Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Mafia Wars: Murder, Mayhem and the Power of the Mob by Arthur Martin is a riveting exploration of the dark and violent world of organized crime. Martin, a seasoned journalist, delves deep into the history and evolution of the Mafia, offering readers a comprehensive and chilling account of its enduring influence.

Martin’s narrative is both detailed and engaging, providing a vivid picture of how these early conflicts laid the groundwork for the sprawling criminal networks that would later emerge in America. His ability to weave historical context with personal stories of key figures makes for a compelling read.

One of the standout features of Mafia Wars is its chronological approach, which allows readers to see the progression of the Mafia’s power and tactics over time. 

Martin’s writing is both informative and accessible, making complex criminal operations understandable for a broad audience. He doesn’t shy away from the gruesome details, but he also provides a balanced perspective, exploring the socio-economic factors that have allowed the Mafia to thrive. This nuanced approach adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the interplay between crime, politics, and society.

Martin’s analysis of the current state of the Mafia is both insightful and alarming, shedding light on the challenges that authorities face in combating this persistent threat.

Mafia Wars: Murder, Mayhem and the Power of the Mob is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of organized crime and its impact on society. Arthur Martin has crafted a thorough and engaging account that is as informative as it is captivating.

Whether you’re a true crime aficionado or simply curious about the Mafia’s enduring legacy, this book offers a fascinating and eye-opening journey into the heart of the mob.

Betray your brothers and you will die and burn in hell like this saint is burning in your hands.

By the time John F. Kennedy took up office in the White House in 1961, the Mafia had been operating in the USA for more than 70 years. Mobsters were active in every major city and had infiltrated almost every aspect of life: politics, law enforcement, sport, big business and of course casinos.

Mafia Wars: Murder, Mayhem and the Power of the Mob by Arthur Martin gives the reader a well defined history on the world that is the Mafia. A world where you live life by strict rules, that will cost you your life if you break them. A world where money is the driving force.

Well researched, this book takes you inside the families that created the most powerful and successful organised crime group that still exists today.

If you are interested in the history of the Mafia both from Italy and America then I highly recommend this book.

The last part of the book, where several cases in the 2000s, even up to a few years ago were brought up, was the most compelling to me, as it showed the mob still has hooks in society. Most Mafia nonfiction stops around the RICO act and its effect on the mob, either seemingly hopeful that the act killed them all off or giving vague warnings that its still around

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I admit to being fascinated with anything Maffia related, I enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more from this author.

This was an interesting read that didn't do anything revolutionary, but ticked all the mafia boxes. I particularly appreciated the focus on mafia activities in Italy, which was an area that I wasn't familiar with and enjoyed a lot. In terms of the more famous American mafia, there wasn't a great deal of new information here, but the narrative was compelling and flowed well throughout. Overall, I enjoyed this and would read from the author again.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.