Thank you Minotaur books for giving me access to this unbelievable book.

I've heard some things about detectives Eppolito and Caracappa previously. But nothing quite like what I just read. It's crazy to me how they were able to pull all of this off how they did.

For the first time in forty years, former New York Times editor Michael Cannell unearths the full story behind two ruthless New York cops who acted as double agents for the Mafia, Fiuhhh.. Double agents genre really blows me out. I enjoy it really much.

"Blood and the Badge" is a gripping account of NYPD detectives Louis Eppolito and Frank Caracappa, who led double lives as Mafia henchmen. They not only tipped off the mob about raids and exposed informants, leading to murders, but also carried out hits for the Mafia. The book delves into their corruption, the inner workings of the mob, and criticizes the NYPD's failure to uncover their crimes for over a decade. Based on extensive research, it follows their journey from misconduct to imprisonment. An incredible and highly recommended read.

I have read other books that circle around this story. This book deeply explores the story of these two police officers, their mafia connections, and horrendous deeds. Quite eye opening

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211004801

This was an excellent true crime read about the mafia and corrupt cops. I felt that the author had researched impeccably, there was so much detail that brought each scene and player to life. This was a shocking story and I felt it served to shed light on the detrimental effect of the mafia; the crime, the violence, the bloodshed. That being in direct contrast to how we revere the Tony Soprano Godfather type characters that in our society become celebrated.

It was gripping to read about the ways of the mafia, the endless murders and the slow unravelling of the old school gangsters who would never ‘snitch’ or ‘rat’.

I would say there were some occasions that I found a big heavy on the detail. There were a lot of characters and scenarios to get my head round and follow along and a few times I got bogged down after the half way mark to then end. If it wasn’t for a the few moments of my attention wavering I would have erred towards a five star. I definitely think this is a worthy read.

Blood and the Badge is the shocking and at times unbelievable tale of two decorated NYC Police Department detectives who led a double life as Mafia henchmen. Detectives Louis Eppolito and Frank Caracappa not only alerted their mob connection to impeding raids and arrests, but also disclosed the identities of several mob informants, leading to their deaths and, incredibly, carried out hits for the Mafia. This is a comprehensive and intensive narrative not only of the detectives corrupt and criminal activities, but also a deep dive into the inner workings of the mob and several high-ranking members. It’s also an indictment of the NYPD hierarchy who either turned a blind eye to the detectives actions, or were too incompetent to uncover the corruption over a ten year plus period. The author gathered information from numerous sources, including court testimony, police records and personal interviews, and tells this story from the beginning of the cops’ misdeeds right through to their criminal trial and ultimate imprisonment. This is an incredible story, highly recommended. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A heavily researched account of the unsettling true story of Louie Eppolito and Stephen Caracappa, NYPD detectives who descended into the criminal underworld. Eppolito, raised in mafia culture by his gangster father, joined the police force despite his background, partnering with Caracappa for 26 years. Disillusioned by a promotion to detective that he felt was three years overdue, Eppolito's bitterness led him to partner with Caracappa in making deals with major mob figures, including the Lucchese crime family. With the help of Eppolito’s cousin Frank Santoro and mobster Burt Kaplan, their crimes escalated to murder. After retiring and moving to Las Vegas, Eppolito and Caracappa continued their criminal activities, including drug dealing and money laundering. Their downfall came with the assistance of undercover accountant Stephen Corso, leading to their arrest by the FBI. Their trial revealed their involvement in eight murders, money laundering, and drug distribution. The author vividly portrays the betrayal, greed, and moral decay that transformed two detectives into infamous figures in true crime history.