Why am I passionate about this?

I wrote on the mob early in my career as a newspaper reporter, investigating organized crime’s infiltration of politics, unions, and the toxic-waste industry in New Jersey in the late 1970s and early ‘80s, then covering some of the major mob trials in New York during the 1980s (starting with the case depicted in the movie Donnie Brasco). In more recent years, I’ve returned to the subject in two books: The Italian Squad: The True Story of the Immigrant Cops Who Fought the Rise of the Mafia and An Unlikely Union: The Love-Hate Story of New York’s Irish and Italians. I like work that is careful, specific, and presented in a smoothly written narrative. 


I wrote

The Italian Squad: The True Story of the Immigrant Cops Who Fought the Rise of the Mafia

By Paul Moses,

Book cover of The Italian Squad: The True Story of the Immigrant Cops Who Fought the Rise of the Mafia

What is my book about?

This book tells the story of an NYPD unit of Italian-born detectives who fought both powerful gangsters and a deeply…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Origin of Organized Crime in America: The New York City Mafia, 1891-1931

Paul Moses Why did I love this book?

The history of organized crime is often subject to exaggeration and outright myth, in part because some of the source material, such as old newspapers, tends to be sensationalized.

For readers who prize accuracy, this scholarly account is the go-to choice. Author David Critchley filled the void in what’s been written about the formative years of the American Mafia, straightening out what was previously known from hyped-up news coverage.

Everything he writes is documented and so specific: a wealth of period photos, and information from a wealth of sources, including court documents and many other government records, such as birth certificates and passport records.

By David Critchley,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Origin of Organized Crime in America as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

While the later history of the New York Mafia has received extensive attention, what has been conspicuously absent until now is an accurate and conversant review of the formative years of Mafia organizational growth. David Critchley examines the Mafia recruitment process, relations with Mafias in Sicily, the role of non-Sicilians in New York's organized crime Families, kinship connections, the Black Hand, the impact of Prohibition, and allegations that a "new" Mafia was created in 1931. This book will interest historians, criminologists, and anyone fascinated by the American Mafia.


Book cover of The First Family: Terror, Extortion, Revenge, Murder, and the Birth of the American Mafia

Paul Moses Why did I love this book?

This 2009 book combines thorough, professional historical research with a lively writing style to portray how a group of thugs evolved into America’s first Mafia “family.”

My book focuses on the Italian American detectives who battled this gang for more than 20 years; Mike Dash’s groundbreaking account looks at the flip side of this struggle, the feared Lupo-Morello gang. Dash is especially adept at working with archived documents, such as the daily reports of Secret Service agents from the National Archives. He uses the details well.

By Mike Dash,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The First Family as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Before Al Capone and Lucky Luciano, there was the one-fingered, cunning Giuseppe Morello and his murderous coterie of brothers. Had it not been for Morello, the world may never have heard of 'men of honour', the code of omertaor Mafia wars. This explosive book tells the story of the first family of New York, and how this extended close-knit clan of racketeers and murderers left the backwaters of Sicily to successfully establish themselves as the founding godfathers of the New World.

First Family will explain in thrilling, characterful detail how the American Mafia established itself so successfully. Combining strong narrative…


Book cover of Vicious Circles: The Mafia in the Marketplace

Paul Moses Why did I love this book?

As a cub reporter covering Hudson County, New Jersey in the late 1970s, I had to learn quickly about how to investigate mob activity.

This book was invaluable because it detailed how the mob infiltrated legitimate businesses (meat, dairy, liquor, trucking) and unions (the Teamsters pension fund). The late Jonathan Kwitny, a former Wall Street Journal reporter, did a great service with this 1979 book.

By Jonathan Kwitny,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Vicious Circles as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This of it as a kind of tax. Every time you buy a pizza, or a hamburger, or new clothes, or use a product that has traveled in a truck, the odds are that you are paying a tribute to one of America's crime families. This book shows that the Mafia, and the larger crime syndicate that it dominates, has control over much of what the public regards as legitimate business. And when the Dons dominate the marketplace, they bring murder, arson, and violence with them.


Book cover of The Two Mafias: A Transatlantic History, 1888-2008

Paul Moses Why did I love this book?

This is another book that cuts through the hype, helping to define the often sensationalized connections between mafiosi in Italy and the United States.

