Product Description

Anthony "Gaspipe" Casso is currently serving thirteen consecutive life sentences plus 455 years at a federal prison in Colorado. Now, for the first time, the head of a mob family has granted complete and total access to a journalist. Casso has given New York Times bestselling author Philip Carlo the most intimate, personal look into the world of La Cosa Nostra ever seen. This is his shocking story.

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.

Detailing Casso's feud with John Gotti and their attempts to kill each other, the "Windows Case" that led to the beginning of the end for the mob in New York, and Casso's dealings with decorated NYPD officers Lou Eppolito and Stephen Caracappa—the "Mafia cops"—Gaspipe is the inside story of one man's rise and fall, mirroring the rise and fall of a way of life, a roller-coaster ride into a netherworld few outsiders have ever dared to enter.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #260354 in Books
• Published on: 2008-07-01
• Released on: 2008-07-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 368 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780061429842
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Booklist
*Starred Review* Anthony “Gaspipe” Casso was the boss of New York’s Lucchese Mafia family. He worked himself to the top as a cold-blooded killer, responsible for more than 50 murders. He was also, for a while, the next-door neighbor of the author. Carlo’s sister babysat for Casso; his mother was best friends with Casso’s wife. That long and trusting relationship garnered Carlo, journalist and best-selling author (The Ice Man, 2006), unprecedented access to one of the most ruthless crime bosses in the history of the American Mob. Carlo portrays a man who is tender and loyal to his family but who ruthlessly killed or ordered the killing of scores of people, many of whom were former friends. Casso, who earned a handsome living selling drugs, robbing banks, and trafficking in stolen goods, became the reluctant leader of the Lucchese family as prosecutors moved in on the Mob bosses. When he, too, was finally captured, he eventually joined the ranks of the hated “rats” and gave prosecutors an earful, including the Mob’s decision to hit John Gotti after he ordered an unapproved hit on Big Paul Castellano; how the Mafia controlled the unions; the truth behind the assassination of the Kennedys; and who killed Jimmy Hoffa. Readers interested in the inner workings of the Mafia will love this chilling look at a Mob boss. --Vanessa Bush

Review
"... the inside information about the lifestyle, rituals, killings and betrayals is priceless.An authoritative look at a once-rampant predator now at bay." -- Kirkus Reviews

"A fine entry in the burgeoning field of works tracing the decline of the traditional organized crime families and their once impenetrable structures." -- Booklist

"Absorbing…detailed, Phil Carlo allows the killer’s grotesque acts to be squarely view." -- Los Angeles Times Book Review

"An exceptionally well-told true crime tale." -- Publishers Weekly

"And if your Sopranos addiction shows no signs of abating, check out Philip Carlo’s GASPIPE." -- Los Angeles Times

"Carlo tells this amazing story like a novel, with its dramatic ending when a hard-working, lowly police detective eventually got on Kuklinski’s trail and hunted the hunter like a real-life version of The Fugitive. A chilling look at the creation of a psychopath." -- Toronto Sun

"Carlo’s book is filled with never-known-before details. He did his homework and wrote a very compelling true crime tale." -- CNN

"I stayed up until 3:00 a.m. because I couldn’t put the book down. Quite a compelling read. The amount of details is truly amazing." -- San Jose Mercury News

"This powerful story is required reading for anyone with a yen for the Mafia, the criminal underworld and a law enforcement system struggling to keep up." -- Publishers Weekly

"We’ve all read novelists and true crime writers who try to put you inside-the-mind-of-the-serial-killer, but I can’t remember one that succeeded with the physical and psychological intimacy of this collaboration between the writer and the killer himself." -- New York Press

Review
"I stayed up until 3:00 a.m. because I couldn't put the book down. Quite a compelling read. The amount of details is truly amazing." (San Jose Mercury News )

"We've all read novelists and true crime writers who try to put you inside-the-mind-of-the-serial-killer, but I can't remember one that succeeded with the physical and psychological intimacy of this collaboration between the writer and the killer himself." (New York Press )

PRAISE FOR THE NIGHT STALKER"Carlo has given us an astonishing portrait of a killer not seen since In Cold Blood." (Denis Hamill, New York Daily News )

