Book Review Summary: The Plumber: The True Story of How One Good Man Helped Destroy the Entire Philadelphia Mafia

Introduction

"The Plumber: The True Story of How One Good Man Helped Destroy the Entire Philadelphia Mafia" is a captivating book that recounts the testimony of Joseph Salerno against the mafia and his experiences in the government witness protection program. Salerno, an Italian American plumber, found himself involved with Philadelphia mobster Nicodemo Scarfo, who was responsible for at least twenty-six murders. This book provides a gripping account of Salerno's involvement with the mob, his time in witness protection, and his struggles with law enforcement. In this article, we will delve into the author's background, analyze the views of readers, and summarize the reasons why this book is highly recommended.

About Joseph Salerno

Joseph Salerno, the author of "The Plumber," is an Italian American plumber who found himself entangled in the world of organized crime. His testimony against Nicodemo Scarfo, a notorious Philadelphia mobster, played a crucial role in bringing light to Scarfo's misdeeds. Salerno's experiences with the mob, as well as his time in witness protection and his family issues, are detailed in this book. While some readers may find his story unconventional compared to other authors, Salerno's unique perspective offers a fresh take on the Philadelphia mob and its impact on society.

Analysis of Views

1. A captivating and well-written story: Many readers praise the book for its engaging narrative and well-written style. They were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the writing and found it to be a compelling read.
2. Insight into Philadelphia mob history: The book provides an interesting perspective on the Philadelphia mob and its operations. Readers appreciated the author's ability to shed light on the glamorization of mob life compared to its reality. It highlights the contrast between popular belief and the harsh realities of organized crime.
3. Heroic story of a witness: The book tells the story of Joseph Salerno, who courageously testified against the mob and helped bring them to justice. Readers admire Salerno's heroism and appreciate his contribution to society.
4. In-depth look at witness protection: The book delves into the challenges faced by Joseph Salerno during his time in witness protection. Readers gain insight into the difficulties he faced and appreciate the author's ability to portray these challenges in a compelling manner.
5. Realistic portrayal of law enforcement: Some readers found the portrayal of law enforcement in the book to be realistic and thought-provoking. They appreciated the author's ability to highlight the flaws and shortcomings of law enforcement agencies in dealing with organized crime cases.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Engaging narrative: The book's engaging narrative keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The story is well-structured and flows smoothly, making it an easy read for readers of all levels.
2. Insightful look into Philadelphia mob history: The book provides valuable insights into the history of the Philadelphia mob and its impact on society. It offers a fresh perspective on organized crime and its consequences.
3. Heroic portrayal of a witness: Joseph Salerno's story serves as an inspiration to readers. His courageous actions in testifying against the mob and bringing them to justice are commendable. The book highlights the importance of standing up against injustice and making a positive impact on society.
4. Realistic portrayal of law enforcement: The book presents a realistic portrayal of law enforcement agencies and their challenges in dealing with organized crime cases. It raises important questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement and encourages readers to reflect on these issues.
5. Compelling storytelling: The author's ability to tell a captivating story is one of the main reasons why readers recommend this book. The book is well-researched and provides a detailed account of Joseph Salerno's experiences, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in true crime stories or organized crime history.

Conclusion

"The Plumber: The True Story of How One Good Man Helped Destroy the Entire Philadelphia Mafia" is a highly recommended book that offers a captivating account of Joseph Salerno's involvement with the Philadelphia mob and his experiences in witness protection. With its engaging narrative, insightful look into Philadelphia mob history, heroic portrayal of a witness, realistic portrayal of law enforcement, and compelling storytelling, this book has captured the hearts and minds of readers worldwide. Whether you are interested in true crime stories or organized crime history, "The Plumber" is a must-read that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the impact of one person's courageous actions against organized crime.