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Five Families

The Rise, Decline, and Resurgence of America's Most Powerful Mafia Empires

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Five Families

Written by: Selwyn Raab
Narrated by: Paul Costanzo
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Genovese, Gambino, Bonnano, Colombo, and Lucchese. For decades these Five Families ruled New York and built the American Mafia (or Cosa Nostra) into an underworld empire. Today, the Mafia is an endangered species, battered and beleaguered by aggressive investigators, incompetent leadership, betrayals, and generational changes that produced violent, unreliable leaders and recruits. A 20-year assault against the five families in particular blossomed into the most successful law enforcement campaign of the last century.

Selwyn Raab's Five Families is the vivid story of the rise and fall of New York's premier dons, from Lucky Luciano to Paul Castellano to John Gotti and more. The book also brings the listener right up to the possible resurgence of the Mafia as the FBI and local law enforcement agencies turn their attention to homeland security and away from organized crime.

©2005 Selwyn Raab (P)2015 Tantor Organized Crime True Crime Crime Inspiring New York Mafia
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What the critics say

"This masterpiece stands an excellent chance of becoming a bestseller with crossover appeal beyond devoted watchers of The Sopranos." ( Publishers Weekly)
All stars
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This is hands down a must listen for people into looking at the history of the mob. Give it a listen. I can’t recommend it enough.

A Great Listen

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Loved it, very informative. Easy reccomded to any organized crime fans. Very good narration and pace

Great book

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An excellent book for those with interest in the history and potential resurgence of the Italian mafia.

Wonderfully Researched and Written

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It’s a crazy amount of detailed information on all 5 families. Very well done & doesn’t portray the mafia in a romantic way like a lot of books. Just the facts but told from inside of each family & then like you are on the jury. Solid

Very detailed and in depth

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Mostly I just want to read/learn about mobsters and this had a lot of FBI stuff too. it's informative for sure, but i find the mafia stuff more entertaining.

it's like an encyclopedia

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