Family Secrets: The Case That Crippled the Chicago Mob

Very well researched chronicle of the biggest trial in Chicago mob history. Written by a journalist,it’s readable and informative.

As a first time author, Jeff Coen's debut work is a powerful and riveting account of the most memorable and landmark mob trial in Chicago history, a city long known for its gangster reputation.Building the case in rich and informative detail leading up to the trial in the summer of 2007, Mr. Coen expertly provides background of The Outfit and it's colorful players.As an avid mob watcher, I had the opportunity to witness this trial many times which also included the days of testimony of Nick Calabrese and his father, Frank. Mr. Coen's extraordinary re-creation of this event brought this experience back to life; the deafening silence in court listening to witnesses recall events, tension filled exchanges during direct and cross examination, facial and body language of the defendants, interaction among the attorneys, days filled with raw emotion and exhaustion at the end of the court day, and the anticipation of what would happen next. True trial theatre. In spite of the seriousness of the subject matter, this book nor the trial didn't lack in humor. Mr. Coen covered all of it.This book is the best I've read about the Chicago mob in decades! I couldn't put it down sitting for hours at a time. The book is a must have to add to an organized crime library.

This book takes you the endless foregone conclusion of how a gangster 's life will end , ( dead, jail , or being a Govt informer ) . But this obvious outcomes is always blinded. by greed , money , and power and always more . The book you full circle , from shinning shoes to the top echelon 's of the syndicate . With the common thread of treachery within the syndicate 's members and associates for greed and survival . A very sad tale for all concerned , especially because had all this tragic history just seems to repeat itself . The book seems to resonate a quality of thoroughness and accuracy , which makes its reading more enjoyable .

Informative, gives a good idea of how things work in the mob. Tells of a type of family backed friendship gone bad.

I have read hundreds of books; at least twenty-five about various organised crime activities, throughout the United States and Italy, and this is one of the best books I have ever read. It is organized very well. It is descriptive and detailed, without being boring or tiring. And, it is a very informative book on this subject. The author has no dog in the fight, so to speak. He just reports the facts, as he hears them, and how they are interpreted, by the judge, defense lawyers, prosecutors, jury, victims, and, the family members of the accused, and the victims. I found it very interesting and had difficulty putting it down. I strongly recommend it to anyone.

What kind of book do you give a guy that doesn't like to read?? I can say this book does the trick. If he's reading it, it must be good. I am so curious, I am ordering my own copy.

A well-researched book that focuses upon the trial of certain mob figures. Since many of the defendants were already in prison at the time the charges were brought, how the guilty verdict crippled the Chicago mob, is left to the reader's speculation.

This book shows what the FBI and federal prosecutors can do, when they devote sufficient resources to it.

The book is written in a very talented way, because it keeps the reader's interest alive while presenting only the facts subject to court proceedings.

Not a book for the feint hearted, Family Secrets: The Case That Crippled the Chicago Mob is a book that spares the reader no detail about the infamous ChinaTown mob crew and it's psychopathic killing machine. As a reader of true crime this is one book that actually shocked me, the testimony and progress through the trial that decimated the Chicago outfit is here detailed in exacting, forensic detail.Incredibly well researched, factual and entertaining this book will immediately appeal to anyone interested in a genuine insight into the criminal trial process, the personalities themselves, and the level of depravity that the accused committed leading to their arrest and eventual incarceration for life.Superbly written, one of the best true crime books I have ever read, but not one for the feint of heart - some of the details and methodology are absolutely shocking.

Quite a bit of repetitive court facts

A good read about the downfall of the outfit seems very believable I would recommend to a beginner to mafia books .

GOOD BOOK. EASY READING. PLENTY OF FACTS