This was my first mob-related book and I found it fascinating. The story delves into the growth of the mob family in Brownsville, New York - a neighborhood in Brooklyn. Abe Reles, a mob murder man and enforcer, works his way up through the ranks to become the enforcer that everyone turns to, this gives him an unimaginable of power over those below - and above him. When Reles feels the law is coming for him, he quickly starts to sing. Thanks to a memory most people would be jealous of, Reles tells all his takes and sends multiple mob members to Sing Sing where they are executed in the electric chair nicknamed "Old Sparky." Shortly before Reles is set to sing at his biggest trial, he is found dead outside his safe house. There continues to be a lingering question of if he was murdered, killed himself, or died trying to escape.

All in all, this book was definitely worth the time invested to read it. I learned about mobsters I never knew existed and allowed me to learn more about those I knew the names of. I found myself googling the mobsters so I could have a picture in my head of what they looked like so I would have a better understanding of those involved. ( )

I heard of Murder, Inc but did not know the background story. Absolutely ruthless times. So many characters to keep track of. Very interesting about Dewey. I knew he ran for president and lost but did not realize he brought down Murder, Inc and many other mobsters. ( )

Given the many True Crime novels, podcasts and youtube videos that I enjoy....and my love of history...one would think that I probably would have learned a bit about the history of organized crime and the mob along the way. But when I first learned this book was coming out, I realized that organized crime, its origins, downfall, and key players are really a gaping hole in my knowledge of American history. I've pretty much avoided the subject and I'm not sure why. Instead of pondering why my knowledge of the mob is limited to watching The Godfather movies years ago, I decided to educate myself. I started by reading this book.

A Brotherhood Betrayed tells the story of Abe Reles, a former mob hitman who turned informant in 1940. It didn't go well for him....

Author Michael Cannell obviously did copious amounts of research to write this book. He traces Reles' career in crime from his childhood clear up to his mysterious death. The tale of corruption and violence made me uncomfortable and intrigued at the same time. There is something mesmerizing about power and ruthlessness. It makes for a great book....but I'm glad my only contact with that world is reading a non-fiction book about it. So many people's lives ruined...so many murders, threats and bribes....all for money, power and greed. It makes me uncomfortable, I think, because it points to a huge flaw in human nature....the drive to succeed and have everything no matter what the cost. And the knowledge that those who live by the sword often die by it. Reles certainly did.

Great book! When a well-crafted book on history can make me incredibly uncomfortable, it's well done. This story is quite thought provoking. It definitely kept my attention from start to finish. And I learned about a segment of American history I have avoided until now. I need to learn more! It's a topic that is interesting, intriguing and horrifying at the same time. Imagine what could have been accomplished if these incredibly smart, cunning and dedicated men had turned their lives towards the public good rather than crime? It wouldn't be such a dramatic story, but might have prevented such waste of human lives and intelligence.....just a thought.

Great book!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** ( )

Murder, Inc did exactly what its moniker would suggest. When the mafia powers needed to eliminate a problem or settle a score or deliver a message, they called on Murder, Inc. Abe Reles was part of the machine. A hitman with great skill and loyalty. But, then he became an informant, a rat as it were, and helped bring down the organization he helped build. This is a slice of Americana that many would prefer to forget but must remember. Michael Cannell has brought this story alive with novel-like suspense and incredible research. You will love this book. Guaranteed.

DP Lyle, award-winning author, lecturer, and story consultant.
www.dplylemd.com ( )