Nick Pileggi

Nicholas Pileggi is an American journalist, author and screenwriter best known for his non-fiction books about organized crime and their subsequent film adaptations. His most acclaimed works include "Wiseguy" (1985) and "Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas" (1995), both of which were adapted into major films directed by Martin Scorsese. During his early career, Pileggi worked as a crime reporter for Associated Press and New York Magazine, developing deep knowledge of organized crime operations and establishing connections with law enforcement and mob figures. This experience provided the foundation for his later literary work chronicling the inner workings of the American Mafia. The film adaptation of "Wiseguy," retitled "Goodfellas" (1990), earned Pileggi an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, which he co-wrote with Scorsese. His book "Casino" was similarly adapted in 1995, with Pileggi again collaborating with Scorsese on the screenplay. Beyond his literary work, Pileggi has served as an executive producer on various crime-themed television projects and documentaries. He was married to noted film critic and screenwriter Nora Ephron from 1987 until her death in 2012.

Readers appreciate Pileggi's insider access and detailed research, particularly in "Wiseguy" and "Casino." Many note his straightforward writing style that presents complex criminal operations in clear terms. Reviews highlight his ability to maintain narrative momentum while weaving in historical context. Readers liked: - Dialogue and quotes that capture authentic mob voices - Behind-the-scenes details of criminal enterprises - Balanced portrayal of both law enforcement and criminals Common criticisms: - Too much focus on numbers and financial minutiae - Choppy narrative structure - Some repetition between books Ratings: Goodreads: - Wiseguy: 4.2/5 (15,000+ ratings) - Casino: 4.1/5 (3,000+ ratings) Amazon: - Wiseguy: 4.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) - Casino: 4.6/5 (400+ ratings) Multiple reviewers note they read his books after seeing the film adaptations and found the source material more detailed and comprehensive than the movies.

Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas A detailed account of Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal's rise and fall in Las Vegas casino management and his connections to organized crime.

Wiseguy: Life in a Mafia Family The true story of Henry Hill's three decades in organized crime, from his early days as a criminal protégé to his decision to become a federal witness.

Blye, Private Eye Chronicles the career of New York City private investigator Marty Blye and his investigations into various criminal cases.

Horror: The Complete Guide to Movies, Books and More A comprehensive reference guide detailing horror media across multiple formats, co-authored with Kim Newman.