• King of the Godfathers

  • “Big Joey” Massino and the Fall of the Bonanno Crime Family
  • By: Anthony M. DeStefano
  • Narrated by: Danny Campbell
  • Length: 11 hrs and 4 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (80 ratings)

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King of the Godfathers  By  cover art

King of the Godfathers

By: Anthony M. DeStefano
Narrated by: Danny Campbell
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Publisher's summary

The Last of the Old-World Mob Bosses - and the Ultimate Betrayal

For more than 20 years, Joseph "Big Joey" Massino ran what was called the largest criminal network in the US, employing over 250 made men and untold numbers of associates. The Bonanno family was responsible for over 30 murders, even killing a dozen of its own members to enforce discipline and settle scores. He would be brought down by Salvatore "Good Looking Sal" Vitale, the underboss who was not only Massino's closest and most trusted friend but also his brother-in-law. In the end, facing the death penalty and the prospect of leaving his family penniless, Massino started talking to the FBI - the first Mafia Godfather to break the sacred code of omerta, and the end of a centuries-old tradition.

Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Anthony DeStefano, who interviewed Massino's family and friends as well as law enforcement officials and confidential sources, King of the Godfathers is the story of the brutal mob war that made Massino head of the Bonanno family and the most powerful gangster in America.

©2006, 2008 Anthony M. DeStefano (P)2021 Tantor

What listeners say about King of the Godfathers

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Crime doesn’t pay

Very interesting lives that these guys lived, under the gun. It’s like you’re doomed from the start when you get involved in these kinds of enterprises.

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King of the Godfathers

I really liked this book about Joe Massino and the Bonannos, how can a mafia boss turn rat that’s crazy.

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a great book

a great book about an interesting mobster. his story from the 70's through the ealy 2000's that touches on some very interesting events including the donny brasco case that spawned the jonny depp movie. the narrator did a very good job making it a good listen.

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Good Start, Bad Finish

It started out interesting but got really slow when the part about the trail started.

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