I was familiar with some of the mobster names, but I was not familiar with the corrupt cops, Eppolito and Caracappa. It was an interesting story. You don’t want to laugh at a story about people getting beaten or killed, but it is hard not to chuckle at the descriptions of some of the “villains” — their nicknames, their appearance, their mannerisms, their dialogue.

It would be interesting to read the Court of Appeals ruling upholding the RICO conviction. I am sure the author did not want to drown the story in legalese, but the drug deal to help finance Eppolito’s movie is a pretty weak/tenuous connection to the conspiracy with the mob that ended more than five years earlier, outside the RICO statute of limitations. I am glad the corrupt cops had to face justice for their actions, but it probably should have been in state court based on the murders they helped facilitate.

Rating - 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - November 26, 2024
Publication Date - January 14, 2025

*I received an E-ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @michael_cannell, @stmartinspress, @minotaur_books and @netgalley!

Maybe it's because I'm Canadian but I didn't know about this case of Louis Eppolito and Stephen Caracappa until now. Blood and the Badge is not a quick read but it's so fascinating and worth it. It felt like we got a lot of different stories in one story, which could be confusing to keep track of at times but near the end of the book, the information is summarized through the trial. Blood and the Badge really shows how deep the corruption went in the New York Police Department (NYPD) and how much happened in plain sight. It was hard to read about all the individual mistakes and injustices that allowed so many tragic events to happen. However, I enjoyed being taken through the journey of untangling the web of deceit and seeing how everything unraveled.

If you like non-fiction, police procedural books about true crimes, you should give Blood and the Badge a try!

Get excited to read Blood and the Badge, available January 14! 🎉

*Please check trigger warnings*

My thanks to Net Galley and St Martin/Minotaur for allowing me to review this arc.

2 very well respected police detectives lead a double life for one of them is from a mob family and both detectives start working both sides feeding the mobsters vital information from police investigations.

Excellent, well detailed and researched. I felt like I was reading an episode of the Sopranos. Highly recommend.

Blood and the Badge is a true story of corruption in the New York City police department in the 1980s when two NYPD Detectives--Louis Eppolito and Stephen Caracappa, served as mob informants for organized crime for years. The storytelling is excellent, almost like a work of fiction. Except the story is real. Eppolito and Caracappa were dirty, and they left a trail of grief and anguish for their many innocent victims as a result of their crimes.

Reading this you feel like you are in the middle of The Godfather or Goodfellas, except you have to remind yourself "these things really happened." Some of the violence is brutal and disturbing. And for what? Money? Big houses and fancy cars? Women? It is just really hard to fathom how these detectives could turn on the people they are supposed to serve and let innocent people die.

This is a tough nonfiction read. But the story is compelling and will keep you engaged. I give it five stars.

I want to thank the author Michael Cannell, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an ARC of this nonfiction work. I attest this review is my own unbiased opinion.

Fascinating. Cannell has pieced together the disparate pieces of information that trickled out about these two police officers and their service to the Mafia over the years and he's done it in a way that's compulsively readable. It's an amazing and distressing story. Thanks to Netgalley for the Sr. ArC. Given the parties involved, I suspect there are still more secrets to be revealed but this is a terrific read for true crime fans.

8/10

Reading about the mafia is always fascinating - and this book doesn’t disappoint.

It was the 1980s. Organized crime was at its peak in NYC. They infiltrated all corners of the city.

Two cops got themselves in the wrong side of the law. They ended up helping out the mafia in a whole number of ways, not the least of which was from killing people.

Michael Connell does a bang up job describing the entire story: the people, the players, the incidents and crimes that happened, the search for the dirty cops and eventually their capture (no thanks to their own hubris).

If you like Sopranos and anything Scorcese creates, you’ll like this book.

#netgalley #bloodandthebadge

This is a well executed true story of two NYPD officers who were sworn to protect and serve but did the absolute opposite. The author has done copious amounts of research that is evident in the story. It is laid out chronologically which allows the reader to easily follow along.

True story of the mob from way back as well as a couple of dirty cops working for the city as well as the mob.

I thought the book was well done, I was engrossed in the goings on of the Mafia and the life of the families. I was amazed at how quickly these guys will turn on each other when the going gets tough.

Eppolito and Caracappa got away with crimes much longer than they should have and then it was iffy if they would be punished. The poor families of their victims, some who didn't get closure for years is very tragic.

This was a very well done book, I would give 4.5 stars if I could and well worth the read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and write a review.

