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3.43 AVERAGE
3.43 AVERAGE
dark
fast-paced
Decent book. Written in the style of being told a story over a table, and that's where most of its flaws comes from. Worth the read though.
I was pleased to receive an advanced copy of “The Lord High Executioner” by Frank Dimatteo and Michael Benson (via Netgalley) in exchange for an honest review.
Told in only the way a Mafia “survivor” can, The Lord High Executioner is a dive into the criminal and violent life of Italian immigrant Albert Anastasia. After coming to America, Anastasia quickly found his way in organized crime and murder, becoming the founder of the infamous Murder Inc. and becoming one of the most feared names on the East coast. He ascended the ranks at lightning speed by being a versatile and ruthless hitman for all the big names at the time, including Al Capone. He would eventually become a boss of his own, ruling over what is now the Gambino crime family, before meeting an untimely end in his favorite chair at the barbers.
This isn’t Frank Dimatteo’s first rodeo writing about the Mafia. His expert knowledge is due in large part to him having grown-up with or adjacent to a lot of key players. He currently publishes a ‘zine called Mob Candy and has written many similar works regarding life in organized crime. Michael Benson has written over sixty true crime books, and regularly appears on the ID Channel. Together these two are unrelenting with facts, experience, and a narrative prowess that takes the reader on a whirlwind through the history and lives of some of the most fearsome men and gangs to ever walk the streets.
Dimatteo’s writing style is very conversational and instantly draws you in. The narrative feels like sitting down to a drink at your favorite bar and listening to some haunted old man spin tales as wild as any pulp fiction. It’s unbelievable, and downright outrageous, but you keep reading because it’s just crazy enough to be true. He doesn’t shy away from the gory details and well placed f-bomb (yeah, this book isn’t for the kids), but it’s done in a way that doesn’t take away from the experience. If anything, it gives the reader an unflinching look into the lives and crimes of Albert Anastasia and those around him, no matter how gritty and bloody.
Due to the sheer amount of events and crimes committed by Anastasia, the story does tend to bleed together in parts, but Dimatteo is quick to offer an expertly placed backstory or explanation to help the reader keep up. As much of a novice I am with Mafia crime and family history, I was able to keep up and follow along.
Overall, I recommend this book. It’s refreshing to see a writer so deeply invested and brutally honest about their subject. You will not get a glossing over or idolization from Dimatteo or Benson. You will get a bloody disgusting ride, though. Just make sure it isn’t a long one off of a short pier.
Told in only the way a Mafia “survivor” can, The Lord High Executioner is a dive into the criminal and violent life of Italian immigrant Albert Anastasia. After coming to America, Anastasia quickly found his way in organized crime and murder, becoming the founder of the infamous Murder Inc. and becoming one of the most feared names on the East coast. He ascended the ranks at lightning speed by being a versatile and ruthless hitman for all the big names at the time, including Al Capone. He would eventually become a boss of his own, ruling over what is now the Gambino crime family, before meeting an untimely end in his favorite chair at the barbers.
This isn’t Frank Dimatteo’s first rodeo writing about the Mafia. His expert knowledge is due in large part to him having grown-up with or adjacent to a lot of key players. He currently publishes a ‘zine called Mob Candy and has written many similar works regarding life in organized crime. Michael Benson has written over sixty true crime books, and regularly appears on the ID Channel. Together these two are unrelenting with facts, experience, and a narrative prowess that takes the reader on a whirlwind through the history and lives of some of the most fearsome men and gangs to ever walk the streets.
Dimatteo’s writing style is very conversational and instantly draws you in. The narrative feels like sitting down to a drink at your favorite bar and listening to some haunted old man spin tales as wild as any pulp fiction. It’s unbelievable, and downright outrageous, but you keep reading because it’s just crazy enough to be true. He doesn’t shy away from the gory details and well placed f-bomb (yeah, this book isn’t for the kids), but it’s done in a way that doesn’t take away from the experience. If anything, it gives the reader an unflinching look into the lives and crimes of Albert Anastasia and those around him, no matter how gritty and bloody.
Due to the sheer amount of events and crimes committed by Anastasia, the story does tend to bleed together in parts, but Dimatteo is quick to offer an expertly placed backstory or explanation to help the reader keep up. As much of a novice I am with Mafia crime and family history, I was able to keep up and follow along.
Overall, I recommend this book. It’s refreshing to see a writer so deeply invested and brutally honest about their subject. You will not get a glossing over or idolization from Dimatteo or Benson. You will get a bloody disgusting ride, though. Just make sure it isn’t a long one off of a short pier.