Book review- Gangsters of Harlem

New York has always been the epicenter of the American gangster scene. I once saw a shirt in a store on St. Mark’s Place that had a picture of a machine gun toting gangster with the caption, “New York City, Family owned and operated since 1920.” So true.

My publisher, Barricade Books, based out of Ft. Lee across the GW Bridge, has been putting out mob books on topics other than Al Capone and John Gotti. I just finished the new book by Ron Chepesiuk, Gangsters of Harlem. The book is a good overall picture of the various criminal elements that held sway over the legendary Manhattan neighborhood.

The early part of the book deals with the Mafia activity in the 1920’s and 30’s. it’s some of the same material I’ve seen in other places. But the book really starts to take off when we get to the 1950’s and the rise of the black crime figures. Ironically it’s just as the neighborhood begins it’s gradual state of decline. Familiar names like Nicky Barnes and Frank Matthews (who is still on the lam- take that Whitey Bulger) are mixed in with Bumpy Johnson.

By the time the 1980’s comes along all hell breaks loose. Crack is the name of the game and gangbangers take control of the streets. No more code of honor. Paranoia and corruption rule. Some of the most violent criminals you’ll ever read about plied their trade in Harlem. Chepesiuk delivers the story with plenty of quotes from cops and DEA agents who were there at the start of the crack "epidemic." Though street gangs are not my favorite crime subject, I have to say these are the best chapters in the book. It's new and fresh information, maybe that's why I liked them.

The book ends with two “tacked on” chapters, one on numbers kingpin Spanish Raymond Marquez (excellent), the other on police corruption (boring).

Overall the book was a great read. It could have used more pictures, and there was hardly any mention of the Pleasant Avenue connection and the Italians who still ran East Harlem through the 1970’s, but that does not detract greatly.

As Harlem reaps the benefits of gentrification (or not, as some people argue), stories like those in this book may become distant memories and the neighborhood might be know once again for more than crime.

Recent signings

On May 4th I signed at Haslam's Books in St. Pete. I had an excellent turnout for the hour I was there. Ray set me up with a great event. I always enjoy doing events at local independent book stores. And Haslam's is the biggest independent bookstore in Florida.

On Tuesday I spoke for the Tampa Prep book club at The Columbia Restaurant. I really enjoyed speaking to the group as well as hobknobbing with old Tampa- some relatives of characters in my books were there. A great group and of course a great lunch.

This past Saturday was an another successful signing event at Waldenbooks at the Citrus Park Mall. I signed over 50 books there as well as the other 100 in stock. The manager Pat is doing another outstanding job of selling the books. "One book at a time" as she would say.

New Rush cd

Yesterday was the release of the new Rush cd, SNAKES AND ARROWS, their first release in 5 years. And like I have done with every new Rush release since 1987's HOLD YOUR FIRE, I picked up the cd the day of release. Although it was a little strange downloading from Itunes instead of holding the cd in hand. I did order the DVD 5.1 version- should be here in a week or so.

I've listened to it about a dozen times in the last two days- fantastic. the production is amazing and the songs, while not immediately accessible, hold a rich depth to them. And while Geddy is, as usual, god-like on bass, and Neil Peart is, well the greatest drummer ever, Alex Lifeson really shines on this release. His guitar work is the strongest its been in over 20 years.

And three instrumentals, including the sickest one they've ever done- MALIGNANT NARCISSISM.