Murder, Inc did exactly what its moniker would suggest. When the mafia powers needed to eliminate a problem or settle a score or deliver a message, they called on Murder, Inc. Abe Reles was part of the machine. A hitman with great skill and loyalty. But, then he became an informant, a rat as it were, and helped bring down the organization he helped build. This is a slice of Americana that many would prefer to forget but must remember. Michael Cannell has brought this story alive with novel-like suspense and incredible research. You will love this book. Guaranteed.

DP Lyle, award-winning author, lecturer, and story consultant.
www.dplylemd.com

Who doesn't relish Mob stories, and this book tells plenty of true crime tales of our favorite mobsters such as Lucky Luciano and introduces us to lesser knowns such as Reles and his boys. Fascinating insight into Thomas Dewey's career as a NY prosecutor of these gangsters and how he made his name in court. This author digs up details and crafts stories that are beyond belief about prostitutes, gruesome murders, bodies disappearing, gambling, slot machines, extortion, guns, gals, and gore. Not since I read Steve Fischer's When the Mob Ran Vegas have I enjoyed so many insights into these colorful characters.

I heard of Murder, Inc but did not know the background story. Absolutely ruthless times. So many characters to keep track of. Very interesting about Dewey. I knew he ran for president and lost but did not realize he brought down Murder, Inc and many other mobsters.

Michael Cannell put a lot of research into this book and all the underworld bosses. There are quite a few names, but it doesn't get confusing the way it's laid out.

Murder Inc. was created to take care of the snitches, insubordination or anyone who went against the grain. Sometimes it involved someone they grew up with and were best friends with. Sometimes it went all the way up the chain to judges and DA's.

This was a very interesting book and had a lot of interesting information in it.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is a very in-depth story about Abe Reles.I have read many stories about Murder Inc. and this book tells how he becomes an informant. I am amazed at how many times he is arrested.. There are many names of mobsters that you will recognize and others you won’t but they all tie together. The FBI and police are trying to clean up the city and are not always on the right side of the law.. It amazes me that this is a chosen life style. This book reveals the good and bad and is an interesting story .

This fascinating, fast paced read breathes life into the world of Murder, Inc.
Organized crime and its deep, dark secrets came to the forefront in 1941. Executioner Albert Reles (Kid Twist), in exchange for police protection is ready to snitch and turn organized crime upside down. For two months, he revealed in detail , the who, what and where of dozens of unsolved murders across the country. In a well guarded hotel room on the morning the trial is set to begin, Reles body is found on a hotel rooftop. Official explanation: a fall trying to escape. Evidence however, is not supportive of that outcome. With the end of Reles life also comes the end of this trial with most cases being dismissed without testimony.
Stepping inside Murder, Inc is unlike anything or anyone that has been sensationalized in other books or movies. This is gripping, well researched and reads like a work of fiction but those lives and that world were very real.
Thank you NetGalley and Michael Cannell for this highly recommended book.

Free ARC from NET GALLEY to read/review

We just don;t get tired of the old ways of organized crime even when we are not criminals

Abe Reles

A highly engaging and interesting piece of literary work. A compelling story that will keep you turning the pages. The story and characters are well developed and you cannot put this down till you finish it. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Assuming that this book has been thoroughly researched and fact-checked . . . it’s a wealth of historical information about the mafia.

I write mid-century historical fiction heavily steeped in sultry southern Louisiana culture, including figures involved in the New Orleans based crime syndicate . . . I find this book is a valuable resource for connecting the major players to their fellow tradesmen further north.

Abe Reles was a man who knew too much, a mobster who turned informant, a voice that could reveal the deepest, darkest secrets of the society of men known as LaCosa Nostra. A man who could shine a bright light on the many misdeeds of dangerous and lawless men.

It is as you’d expect, like most history lessons, a bit dry and somewhat slow in areas (don’t think that it will flow or race like fiction).

A Brotherhood Betrayed is overall an informative and worthwhile read.