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Lord High Executioner: The Legendary Mafia Boss Albert Anastasia
The bloodsoaked saga of the Murder, Inc. legend who helped create the modern American Mafia—one body at a time—featuring shocking eyewitness accounts . . .
Umberto “Albert” Anastasia was born in Italy at the turn of the century. Five decades later, he would be gunned down in a barber shop in New York City. What happened in the years in between-- and why every crime family had reason to want him dead-- is one of the most brutal and fascinating stories in the history of American organized crime. This in-depth account of the man who became one of the most powerful and homicidal crime bosses of the twentieth century from Mafia insider Frank Dimatteo is the first full-length book to chronicle Anastasia’s bloody rise from fresh-off-the-boat immigrant to founder of the notorious killer’s club Murder, Inc.—featuring never-before-told accounts from those who feared him most . . .
They called him “The One Man Army.” “Mad Hatter.” “Lord High Executioner.” Albert Anastasia came to America mean and became a prolific killer. His merciless assassination of Mafia godfather Vincent Mangano is recounted here in chilling first-hand detail. He set the record: the first man in the history of American justice to be charged with four separate murders—and walk free after each one. But in the end, he was the last obstacle in rival Mafia hoodlum Vito Genovese’s dream of becoming the boss of bosses—and paid the ultimate price . . .
Umberto “Albert” Anastasia was born in Italy at the turn of the century. Five decades later, he would be gunned down in a barber shop in New York City. What happened in the years in between-- and why every crime family had reason to want him dead-- is one of the most brutal and fascinating stories in the history of American organized crime. This in-depth account of the man who became one of the most powerful and homicidal crime bosses of the twentieth century from Mafia insider Frank Dimatteo is the first full-length book to chronicle Anastasia’s bloody rise from fresh-off-the-boat immigrant to founder of the notorious killer’s club Murder, Inc.—featuring never-before-told accounts from those who feared him most . . .
They called him “The One Man Army.” “Mad Hatter.” “Lord High Executioner.” Albert Anastasia came to America mean and became a prolific killer. His merciless assassination of Mafia godfather Vincent Mangano is recounted here in chilling first-hand detail. He set the record: the first man in the history of American justice to be charged with four separate murders—and walk free after each one. But in the end, he was the last obstacle in rival Mafia hoodlum Vito Genovese’s dream of becoming the boss of bosses—and paid the ultimate price . . .
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 29, 2020
Lord High Executioner is the biography of Albert Anastasia, the Italy-born Mafia boss who ran the pay-for-murder racket in the States.
The book covers the early childhood of the Mad Hatter in his hometown in Italy, and how he jumped ship to land in the States. It then goes on to cover how he rose to the echelons of higher power within the Mafia and the five-family system that controlled the organized mob. The book ends by covering his assassination and the end of the Anastasia era.
With so many confuisng names, the narration became difficult to follow at times. The pictures at the end are a delight to watch. Needless to say, there is a lot of blood and other gory details throughout, so if you are a faint hearted fellow, this book is not for you.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for the ARC.
Verdict: One time read.
The book covers the early childhood of the Mad Hatter in his hometown in Italy, and how he jumped ship to land in the States. It then goes on to cover how he rose to the echelons of higher power within the Mafia and the five-family system that controlled the organized mob. The book ends by covering his assassination and the end of the Anastasia era.
With so many confuisng names, the narration became difficult to follow at times. The pictures at the end are a delight to watch. Needless to say, there is a lot of blood and other gory details throughout, so if you are a faint hearted fellow, this book is not for you.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for the ARC.
Verdict: One time read.
April 2, 2020
This is an excellent mob book that’s just filled with all kinds of good stuff on Albert Anastasia and the Murder, Inc. crew that has been needing done. It’s finally going to be all in one place, the whole story, start to finish. Read how Anastasia got his start, why wanted to be the boss so bad that major rules were broken. I’ve always heard him mentioned in other books but never knew much about him at all. This book changes all that.
You find out who he followed, who he was friends with, and who he really didn’t like. There is also a lot about the killings he committed under the guise of Murder, Inc. or otherwise. And ones contracted and performed by others for large financial gains for the group. If you enjoy true crime or mobster books, you’ll likely enjoy this read. I’ve read some of both Dimatteo’s and Benson’s other true crime works. Advanced electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, authors Frank Dimatteo & Michael Benson, and Citadel.
