Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. Dive into the world of Joseph Parisi, the man who murdered Carlo Siniscalchi. Gary interviews author Nick Parisi about his book Mafia Confessions, “King of Bootlegers” Murder. This book sheds light on organized crime during the Prohibition era in the Springfield, Massachusetts, area. Nick offers a glimpse into this city’s early Italian-American criminal groups and the surrounding area and how his ancestor killed Carlo Siniscalchi, the King of the Bootleggers.”

Mafia Confessions relies heavily on the diary of the author’s ancestor, Giuseppe “Joseph” Parisi, trial transcripts, and newspaper accounts. Nick Parisi provides a rare and intimate look into the thoughts, emotions, and connections of the man who murdered Carlo Siniscalchi, who was known as the “King of the Bootleggers.” We discuss the ensuing gang war and the trial, revealing the emotional turmoil of a high-level Italian criminal.

While not a traditional biography, the book focuses on Parisi’s murder trial rather than his entire life story. The author highlights the challenges of balancing Parisi’s criminal past with the audience’s empathy, akin to rooting for a criminal in “The Shawshank Redemption.”

Mafia Confessions fills a void in organized crime literature, particularly Springfield’s criminal history. The author emphasizes the importance of familial connections and heritage in understanding the rival factions and the impact of murders and revenge. Mafia Confessions’ authenticity and narrative captivate, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in Prohibition-era crime or Italian-American organized crime history.

Click here to get a copy of Mafia Confessions from Amazon.

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Transcript

[0:00] Hey, welcome all you wiretappers out there. Good to be back here in the studio of Gangland Wire.

We have a show about the Springfield, Massachusetts mob and the foundings of it from a relative who has written a really interesting book.

I have Nick Parisi here with me. Welcome, Nick.

Thanks, Gary. Great to meet you. Nick, it’s Mafia Confession, King of the Bootleggers.

Let me read you guys a couple of the reviews.

Very well written by author Nick Parisi, he takes readers back to the days of Prohibition seen through the eyes of a family member who was there.

[0:38] Here’s another one, one of the most gripping true crime stories I have ever read. Be warned, it is not for the fainthearted.

This book will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

I highly recommend it for true crime aficionados and fans of mob thrillers.

From Reader’s Favorite Awards.

Praise for “Mafia Confession, King of the Bootleggers”

[0:54] So you’ve got some pretty good praise there, Nick. Oh, yeah.

I’m getting some good reviews.

And even from some of the grandkids of the people that are in the book that are actually in the current mafia today in Springfield, they’re taking pictures with the book and telling me it’s so well done and they love it.

Cool. I was actually expecting the opposite, to get some backlash from the other family, but they love it. They love it.

They said I did it properly. I got the story right and they appreciate it.

Cool. That says a lot in itself.