Just finished reading this book and it was a gripping, well told story. The narrative works very well and while you know he gets caught, it's hard not to hope the statute of limitations would run out before he's caught. I had to remind myself that Clemente was one of the perpetrators and not a "good" guy. In spite of the perfect planning of this, a lot of innocent people lost their most prized possessions, never to be returned. I appreciate the fact Clemente didn't spare himself of blame or problems and seemed to have accepted the punishment for his part in the crime. Reading this book about all the crime and police corruption going on and there isn't a single mention of Whitey Bulger (but there is of the Winter Hill Gang) makes it seem like the Boston area in the 80's was just like the wild west. It would be great to get an updated on Clemente and the other members of the gang and see how time has changed their attitudes.
Awesome Book!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
This book has to be one of my favorites. I enjoyed every aspect of it including the setting, characters, and accuracy of the actual event that took place. Each character has its own personality and diversity of living which brings controversy to the plot. I believe it was very successful and since I live in Tewksbury and near Boston, I have visited many of these places and can relate to the book's setting. I feel as if you pick up this book and start reading you won't be able to put it down.
I'm from Medford and know these cops and the story.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
This is a very good recounting of what went on. There was a lot left out...such as witnesses (other cops) being sent out of state until things cooled off and a few other details which showed a wider conspiracy of silence.Medford is not a very large city and the 70's were frought with a high incidence of criminal activity - including an organized crime murder in a benign coffee shop full of witnesses. Overall it is worth the read, showing it doesn't have to be a big city to have big city crime.
Better Than The Brinks Job!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, couldn't stop until my eyes dropped shut. A great first-hand account of police corruption in Masachusetts during the 1970's. I highly suggest this to anyone that grew-up during the era in Massachusetts.
A true story of how the Police turned on a community.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
This book was incredible ! It shows how greed overpowers the will to protect the community. The Author writes how he breaks into the Former Depositors Trust bank in Medford, Massachusetts. The story tells of the secret acts they use to enter the bank's vault and remove the money. I recomend highly and on a scale of 1-10 I give it a 20 !
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