Wised Up [Mass Market Paperback]

Charlie Wilhelm (Author), Joan Jacobson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2004

Beyond Goodfellas...beyond The Sopranos... comes the amazing true story of Baltimore mobster Charlie Wilhelm, as he reveals in his own worlds the details of his wild life in crime - and his desperate struggle for redemption.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Terrifying...brilliant." -- Gus Russo, author of

"Wised Up offers a fascinating, unadorned account of redemption from Baltimore's underworld." -- David Simon, author of Homicide, The Corner, The Wire

Wised Up is a page turner, a vivid and fascinating look at organized crime in Baltimore." -- Jerry Capeci, author of Jerry Capeci's Gangland

From the Inside Flap

WISEGUY HEAVEN Arson, loansharking, drug dealing, extortion – it was all in a day’s work for Charlie Wilhelm. In Baltimore, an organized crime syndicate of over 200 men took orders from him and his partner, strong arm enforcer Billy Isaacs. For over twenty years, Charlie lived the sweet life, making $10,000 a week in untaxed cash. ORDERED TO KILL But everything changed in 1995, when Isaacs demanded that Wilhelm take out two men he suspected of cheating him. Charlie Wilhelm didn’t want to kill – but he didn’t want to die, either. Turning to FBI agent Bruce Hall – who’d grown up in the old neighborhood with Charlie – he became a double agent, working undercover against his former associates. DOUBLE LIFE Danger lay everywhere, from suspicious hoodlums to dirty cops and even a Mob tipster working in the U.S. Attorney’s office. One misstep could spell death not only for Charlie, but for his wife and children. Yet Wilhelm’s efforts not only saved lives – they resulted in twenty convictions for offenses ranging from bribery and conspiracy to drug dealing and murder. Now, in his own words, Charlie Wilhelm tells his incredible true story of a wild life lived on both sides of the law.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Pinnacle (November 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786016221
• ISBN-13: 978-0786016228
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #412,401 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #28 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Specific Groups > Criminals

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome, March 10, 2005

By 

Marilyn Goga - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wised Up (Mass Market Paperback)

Being a very visual person, as I read the book, I could actually see what Charlie Wilhelm was describing at any given event. In fact I felt at times I was actually there watching events unfold. Charlie has such a way with words that he had me laughing so hard at some of the events he described. He make me cry at times and he actually got me upset when describing how the government snafu'ed getting him and his famil new ID's so that he could get a job to support his family while hiding out, all the while cooperating with the FBI. The way the book was written,I was not able to put it down once I started reading it. I took a couple of breaks go give my eyes a rest but had to pick it up and read the book until the last page. After reading the book completly, I felt a numbness that I could not shake, knowing that this is a true story, and how the events unraveled and how Charlie how his family have survived all the odds against them.
I have sent this book to friends and would recomend to to all.
If Charlie Wilhelm writes another book, I will be the first to purchase it.

Sincerely
Marilyn Goga

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling, September 27, 2004

By 

A. Gehrig - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wised Up (Mass Market Paperback)

My first read of this genre of book. AWESOME. I couldn't get my nose out of this book. My life was put on hold for 2 1/2 days because I couldn't put it down. Captivating from the first chapter.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Having Been There..., November 22, 2004

By 

T. Bailey "TJ Bailey" (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wised Up (Mass Market Paperback)

Having grown up in the same neighborhood (Hampden), and lived on the same street (Keswick Rd.) as Charlie Wilhelm, I would never have known the blatant criminal activity he was into, and just feet from my own doorstep.. Hampden was a pool of organized crime, even to this day, like many parts of Baltimore. I know because I lived there. Though I didn't know him personally, Charlie and his crew were well known and feared throughout the community. Only after reading his book would I realize just how far reaching their crimes spanned, even to murder. Lucky for Charlie, he 'Wised Up' before it was too late.

Being a resident to the often mean streets of Baltimore myself, I was inspired by Wilhelm's choice to come clean, and amazed at his courage to change even when faced with overwhelming odds and the threat of being killed for his decisions.

This is absolutely one of the greatest and most fascinating books I've ever read. I simply couldn't put it down. Charlie's tale of redemption from his criminal life are like that of a Phoenix rising from the ashes. Not only is the book an awesome read, but it is an inspiring story that could help to reach others who want out of their criminal ways. Great job, Charlie!