Joey the Hitman: The Autobiography of a Mafia Killer (Adrenaline Classics Series) [Paperback]

Joey Fisher (Author), David Fisher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 18, 2002

Following up on the success of the Adrenaline title Mob: Stories of Death and Betrayal from Organized Crime, Adrenaline Classics brings back the New York Times bestseller (originally published as Killer) that helped pave the way for the latest generation of nouveau-mob stories, from Donnie Brasco to The Sopranos. "Joey"—a journeyman Jewish hitman, numbers king, and loan shark—collaborated with David Fisher (co-editor of the hit Adrenaline title Wild Blue) to lay out the rackets in gripping detail. His story includes detailed accounts of his chillingly "professional" murders of thirty-eight victims. The strong sales of Mob are further evidence that the best mafia stories—and this is one of the best—capture the public's interest. Joey the Hitman's original best-seller status reflects the quality of the writing, the frank intelligence of the subject/writer, and Joey's convincingly matter-of-fact, regular-guy tone. When he writes, debunking The Godfather, "... Actually very few mob members even have Bronx-Italian accents ... a lot of mob people are not very tough, the people we meet and deal with are very ordinary, most of us stay home at night and watch TV, and we only shoot each other when absolutely necessary," you know you're listening to the original Soprano. This edition includes a new afterword from David Fisher, who for the first time reveals Joey's identity and the incredible story of how Joey finally died.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

"This book proves that professional crime can be as fascinating as amateur crime," said LJ's reviewer of this volume in which a veteran mob cleaner, under the pseudonym "Joey," describes in detail what could be called his greatest hits. Joey reveals the workaday life of organized crime members, who are nothing like the images presented in novels and especially in film. In addition to 38 murders, Joey was involved in all facets of racketeering and explains how it works. This volume rose to the New York Times best sellers list and is still fascinating.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

"This volume rose to the New York Times best sellers list and is still fascinating." -- Michael Rogers, Library Journal, April 15th, 2002

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press; First Edition edition (March 18, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560253932
• ISBN-13: 978-1560253938
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #849,038 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I Got Clipped By Joey, November 25, 2002

By 

Sarah Morton (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Joey the Hitman: The Autobiography of a Mafia Killer (Adrenaline Classics Series) (Paperback)

This was a very fun introduction to the world of the mafia. It is light hearted and is very insightful. I am not sure if Joey exists but some of the facts standing up. Like the 'meat hook kill' I have heard other sources report on this and also it tells you a lot about the various strains of the mob business. So if you have a keen interest in the Italian mafia or just organised crime check this book out you will not be disappointed!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A fun read, very pragmatic about the business of crime., March 22, 2002

By 

Eric Oppen (Iowa Falls, IA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Joey the Hitman: The Autobiography of a Mafia Killer (Adrenaline Classics Series) (Paperback)

The only trouble with this sort of memoir, whether it's by Joey or by somebody who infiltrated the Klan, is that there is no way to corrobrate his stories. Even so, the discussion of how crime as a business operates is very interesting, and "Joey's" ideas about what could be done to hurt it are right on the money. Basically, legalizing gambling (which has been done in many places since this book came out; I've got two copies of the original paperback printing) legalizing drugs, and in general, legalizing victimless crimes, would have all but put the Mob out of business or forced it to go respectable, like some segments did after Prohibition---many fortunes in the liquor or entertainment industries can trace their origins to gangsters.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Before the Sopranos there was Joey..., December 27, 2005

By 

edbermac (MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Joey the Hitman: The Autobiography of a Mafia Killer (Adrenaline Classics Series) (Paperback)

I read this many years ago when it first came out entitled as 'Killer' and thought it was a fascinating look at the business of crime. However, I just bought the reissue and noticed that a whole chapter devoted to Joey and his feelings about women was dropped. Why so? Were the publishers getting PC about a Mafia killer so as not to offend new readers? Anyone have the original? And does anyone have any info on Joey's real name? A mention was made of his obit in Time magazine...date and issue anyone?