Customer Reviews

Gaspipe: Confessions of a Mafia Boss

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(17)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

Author Philip Carlo was a neighbor of mafia boss Anthony Casso growing up in Brooklyn, and perhaps Casso felt more open to speaking to someone he felt more comfortable. I like the short chapters, although some are ridiculously short. One paragraph! I find it hard to be sympathetic to mafia boss Casso who claims "to be a better man than most of the people on the streets these days." This coming from a man who ordered hits on others due to mere paranoia on his part. He also engineered the torture killing (I won't go into details here) of an individual who tried to do to him what he (Casso) had done to many others. Anthony Casso laments there is no loyalty within the mob. This is true despite their comedic ritual of Omerta where one is required to hold a burning piece of paper while blistering the hands until the fire goes out. Certainly there is no rest for the wicked. Living a ridiculously outrageous lifestyle with ill-gotten gains, and living in fear of what another may implicate you for leads one to plot the others demise. I did find a contradiction in this book with author Philip Carlo's book The Ice Man. On page 280 of The Ice Man author Carlo states Richard Kuklinski placed five bullets into mobster Roy DeMeo and killed him. On page 129 of Gaspipe author Carlo states the Testa brothers, Joey and Patty, along with Anthony Casso killed him. Patty poured Roy coffee while Joey and Anthony shot Roy to death. Are there other contradictions in the book? Probably! I was also bothered by some of the sentence structure which was confusing. One sentence in particular on page 200 I found puzzling was in regard to Vinnie Albano. Casso emptied his gun into Albano's chest. "Albano was dead before he knew it." Casso laments the government reneged on its so-called deal if he testified against mobsters, but I find it hard to sympathize with him. There is always forgiveness, but like other mobsters, their life ends with either an early grave or a prison sentence.

While overall I enjoyed "Gaspipe" I was nagged but the author's attempts to portray such a merciless killer in a sympathetic light. I've no doubt that Carlo's sympathetic tone stems from his personal ties to Casso (the author's parents were friends of Casso and his wife)but the author's lack of objectivity made me question whether what I was reading was accurate or just Casso's spin on the events in the book.

I have been an avid reader of true crime and mafia related books for over 15 years and have a personal library of over 300 books relating to American, Canadian and Italian mafia history and if there is one thing I am certain of is that unless so called facts are substantiated and reinforced or backed by solid research and hard evidence, you cannot believe everything your read! For the better part of 5 decades, mainly since the Senate Committee Hearings on Organized Crime of the 1950s and 60s there have been countless books written about mafia crime families, La Cosa Nostra leaders and members, and the events that surround their lives and the history of the American mafia, but most of the early books written by investigative reporters, journalists and independent authors were based strictly on willing participants within various local and federal law enforcement agencies and on their records, along with court records and media (mostly newspaper) accounts. Basically, it was not until the 1980s that authors of mob related books obtained the ability to research their subjects (groups, individuals and events) through the best means available for roughly more than 25 years, allowing for more accurate and credible accounts and sources. Those accounts and sources would be law enforcement bugs and wiretaps, along with surveillance records and photos and of course, mob informers, a.k.a., the "rats", "stoolies" and "co-operating witnesses" who end up in the witness protection program or in prison doing a short stint for co-operating or serious time otherwise.

What must be remembered even now is that all those organized crime members who co-operate in some manner with law enforcement are criminals! In other words their very nature is to lie, cheat, steal and corrupt and nothing changes when they pen or co-operate on a book. The only so called facts in any book that should be taken seriously and without doubt are those that can be collaborated or backed by direct proof such as those I mentioned previously, mainly law enforcement wiretaps and bugs and surveillance records, and in many cases court records dealing with large scale prosecutions of organized crime figures and groups. When statements or so called facts in a book can be reinforced by such sources than the credibility of the author and those involved multiply greatly.