"An exceptionally well-told true crime tale." (Publishers Weekly )

"Carlo tells this amazing story like a novel, with its dramatic ending when a hard-working, lowly police detective eventually got on Kuklinski's trail and hunted the hunter like a real-life version of The Fugitive. A chilling look at the creation of a psychopath." (Toronto Sun )

"Phil Carlo paints a disturbing portrait of cold-blooded killer, Richard Ramirez. In the true crime tradition of In Cold Blood and The Executioner's Song, Carlo compellingly tells the ghastly story from numerous points of view, including those of Ramirez and two ingenious sheriff's detectives who finally cracked the case." (People )

"This powerful story is required reading for anyone with a yen for the Mafia, the criminal underworld and a law enforcement system struggling to keep up." (Publishers Weekly )

"Absorbing.detailed, Phil Carlo allows the killer's grotesque acts to be squarely view." (Los Angeles Times Book Review )

"Carlo's book is a chilling, painstakingly researched account of the summer that kept residents of the San Gabriel Valley and later the entire state, captive behind closed doors and windows in fear. I read the book twice I was so taken by it." (Northridge Chronicle )

".This book will provide true crime readers chilling inside perspective of a serial killer." (Library Journal )

"A fine entry in the burgeoning field of works tracing the decline of the traditional organized crime families and their once impenetrable structures." (Booklist )

"I couldn't put the book down. The details are amazing, told from many points of view; very scary indeed." (Los Angeles Times )

"And if your Sopranos addiction shows no signs of abating, check out Philip Carlo's GASPIPE." (Los Angeles Times )

"Carlo's book is filled with never-known-before details. He did his homework and wrote a very compelling true crime tale." (CNN )

"... the inside information about the lifestyle, rituals, killings and betrayals is priceless.An authoritative look at a once-rampant predator now at bay." (Kirkus Reviews )

PRAISE FOR GASPIPE "Carlo has the real goods. .the inside information about the lifestyle, rituals, killings and betrayals is priceless. An authoritative look at a once-rampant predator now at bay." (Kirkus Reviews )

Customer Reviews

Interesting if a bit biased
While overall I enjoyed "Gaspipe" I was nagged but the author's attempts to portray such a merciless killer in a sympathetic light. I've no doubt that Carlo's sympathetic tone stems from his personal ties to Casso (the author's parents were friends of Casso and his wife)but the author's lack of objectivity made me question whether what I was reading was accurate or just Casso's spin on the events in the book.

Good read for those fan's of the mafia, but!
I have been an avid reader of true crime and mafia related books for over 15 years and have a personal library of over 300 books relating to American, Canadian and Italian mafia history and if there is one thing I am certain of is that unless so called facts are substantiated and reinforced or backed by solid research and hard evidence, you cannot believe everything your read! For the better part of 5 decades, mainly since the Senate Committee Hearings on Organized Crime of the 1950s and 60s there have been countless books written about mafia crime families, La Cosa Nostra leaders and members, and the events that surround their lives and the history of the American mafia, but most of the early books written by investigative reporters, journalists and independent authors were based strictly on willing participants within various local and federal law enforcement agencies and on their records, along with court records and media (mostly newspaper) accounts. Basically, it was not until the 1980s that authors of mob related books obtained the ability to research their subjects (groups, individuals and events) through the best means available for roughly more than 25 years, allowing for more accurate and credible accounts and sources. Those accounts and sources would be law enforcement bugs and wiretaps, along with surveillance records and photos and of course, mob informers, a.k.a., the "rats", "stoolies" and "co-operating witnesses" who end up in the witness protection program or in prison doing a short stint for co-operating or serious time otherwise.

What must be remembered even now is that all those organized crime members who co-operate in some manner with law enforcement are criminals! In other words their very nature is to lie, cheat, steal and corrupt and nothing changes when they pen or co-operate on a book. The only so called facts in any book that should be taken seriously and without doubt are those that can be collaborated or backed by direct proof such as those I mentioned previously, mainly law enforcement wiretaps and bugs and surveillance records, and in many cases court records dealing with large scale prosecutions of organized crime figures and groups. When statements or so called facts in a book can be reinforced by such sources than the credibility of the author and those involved multiply greatly.

