Blood and Honor: Inside the Scarfo Mob--The Mafia's Most Violent Family, Updated and Expanded

"Blood and Honor" is a well-researched account of the Philadelphia/Atlantic City Mafia family headed by Nicky Scarfo. The primary source of the author's information is Nick Caramandi who turned to the witness protection program once he became one of the many people on Nicky Scarfo's hit list. Caramandi is a low-life crook and murderer who claims of duping and robbing only the greedy, not the innocent. However, it is evident that anyone from whom he could make a dollar was fair game. For example, the young pharmacist he scammed didn't know that Caramdi was connected and eventually committed suicide once he knew he was in over his head. Nicky Scarfo was the volatile and paranoid Family boss who killed his most loyal people one-by-one at the slightest bit of perceived threat. The story of this family and Caramdi's account of the events are interesting and gripping at times. This Mafia Family could be described as backstabbing, violent, disorganized, and greedy, but not the "most violent". Anyone interested in the most violent family of organized crime, should read the "Murder Machine" which describes in great detail the brutal murders committed by Roy Demeo's gang - a faction of the Gambino crime family. Finally, there are so many names mentioned in "Blood and Honor" that the who-and-what of the story is sometimes hard to follow. Had the author not included a special section for the names of the people involved, the story would've been even harder to follow.

All in all, "Blood and Honor" is an interesting book for those interested in factual accounts of Organized Crime.

I read this book many times over a two-year period. What I noticed on each different read was how much scarier Nicky Scarfo became.

Scarfo, like all mobsters, had a code, but his was a little different than that espoused by the fictional Vito Corleone. Fear was the only way to rule, and the gun solved all problems. His code became clearer and clearer in each read, because everyone feared him. He realized that no one loved him, and it made him more maniacal.

That's what the first book in the Scarfo duality story (Anastasia also wrote Mobfather, a story dealing with Scarfo captain Tommy DelGiorno that was also in the Scarfo era) is about through the eyes and experiences of Nicholas 'Nicky Crow" Caramandi. Some in these comments have issues with minor mistakes, but that's their issue. The overall idea-that Scarfo was a crazy person who decimated what once was a thriving, powerful criminal enterprise-remains. And it's not debatable.

Anastasia seems tentative at first, not hitting the stride he eventually would as he wrote more books-but this story is still so great it overwhelms any mistakes that could conceivably force the story to the roadside. It stands the test of readability: Could you pick it up and become engrossed in the story immediately no matter how long ago you read it? The answer is yes. Enjoy.

Very well written and easy to read. A gripping story full of Machiavellian cross currents of ego and power. As one who was in grad school in Philadelphia during this time, I recall the many times the TV news would report guys being found dead in the trunks of cars. Reading the recounting of conversations with comments such as "Youse two better be careful" takes me back. The book points out that Angelo Bruno and Nicodemo Scarfo were at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of how business was conducted. It contains about 20 black and white photos of the key players. The book begins with an alphabetical listing of "The Players" and a chronological listing of "The Hits" and "The Convictions."

On a personal level, I thought this book was just alright. Not the greatest. There isn't a plethora of text written on Scarfo, so this was a good insight. Unfortunately, it seems rather dry in places and since it's about the Philly mob, those who aren't locals won't be familiar with the players. It's written in a similar style to 'Underboss', the Sammy Gravano story, although this came first. For a look at Scarfo, I say pick it up. If you're just looking for some Mafia reading in general, keep browsing.

good book interesting

George Anastasia is clearly THE source for anything Philly/SJersey mob related. This is a good story about a guy I'd heard vaguely mentioned prior during Little Nicky Scarfo's terror reign. Scarfo was just a scary person. Amazing that still in his 80s in a tiny cellblock in TX prison, hating everyone.

This is a good book but there is another on his nephew Phil Leonetti that is even better and really details the Nicky Scarfo days in greater detail (and horror). Forget the title but "Prince" is included...must-read on Philly mob guys.

Mafia books tend to focus on the New York families, but when it comes to scams, scumbags, and crazies, they've got nothing on the Philly mob. Anastasia has been working the mob beat in the City of Brotherly Love for a long time and he knows what he's talking about, showing the mad power struggle that followed the rubout of Angelo Bruno, the Docile Don, and culminated in psychopathic "Little Nicky" Scarfo taking the throne. The Philly mob has dwindled to a handful since Scarfo was sent to prison, but in his heyday they were a fearsome and brutal bunch. Highly recommended for all true-crime fans.

If you liked Murder Machine and Gotti: Rise and Fall you will like this mob book. Probably would make an excellent movie.

This is the third book I've purchased regarding the Philadelphia/Atlantic City Mafia. This account has additional details about this criminal organization which paint it in a very disturbing light.

Good book as a history marker,not good for all I suppose. Not really much new or hasn't been out or covered on tv or in other books on the same particular topics.