Do not always depend solely on the past credibility of the author, in fact his sources and their credibility are just as important or even more important in some cases. With that said, let me say that "Gaspipe: Confessions of a Mafia Boss" is a great read and without a doubt a well written book, but at the same time it's author Phil Carlo has lost an immense amount of credibility since his previous work, "The Iceman: Confessions of Mafia Contract Killer", which is without a doubt one of the worst true crime-mob related books ever written. For anyone who wishes to read not only my opinion of the book, but would like to read true facts as to why "EVERY" mafia related story in the book concerning Richard Kuklinski is completely and utterly untrue they only need to read my Amazon review of the book, which dissects all the mafia related murders Kuklinski and Carlo stated "The Iceman" was involved in and all the lies that are attributed to Mr. Kuklinsi and his alleged actions. The book reads like a classic mafia tale, with a modern and gritty edge that showcases the modern mafia mentality, to obtain money and power at all costs, even at the cost of loyalty and honor. At the same time, as stated by other Amazon reviews, "Gaspipe" carries a number of contradictions within the book. One of the most obvious being that author Phil Carlo stated in his book, "The Iceman" that Kuklinski was alone responsible for the death of Gambino crime family soldier and hitman, Roy DeMeo. Yet in "Gaspipe", subject Tony Casso, the former Lucchese crime family underboss details his participation in the murder of DeMeo and that of his and DeMeo's associates, "The Testa Brothers", Joey and Patty. It was in fact stated by witnesses and law enforcement members during the trial of former DeMeo crew associates and eventual and Lucchese crime family members, "The Gemini Twins", Joey Testa and Anthony Senter that they were the ones who killed DeMeo on orders of Gambino crime family Boss Paul Castellano and DeMeo's capo, Nino Gaggi and Castellano aide, capo Frank DeCicco, all detailed in court documents and information easily found in F.B.I. files. Something that should have been debated by Carlo in the book or at the very least been mentioned in some manner to draw light on Casso's alleged knowledge of the murder.

Just as with "The Iceman", author Phil Carlo has left himself vulnerable to criticism to say the least. Just as facts surrounding the DeMeo murder can be argued, Carlo's has once again shown himself to be less than accurate when it comes to New York mafia history and that of "The Five Families", especially the Gambino crime family. Influential Queens mobster, Joseph N. Gallo was longtime Consigliere to Paul Castellano and continued to hold the title shortly after John Gotti took over the family in early 1986 after the murder of Castellano by the Gotti faction in late (December) 1985, and Gallo was not in his 20's if I remember correctly What Carlo stated. Carlo's facts about the Gambino crime family membership was most likely a typo, 250 members being what should have been stated, not 2,500. It is the author's responsibility to substantiate the facts given by his sources, even his main source, who is also the main subject of the book. Casso states that Gambino crime family capos "Handsome Jack" Giordano and Joseph "Joe Butch" Corrao met with Gambino associate and Casso murder victim Jimmy Hydell after the botched hit on Casso. For years there has been information from informers and law enforcement that stated the Casso hit was at the time sanctioned or ordered by Gambino crime family soldier and Casso business associate, Michael "Mickey Boy" Paradiso, who was in conflict with Casso allegedly over a drug deal gone bad. Jack Giordano and Joe Corrao were highly respected, influential and high ranking Gambino crime family members, who would have never met with a low level associate to deal with matters of such a nature, especially one who is not a member of their crew. That would fall to Hydell's boss and keeper, his uncle, Gambino crime family capo Danny Marino, who was in fact a close associate of Tony Casso and a John Gotti rival at the time within the Castellano faction that eventually planned to hit Gotti with the sanction of the Genovese and Lucchese crime family leaders, which included Casso. All information that Carlo should know, but did not even mention or touch on in any manner and any information surrounding these particular people and events seem mixed up, just like so several others in the book. Mafia protocol, rules and traditions dictate much of a mobsters actions, especially those actions that are suppose to be on the books or ordered by a superior, and Carlo should know this and other matters that pertain to the mafia and it's members, but just as he did with "The Iceman" he fails bitterly with "Gaspipe" when it comes to some basic or general mafia knowledge.

Carlo's knowledge on the New York mafia is tainted at best and at times confusing to readers. The story of Anthony "Gaspipe"Casso reads well and is highly entertaining for any fan of the New York crime families and the American mafia, but too many so called facts and information are either outright incorrect, clouded by surrounding or related circumstances, but never dealt with, such as the DeMeo and Hydell killings. Nothing to serious, but simple mistakes in the book are evident, such as Gambino crime family soldier and former John Gotti associate and aide, Angelo Ruggiero being called "Quack Quack" because he ducked subpoenas frequently, when in fact he was given that nickname by Gotti because he talked too much. Legendary Lucchese crime family Boss' Anthony "Tony Ducks" Corallo went by the nickname "Tony Ducks" because of ducking subpoenas frequently, something very well known, but obviously not to Carlo, the so called mafia expert. I guess Carlo figured the "quack quack" and the "duck" had to fit somehow?