You find out who he followed, who he was friends with, and who he really didn’t like. There is also a lot about the killings he committed under the guise of Murder, Inc. or otherwise. And ones contracted and performed by others for large financial gains for the group. If you enjoy true crime or mobster books, you’ll likely enjoy this read. I’ve read some of both Dimatteo’s and Benson’s other true crime works. Advanced electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, authors Frank Dimatteo & Michael Benson, and Citadel.
April 7, 2020
*THANK YOU to Kensington Books for graciously providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I have a soft spot for books about mafia biographies and true crime stories , books like Mafia Prince, Dary Matera - John Dillinger and so on ,are on my absolute favorite list...and this book joins them proudly.
I will start with a quote that perfectly sums up the personality of Albert Anastasia
"He was bent from the get-go, and grew into a man unafraid of hell because he’d grown up right in the middle of it."
Ruthless,merciless but still "Albert was also blessed with loyal followers who were willing to die for him, and who for the most part made him a hard target for those who were jealous of his power."
Really full and in depth story about the "Mad Hatter" that is absolute pleasure for all true crime book lovers(not only!).
Although some repetitiveness here and there rubbed me in the wrong way, it didn't took a fraction of the good time reading it and enjoying the gripping story!
I have a soft spot for books about mafia biographies and true crime stories , books like Mafia Prince, Dary Matera - John Dillinger and so on ,are on my absolute favorite list...and this book joins them proudly.
I will start with a quote that perfectly sums up the personality of Albert Anastasia
"He was bent from the get-go, and grew into a man unafraid of hell because he’d grown up right in the middle of it."
Ruthless,merciless but still "Albert was also blessed with loyal followers who were willing to die for him, and who for the most part made him a hard target for those who were jealous of his power."
Really full and in depth story about the "Mad Hatter" that is absolute pleasure for all true crime book lovers(not only!).
Although some repetitiveness here and there rubbed me in the wrong way, it didn't took a fraction of the good time reading it and enjoying the gripping story!
May 16, 2020
Finished Lord High Executioner: The Legendary Mafia Boss Albert Anastasia by Frank Dimatteo & Michael Benson. Dimatteo is the author of The President Street Boys: Growing Up Mafia. I grew up watching the Untouchables in the early Sixties, starring Robert Stack as Elliot Ness, fearless crime fighter with narration by Walter Winchell. Each week a new episode of the good guys prevailing over the mobsters. Lord High Executioner is an in depth account of Murder Inc. the henchmen responsible for eliminating witnesses, turn-coat mobsters, public officials and often innocent bystanders. Frank Dimatteo’s father was a bodyguard and capo for the mob so this is an inside view of this extremely violent world and in particular it’s most noted hitman and mob boss Albert Anastasia.Of particular interest is the origin of the Five Mafia Families in NY and the Mob Summit in Apalachin, NY in 1957 that brought the Mafia out of the shadows. The book is a bit grisly, but a great example of true crime writing.
May 28, 2020
The author spent a lot of time researching this book, as it is packed full of details about Albert Anastasia's journey from Italian immigrant to a mob boss that every other mob wanted dead. This is perfect for any fan of books about the mafia or true crime.
August 12, 2021
Always fun to read about a psychopath. And Albert fits that description 100 percent. Good read.
May 19, 2020
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.
April 21, 2020
“Lord High Executioner: The Legendary Mafia Boss Albert Anastasia”—Frank Dimatteo and Michael Benson [4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️] If you are a fan of true crime and mafia reads, I definitely recommend checking out this book! This story paints the whole picture for us of Umberto “Albert” Anastasia, who was born in Italy, came to the United States, and became a notorious gangster. We learn of his origins and how he started out, to the many years later when he was gunned down in a barber shop in New York City. We find out about all the years in between that were filled with gruesome murders and criminal activity along with the Murder Inc. saga that helped create the modern American mafia. These authors did a great job pulling us into the life story of Anastasia, keeping it intriguing from beginning to end. I definitely recommend reading 👍🏼 *Thank you to @netgalley and @kensingtonbooks for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review* 📚
October 18, 2021
Nothing new
I have read a lot of books on organized crime. Most of them are repeats of other books. This book went into more detail than the other books I have read on organized crime. My question is how someone can write a book that gives names and dates and still be walking around? This is what got a lot of the characters in trouble. I guess it is because they are no longer alive but still I would wonder if some relative of these people might not take exception to pointing a finger at one of their relatives.
