Quick Take

"A unique contribution to U.S. crime history," said Publishers Weekly of War of the Godfathers, the previous true-story account of mob rule by William F. Roemer, Jr., the six-foot, two-inch former marine and four-time boxing champ at Notre Dame - a man who is truly "tough as nails" - who inspired a genuine fear in the men of La Cosa Nostra. Roemer's near-legendary career in the FBI spanned three decades and ushered in the modern era of FBI persecution of criminal organizations. Considered the most decorated agent in the history of the FBI, he was the acknowledged "nemesis" of the Chicago mob and is today one of the world's foremost hands-on experts on organized crime. In The Enforcer: Spilotro - The Chicago Mob's Man Over Las Vegas, Roemer tells from his own first-hand experience the story of Tony "The Ant" Spilotro, a street-smart punk who rose from a mob hit man in the early Sixties to become the Chicago mob's main man in Las Vegas until 1986, when he was executed, mob style, on the eve of his trial for murder, extortion and racketeering. What might have remained a silent chapter in the history of the American Mafia is intimately narrated in The Enforcer by one of America's premier law-enforcement officials. Along the way, William F. Roemer draws a portrait of such gangster legends as Tony Accardo, "Mad Sam" DeStefano (Spilotro's mentor), Sam Giancana, Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel. The Enforcer is the most revealing, in-depth look at organized crime to date, centering on a key figure in the Chicago crime family who, at the height of his power, sat astride the unrivaled prize of Las Vegas - and whose every move grew to take on national significance. No one is better able to tell the complete story than William F. Roemer, Jr.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Enforcer: Spilotro--The Chicago Mob's Man Over Las Vegas

Introduction

The Enforcer: Spilotro--The Chicago Mob's Man Over Las Vegas is a captivating true-story account written by William F. Roemer Jr., a former marine, boxing champ, and six-decade veteran of the FBI. Roemer's extensive experience in law enforcement and his reputation as the most decorated agent in the history of the FBI make him the perfect author to narrate the story of Tony "The Ant" Spilotro, a notorious mob hitman who rose to become the Chicago mob's main man in Las Vegas. This book offers a unique and in-depth look at organized crime, focusing on a key figure in the Chicago crime family who played a crucial role in the city's gambling industry. With its compelling narrative and first-hand insights from a renowned law-enforcement official, The Enforcer is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the American Mafia.

About William F. Roemer Jr.

William F. Roemer Jr., the author of The Enforcer: Spilotro--The Chicago Mob's Man Over Las Vegas, is a true crime expert with an impressive background. A former marine and four-time boxing champ at Notre Dame, Roemer joined the FBI in 1952 and spent three decades working in the field, making him one of America's foremost hands-on experts on organized crime. Throughout his career, Roemer earned numerous accolades and was recognized as the nemesis of the Chicago mob. His extensive experience and knowledge of the subject matter make him an ideal author to delve into the story of Tony Spilotro and provide readers with an unparalleled perspective on organized crime.

Analysis of Views

Engrossing Narrative: Many readers found The Enforcer to be an engrossing and captivating read. Roemer's storytelling ability and his first-hand experiences with organized crime made the book difficult to put down. The book's narrative style kept readers hooked, as they followed Tony Spilotro's rise from a mob hitman to the Chicago mob's top man in Las Vegas.
In-Depth Look at Organized Crime: The Enforcer provides readers with an in-depth look at organized crime, particularly focusing on Tony Spilotro's role in the Chicago crime family. Roemer's extensive knowledge and expertise in this area shine through, offering readers insights into the inner workings of the Mafia and their influence on Las Vegas. The book delves into key figures such as Tony Accardo, Sam Giancana, Meyer Lansky, and Bugsy Siegel, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the history of organized crime in America.
Well-Researched and Informative: Many readers appreciated the book's thorough research and informative content. Roemer's extensive background in law enforcement and his personal experiences with organized crime allowed him to provide readers with accurate and reliable information about the subject matter. The book is filled with fascinating details, anecdotes, and historical context that add depth to the narrative and make it a valuable resource for those interested in the history of organized crime.
Compelling Portrayal of Tony Spilotro: The Enforcer offers a compelling portrayal of Tony Spilotro, one of the most infamous figures in mob history. Roemer's description of Spilotro's rise to power, his involvement in various criminal activities, and his eventual demise are well-crafted and leave a lasting impression on readers. The book provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of Spilotro's character and his impact on organized crime in Las Vegas.
Engaging Writing Style: Despite being written by an FBI agent, The Enforcer is praised for its engaging writing style. Roemer's writing is accessible and captivating, making it easy for readers to follow along with the story. His use of vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes adds depth to the narrative and keeps readers engaged throughout the book.

Reasons for Recommendation

In-Depth Exploration of Organized Crime: The Enforcer offers readers a comprehensive exploration of organized crime, particularly focusing on Tony Spilotro's role in the Chicago mob's expansion into Las Vegas. Roemer's extensive knowledge and expertise make this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the history of organized crime in America.
Compelling Storytelling: William F. Roemer Jr.'s engaging writing style keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. His ability to narrate complex events with clarity and precision makes The Enforcer an enjoyable read for both casual readers and those with a deep interest in true crime.
Authenticity and Insider Perspective: As an FBI agent who worked closely with organized crime figures, Roemer brings an authenticity to The Enforcer that sets it apart from other books on the subject. His first-hand experiences and insider knowledge provide readers with a unique perspective on organized crime that is both informative and captivating.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Arrogant Writing Style: Some readers found William F. Roemer Jr.'s writing style to be arrogant and self-aggrandizing, which detracted from their overall enjoyment of the book. Roemer's tendency to focus on his own accomplishments and his perceived superiority over other characters came across as off-putting to some readers.
Lack of Objectivity: A few readers felt that Roemer's contempt for Tony Spilotro shone through on every page, leading them to question his objectivity as an author. While this may add to the book's appeal for those who are already familiar with Spilotro's notorious reputation, it may detract from its appeal for those seeking a more balanced perspective on organized crime figures.

Conclusion

The Enforcer: Spilotro--The Chicago Mob's Man Over Las Vegas is a highly recommended book for anyone interested in organized crime history, particularly those intrigued by Tony Spilotro's rise to power within the Chicago mob. William F. Roemer Jr.'s extensive experience as an FBI agent, combined with his engaging writing style, makes this book an immersive read that offers readers an in-depth look at organized crime from an insider's perspective. While some readers may find his writing style arrogant or lacking objectivity, overall, The Enforcer is praised for its compelling storytelling, authenticity, and informative content. Whether you are a true crime enthusiast or simply curious about the history of organized crime in America, this book is sure to provide you with a fascinating journey into the world of Tony Spilotro and the Chicago Outfit's influence on Las Vegas.