Historian Salvatore Lupo, a Sicilian, brings a perspective often missing in American books on the Mafia. His meticulous research knocks down the idea that the American Mafia was ever some giant “alien conspiracy” with Sicilian overlords, but it does examine whatever interconnections and parallels exist in real life between the two Mafias.

Much like the Critchley book, this is for those who want the facts, facts, facts. And Italian experts have a lot to contribute to the story of the American Mafia.

By Salvatore Lupo,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Two Mafias as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A realistic understanding of the mafia must avoid depictions both of a monolithic organization and of localized, isolated groups. Here, renowned historian Salvatore Lupo analyzes the mafia as a network of varied relationships and institutions, the result of a complex cultural and social encounter that was shaped by multiple, diverse environments.


Book cover of Mob Boss: The Life of Little Al D'Arco, the Man Who Brought Down the Mafia

Paul Moses Why did I love this book?

I usually find the informants more interesting to read about than the diehard gangsters because they’re the people in the middle, squeezed from all sides. This fluid account, by two of New York’s best reporters, is a personal favorite. It’s a smoothly told narrative that avoids romanticizing the mob. 

By Jerry Capeci, Tom Robbins,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mob Boss as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A gripping, novelistic biography of the diminutive man behind the big mouth. Reminiscent of Wiseguy and Ice Man, this compelling biography from two prominent mob experts recounts the life and times of Alfonso Little Al D'Arco, the highest-ranking mobster to ever share Mafia secrets when he changed sides in 1991. Although top boss of the Luchese crime family, D'Arco decided to quit the mob after narrowly escaping an assassination attempt. His testimony sent more than fifty mobsters to prison and prompted others to make the same choice.


Explore my book 😀

The Italian Squad: The True Story of the Immigrant Cops Who Fought the Rise of the Mafia

By Paul Moses,

Book cover of The Italian Squad: The True Story of the Immigrant Cops Who Fought the Rise of the Mafia

What is my book about?

This book tells the story of an NYPD unit of Italian-born detectives who fought both powerful gangsters and a deeply ingrained prejudice against their own beloved people. Drawing on new primary sources such as private diaries and city, state, and federal documents, this dramatic narrative history follows the Italian Squad across the first two decades of the twentieth century. It carefully strips away the mythology that has always enveloped these nationally celebrated detectives and offers instead a nuanced portrait of brave but flawed men who fought the good fight for their people and their city.

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The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace

By Susan Hartzler,

Book cover of The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace

Susan Hartzler Author Of The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm an accomplished author, award-winning writer, seasoned blogger, and savvy Public Relations Consultant, but my true passion lies in being a die-hard dog lover. Due to the demands of my current pack of Australian Shepherds, Seven and Paige Turner, I’ve built a rewarding career working from home, writing dog-centric books, blogging for diverse clients, consulting in public relations, and creating dog-friendly travel stories. I also launched the online shop, “Dog Travel Gear,” where I share tips and adventures with fellow dog lovers on the blog, “Paws on the Go.”

Susan's book list on life with dogs

What is my book about?

As one of 67 million Americans who serve as caretakers to their elderly parents, Susan Hartzler cared for her dad for three years, gaining profound insight into Parkinson's disease and the multifaceted challenges of caregiving. Throughout this period, Hartzler's rescue dog, Baldwin, a precious gift from her late mom, provided unwavering support.

This memoir offers a personal roadmap for those facing similar caregiving decisions. Thoughtful, tragic, and funny, it shows that, while demanding, caregiving can be a fulfilling endeavor, especially with a dog by one's side. The author's story will better prepare others in similar situations and encourage them to…

The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace

By Susan Hartzler,

What is this book about?

In a role 67 million Americans face as caretakers to their elderly parents, Susan Hartzler cared for her dad for three years, gaining profound insight into Parkinson's disease and the multifaceted challenges of caregiving. Throughout this challenging period, Hartzler's rescue dog, Baldwin, a precious gift from her late mom, provided unwavering support.

This memoir offers a personal roadmap for those facing similar caregiving decisions. Thoughtful, tragic, and funny, it shows that while demanding, caregiving can be a fulfilling endeavor, especially with a dog by one's side. Hartzler's story will better prepare others in similar situations and encourage them to consider…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in New York State, organized crime, and mafia romance?

New York State 545 books
Organized Crime 64 books
Mafia Romance 15 books