I have read a lot of books on organized crime. Most of them are repeats of other books. This book went into more detail than the other books I have read on organized crime. My question is how someone can write a book that gives names and dates and still be walking around? This is what got a lot of the characters in trouble. I guess it is because they are no longer alive but still I would wonder if some relative of these people might not take exception to pointing a finger at one of their relatives.
February 21, 2021
It was a good book with lots of information. The only problem I had was the fact that there were so many characters it was hard to keep them all straight and the fact that at times it was more of a list of hits when there were some great stories that probably could have gone along with that list. Over all though it was a great read where the writer obviously had some personal insight into the mob life.
September 28, 2021
Interesting Mafia History
I have read a lot about Mafia history but this was a real eye opener. The thing about this book is that it gives a lot more detail that I've never read in any other books and they did a great job of telling it.
I have read a lot about Mafia history but this was a real eye opener. The thing about this book is that it gives a lot more detail that I've never read in any other books and they did a great job of telling it.
February 18, 2025
[Overall Score: ••3.3-3.7••]
This was a mediocre novel. In no sense is it a bad book. However, what brings this novel down with scoring is the prose and its overall "tough guy" attitude. Considering the subject matter and main character died sixty plus years ago, one can expect a history book. But this novel reads moreso like modern tough-guy writing about the "heyday" of the Mafia's golden age in America.
Having that said some highlights of the novel was Umberto coming to America, the transformation of New York, the details about 'Kid-Twist' and how involved he was during WWII. These facts and information makes the novel a decent read. As well some of the hits that were committed by Anastasia and his goons were enjoyable.
If you are expect and anticipating at historical novel, please reconsider picking this book up. If you are anticipating a "made guy", talkin' tough and thick with east coat diction, then this novel might be a home run. Considering there is not a plethora of books on Albert's life, it's sad to see this novel get butchered or held back by "Mob" jargon.
Needless to say, it very understandable why an additional novelist was needed to get this story to print. It almost feels like this novel should have been a script for a podcast or documentary (docudrama). Because the majority of the novel reads as such. At times, there is some jumping around that occurs such as "we'll talk about that later" or "we'll talk about that soon". As well the perspective of the novel toggles between 1st person (my dad, my uncle, my grandpa) then automatically shifts back to 3rd perspective storytelling. Towards the ending of the novel, the reader almost feels the exhaustion the story teller has on this subject.
Needless to say this story was worth telling and considering this Mobsters reign of power was almost 100 years ago (depending on the events in question), the second hand personal accounts of the novelist deserved to be shared. It's just feels hodge-podged and deserves more structure. It deserves less "tits", "balls" and "prick" and "swimming with the fishes" talk than what was given to readers. The overall novel reads as "jarred", "janky" and "rickety". Of course, there are aspects of the Mad Hatter's life that we'll never know. But considering this book was published in 2020, the writing style and delivery of facts was muddled in "I was a tough guy, a made man so I know better than you". It reads a Pompous second to third hand narrative than a geniune historical book. As well, it felt like there was a lot of "fluff" put into the novel. Some aspects seemed unnecessary and other parts read like we should have prior knowledge of information going into the texts.
If you know mob stuff and lore and history, this novel is nothing more than a "cherry on top". If you don't know much about the American Mafia, let's say you are a novice to the Mob, this book may seem dry and exclusive rather than inclusive. You should have prior knowledge before picking up this book, you need to know about the "Five Families" and have prior knowledge of fellow Mobsters or else this book my feel a little flat, maybe even spotty at times.
This was a mediocre novel. In no sense is it a bad book. However, what brings this novel down with scoring is the prose and its overall "tough guy" attitude. Considering the subject matter and main character died sixty plus years ago, one can expect a history book. But this novel reads moreso like modern tough-guy writing about the "heyday" of the Mafia's golden age in America.