For the second time Mr. Carlo proves that he is a less than credible author where American mafia history and his research methods are concerned. The book itself as I stated reads well and is entertaining. The direct history that concerns the main subject, Anthony Casso covers the former mafia boss, his history, his influence and reputation within the New York mafia very well and at times the book lends some fresh information regarding the New York mafia, mainly those events directly related to Casso. All in all the book is your typical run of the mill "Mafia Story" with some new twists, but where accuracy and the facts are concerned, knowledgeable "Mob Watchers" will shake their heads at times and even give a good laugh other times. Mr. Carlo's does tend to regurgitate the same old facts concerning the New York mafia that end up in most books that deal with "The Five Families", but without a doubt the information that concerns Casso is worth reading. The majority of the story regarding Casso's life and criminal exploits is worth read if your a fan of mafia related works, at the very least the book is entertaining. This book is certainly not on par with the work of Jerry Capeci, Selwyn Raab or Dave Critchley. Mr. Critchley is in fact an author from the U.K. who's expertise centers on ealry American mafia history. He is the author of a great concerning the early New York mafia entitled, "The Origin of Organized Crime in America:The New York City Mafia, 1891-1931", a superbly researched and written book. I know this firsthand because I helped the author research and verify some information and because Critchley carries the type of reputation and credibility which is enhanced by his meticulous research. He is somebody Carlo could learn from or at the very least take some pointers from!

Regardless what is true or false, accurate or inaccurate, "Gaspipe:Confessions of a Mafia Boss" is an interesting and entertaining read for any fan of the American mafia, but for those who are looking for serious research material there is much within the book that must be questioned.

I must admit I waited anxiously for Mr. Carlo's book, on one of Organize Crime history most intriguing characters Anthony "Gaspipe" Casso. Although I've not read any of Mr. Carlo's previous undertakings such as "The Night Stalker" and "The Iceman", I felt based on his New York City background that he would hit the mark. However I found the book to fall very short of my anticipatory exuberance.

I found a few factual errors that made it seem amateurish and lazy although his editor might have more to do with that than Mr. Carlo. But even something as basic as when Joe Valachi testified in front of congress he couldn't get that right. A high school student doing basic fact checking would have found that one. In October 1963, Valachi (a "soldier" in New York City's powerful Genovese Crime Family, whose primary "job" within the family was that of a driver) had testified before Arkansas Senator John L. McClellan's congressional committee on organized crime that the Mafia did exist. Mr. Carlo puts in his book this happened in 1952. This alone throws doubt and lack of credibility into anything else he has to write.

Mr. Carlo again doing no fact checking adds a couple of thousand more members to the ranks of the Gambino Crime Family. He goes on to attribute the nickname "Quack, Quack" to Angelo Ruggiero a close member of the Gotti inner circle by writing that this individual was known for "ducking" subpoenas. When in fact he was known as "Quack, Quack" because of his constant talking, so much so that the FBI recorded hundreds of hours of telephone conversations in which he openly conducted criminal activities without ever thinking of the consequences that might bring.

In addition to the lack of fact checking and sloppy research, you would think that in writing about one of the most notorious Cosa Nostra figures in New York City history. Mr. Carlo would bring a more detail and informative reason why such a man who lived by the code of Omerta all of his life would suddenly turned government informant? This Mr. Carlo doesn't seem to answer with any resonance, neither his nor anyone else related to Mr.Casso digs into his justifications except in drips and drabs.

If Mr. Carlo or his publisher would have availed themselves of the freedom of information act, he might have gotten the government's version of why this man who killed others for even hinting at betrayal. Would in fact become that which he hated so much, further research and digging might have shed some light on the reasons or certainly provided the reader with an educated theory or hypothesis that was clearly warranted.La Cosa Nostra or LCN or Mafia in America is very subject specific. So the reader that chooses to pick up this book will require new information to keep their interest.

Mr. Carlo provided some new nuggets of information but the turn off from his lack of due diligence on fact checking and informative speculation leads one who enjoys true crime left with a bad taste in their mouth. Mr. Carlo paints with very broad strokes as to attract a broader
audience, perhaps one with more of an attraction for novels and fiction. This of course misses the level of intensity that a subject as big as Anthony "Gaspipe" Casso should merit.

I was terribly disappointed in Mr. Carlo's attempt to write about one of the most feared and prolific killers in organize crime history without getting to the proverbial nuts and bolts. His wandering off in different directions misses the mark, the bull's eye and the man that was Anthony Casso. Amazing that a person gets to publish books and call himself a writer who so obviously has little respect for his craft.

This book has way too many factual errors. It reads more like a blend of fact and fiction. Many of the things Carlo writes contradict with FBI reports, other informants, and wiretap recordings. The top experts on the Mafia, like Jerry Capeci and Selwyn Raab, would laugh at the bologna in Carlo's books.

