Dennis N. Griffin

The biography of a man who may or not have been a member of one of the New York mafia families. If he isn't/wasn't, he certainly skirted the edges his entire life.
Silvestri led a somewhat interesting life as an employee at the Copacabana, as a "fixer" and enforcer, and as someone who had his hand in many different businesses. This led to his meeting many celebrities and mafia figures.
I enjoyed his stories about Sammy Davis Jr, Frank Sinatra, Jerry Lewis, and Dean Martin. I could almost feel myself in the club, listening to them as they performed.
However, that was about it as far as interesting for to. Three years at the Copa, then several decades of "jobs" that "skirted" the law.
The author reminded me very much of my career working in prisons, listening to the inmates bragging to each other, trying to impress how important they were on "the outside". Somewhat interesting stories, a lot of name dropping, mostly just petty crooks overly impressed with their own sense of importance. No real contributions to the greater good of society, or to their families.… (meer)

With a potential best seller completed and a lucrative film deal on the cards, the authors do not want Fat Vinny to queer the deal. Out of options, it is decided that the only solution is to bump off Fat Vinny. OK, so the plot is a little lame in general. Bump off Vinny, really? The need is hardly clear as at times as it seems a deal can be made that works for all without the need for murder. There is enough humor throughout to keep you interested and the last chapter is a real jaw dropper that more than makes up for any minor plot shortcomings along the way. A light easy read you won't regret buying.… (meer)