Friend of the Family: An Undercover Agent in the Mafia (Hardcover) [Hardcover]

D. Lea Jacobs (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2002

This is the story of FBI undercover agent Edgar Robb and his 20 years of experience as a member of the Mafia. Robb, the only undercover agent to become a Mafia boss with his own crew and to penetrate both the American Italian and Sicilian Mafias, was responsible for what U.S News and World Report termed "the biggest drug bust in American history." The operations in which he was the lead agent resulted in over 200 convictions, turning the tide against the mob's power in the United States from the inside out.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The true and gripping story of one of the first and . . . best undercover agents to work against the Mafia." -- Anthony E. Daniels, former Assistant Director, FBI

About the Author

D. Lea Jacobs is an established author of fiction writing under a different name. This is his fifth published work.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 315 pages
• Publisher: Howells House (November 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0929590198
• ISBN-13: 978-0929590196
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,217,245 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Friend of the Family, April 18, 2010

By 

Michael Tsapazis (Melbourne Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Friend of the Family: An Undercover Agent in the Mafia (Hardcover) (Hardcover)

This book is about the FBI's undercover stories, specially the Coldwater and the Pizza II operations . Very intricate story line ,because of the many players involved.I am always fascinated with the workings of the Mafia ,and this is no exception. Michael Tsapazis author of "Zion and the Magic Sword"

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book on the Mob, January 18, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Friend of the Family: An Undercover Agent in the Mafia (Hardcover) (Hardcover)

Over the past several years there has been an immense body of literature, fiction as well as non-fiction, devoted to the topic of the Mafia. In fact, colleges are even offering courses analysing Mafia Literature. It seems we have an insatiable appetite when it comes to reading about these wise guys.

The newest book to be unleashed is D. Lea Jacobs first work of non-fiction, FRIEND OF THE FAMILY. According to the inside flap of the book, Jacobs is an established author of historical fiction, writing under a different name. In view of Jacobs' previous writing experiences, it is not surprising that the book reads like an adventure novel rather than a non-fiction tale.

The crux of the story centres around two of the most famous successful undercover criminal operations in the annals of the FBI, the Coldwater and Pizza II operations. The main protagonist is the FBI's first and probably one of the best undercover agents to work against the Mafia, Ed Robb, known as Tony Rossi to the Mob. It was Ed Robb who in fact pioneered the tactics, techniques, and procedures that continue to guide today's FBI covert operations.

At times reading the multitude of facts, stories and players, seemed like I was watching a spider weaving its web and eventually capturing its prey. Although, I must admit, it was very often difficult to keep track of all of the names tossed around. However, thankfully, to rectify this problem, an appendix at the back of the book lists the cast of characters. It also indicates to which Mafia family each of the bad guys owed allegiance and who were the good guys.

Apart from describing and analysing the various sting operations of the FBI, the book also explores the conflicts faced by the main protagonist. The mental stability of Ed Robb played an extremely important role in the overall undercover operation. As mentioned in the book, " a deep undercover penetration could change forever the mental makeup of the participant. Like the death of a loved one, a wrenching divorce, or any other extremely stressful emotional trauma, they are never forgotten and the effects are permanent."

There is no doubt that the facts and insights Jacobs presents are by and large absorbing, and often unexpected. We are reminded that behind the tough guy mask of these criminals are often paranoid personalities who can concoct infantile schemes leading to their downfall. One moment they may be gentle, funny or sad, and in the next moment they believe they are invincible and that nothing can harm them.

review by Norman Goldman

3 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is my Grandfather!!, November 26, 2002

By 

"amazonparrot16" (Crozet, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Friend of the Family: An Undercover Agent in the Mafia (Hardcover) (Hardcover)

I have not as of yet read the entire book, only excerpts from it, but I am sure that it will be amazing. This incredible story is about my Grandfather, Ed Robb!