Customer Reviews

The Rise and Fall of the Cleveland Mafia: Corn Sugar and Blood

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book was an outstanding read. I couldn't put it down. I gave it four stars simply because I felt it should have discussed the Cleveland Syndicate further. For example what about Moishe Wexler? He owned the Theatrical Grill, a great club in its day. As a born and raised Clevelander, It was very interesting to find out more about stories that I have heard since childhood. I would recommend this book, and in fact I am planning on putting it on the reading list for my criminology classes at Kent State.

The story keeps your interest. Any fan of Cleveland and Mafia lore will enjoy this book. The story was well researched, but occaisionally lacked detail and depth. As the decades continued, the specifics got more sparse and general. While I enjoyed the book, this one aspect left me a little disappointed. Still worth your money at the price it is at. Recommended!

Martin Scorsese would have great content for his next film if he read this book. Rick Porello is able to take these moments in Cleveland history and make them as compelling as the stories about Luciano, the Gambino Family, etc. I can't wait to begin reading his other two books.

There was room for five families in New York. In Cleveland there was only room for one. The Lonardos and the Porellos struggle to control the manufacture and distribution of liquor during prohibition is well-chronicled in this work. Moe Dalitz financing of Las Vegas casinos is discussed. The book even continues on into the racketeering of Danny Greene and the ILA in the 1970's.

This book is a must for nostalgic buffs who want to go back to Cleveland when bootleggers tried to take over the city. The reading about a history that involved part of a family's patriarchal demise is saddening, yet paints the reality and cruelty involved with gang warfare. I enjoy history, and this book is excellent in telling a part of early 20th century crime in Cleveland and its mob history. I can't wait for the next book.

Organized crime flourishes beyond New York and Chicago and the mob wars of Cleveland, during Prohibition and since, were as colorful and violent as any elsewhere. Rick Porrello is a fantastic writer, a dedicated Mafia researcher, and as both a Cleveland cop and a descendant of Joe Porrello has the inside track on the Cleveland Hit Parade!

Good book about Little Italy and the history of the Cleveland mafia

After hearing all my life about the place I grew up in,it was great to be able to separate the facts from fiction. I knew the Porrello's and spent a lot of time as a teen ager talking with Rick's granfather while standing on our infamous corner. to finally see photos of the exact spots that some of the story takes place and knowing every inch of the sidewalks and doorways was exciting. His book definitly answers questions I've had since I was a kid. It was a great neighborhood to grow up in. It was almost like one huge family. I will miss it forever. Thanks for bringing it alive again, Rick.

This book was quite interesting- But I felt a knot in my stomach when I read the part about my Grandfather's death. I knew he was a part of this, but I never read it word for word. You know- "I can't really believe it until I see it,"- I believed it at first, but the book brought the truth to reality. Definately recommend for people interested to get a true taste of what it was like (and still is).

I love mob books and this one doesn't dissappoint. Must have for the mob book lover.