The Boys in Chicago Heights: The Forgotten Crew of the Chicago Outfit (True Crime)

Dig in and get to know your neighbors.

I've lived close to Chicago Heights all my life and growing up we knew the Mob was present but this book fleshes out the people, places and timeline of a history that I wasn't totally aware of. It was like a parallel reality. Looking back I can see subtle things that happened to friends of mine that can be tied to people mentioned in this book, brief encounters that had nothing to do with Mob activity. This was an interesting walk back into time with all kinds of familiar signposts, but it isn't meant just for local residents. Anyone who is a history buff will be able recognize characters in this book and be introduced to others you don't.

I lived on “the hill “in Chicago Heights growing up and went to Saint Rocco school. In fact, my grandfather is in this book. I lived in the house that was purchased by the mob, and they stored a bunch of stuff in my house as a child. The strangest thing is, they were so kind to me and I was called the little princess.

For those interested in the history of the Chicago Mob, Al Capone, and the city of Chicago Heights, the first and only book that covers it is the most detailed and accurate history that there will probably ever be. Matt Luzi, who as a past member of the Merry Gangster Society knows his stuff and has done fine research. Luzi, who also is related to some old members of the Chicago Heights Crew, passes on to us his personal insight and never-before-published photos. "The Boys in Chicago Heights" is not only a good read for the person with a casual interest, but is an essential work for the serious researcher. He provides previously hidden facts and details on John Torrio, Al Capone, early bosses Tony Sanfilippo and Phil Piazza, and their successors in the Outfit, from Dominic Roberto, Jimmy Emery, Frank LaPorte to Albert Tocco and Al Pilotto. As someone who has been writing on and researching organized crime myself I cannot recommend this any higher. Matt Luzi has done a masterful job and I believe this book will stand the test of time.

As a young reporter in the early 1970s, I covered Chicago Heights city government for the local newspaper for a couple of years. A bit of civic corruption was out in the open, but I thought the real heavy gangster involvement had ended with Prohibition. Not so at all. This book taught me that I was even more naive than I had been thinking I was.

This is a very interesting read on how extensive The Outfit was in Chicago Heights. I grew up there, and had no idea they were still going strong into the mid-80’s. I also recognized a couple names, maybe some of my schoolmates were in mob families?! Well-researched, it’s great insight as to what these mobsters have been up to for close to 100 years. Very enjoyable and a must for those interested in anything Capone related.

Who were they? Who ran the notorious little city south of Chicago? What went on there and how did Chicago Heights fit in with the mob? Luzi’s book is a well-researched look at all the answers. A must read for students of the murderous years of Chicago.

This book gets into organized crime on the south side of Chicago, i.e., the south suburbs. Most accounts are centered on Capone and his henchmen. This book examines the effect organized crime had on the suburbs and the south side of Chicago. This addresses criminals just below the Capone level. Names are named. Addresses of places of gambling and prostitution are given. Corrupt politicians and policemen are examined. For anyone with interest in the history of Chicago's suburbs, this is an important book. It covers material that a lot of people still living don't want to talk about. Illuminating.

Very informitive about an Outfit workhourse crew,that has long been overshadowed by the inner city crews,highly recomended.

una storia vera perchè alcuni personaggi di questo libro erano miei parenti, si può girare un film. Distinti saluti da Mario Strangis