March 2024 - True Crime Book Club - Past Titles - LibGuides at Westwood Public Library

"Black Mass" by Dick Lehr & Gerard O'Neill

Black Mass by Dick Lehr; Gerard O'Neill
Call Number: 364.106 Lehr
This is a true story of violence, double-cross, and brutal murders involving Irish mobsters and corrupt FBI agents in South Boston. Two boys - John Connolly, and James Whitey Bulger - grew up together on the streets of South Boston. Decades later, in the late 1970s, they would meet again. By then, Connolly was a major figure in the FBI's Boston office and Whitey had become godfather of the Irish Mob. What happened between them - a dirty deal to trade secrets and take down Boston's Italian Mafia in the process - would spiral out of control, leading to murders, and drug dealing, and racketeering indictments. And, ultimately, to Bulger making the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List. Told in narrative style by the Boston Globe reporters who covered the case from the beginning, Black Mass is an epic crime story that is also a book about Boston and Irish America; about the pull of place; and about the ties between people - ties that bind, and ties that blind.

Collusion between Criminals and Law Enforcement:
- How did the relationship between Whitey Bulger and the FBI develop, and what factors allowed such collusion to occur?
- Discuss the ethical implications of law enforcement cooperating with criminals for perceived benefits. How did this compromise the integrity of the justice system?
Motivations and Loyalties:
- Explore the motivations behind Whitey Bulger's criminal activities. What drove him, and how did his personal history shape his criminal behavior?
- Examine the motivations of FBI agents who collaborated with Bulger. What were the perceived benefits for both sides, and how did loyalty play a role?
Impact on the Community:
- How did Whitey Bulger's criminal empire impact the communities in which he operated, particularly South Boston?
- Discuss the consequences of the FBI's deal with Bulger for the broader community. How did it affect public trust in law enforcement?
Betrayal and Trust:
- Analyze the theme of betrayal in the book. How did Whitey Bulger betray those close to him, and how did the FBI betray the public's trust?
- Explore the concept of trust within criminal organizations. How did Bulger use trust as a tool for manipulation?
Legal and Ethical Questions:
- Discuss the legal and ethical dilemmas faced by law enforcement when dealing with informants like Bulger. Were the actions of the FBI justified from a law enforcement perspective?
- How did the deal with Bulger complicate the pursuit of justice, and what challenges did it pose for prosecutors?
Media Portrayal:
- Analyze how the media portrayed Whitey Bulger during his criminal career and trial. How did media coverage shape public perceptions of the case?
- Discuss the role of the media in exposing corruption within law enforcement and organized crime.
Individual Responsibility:
- To what extent do you believe individuals within the FBI were responsible for the crimes committed by Whitey Bulger under their protection?
- Discuss the legal and moral responsibility of individuals within criminal organizations. How does the book explore the concept of individual agency in a larger criminal network?
Lessons Learned:
- What lessons can be drawn from the story of Whitey Bulger and the FBI's collaboration with him? How can law enforcement agencies prevent similar situations in the future?
- Discuss any reforms or changes in procedures that may have been implemented as a result of the revelations in the book.

James Joseph "Whitey" Bulger Jr. was an American organized crime boss who became infamous as the leader of the Winter Hill Gang, a criminal organization operating in the Boston area. Born on September 3, 1929, in Dorchester, Massachusetts, Bulger grew up in a working-class Irish-American family.

Here is a brief biography of Whitey Bulger:

Early Life: Whitey Bulger grew up in South Boston, a neighborhood known for its strong Irish-American community. He had several siblings, including his younger brother William "Billy" Bulger, who would later become a prominent political figure in Massachusetts.

As a young man, Whitey Bulger had a troubled youth, engaging in criminal activities and spending time in various correctional institutions. He developed connections with other criminals during this time, laying the groundwork for his future involvement in organized crime.

Criminal Career: In the 1950s, Bulger became associated with the Winter Hill Gang, a criminal organization with ties to racketeering, loan sharking, drug trafficking, and other illicit activities. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a key figure in the Boston underworld.

