Lucky Luciano: Mysterious Tales of a Gangland Legend (Gangland Mysteries) Paperback – May 15, 2014

For any somewhat well educated Mafia - or should I correctly say gangster - buff this is a must read, well researched , entertaining , historically accurate.

If you are looking for a comprehensive updated biography of Lucky Lucaino, this is not it. In fact, this book focuses on several Luciano topics: Where did he derive the name "Lucky" Did he ever personally murder anyone?" Did he play a key role in helping the U.S. military defend the NY waterfront, and assist the allies in the invasion of Sicily?, etc. For the most part, the book is neatly organized around these topics-there are a few minor grammatical errors suggesting that this was not comprehensively proofed; did manage to learn a couple of new items regarding associates of Luciano. Finally, the photo gallery is fairly comprehensive. A decent & quick read for any Mafia fan.

It was well written and very informative. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to read more from this author!

Fun read. Clarifies a lot of misconceptions from over the years. I would recommend this book if you would like to learn the true story.

This is not, by any means, a definitive gangster biography. In fact, it's not a biography at all. What Mr. Cipollini does here is examine certain highlights of his subject's life and career and attempt to separate the truth from myth. In one chapter, he delves into the celebrated abduction and beating of Charley Lucky in October, 1929, and attempts to find out who was behind it. We still do not know, though the author advances several theories, many, if not all, have been told before. Did Luciano himself ever actually kill anyone? Cipollini suggests that the assassin of a hoodlum named Umberto Valenti in 1922 may have been Luciano, given the fact that he was probably working for the victim's arch enemy, Joe the Boss Masseria, at the time, and because the shooter was described as "svelte, swarthy complexion, dark hair." Unfortunately, these physical characteristics not only fit Luciano, but probably thousands of other European immigrants living in New York City at the time as well. What about Luciano's alleged involvement in aiding the Allies from his prison cell during World War II and thus winning his freedom? Again, Luciano's role is as controversial now as it was seventy years ago. The author touches upon the life of Gay Orlova, Lucky's showgirl/mistress; the slashing of Luciano's initials "C" and "L" on a woman named Jean Bell, which were probably self-inflicted; Luciano's brief sojourn in Cuba following his deportation from the U.S. and his final years in Italy. But, unfortunately, there is really nothing in this book that I found enlightening. I do, however, agree that the summit of Jewish mobsters in New York City's Franconia Hotel in the fall of 1931 was probably held to ensure that everyone (Italians and non-Italians) were on board with the new unified course organized crime was taking, a theory which, as far as I know, was never advanced before but which makes a lot of sense. In closing, based on the terrific five-star raves given this publication by previous readers, I came away a bit disappointed.

In many ways Christian the author reminds me of Charles “ Lucky” Luciano. I’ve read many books on Lucky and most are copycats. Christians are full of new and interesting facts that result from his endless hours of research. He's one author who's committed to new and interesting facts. A true researcher.

Enjoyed the book and pictures descent read .

Good pictures contained within the cover and that's always a perk - considering how hard it is to come across them. The author tries to go behind some of the myths that have been told about Luciano.

Awesome

Only 1 problem, this says the book has 200 pages and it's only 113

didn't hold my interest so didn't finish it