Blood and the Badge by Michael Cannell

Truth is stranger than fiction and it also can be bloodier, more gruesome, and more horrendous than fiction. I read so many thrillers and they can sometimes seem to be taking things over the top, embellishing too much, making the villains seem like overblown cartoons. But as I read this non fiction book, I could not get my mind around all the violence for any reason, at all, which included killing the wrong people, killing friends and enemies alike, and the pleasure some of the murderers took in making the murders as painful and as gruesome as possible. And on top of all that we have two decorated detectives that were right there in all that muck of destroying lives of those that were killed and the lives of those who survived and those two were just as bad or worse than the most murderous criminals.

During the 1980s, Brooklyn, it was obvious the Mafia had someone on the side of the "good guys" feeding them every bit of information they needed to avoid getting caught doing all that they were doing. As the past is told and we see many of the same names over the years, we learn connections and how one crime is intertwined with other crimes. Some names and crimes are mentioned and then later on I'll see how they are connected to other crimes and people but I had to be patient to see the connection.

None of this plays out in an easy to tell manner. This is real life and as crimes are committed, bodies are hidden and not found ever or for a very long time. "Friends" and "business partners" in crime off each other at the drop of a hat. At the same time there is supposed to be a code of honor of not committing certain crimes, not going after the family of your enemies and things like that. How can anyone trust anyone else? And this is especially the case as I learn about two detectives who are rolling in the blood with the worst of the worst bad guys.

What these two men did meant more deaths, they were directly involved in people dying, yet they were able to garner honors and money for years. Some suspected them of "misdeeds" but it took years for everything to come together before everything could come out about their involvement in so much carnage. In the end there is the courtroom. If I'd read the courtroom scenes at the beginning of the book, I would have been bored but by the time we get to that part of the book, knowing all I know that had happened in this years before, I was interested enough in the real life players to see a bigger picture. How frustrating that this kind of thing goes on all the time, I have great admiration for the men and women who work to stem corruption when they have so much working against them.

I'm still trying to get my mind around everything I read and it doesn't help that after I finished the book I went online and watched videos of some of the detectives talking about this time, the crimes, and the people involved. How do they do this kind of work, especially when they have crooked coworkers working amongst them, making their jobs even more dangerous. This is not light reading but it certainly informative and eye opening.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

This book is about two police officers who have connections to the mafia and the terrible acts and scandals they were at the center of. This was a very interesting true crime read that focused on just the facts. I had to continue to do a lot more research as I was reading this book because the author tended to explain situations as if you already knew the background and why they were in that situation to begin with. I didn't mind doing that research because I was interested in the topic, but someone else might have been left with a lot of unanswered questions after reading if they didn't do additional research.

I get a visceral reaction to bad guys who are supposed to be good guys. I know it clearly is because I come from a family of law enforcement officers who are not scum that prey on people for money like the main characters of Michael Cannell's Blood and the Badge. It has been quite a while since I read a book where I wanted to skip to the end because I needed the satisfaction of the villains getting their comeuppance. It still felt hollow.

Cannell tells the story of two dirty detectives Louis Eppolito and Stephen Caracappa. Eppolito actually was the son of a major Mafia member. He somehow became a police detective and, well, exactly what you think would happen, happened. Cue my shocked face.

Cannell writes at a brisk pace and I don't know if it will be too much for someone just dropping into the story of La Cosa Nostra activities during the 70s. For instance, I wanted a lot more about how terrible cops like Eppolito and Caracappa could thrive in the NYPD during this time. Cannell almost assumes the reader would know why and that may leave a few people scratching their heads.

In the end, this is a book that is a perfect for someone who wants their story to be, "just the facts and no fluff." For someone who wants to understand the big "why" then you will probably still enjoy it but be left wanting more.

(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and St. Martin's Press.)

This was a well-done true crime. I’d not heard of this story, but it seemed intriguing and I’m glad that I picked it up. Books with the mafia are always interesting and this one fit the bill. This is one of those stories that will stick with you because it is so appalling. What these police officers did was despicable, I can’t even imagine taking the public’s trust and turning it into what they did. This book was so well researched and written. I was captivated right from the start and couldn’t wait as the story unfolded. It was just so entertaining. The pacing is quick which really helped my engagement as well.

If you’re looking for a fascinating true crime, then you need to check this one out.

This book is well researched. The bottom line is that the author’s writing style in this book just did not resonate with me. It struck me as the Jack Webb line from the Old Dragnet series: Just the Facts. It took place when crime and crooked cops were plentiful in New York City along with their brotherhood hesitant to point out those who were on the take. Overall, not bad, but more than a bit on the dull side.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog.

This was EXCELLENT. So engaging, well written, thorough and detailed (yet kept my attention from the first page). I had heard some of this info before, but much of it was new to me and written so linearly it was easy to follow and understand linkages between many moving parts. This is a must read for any true crime addict, especially if you have an interest in the New York mafia circa 1980-1990s. Here’s to hoping Micheal writes more books on the subject!