Bulger was known for his ruthless tactics and ability to avoid law enforcement. He cultivated relationships with corrupt FBI agents, most notably John Connolly, which allowed him to receive information about investigations and avoid prosecution.

FBI Collaboration: One of the most notorious aspects of Bulger's criminal career was his collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Through his connections with corrupt agents, including John Connolly, Bulger provided the FBI with information about rival criminal organizations in exchange for protection. This collaboration allowed Bulger to operate with relative impunity for several years.

Fugitive Years: In 1994, facing imminent indictment on racketeering charges, Bulger went into hiding with his longtime companion Catherine Greig. For years, they evaded capture, and Bulger became one of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives.

Arrest and Trial: In 2011, Bulger and Greig were apprehended in Santa Monica, California, after a tip from the public. Bulger was extradited to Boston to face charges, including involvement in 11 murders. His trial began in 2013.

Conviction and Imprisonment: In 2013, Whitey Bulger was found guilty of multiple charges, including racketeering, money laundering, and involvement in 11 murders. He was sentenced to two consecutive life terms plus five years in prison.

Death: Whitey Bulger was transferred to the United States Penitentiary, Hazelton, in West Virginia. On October 30, 2018, he was found dead in his prison cell shortly after being transferred. The circumstances surrounding his death led to investigations and raised questions about prison security.

Whitey Bulger's life and criminal activities have been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films, contributing to his status as one of the most infamous figures in American organized crime history.

James (Whitey) Bulger's Alleged Victims - Multimedia Feature - NYTimes.com

Dick Lehr

Early Life and Education: Dick Lehr was born on March 1, 1951. Details about his early life, including his place of birth and upbringing, are not widely available. Lehr has maintained a private personal life, and his focus has primarily been on his professional career.

Journalistic Career: Dick Lehr has had a distinguished career in journalism, working for several prominent publications. He was a reporter at The Boston Globe for over 25 years, where he covered a range of topics, including education, politics, and crime.

Lehr is particularly known for his investigative reporting and has been recognized for his contributions to journalism. His reporting often delves into complex issues, including criminal cases and legal matters.

Authorship: In addition to his work in journalism, Dick Lehr is an accomplished author. He has co-authored several true crime books, often collaborating with fellow journalist Gerard O'Neill. One of their notable works is "Black Mass: Whitey Bulger, the FBI, and a Devil's Deal," which explores the criminal career of James "Whitey" Bulger and his relationship with the FBI.

Teaching Career: Dick Lehr has also been involved in education. He has served as a professor at Boston University's College of Communication, where he shared his expertise with aspiring journalists.

Legacy: Dick Lehr's work, both as a journalist and an author, has left a lasting impact on the field of true crime reporting. His in-depth investigations and storytelling skills have contributed to a better understanding of complex criminal cases and legal issues.

Gerard O'Neill

Early Life and Education: Unfortunately, specific details about Gerard O'Neill's early life, including his date of birth and upbringing, are not widely available in public records. He has maintained a level of privacy regarding his personal life.

Journalistic Career: Gerard O'Neill has had a career as a journalist, specializing in investigative reporting and true crime. He has been associated with reputable publications and has contributed to in-depth coverage of criminal cases.

Authorship: O'Neill is known for co-authoring true crime books, often in collaboration with fellow journalist Dick Lehr. One of their notable works is "Black Mass: Whitey Bulger, the FBI, and a Devil's Deal," which delves into the criminal career of James "Whitey" Bulger and his connections with the FBI.

Collaboration with Dick Lehr: O'Neill's collaboration with Dick Lehr has resulted in critically acclaimed books that shed light on complex criminal cases and legal issues. Their joint efforts have been praised for their investigative depth and storytelling.

Legacy: While specific biographical information about Gerard O'Neill may be limited, his contributions to the field of true crime reporting and investigative journalism, particularly through collaboration with Dick Lehr, have left a lasting impact. The duo's work has been recognized for its ability to unravel and present intricate narratives surrounding criminal activities.

