4.5 Stars (I received an e-arc from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review)

I did end up listening to the audiobook from Libby and was glad I did. I really liked the narrator and there was a bit of suspense as the author was talking to these woman in Italy. Which while researching the women she was warned to be careful as not everybody is happy with her coming around. But all the stories of women affiliated with or involved in the mafia were extremely interesting. Highly recommend.

Thank you, NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

A fascinating exploration of women's roles in organized crime with interesting social commentary sprinkled throughout. I enjoyed the content of the story, but this book is probably not one I'd pick up again. I did not enjoy the author's tone and the self-insert anecdotes. I felt like they took away from the story and often left a bad taste in my mouth like I was being lectured by a student who spent a summer abroad in Italy. As another reviewer stated, there was quite a bit of speculation in this book over concrete facts, which not only takes away from the story but also is off-putting when the author is supposed to be a credible journalist.

The Godmother was a fascinating read! I found the topic really interesting, and the subjects were fascinating.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.