Marie: A True Story

by Peter Maas

Recounts the experiences of Marie Ragghianti--former beauty queen, devout Catholic, and divorced working mother--and her courageous fight, in the face of disgrace and peril, against deep-seated political corruption in Tennessee

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Mystery

422 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Peter Maas was an American journalist and author. He was born in New York City and attended Duke University.

He was the biographer of Frank Serpico, a New York City Police officer who testified against police corruption. He is also the author of the number one New York Times bestseller, Underboss, about the life and times of Sammy "The Bull" Gravano.

His other notable bestsellers include The Valachi Papers, Manhunt, and In a Child's Name, recipient of the 1991 Edgar Award for Best Fact Crime book. The Valachi Papers, which told the story of Mafia turncoat Joseph Valachi, is widely considered to be a seminal work, as it spawned an entire genre of books written by or about former Mafiosi.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Bud · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd read of this "must read" for Tennesseans. Better 2nd time around. Peter Maas is a master storyteller, Marie should not be forgotten for her courage.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the true story of a gutsy woman who made a big difference. At great personal risk, she took on a corrupt administratoin in TN...and won. It resulted in the governor resigning and going to prison...I like this book because it shows how one person really can make a difference...

[Marisa]

Marie is my mom. She owes everything to me.
;)

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting look inside political corruption in TN during the Blanton administration in the 70's. It's gritty and not very pretty.

[Gena Lott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and thought-provoking. Marie's story is full of twists and turns and Maas, as a master story-teller, keeps the plot moving and the pages turning.

[Theresa]

I once saw the opening to this film and never saw the whole thing. I bought this at a used paperback store in Belmar last year. I started it at the trailer when I finished my beer book. It's actually quite good!

[Christine Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Maas (author of Serpico) did an excellent job of researching and writing this book, and re-creating the character of this brave and honest woman. I saw the movie, starring Sissy Spacek as Marie Ragghianti, so I had to read the book. Both are great!

[Monika Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This true story deals with the worst case of political corruption in the state of Tennessee and one of the worst in the history of the US. Marie Ragghianti is the victim's name.

[Jen Roe · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was ok

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kudos to Marie for standing up to the truth and justice.

[Elsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I read about a true whistleblower's story. It was well done, compelling and somewhat shocking at the time.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

What was executive clemency in the 1970s even?

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have this on my read list from 1986. It was printed in 83. I can't recall much about the book. I know it is a true crime and that is about it.

[Cws]

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