Double Cross: The Explosive, Inside Story of the Mobster Who Controlled America [Paperback]

If you are a mafia historian and are a fact finder I do not recommend this book. It is told from the perspective of Sam Giancanas brother Chuck. Everything Chuck knows comes from his brothers mouth, very few things are ever actually witnessed by Chuck. Given Sam Giancanas huge ego, much of what he tells Chuck may very well be inflated stories to make himself look more powerful than he really was. But thsi is just the skeptic in me talking.

If you are looking for a more "mythical" type mafia book for some entertainment value definitely read this. The mere fact that even some of what Chuck tells could be true is enough to satisfy the curious reader. It was enough for me. Maybe the stories aren't true but maybe they are.

Its a great story for the journeying mind. It involves scandal and intrigue at the highest levels especially the Kennedy family involvement in the mafia!

The book traces the beginnings of "Mooney" Giancana from his childhood. As the first male of immigrant Sicillians in the early 1900's, he was a bad kid from the start. His incredibly abusive father would punish him by allegedly tying him to a tree and whip him senselessly. This upbringing gave him a coldness toward other people, especially women, that few ever could match in Mafia history. The book details murders and other unconscionable acts that Giancana and the Chicago Outfit "accomplished".

That being said, I believe that "Double Cross" exaggerates much of Giancana's power, especially within the Chicago Outfit. It is based on the recollections of his younger brother Chuck, who may be a little biased. Many of his stories are based on information given to him during the book's time period by associates of his high powered brother. Although he may be reporting what he was told correctly, mobsters are not exactly the most credible group of people, especially when they know that Chuck's older brother holds their livelihoods in his hands. Many of the other stories are told to him by "Mooney" himself, whose huge ego causes his stories to be taken with a grain of salt.

Another aspect that I found difficult to get past was the lack of respect or even acknowledgment of Tony "Joe Batters" Accardo. Although Giancana was the official boss from 1957-1965, anyone who has any interest in the Chicago Outfit knows that Tony Accardo was the real Godfather, who played a major role from the 20's until 1992. Accardo was always consulted when Giancanna made an important move. Accardo, alledgedly called off some contracts that Giancana wanted, due to their reckless nature. However, Double Cross barely mentions Accardo, and when it does, it condescendingly refers to him not being nearly as powerful as "Mooney" Giancana. If that was so true, then how come Accardo lived until 1992 and never spent a day in prison, while Giancana was gunned down in 1975, most likely on orders from Accardo. Given that the authors of the book are Giancana's brother and godson, perhaps they saw Accardo a little differently.

Overall, Double Cross is a great read, and answers some questions about historic people and moments during Giancana's lifetime. It also shows how the people who suffered from this overbearing hoodlum were not only his gangland victims, but members of his own family, whom he reigned over and controlled like a puppet master.

"Joey likes to brag. I wanna hear him brag."

There is a lot of that here. As others have pointed out, the book probably exaggerates Giancana's influence over the world at large and some key events, such as the assassinations of the Kennedys and Monroe. But, having said that, it is overall a good and enjoyable read.

Addendum 02-Apr-04:

Toward the end of this book, the claim is made, in rather dramatic fashion, that Sam Giancana slept with Marilyn Monroe on the last weekend of her life at the Cal-Neva lodge in Lake Tahoe. Somehow, this just didn't "ring true" to me. I have done a bit more research and learned that Marilyn was with Joe Dimaggio that weekend, whom she planned to remarry within the month. I seriously doubt she bedded Giancana while enjoying the weekend getaway with her betrothed. This also goes to the overall veracity of the entertaining account.