Dick Lehr

The Birth of a Nation

Judgement Ride

The Underboss

The Birth of a Movement

Gerard O'Neill

Ray Donovan

Whitey: United States of America vs. James J. Bulger

Jimmy the King by Gus Garcia-Roberts
Call Number: 364.13 Garcia-Roberts
An incredible four-decade account of murder, power, and corruption in one of the country's largest police departments In 1979, the gruesome slaying of a thirteen-year-old boy riveted the suburbs of Suffolk County, New York. As the county hustled to bring the case to a dubious resolution, a wayward local teenager emerged with a convenient story to tell. For his cooperation, James Burke was rewarded with a job as a cop. Thus began Burke's unlikely ascent to the top of one of the country's largest law enforcement jurisdictions. He and a crew of likeminded allies utilized vengeance, gangster tactics, and political leverage to become the most powerful and feared figures in their suburban empire. In his quest to maintain that power, Burke botched -- intentionally or not -- dire investigations like that of the famed Gilgo Beach serial killings and the county's MS-13 gang scourge. Until a pilfered bag of sex toys brought it all crashing down. Jimmy the King is the story of the rise, reign, and paranoiac fall of a corrupt cop and his regime--a crime family with badges and guaranteed pensions. Novelistic in detail and piercing in its political insight, this book will leave you questioning who modern policing serves, who it protects, and who it preys upon and abandons.
Five Families by Selwyn Raab
Call Number: 364.106 Raab
Genovese, Gambino, Bonnano, Colombo and Lucchese. For decades these Five Families ruled New York and built the American Mafia (or Cosa Nostra) into an underworld empire. Today, the Mafia is an endangered species, battered and beleaguered by aggressive investigators, incompetent leadership, betrayals and generational changes that produced violent and unreliable leaders and recruits. A twenty year assault against the five families in particular blossomed into the most successful law enforcement campaign of the last century. Five Families is the vivid story of the rise and fall of New York's premier dons from Lucky Luciano to Paul Castellano to John Gotti and more. The book also brings the reader right up to the possible resurgence of the Mafia as the FBI and local law enforcement agencies turn their attention to homeland security and away from organized crime.
Boston Mob by Marc Songini
Call Number: 364.106 Songini
From information based on newly declassified documents and the use of underworld sources, Boston Mob spans the gutters and alleyways of East Boston, Providence and Charlestown to the halls of Congress in Washington D.C. and Boston's Beacon Hill. Its players include governors and mayors, and the Mafia Commission of New York City. From the tragic legacy of the Kennedy family to the Winter Hill-Charlestown feud, the fall of the New England Mafia and the rise of Whitey Bulger, Mark Songini's Boston Mob is a saga of treachery, murder, greed, and the survival of ruthless men pitted against legal systems and police forces.
Dark Harbor by Nathan Ward
Call Number: 364.106 WARD
What if the world of the old New York waterfront was as violent and mob-controlled as it appears in Hollywood movies? Well, it really was, and the story of its downfall, told here in high style by Nathan Ward, is the original New York mob story. New York Sun reporter Malcolm "Mike" Johnson was sent to cover the murder of a West Side boss stevedore and discovered a "waterfront jungle, set against a background of New York's magnificent skyscrapers" and providing "rich pickings for criminal gangs." Racketeers ran their territories while doubling as union officers, from the West Side's "Cockeye" Dunn, who'd kill for any amount of dock space, to Jersey City's Charlie Yanowsky, who controlled rackets and hiring until he was ice-picked to death. Johnson's hard-hitting investigative series won a Pulitzer Prize, inspired a screenplay by Arthur Miller, and prompted Elia Kazan's Oscar-winning film On the Waterfront . And yet J. Edgar Hoover denied the existence of organized crime - even as the government's dramatic hearings into waterfront misdeeds became mustsee television. Nathan Ward tells this archetypal crime story as if for the first time, taking the reader back to a city, and an era, at once more corrupt and more innocent than our own.
Gaspipe by Philip Carlo
Call Number: 364.1092 Carlo