Do not always depend solely on the past credibility of the author, in fact his sources and their credibility are just as important or even more important in some cases. With that said, let me say that "Gaspipe: Confessions of a Mafia Boss" is a great read and without a doubt a well written book, but at the same time it's author Phil Carlo has lost an immense amount of credibility since his previous work, "The Iceman: Confessions of Mafia Contract Killer", which is without a doubt one of the worst true crime-mob related books ever written. For anyone who wishes to read not only my opinion of the book, but would like to read true facts as to why "EVERY" mafia related story in the book concerning Richard Kuklinski is completely and utterly untrue they only need to read my Amazon review of the book, which dissects all the mafia related murders Kuklinski and Carlo stated "The Iceman" was involved in and all the lies that are attributed to Mr. Kuklinsi and his alleged actions. The book reads like a classic mafia tale, with a modern and gritty edge that showcases the modern mafia mentality, to obtain money and power at all costs, even at the cost of loyalty and honor. At the same time, as stated by other Amazon reviews, "Gaspipe" carries a number of contradictions within the book. One of the most obvious being that author Phil Carlo stated in his book, "The Iceman" that Kuklinski was alone responsible for the death of Gambino crime family soldier and hitman, Roy DeMeo. Yet in "Gaspipe", subject Tony Casso, the former Lucchese crime family underboss details his participation in the murder of DeMeo and that of his and DeMeo's associates, "The Testa Brothers", Joey and Patty. It was in fact stated by witnesses and law enforcement members during the trial of former DeMeo crew associates and eventual and Lucchese crime family members, "The Gemini Twins", Joey Testa and Anthony Senter that they were the ones who killed DeMeo on orders of Gambino crime family Boss Paul Castellano and DeMeo's capo, Nino Gaggi and Castellano aide, capo Frank DeCicco, all detailed in court documents and information easily found in F.B.I. files. Something that should have been debated by Carlo in the book or at the very least been mentioned in some manner to draw light on Casso's alleged knowledge of the murder.

Just as with "The Iceman", author Phil Carlo has left himself vulnerable to criticism to say the least. Just as facts surrounding the DeMeo murder can be argued, Carlo's has once again shown himself to be less than accurate when it comes to New York mafia history and that of "The Five Families", especially the Gambino crime family. Influential Queens mobster, Joseph N. Gallo was longtime Consigliere to Paul Castellano and continued to hold the title shortly after John Gotti took over the family in early 1986 after the murder of Castellano by the Gotti faction in late (December) 1985, and Gallo was not in his 20's if I remember correctly What Carlo stated. Carlo's facts about the Gambino crime family membership was most likely a typo, 250 members being what should have been stated, not 2,500. It is the author's responsibility to substantiate the facts given by his sources, even his main source, who is also the main subject of the book. Casso states that Gambino crime family capos "Handsome Jack" Giordano and Joseph "Joe Butch" Corrao met with Gambino associate and Casso murder victim Jimmy Hydell after the botched hit on Casso. For years there has been information from informers and law enforcement that stated the Casso hit was at the time sanctioned or ordered by Gambino crime family soldier and Casso business associate, Michael "Mickey Boy" Paradiso, who was in conflict with Casso allegedly over a drug deal gone bad. Jack Giordano and Joe Corrao were highly respected, influential and high ranking Gambino crime family members, who would have never met with a low level associate to deal with matters of such a nature, especially one who is not a member of their crew. That would fall to Hydell's boss and keeper, his uncle, Gambino crime family capo Danny Marino, who was in fact a close associate of Tony Casso and a John Gotti rival at the time within the Castellano faction that eventually planned to hit Gotti with the sanction of the Genovese and Lucchese crime family leaders, which included Casso. All information that Carlo should know, but did not even mention or touch on in any manner and any information surrounding these particular people and events seem mixed up, just like so several others in the book. Mafia protocol, rules and traditions dictate much of a mobsters actions, especially those actions that are suppose to be on the books or ordered by a superior, and Carlo should know this and other matters that pertain to the mafia and it's members, but just as he did with "The Iceman" he fails bitterly with "Gaspipe" when it comes to some basic or general mafia knowledge.

