Murder Inc, the hitman branch of the mob. The second half follows all the trials and court apprarances of the mobsters. This book was good, very thoroughly researched, but got a bit bogged down with extraneous details and so, so many names. All in all a good read though!
gatun's review against another edition
4.0
A familiar villain in America"s past was Murder, Inc. The organization was made up of professional killers who were employed by The Commission, a group of mob bosses that ran all mob activity coast to coast. Michael Cannell tells the story through the lens of Abe Reles. Eles was the chief of Murder, Inc.. who was assassinated in November of 1941. The book will be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys reading about organized crime. It is also a good of when the mob was at the zenith of its power.