158 pages : 23 cm

Though detectives denied it, the Italian mafia was operating in Detroit as early as 1900, and the city was forever changed. Bootleggers controlled the Detroit River and created a national distribution network for illegal booze during Prohibition. Gangsters, cops and even celebrities fell victim to the violence. Some politicians and prominent businessmen like Henry Ford's right-hand man, Harry Bennett, collaborated closely with the mafia, while others, such as popular radio host Gerald Buckley, fought back and lost their lives. Social scientist and crime writer James A. Buccellato explores Detroit's struggle with gang violence, public corruption and the politics of vice during the tumultuous first half of the twentieth century

Includes bibliographical references (pages 151-154) and index

Foreword / Scott M Burnstein -- Acknowledgments -- There is no Mafia in Detroit -- Bandits and dons -- Detroit's first Mafia war -- Murder zone -- Vendetta -- Blood brothers -- Wicked Detroit -- Killing Buckley -- New order -- Gangster industrial complex -- Bibliography -- Index -- About the author

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