The Good Guys

By Bill Bonanno and Joe Pistone with David Fisher

     There have been books written about the Mafia and books written about the FBI but this is the first time I've read a book about the Mafia and FBI written by a Mafia Don along with an FBI undercover agent.

     Bill Bonanno has a perspective on the mob like no other author; after all he was the head of the Bonanno crime family. Joe Pistone's undercover work as "Donnie Brasco," led to some major charges being brought against mob figures.

     The book is written from two completely different viewpoints in alternating chapters and until I fell into the rhythm, I had a little difficulty following the story.

     Special agents O'Brien and Russo are curious as to why the Mafia is interested in locating a missing Russian language professor. Their investigation leads them to discover a burgeoning Russian crime syndicate that just may be more violent and more murderous than their parallel Italian counterparts. The Russians are working a highly lucrative fuel-oil racket and are soliciting some support from the Italian families.

     The Mafia has assigned the task of finding the elusive professor to Bobby San Filippo, aka Bobby hats, aka Bobby blue eyes, a fast rising mob soldier. Bobby is fearless and decisive, a cool-headed thinker who is not bashful about pulling the trigger. He doesn't know exactly why the boss wants the professor located but that's not important, getting the job done is all that matters. The trail is definitely cold, but Bobby has many resources and he is extremely tenacious. When he discovers that the FBI is also trying to locate the professor, a little more urgency is attached to his search.

     When Bobby hijacks one of the trucks belonging to the Russian Mob, they retaliate, setting up a challenge for a fight to the death. Bobby is not afraid and plans a bold move to bring the battle to the Russians home turf.

     All in all this is a well-written book put together by two men, along with co-author David Fisher, who possess impeccable credentials. Their backgrounds help them develop believable characters who act in believable ways. The story is quite engaging with the right amount of action balanced with a bit of human nature in its most fundamental state. I'll give it a thumb's up. It has a lot more pluses than minuses.