I'm usually not a nonfiction person, but I really enjoyed this one. I had never heard this story before, but is interesting and unique. I thought it did a great job in exploring Eppolito & Caracappa's story in a way that keeps the reader interested. I loved getting the perspective from those that were involved with these two shady cops. This book definitely made me want to look into this story more.

This is the second book of Cannell's that I have had the pleasure of reading. The first being "Incendiary", which was very good also.
Now Cannell has turned his eyes to the story of two dirty cops in New York City. How they worked for the Mafia as they also were police officers.
Cannell does an excellent job of laying out the entire story. His research seems to be impeccable. He keeps one's interest through the use of good writing and story telling.
I have to say, and it's on an entirely personal level, the story disgusted me. Being a retired law enforcement officer myself, I knew of some officers who were caught being on the take, and suspected some others. It just really, really burns me up inside, the level of betrayal these traitors inflicted upon the good name of law enforcement everywhere.
The fact that these two losers got away with their crimes for so long is awful. As Cannell points out the many mistakes made, and inaction by the higher ups, it leaves me wondering if the same things are still occurring today.
Excellent book!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Michael Cannell’s “Blood and the Badge” is a gripping true crime narrative that delves into one of the most shocking scandals in the history of the New York City Police Department. This meticulously researched book uncovers the dark and twisted tale of Louis Eppolito and Stephen Caracappa, two decorated NYPD detectives who secretly worked as hitmen for the Mafia12.

Cannell’s storytelling prowess shines as he reconstructs the chilling events that led to the downfall of these “killer cops.” The book opens a window into the gritty underworld of 1980s Brooklyn, where corruption and crime were rampant. Eppolito and Caracappa, once respected members of the force, used their positions to serve the interests of the Lucchese crime family, leaking sensitive information and even participating in mob killing.

What sets “Blood and the Badge” apart is Cannell’s ability to humanize the story without losing sight of its gravity. He provides a nuanced portrayal of Eppolito and Caracappa, exploring their motivations and the complex web of deceit they wove. The narrative is enriched by interviews with key figures, including Sammy “the Bull” Gravano.

The book is a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice. Cannell highlights the efforts of law enforcement officers like Tommy Dades, who refused to let the case go cold and ultimately brought the rogue detectives to justice.

Cannell’s writing is both engaging and informative, making “Blood and the Badge” a page-turner that is hard to put down. His attention to detail and ability to weave complex narratives into a cohesive story make this book a standout in the true crime genre. The pacing is perfect, with each chapter building on the suspense and intrigue of the previous one.

“Blood and the Badge” is a compelling and thought-provoking read that sheds light on one of the most egregious cases of police corruption in American history. Michael Cannell has crafted a masterful true crime narrative that is both chilling and inspiring.

This book is a must-read for fans of the genre and anyone interested in the complexities of justice and morality.

Michael Cannell’s Blood and the Badge dives into one of the most bizarre, jaw-dropping chapters of NYPD history: the true story of Louis Eppolito and Stephen Caracappa, two decorated detectives who turned from cops to cold-blooded mob informants. It’s a tale that feels ripped from the script of a gritty Scorsese film, but Cannell elevates it with sharp research, and a narrative pacing that kept me flipping the pages.

The book is packed with scandalous details. You’ve got corrupt cops moonlighting as assassins, mafia bosses treating detectives like human "crystal balls" for insider intel, and an FBI that somehow managed to sit on the evidence for a good decade before finally getting its act together. It’s one of those stories where you can’t help but shake your head in disbelief, even as you’re drawn deeper into the madness.

Cannell’s writing strikes a good balance between journalistic detail and cinematic drama. He gives us fresh research, but doesn’t bog us down with too much “true crime trivia.”

Blood and the Badge shines a new light on a long-buried scandal and serves as a timely reflection on police corruption. If you’re into mob stories, dirty cops, or just want to be amazed at how real life sometimes outdoes fiction, this is a book worth picking up.

Many thanks to Edelweiss and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review Blood and the Badge prior to publication.

A thoroughly well written and fully fleshed out book.
I had heard a bit about these detectives but this book really filled in the story for me.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Blood and the Badge by Michael Cannell is a gripping true crime narrative that delves into the complex world of law enforcement and the darker aspects of policing. Cannell skillfully intertwines the stories of dedicated officers and the moral dilemmas they face, creating a tense atmosphere that keeps readers engaged. The book not only explores the gritty realities of crime but also raises important questions about justice and accountability. With its sharp prose and compelling characters, this work is a must-read for fans of crime literature and those interested in the intricacies of the justice system.