A Gun in My Gucci: Two Outsiders Take Down the Chicago Mob

by E.C. Smith

A Gun in My Gucci is a true story of two "outsiders" who helped bring down the Chicago Mob - the middle-aged mobster Ken "Tokyo Joe" Eto, and a determined young woman, Elaine Corbitt Smith. In the early 1980s, Joe Eto was the highest-ranking Asian-American mobster in the country. His nemesis, rookie Elaine Smith was one of only a few female Special Agents in the FBI at that time. Her relentless pursuit of Eto resulted in his detention by the Bureau on interstate gambling charges. Afraid that he would "spill his guts," Eto's Mob bosses decided not to gamble on Joe's ability to remain silent. He had to be eliminated and a "hit" was ordered. Joe Eto never talked, nevertheless the Mob still tried to kill him. But the "hit" was botched and Tokyo Joe walked away with three bullets in his head. Alive, with his honor intact, he sought revenge. He was ready to talk, but only to Special Agent Elaine Smith. Over time, Eto's testimony released a waterfall of evidential information which led to arrests, convictions, and longer sentences for many of Chicago's top mobsters. A Gun in My Gucci reveals the special relationship between Joe Eto and his FBI handler Elaine Smith, who went from school teacher to crime-buster. Smith's story exposes her tough climb up the ladder of acceptance and ultimate success as she broke into the macho, male-dominated criminal justice system, and helped take down the Chicago Outfit.

Genres: Nonfiction, Book Club

298 pages, Paperback

First published May 14, 2014

Reviews

[Craig Nowlan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story but...I understand that agents are type A personalities. Smith seems to slam on anyone not an agent, is overweight or is otherwise not perfect as she views herself and her husband. As far as the subject of the book I would liked more details in her interactions with Eto and Eto's court testimony. If Smith would have focused more on the remarkable instead of her vision of herself it could have been better. Also there is no doubt becoming a female agent has its roadblocks she could have went into more detail about those difficulties and who made it difficult for her. The best part of the book is in the final chapter where she really gave Eto his due, where she exposed the personal side of their relationship if she only could have omitted adding that her legs apparently should be insured as Mary Harts were. Given that this book could easily have been twice or three times as many pages it is a remarkable story.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is from my wife, Teresa, a former news anchor and avid reader: "I absolutely loved this book, especially after getting to know the author, who is as humble as they come, but as strong as any woman I've ever met. After finally getting E.C. Smith to divulge what she did in her former life during a Pilates class, I told her she needed to write a book. She then responded that she already had! When I asked about the name of the book, and she said,"A Gun in my Gucci," I went to Amazon and ordered it right away. I was not disappointed. Whatever you think about female FBI agents, this book will show you how the power of female persuasion can be a woman's greatest asset, at least for those smart enough to use it."

[Roberta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Author was self absorbed with high regard of herself.

[Frank Mamolella · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT READ!

Hard hitting book!
(pardon the pun)...an amazing story
Of an equally amazing woman and mobster.. I would highly recommend this book.

[Keith Betton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very surprised

I caught off guard by how well this story grabbed me. I didn't expect it. It's tempting to take this book with a grain and I will definitely do my added research but... I found a lot to think about while reading. Full disclaimer, I was born in Chicago around the time many of the ever took place, so this really hit personally for me.

It comes a bit as wholesome at parts and somewhat incomplete in others (you really wanted to know more about certain people and events) but overall I enjoyed it.

[Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great true crime genre book written by an ex-FBI agent, one of the first female agents in the Chicago office. A compelling story told by a compelling storyteller.