When Corruption Was King: How I Helped the Mob Rule Chicago, Then Brought the Outfit Down

Rating:
Summary: Chicago corruption: a deep look, but could have been better
Review: Every Chicagoan knows they live in a cesspool of corruption. It's been that way for more than a century and will probably never change. Robert Cooley is obviously a brave man. He put his life at risk to expose corruption. Though he was once part of that corruption, he ultimately saw that the evil needed to be fought.

That said, the book is disappointing. The writing style is flat and there is far too much focus on Cooley's childhood and personal life. Opportunities are missed time and time again to bring the corrosive effects of political and judicial corruption into sharper relief. Excursions into the impact of mob murders, fixed court cases and the like would have been welcome. Particularly for people who don't live in Chicago, the impact of Cooley's bravery on the people of the city may be lost.

That said, Cooley's book is still worthwhile for demonstrating how a few dishonorable men can steal the life and wealth of a great city.

Jerry

Rating:
Summary: Great Balls of fire
Review: Are we all nuts? How in the hell does one do what Robert Cooley did and then write a book about it? Hello?????????????????? Anyone out there? I gotta say it makes ya wonder. Good book tho sorta a lightweight Godfather, "gulp" or maybe not.

Rating:
Summary: Who said the Mafia died w/Capone?
Review: Being not only a Chicago native, but a relative of one of the "characters" in Cooley's story, you can bet my level of interest in this project was pretty high. It's one part "Godfather" (the level of real-life corruption dwarfs what Hollywood could dream up), two parts "Shield" (the brutal violence of the Outfit is not to be underestimated), and it's defining value: it's all true. A must-read for any Chicagoan or student of criminal justice.

Rating:
Summary: GRIPPING! A MUST READ
Review: I could not put this book down. Absolutely fascinating. A great, great read. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: Beware of sheep holding a mallet/wearing dark clothing
Review: It has all it needs to capture one's intrest. Sad part being it's so true.Most people around the world have already heard about our notorious mafia Chicago city and it's true but how many of us would come clean as did Robert Cooley and put his life out there for his love of his home town and those three little words " Justice for all ".Talk about an awakening for those who haven't read this book I dare any of them to do such crimes which have been done as in this book and see how much they can get away with.
Futhermore, while we are voting for Judges who are letting off pedifiles maybe we should investage a bit more on how these politics are still in office. Born and raised in this city after reading this book I know my children and greandchildren may be living in a better place here. It must have been a living death for Mr. Cooley to do his duty and I commend him for that.




Rating:
Summary: A must read for anyone who loves politics!
Review: Robert Cooley spins a great yarn that Hollywood's best could never imagine - except, that it is all true. This fascinating story gives an insider's look at just how corrupt Chicago was, and probably still is. The former Chicago chief of detectives was working as a mole for the Mob? Dozens of judges and politicians on the take? Assassinations and murder as a cost of doing business?

He names names, he shares his incredible insider's view and he makes you wonder if things have really changed. Cooley and Levin have put together an entirely readable, well crafted, and engrossing book. Along with "Greylord", Mike Royko's "Boss", this book has joined the top of the must read list for those who really wish to really understand Chicago, graft, corruption and all.