An interesting book, but a hard book to read. What becomes readily apparent is that the author is a bleeping psychopath and a liar. He claims he is an honorable man but he knows nothing about honor. While not ratting out his crooked buddies is honorable, everything else he does contradicts that, making him either a huge phony or a complete dummy. Your choice. Not recommended.

Some people just shouldn't bother writing books and some books just shouldn't be published.
Only read half and skipped around a little in the second 1/2 before quitting. Hard to get back to reading anything after that.

If you love learning about Boston crime history, as I do, this book is worth reading.

The book started strong but I'm not sure if I lost interest in the whole irish mob thing or the book just wasn't that captivating because I never finished. I don't have any inclination to try to pick it back up either.....

Stand-up dude. Worked side by side together for over a year in construction in Boston. Just me and him. The kind of guy you want on your side! Wishing you the best Johnny.

This book was a true account of a man who lives by the code of loyalty and respect. John Shea is a true old school gangster and paid his debt to society like a real man. Kudos John I enjoyed the book immensely. A must read if you enjoy a good gangster story.

John Shea worked for Whitey Bulger in Boston. Little did he know that Bulger was a FBI informant and Shea was hung out to dry and was sent to prison. He never ratted out anyone and served his full term. I would have like to have read more about what Bulger ordered him to do, especially since Bulger was on the run.

Some people might say that Mr. Shea should have maintained his criminal career and let the professionals do the writing. Lets give credit where it is due, the guy made an attempt. Some of us do not have a single word to ourselves. From being an outlaw to being an abiding citizen it takes a lot. He became what he despised, a model citizen.

The biography. I realised late that the mobster 'John Red Shea' was the author of these book. He tells us his life's story and most of all the fact that he was not a 'rat bastard'. So much for the talking. As if that is not enough, we endlessly hear of his life working under Whitey Burger and his bravery in and out of prison. A role model to everyone who wishes to live by the gun. To be a man one must not snitch on his brothers. Good code when you are on the wrong side of the law.

Comparables. I got excited when I saw this book in my 'bookshop'. I thought it was going to be something like 'the Valachi Papers' or even 'Serpico'. Not even close. Left me with a bad taste. All in all, I managed to get to the end of it and am glad.

Conclusion. Good luck to all those looking forward to reading this.

I love this book very detailed you learn about the true world of the irish mob of boston great stand up guy john is

Good book but this guy's ego is a bit out of control.

An interesting read about John "Red" Shea and the Boston Irish mob, including James "Whitey" Bulger.
Living in Boston, I found this an interesting insight into recent past of my city.

A decent book, any book that glorifies the “gangster” lifestyle is a disappointment to me, although I think the Author tried hard to keep away from that. He chose to explain (with out excusing) his actions and his upbringing. I also actually enjoyed his insights on his time in prison as well …. *WARNING* if the “F” word is an issue don’t read this book his 10 grade education shows glaringly with his need to use profanity.