Joe Valachi was a small-time thief, who, because of his participation with the winning side in the Castellammarese War between Joe “The Boss” Masseria and Salvatore Maranzano, became a made man in the Mafia, under Maranzano, the new “Capo di Tutti Capi,” or “Boss of all Bosses.”
This is my second of Joe Bruno's books and will certainly not be my last! It's been ages since I've read about the mafia, but it was an interest of mine at one time. I'd never heard of Joe Valachi and found this book riveting. Active from the twenties to early 60s when he was finally caught, Joe "Cargo" Valachi was a mobster in New York during the heydays of the big names. This is a short book, so not very in-depth, but gave me a good look at this man's life and insight into the underworld from a member's own point of view. Bruno relies on several sources but quotes Valachi himself extensively from his own memoirs, written while in prison. Joe Valachi, while certainly not admirable nor his actions condonable, does come across as a likable, genuine person throughout the book. Someone you may have liked, despite what he did for a living. I've got a yen on now for this time period 1920-1950s and may be sticking my nose in some books pertaining to the mob scene.
Joe Valachi - Mob Rats - Volume 1 by Joe Bruno is an entertaining, mesmerizing escape into the underworld of a criminal. This book and the authors others are all intriguing, mind-blowing and full of information that has not been disclosed before. It’s as if Mr. Bruno has friends in all the wrong places. We are getting the inside scoop and there is nothing better than getting the real deal and this is it! Have turned on friends to these great books who love stories about crime, drama, the Mafia, and anything to do with criminals and the mob.
The author writes in a very conversational style that makes it easy to get into these books. He always makes me laugh with his priceless sarcasm. So good!
Big fan of Joe Bruno. He has an impressive collection of stories detailing the lives of the mob, Mafia, crooks, swindlers, thieves, con artists, you name the nefarious scoundrel and he’s written something entertaining on it.