Hit 29: Based on the Killer's Own Account [Paperback]

Joey (Author), David Fisher (Contributor)

Book Description

Series: Adrenaline Classics | Publication Date: December 10, 2002

After the crime-primer success of Joey the Hitman, Hit 29 takes readers on a stranger-than-fiction journey of one actual hit taken on by Jewish hitman, numbers king, and loan shark “Joey.” But the twenty-ninth contract hit Joey has taken on (without a conviction) turns out to be a lot more complicated than it first appears. As recounted in Joey’s patented matter-of-fact, regular-guy tone, the target, a low-level numbers “controller,” turns out to be an old acquaintance from the neighborhood, the client is a man who once tried to have Joey hit, and there are enough twists and double-backs—not to mention fascinatingly credible mob details and color—to keep Soprano fans up all night. This New York Times best-seller, soon to be a major motion picture from Paramount, is a true-crime classic.

Product Details

• Paperback: 364 pages
• Publisher: Thunder's Mouth Press (December 10, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560254564
• ISBN-13: 978-1560254560
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,640,796 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Will The Real Joey Please Stand Up, March 28, 2003

By 

"alios" (New York , United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hit 29: Based on the Killer's Own Account (Paperback)

Joey was a real contract killer, but not a Mafioso. He just did some work for them from time to time. Not an unusual situation. He died some years ago from natural causes. His obituary was in Time Magazine. This book appears to have been put together from Fisher's notes without Joey available to fill in the holes. Fisher had to ad-lib some facts, but did not have specific knowledge. For instance, when Joey smelled trouble he took the safety off two of his .38s. Revolvers do not have external safeties, and no hitman would use a semi-automatic (which has an external safety), even if reliable .38 semis were available in the '50s and early '60s. There is always the chance of a misfire, and with a semi one has to go thru a clearing drill to get off a shot. With a revolver one has merely to pull the trigger again. Also, tailing someone as Joey did it would get you made within a very short time; and; no phone tap would be be done in such a dangerous way. But if you read the book carefully and between the lines, there is some good information. Is the book worth reading? I say Yes.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Joey's the man, February 12, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Hit 29: Based on the Killer's Own Account (Paperback)

Not nearly as good as the first book "Joey the Hitman" but still a great page turner. The most entertaing part was near the end. The killer calls up his cheeseball attorney to answer some police questions. When he tells him about the murder he is under question for, and that yes he did do it, the the lawyer laughs and says "Why can't you get into something safe like dope smuggling?" I wish I knew what his real name was. Oh yeah, one other thing. No matter what anyone says about these books by "Joey", the tone of the writing and the facts do ring true, very much so, especially when compared side by side with books by other contract killers. Those that say otherwise are full of hot air.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Have fun getting inside the mind of a hard-working contract killer, April 16, 2006

By 

Jessica Lux (Rosamond, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hit 29: Based on the Killer's Own Account (Paperback)

David Fishers is the ghost writer behind the story of Mafia hit man Joey. Fisher has already published the bestseller Joey the Hitman, and his second memoir with the anonymous Joey focuses on a specific hit--number 29--in Joey's career of over thirty contract murders.

The book is told from Joey's first person point of view. He lays #29 out as a reckless decision, a poor choice in his calculated career. He should have laid low after #28, should have listened to his instincts, but he needed the money for his gambling habit.

The 1968 crime bosses and gambling numbers runners are sufficiently colorful to hold the reader's attention, and the moral code of the tough guys is fascinating, as are Joey's expectations of his "old lady" back at home. He's not college-educated, but Joey's no slouch. He manages a gambling ring and plots his every move to stay on the down low to the law and the right side of the Mafia. He's hardworking and methodical. His tale of a hit that spiraled out of control is a terrific narrative from a tough, cocky wiseguy. Is it 100% true? Probably not. A great read? You bet.