Reminiscent of a sappy 1940's crime novel Phillip Carlo gives us Gaspipe. Not withstanding his style Mr. Carlo goes out of his way to be an apologist for a psychopath. For anyone who might have the slightest interest in organized crime this book will in no manner advance your understanding. Mr. Carlo presents an uncritical look at both the events and dynamics, which shaped the life of one of the most prolific killers in the mob. It is not hard for the reader to see the affection Mr. Carlo has for this individual who is portrayed as both a victim of his social circumstances and that of a "man of honor". Of the numerous factual errors, provided in this book, perhaps the most glaring is Mr. Carlo's refusal to debunk the mythology of the "mafia man of honor". Mr. Carlo does his best to clean the image of gaspipe but in end he has become what he has hated most in his life a "rat". Mr. Carlo refuses to serious question the story of gaspipe he provides no sources. This book is hilariously funny given both the style of the writing and the lacks of its believability. In other words this reads like a fish story. On a scale of one to ten this is a two good for read at the beach then into the dumpster.

I will not revisit what the others have said but I will emphasize that this book is extremely well-written. I could not put it down and read it in one sitting. It gives you great insight into the mafioso of more recent times.

Unfortunately the author is biased and is much too sympathetic towards a man who was obviously a psychopath who can only be described as sadistic and blood thirsty. Also the preoccupation at the end with corrupt prison guards sounds like just what a mafioso would say who was whining about his loss of freedom. Quite frankly he deserves to live the rest of his life in a very small prison cell estranged from everyone he thought nothing of betraying when he was outside. He was clearly a bad candidate for witness protection and although Gravano did revert to form (as a drug dealer) I have no doubt Gaspipe would have probably done the same by seeing how many more times he could shoot someone without killing them to make them suffer.

Where are the confessions? This book is very dissappointing. There is nothing new in here I hadn't read before. Read the books Five Families or The Brotherhood. They are much more factual and alot more readable.

most stuff about the mafia is interesting on its own merits; carlo's tale is no exception, however, just as with his bio of serial killer kuklinski (in which he credits kuklinski with participation on some of the mafia's "greatest hits"--hoffa and galante), realize that for all the time he spent in person with his subjects, that's probably as little time as he spent doing fact checking to verify the accounts conveyed to him. for instance he talks of "twenty-five year old capo" joseph gallo, when in fact joe gallo was gotti's consigliere, and he wasn't a 25-year old. also, carlo endlessly repeats himself. that said, you do get a different, more realistic picture of casso than the one presented by breslin in "the good rat," which is more a portrayal of casso associate burton kaplan, although breslin is a superior writer. carlo is actually more interesting to listen to.

Recently finished reading Gaspipe by P. Carlo. All in all I would recommend this book because it does give a glimpse into a very interesting time in the world of NYC LCN particularly the Lucchese family in their twilight.
That said, I wanted to point out some (what I found to be errors) in the story. In no particular order.
On page 171 the book states that the Gambino family had 2500 made members. I think this might be a typo. The number at the time I believe was 250 w/ perhaps 1000 associates.
On page 166 the book states that Anthony "Ducks" Corallo ordered capo Luongo killed. I believe, according to other sources Amuso and Casso did this on their own accord in a power grab.
On page 139 the book states that Joe N. Gallo was 25 years old. He was in fact in his early seventies at the time. And Gallo always went by Joe N to avoid confusion w/ Crazy Joe Gallo of the Colombo family.
The book states that Handsome Jack Giordano and Joe Butch Corrao came by to hear Jim Hydell tell about the botched hit on Casso. All other sources state it was his uncle Marino, who BTW was also in on the DeCicco bombing w/ Casso.
The book Rudy Giuliani used as an impetus for the Commission case was "Man of Honor" by Joe Bonomo not Gay Talese "Honor thy Father (with was printed in 1971).
The book states that Angelo Ruggiero went by Quack Quack because he was good at ducking subpoenas - That was Tony Ducks. Angelo was called Quack Quack because he talked incessantly. Also, most other sources state Gaspipe was called by that name because his father hooked up illegal gas connections.
The book tells the a part of the story of the killing of Roy Demeo. No mention is made of the fact that Nino Gaggi and Frank De Cicco arranged the hit w/ Testa and Senter. And Testa had a little brother that helped hide Gaspipe when he was on the lam. Gaspipe killed him. And author stated in another book that the Ice Man Richard Kuklinski killed Demeo.
Lastly, and this one I could go on about, I stopped counting the number of times the book states that Gaspipe believed a mans word should be his bond. Gaspipe promised a dying Hydell he would throw his body in the street so his mother could collect the small life insurance policy. He didn't. The body was never found.
However, these points are debatable and maybe lost to history. All in all, I enjoyed and recommend the book.