Carlo's knowledge on the New York mafia is tainted at best and at times confusing to readers. The story of Anthony "Gaspipe"Casso reads well and is highly entertaining for any fan of the New York crime families and the American mafia, but too many so called facts and information are either outright incorrect, clouded by surrounding or related circumstances, but never dealt with, such as the DeMeo and Hydell killings. Nothing to serious, but simple mistakes in the book are evident, such as Gambino crime family soldier and former John Gotti associate and aide, Angelo Ruggiero being called "Quack Quack" because he ducked subpoenas frequently, when in fact he was given that nickname by Gotti because he talked too much. Legendary Lucchese crime family Boss' Anthony "Tony Ducks" Corallo went by the nickname "Tony Ducks" because of ducking subpoenas frequently, something very well known, but obviously not to Carlo, the so called mafia expert. I guess Carlo figured the "quack quack" and the "duck" had to fit somehow?

For the second time Mr. Carlo proves that he is a less than credible author where American mafia history and his research methods are concerned. The book itself as I stated reads well and is entertaining. The direct history that concerns the main subject, Anthony Casso covers the former mafia boss, his history, his influence and reputation within the New York mafia very well and at times the book lends some fresh information regarding the New York mafia, mainly those events directly related to Casso. All in all the book is your typical run of the mill "Mafia Story" with some new twists, but where accuracy and the facts are concerned, knowledgeable "Mob Watchers" will shake their heads at times and even give a good laugh other times. Mr. Carlo's does tend to regurgitate the same old facts concerning the New York mafia that end up in most books that deal with "The Five Families", but without a doubt the information that concerns Casso is worth reading. The majority of the story regarding Casso's life and criminal exploits is worth read if your a fan of mafia related works, at the very least the book is entertaining. This book is certainly not on par with the work of Jerry Capeci, Selwyn Raab or Dave Critchley. Mr. Critchley is in fact an author from the U.K. who's expertise centers on ealry American mafia history. He is the author of a great concerning the early New York mafia entitled, "The Origin of Organized Crime in America:The New York City Mafia, 1891-1931", a superbly researched and written book. I know this firsthand because I helped the author research and verify some information and because Critchley carries the type of reputation and credibility which is enhanced by his meticulous research. He is somebody Carlo could learn from or at the very least take some pointers from!

Regardless what is true or false, accurate or inaccurate, "Gaspipe:Confessions of a Mafia Boss" is an interesting and entertaining read for any fan of the American mafia, but for those who are looking for serious research material there is much within the book that must be questioned.

The "Glamorous" Life Of A Mobster
Author Philip Carlo was a neighbor of mafia boss Anthony Casso growing up in Brooklyn, and perhaps Casso felt more open to speaking to someone he felt more comfortable. I like the short chapters, although some are ridiculously short. One paragraph! I find it hard to be sympathetic to mafia boss Casso who claims "to be a better man than most of the people on the streets these days." This coming from a man who ordered hits on others due to mere paranoia on his part. He also engineered the torture killing (I won't go into details here) of an individual who tried to do to him what he (Casso) had done to many others. Anthony Casso laments there is no loyalty within the mob. This is true desite their comedic ritual of Omerta where one is required to hold a burning piece of paper while blistering the hands until the fire goes out. Certainly there is no rest for the wicked. Living a ridiculously outrageous lifestyle with ill-gotten gains, and living in fear of what another may implicate you for leads one to plot the other's demise. I did find a contradiction in this book with author Philip Carlo's book The Ice Man. On page 280 of The Ice Man author Carlo states Richard Kuklinski placed five bullets into mobster Roy DeMeo and killed him. On page 129 of Gaspipe author Carlo states the Testa brothers, Joey and Patty, along with Anthony Casso killed him. Patty poured Roy coffee while Joey and Anthony shot Roy to death. Are there other contradictions in the book? Probably! I was also bothered by some of the sentence structure which was confusing. One sentence in particular on page 200 I found puzzling was in regard to Vinnie Albano. Casso emptied his gun into Albano's chest. "Albano was dead before he knew it." Casso laments the government reneged on its so-called deal if he testified against mobsters, but I find it hard to sympathize with him. There is always forgiveness, but like other mobsters, their life ends with either an early grave or a prison sentence.