The Early Years

The Last Jewish Gangster, Book 1

By: David Larson

Narrated by: Tom Lennon

Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1944 Brooklyn, newborn Michael J. Hardy was rejected by his mother so she could run with gangster Bugsy Siegel, Hardy's godfather. Shirley Rook quickly rose to the top of the criminal ranks. As the queen of New York City crime, she laundered mob money, ran the city's largest bookmaking operation, and handed payouts to dirty cops, politicians, and judges. To win his mother's love and respect, Hardy became a fearless gangster. Throughout his career as a criminal, he robbed banks and drug dealers alike, ran a finger of an international stolen car ring, kidnapped drug lords, and even became a hired gun. At his lowest, he ended up doing time for his mother's counterfeiting operation in Mexico's most dangerous prison.

Hardy's criminal code of conduct combined elements of tough Ukrainian Jew and warm Southern Baptist, whether dealing with family and friends or fellow inmates during a combined 26 years spent in prisons and jails. He maintained this characteristic gregarious strength throughout his astonishing life, in which Hardy was shot 11 times, committed 14 hits for the mob, twice wore wires for Rudy Giuliani to nab dirty cops, wrote a letter to JFK to get out of military prison, choked the Hillside Strangler, shared prison time with notorious criminals, and even spent 10 years in Hollywood working as muscle for a B-studio, where he was even cast in nonspeaking roles.

©2022 David Larson (P)2022 WildBlue Press

Critic reviews

"When it comes to gangsters, Michael Hardy's the real thing. I knew this godson of Bugsy Seigel for 35 years. This is a captivating and different kind of true-crime story, and I'm astounded David Larson captured his voice." (Nick Pileggi, author/screenwriter of Wise Guy, Goodfellas, and Casino).

"A fascinating character study of an unapologetic criminal. David Larson masterfully weaves this tale in Michael Hardy's own words, resulting in a powerful, inside story of a gangster's life." (Cathy Scott, Los Angeles Times best-selling author)

Six Foot One

The author was obsessed with his height. He tells us at least five times how tall he is as if it's something extraordinary or we forgot what we heard previously. The story is entertaining but not compelling enough to want the next installments. The narrator is also entertaining but the accent and voice are not my favorites.

A Fantastic Book! Next Please!

I read The Last Jewish Gangster to understand the criminal mind more fully. Michael J. Harding tells the story of his life in the mob. I was so intrigued from the start and can’t wait to hear about his middle years in Book Two.

“Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer” the saying goes—this account exposes the psychological side of the mind of a gangster that all of society needs to know and hear about.
Michael’s account was spoken without him glamorizing it; you hear his raw voice tell of the truths of his past, and often times, without apologies.

The Last Jewish Gangster is a great and necessary read for all yearning to know and understand the complex mind of individuals who deceive the law and ultimately—themselves.

Congratulations to David Larson and to Tom Lennon for this excellent work of genius!

Detailed and vivid story

Michael Hardy, born in 1944 was raised in the world of gangsters. His mother was a popular figure in the gangster syndicate laundering money, paying off corrupt officials and police, as well as running a successful booking operation all the while neglecting her child. This book tells the story of Michael’s youth and his upbringing in this environment and his code of conduct using the words of Michael Hardy.

The author, David Larson details the life of Michael Hardy in graphic detail. He provides insight into the world and mind of Michael Hardy. Weaving a story to connect all the characters in a creative non-fiction manner allows the listeners to understand more about the universe of gangsters in the 50s and forward. The dialogue was realistic and offered clarity to some of his actions.

The narrator, Tom Lennon once again delivers a well-done narration. He slips on the persona of Michael Hardy and tells his story. His Boston-like accent and well-pronounced slang add to the story. Lennon sounds just like I think Michael Hardy would sound. I found Lennon a highly skilled narrator and one I enjoy listening to. He speaks clearly and projects the right amount of emotion and sturdiness in his performance.

Overall, this is a book that is very detailed and informative about the gangster lifestyle and beginning. If you enjoy gangsters and true crime, this is a must-listen!

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.