Customer Reviews

Of Rats and Men: Oscar Goodman's Life from Mob Mouthpiece to Mayor of Las Vegas (True Crime)

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The copious notes and eight pages of bibliography supporting John L. Smith's meticulously researched biographical look at Oscar Goodman, former mob attorney - presently the two-term mayor of Las Vegas, impressed me.

Talk about "insider" information! Smith has long been quoted as a preeminent authority on mob history and "wise guy" relationships. In his book, "Of Rats and Men: Oscar Goodman's Life from Mob Mouthpiece to Mayor of Las Vegas," Smith names a Who's Who of notorious clients, alleged criminal activities, and egregious political innuendoes surrounding the controversial bonds between Goodman and friends. Scared me! While it is obvious the attention-seeking mayor was generous in his interviews with the author, Smith kept me up nights as he interpreted what Goodman would have us believe with his [author's] own extensive background knowledge and investigative prowess. John L. has balls of brass to write as honestly as he does.

Don't let an easy read fool you. This book is a gem for all who follow gaming history, or the Las Vegas / mob connection - to say nothing of government ineptitude (now, that was a hoot!).

Of Rats And Men: Oscar Goodman's Life From Mob Mouthpiece To Mayor Of Las Vegas is the inherently fascinating biography of Oscar Goodman, a man who deliberately became a pre-eminent defense attorney for alleged gangsters for 35 years. Accused but never proven of being more than a mouthpiece and defense attorney for organized crime, Oscar Goodman somehow managed to successfully defend his clients without becoming part of organized crime itself -- at least according to the voters of Las Vegas who eventually elected him as their mayor twice. Of Rats And Men is very highly recommended reading for anyone with an interest in the history of organized crime in America or who wish to avail themselves of a unique insight into the life and philosophy of an accomplished trial lawyer who specialized in defending members of established crime families.

Demonstrating yet again that he is the best Author ever to raise a pen to Las Vegas, John L. Smith gets uprecedented access to bring us the ultimate biography of the world's most prolific mayor.

Having lived in Las Vegas for 40 years, and as someone who went to grade school with the Author and has dined with the Subject, I couldn't be happier with the product. Only a local boy like Smith would not fall victim to the temptation of cliche, so often thrust in front of us by so many who move to Las Vegas to give us their version of the story.

Smith's perspective is critical to truly understand the dynamic, real life character that is Goodman, as well as the environment of his ascention. Well chronicled here is his first big defense case in Las Vegas, where Goodman's ease at interacting across the tracks to Las Vegas's old, black West Side served him so well.

Fascinating ties of defense cases involving federal court judge assisinations and Philadelphia mob figures will have you understanding why we locals believe "all roads lead to Vegas."

If you want the true story of Vegas, you need go no further than the works of John L. Smith. Required reading for all who aspire to win over the town of no limit.

I purchased the book because my step father was mentioned in one of the chapters. First time I had noticed this as I began research on him. Interesting read but I find Goodman to be mostly a showman throughout the book. He obviously believes his own hype, but his people in Vegas either love him or hate him! I think he secretly wanted to be an actor & this was as close as he could get based on his less than handsome appearance. I'd love to see what he'd have to say in person regarding my step dad if we ever meet up. Not one to mince words I'm sure I'd get an earful. Overall a decent read if you like pompous men & inside info on a lot of made guys/aka mafia.

Why do we have such a fascinatiion with the underworld. Why can't we get enough of The Godfather, the Sopranos and a legion of real life mobsters. Why do we glorify them? I don't know -- but it is is a national obsession.

Readers who pick up this book will not be disappointed. Las Vegas the good as well as the ugly that made it are all here in all their gore and corruption.

One fears for the very life of the author - a seasoned observer and chronicler of Las Vegas. But it isn't just a collection of gossip and innuendos,hard facts fly off the book's pages. John Smith's research is impressive - an extensive bibliography and detailed footnotes establish his credibility and prove the mettle of this journalist.

If only his tale were fiction but it isn't. A good read and a story that will linger in your mind - for sure.