Having that said some highlights of the novel was Umberto coming to America, the transformation of New York, the details about 'Kid-Twist' and how involved he was during WWII. These facts and information makes the novel a decent read. As well some of the hits that were committed by Anastasia and his goons were enjoyable.
If you are expect and anticipating at historical novel, please reconsider picking this book up. If you are anticipating a "made guy", talkin' tough and thick with east coat diction, then this novel might be a home run. Considering there is not a plethora of books on Albert's life, it's sad to see this novel get butchered or held back by "Mob" jargon.
Needless to say, it very understandable why an additional novelist was needed to get this story to print. It almost feels like this novel should have been a script for a podcast or documentary (docudrama). Because the majority of the novel reads as such. At times, there is some jumping around that occurs such as "we'll talk about that later" or "we'll talk about that soon". As well the perspective of the novel toggles between 1st person (my dad, my uncle, my grandpa) then automatically shifts back to 3rd perspective storytelling. Towards the ending of the novel, the reader almost feels the exhaustion the story teller has on this subject.
Needless to say this story was worth telling and considering this Mobsters reign of power was almost 100 years ago (depending on the events in question), the second hand personal accounts of the novelist deserved to be shared. It's just feels hodge-podged and deserves more structure. It deserves less "tits", "balls" and "prick" and "swimming with the fishes" talk than what was given to readers. The overall novel reads as "jarred", "janky" and "rickety". Of course, there are aspects of the Mad Hatter's life that we'll never know. But considering this book was published in 2020, the writing style and delivery of facts was muddled in "I was a tough guy, a made man so I know better than you". It reads a Pompous second to third hand narrative than a geniune historical book. As well, it felt like there was a lot of "fluff" put into the novel. Some aspects seemed unnecessary and other parts read like we should have prior knowledge of information going into the texts.
If you know mob stuff and lore and history, this novel is nothing more than a "cherry on top". If you don't know much about the American Mafia, let's say you are a novice to the Mob, this book may seem dry and exclusive rather than inclusive. You should have prior knowledge before picking up this book, you need to know about the "Five Families" and have prior knowledge of fellow Mobsters or else this book my feel a little flat, maybe even spotty at times.
January 27, 2022
An excellent and insightful account into the life (and death) of Murder Inc’s Albert Anastasia. To me, it’s fascinating to learn about how these (wise)guys ended up playing the roles they did within the Five Families: the cloak and dagger (literally), the betrayals, the loyalties and ultimately, their deaths. I was particularly interested in Anastasia due to his leadership role within Murder Inc - the independent kill squad that was used by all five families. As bloodthirsty as Anastasia was, he was also undoubtedly a man of great power. But, ya know how the saying goes - live by the gun, die by the gun and Anastasia’s whacking was no exception. Great read.
August 21, 2024
The author takes you through Albert Anatassisa’s life from his journey across the ocean to life on the streets to finally running a family. Then being gunned down in a barber chair. He starts slowly and lowly and helps form Murder’s Inc. In between there is a lot of true crime and plenty of real-life characters which make for a good book up until his murder. A really good read and better than some other books.
March 8, 2024
I have always been interested in American gangsters,probably down to watching too many James Cagney films.
I was looking forward to reading this book,but my expectations were dashed by the authors decision to write this in gangsters vernacular.What on earth possessed them to do this?Their writing totally ruined the book for me.
I was looking forward to reading this book,but my expectations were dashed by the authors decision to write this in gangsters vernacular.What on earth possessed them to do this?Their writing totally ruined the book for me.
March 19, 2022
Great read
One of the best Mafia books I've read. Most of the "old timers" mafia guys bios are more about whay went on around them while they were in power. While I am fascinated by Luciana or Gambino those bios speak very little of the subject. This one definitely does
One of the best Mafia books I've read. Most of the "old timers" mafia guys bios are more about whay went on around them while they were in power. While I am fascinated by Luciana or Gambino those bios speak very little of the subject. This one definitely does
September 18, 2024
Absolutely love this recollection of the infamous Mad Hatter! One of my favourite mob autobiographies perhaps because of the endless run downs of all of the murders and trials associated with him. But for his end, he seemed invincible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2024
Okay writing, brutal history. I wanted to like it more but the gratuitous graphic nature turned me off. Leave something to the imagination.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews