Publication date UK format 10/1/23 book 246 pages
I would like to thank the author, publishers and Netgalley for allowing me to pick this to read and review. all my reviews are honest.
Synopsis
It was said of the young Frank Sinatra that he came across as "St Francis of Assisi with a shoulder holster."
Mike Rothmiller and Douglas Thompson draw on previously secret LAPD intelligence files, a cache of FBI documents released to the authors in 2021, and extensive interviews with prime sources, including many who worked with Frank Sinatra and many more who tracked his long and fatal association with the American Mafia, notably his ongoing connection, after his original godfather was assassinated: Sam 'Momo' Giancana, who shared a lover with President John F. Kennedy.
Sixteen days after the assassination of John F. Kennedy on 30 November 1963, while the singer was 'consoling' the president's widow, nineteen-year-old Frank Sinatra Jr. was kidnapped at gunpoint from his hotel room in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. A $240,000 ransom was demanded from his father. While the FBI and Nevada and California law-enforcement agencies sprang into action, Frank secretly contacted his Mafia friends for help. The Mafia believed they could free young Frank much more quickly through their underworld connections. In the end, nine people died, having been beaten for information.
Revealed here as never before is the extent to which Sinatra was adopted by the Mafia. They promoted his career and 'watched his back' and, in return, Sinatra danced to their tune. New information disclosed here shows that Sinatra also offered to spy for the CIA. Inside sources say Sinatra wanted the CIA to intercede to stop an investigation into his gaming license in Las Vegas. But the CIA declined because they were already working with the Mob and were concerned Sinatra would learn of the Mafia's connection to the CIA and leak it.
My Review
Wow, this book was certainly very shocking reading and quite unexpected for me anyway. I have loved Frank sinatras music, but I knew nothing about his past. Let's say very eye-opening. I can't believe how bad he really was as a person. Arrogant doesn't seem to sum it up enough. It was shocking what he was able to get away with. There certainly was never a dull moment in this book. It definitely had me turning the pages. It was well written and obviously well researched. It kept my attention throughout. I found it funny how he was served. It's definitely a must-read book if you want to learn more about Frank. I am sure this book will rock a few boats as it doesn't hold back.
So much praise goes out to the authors and publishers for bringing us this extremely shocking story.
Where you can buy this book
Amazon US K UNLIMITED OR $8.31 ,AUDIBLE, PB $16.95
Waterstones PB £9.99
B&N PB $16.95
Kobo AUDIO BOOK ONLY £18.99
Amazon UK K UNLIMITED OR £6.99, AUDIBLE, PB £6.99
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