From birth, Anthony Casso's mob life was preordained. Michael Casso introduced his young son around South Brooklyn's social clubs, where "men of honor" did business by shaking pinkie-ringed hands--hands equally at home pilfering stolen goods from the Brooklyn docks or gripping the cold steel of a silenced pistol. Young Anthony watched and listened and decided that he would devote his life to crime. Casso would prove his talent for "earning," concocting ingenious schemes to hijack trucks, rob banks, and bring into New York vast quantities of cocaine, marijuana, and heroin. Casso also had an uncanny ability to work with the other Mafia families, and he forged unusually strong ties with the Russian mob. By the time Casso took the reins of the Lucchese family, he was a seasoned boss, a very dangerous man. It was a great life--Casso and his beautiful wife, Lillian, had money to burn; Casso and his crew brought in so much cash that he had dozens of large safe-deposit boxes filled with bricks of hundred-dollar bills. But the law finally caught up with him in his New Jersey safe house in 1994. Rather than stoically face the music like the old-time mafiosi he revered, Casso became the thing he most hated--a rat. It broke his family's heart and made the once feared and revered mobster an object of scorn and disgust among his former friends. For it turned out that a lifetime of street smarts completely failed him in dealing with a group even more cunning and ruthless than the Mafia--the U.S. government.
The Brothers Bulger by Howie Carr
Call Number: 364.1092 Carr
The riveting New York Times bestseller by award-winning columnist Howie Carr--now with a stunning new afterword detailing Whitey Bulger's capture. For years their familiar story was of two siblings who took different paths out of South Boston: William "Billy" Bulger, former president of the Massachusetts State Senate; and his brother James "Whitey" Bulger, a vicious criminal who became the FBI's second most-wanted man after Osama Bin Laden. While Billy cavorted with the state's blue bloods to become a powerful political force, Whitey blazed a murderous trail to the top rung of organized crime. Now, in this compelling narrative, Carr uncovers a sinister world of FBI turncoats, alliances between various branches of organized crime, St. Patrick's Day shenanigans, political infighting, and the complex relationship between two brothers who were at one time kings. As the film Black Mass , starring Johnny Depp as Whitey Bulger, hits theaters, take a deeper dive into the story of the Bulgers, and their fifty-year reign over Boston with Howie Carr's The Brother's Bulger .
Whitey Bulger by Kevin Cullen; Shelley Murphy
Call Number: 364.1092 Cullen
It was after a nine-year stint in Alcatraz and other prisons that Whitey reunited with his brother William "Billy" Bulger, who was soon to become one of Massachusetts's most powerful politicians. He also became reacquainted with John Connolly, who had grown up around the corner from the Bulgers and was now--with Billy's help--a rising star at the FBI. Once Whitey emerged triumphant from the bloody Boston gang wars, Connolly recruited him as an informant against the Mafia. Their clandestine relationship made Whitey untouchab≤ the FBI overlooked gambling, drugs, and even homicide to protect their source. Among the close-knit Irish community in South Boston, nothing was more important than honor and loyalty, and nothing was worse than being a rat. Whitey is charged with the deaths of nineteen people killed over turf, for business, and even for being informants; yet to this day he denies he ever gave up his friends or landed anyone in jail.
Where the Bodies Were Buried by T. J. English
Call Number: 364.1092 English
For sixteen years, Whitey Bulger eluded the long reach of the law. For decades one of the most dangerous men in America, Bulger--the brother of influential Massachusetts senator Billy Bulger--was often romanticized as a Robin Hood-like thief and protector. While he was functioning as the de facto mob boss of New England, Bulger was also serving as a Top Echelon informant for the FBI, covertly feeding local prosecutors information about other mob figures--while using their cover to cleverly eliminate his rivals, reinforce his own power, and protect himself from prosecution. Then, in 2011, he was arrested in southern California and returned to Boston, where he was tried and convicted of racketeering and murder.

True Crime Book Club - Past Titles: March 2024

"Black Mass" by Dick Lehr & Gerard O'Neill

Dick Lehr

Gerard O'Neill

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