This is the true story of one of our longest-lived mobsters, John "Sonny" Franzese. It is about him and his rise in the Columbo family. However, this book is more than just about his criminal career; I found it to be so much more. Of course, his two marriages were something else, but you have to remember the time period that this book was most devoted to; the 1930s was the start, the 1960s took up a lot of this book, and then the downward spiral of the '90's to 2020.

I admit that this guy and his sons were criminals of the worst kinds, but I did manage to feel compassion for Sonny. Imagine having your beloved son testifying against you and your other son leaving the Mafia and leaving his father in the lurch.

So many informants. So many wearing wires. So much blood and shakedowns.

This was a fascinating read that I found I was unable to put down no matter what bloody coupe was taking place.

*ARC provided by the publisher Citadel Press - Penguin Random House Canada, the author, and NetGalley. ( )