George Anastasia

George Anastasia is a veteran crime reporter and author known for his extensive coverage of the Philadelphia crime family and organized crime in Philadelphia and South Jersey. His work spans over 35 years at The Philadelphia Inquirer, where he became one of the most prominent journalists covering the American Mafia. Anastasia has written seven books on organized crime and the mob, including "Blood and Honor" and "The Last Gangster." His reporting has been credited with providing unprecedented insights into the inner workings of the Philadelphia crime family, particularly during the violent reign of mob boss Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo. The author's work extends beyond print journalism into television and documentary content, serving as a consultant and on-air analyst for various crime documentaries and news programs. He has appeared on NPR, ABC News, CBS News, and the Discovery Channel as an expert on organized crime. Anastasia continues to write about crime and the mob through various outlets, contributing regularly to websites and publications focused on organized crime. His background as both a newspaper reporter and author has established him as one of the foremost authorities on the American Mafia, particularly in the Philadelphia region.

Readers consistently praise Anastasia's deep knowledge of Philadelphia organized crime and his access to insider sources. Many note his straightforward reporting style that presents facts without sensationalism. What readers liked: - Detailed research and first-hand accounts from mob members - Clear writing that explains complex criminal networks - Thorough documentation of Philadelphia crime family history - Balance between narrative flow and factual reporting What readers disliked: - Some books contain repetitive information from his previous works - Timeline jumps can be confusing in certain books - Occasional technical/legal details slow the pacing Ratings across platforms: Amazon: "Blood and Honor" 4.5/5 (300+ reviews) Goodreads: "The Last Gangster" 4.1/5 (500+ ratings) "Mob Boss" 4.3/5 (200+ ratings) One reader noted: "Anastasia reports mob activities like a skilled journalist rather than seeking shock value." Another commented: "His sources and access to key players set him apart from other crime writers."

Blood and Honor (1991) An account of the Philadelphia mob under Nicky Scarfo, detailing violence, betrayal, and the inner workings of the criminal organization.

The Last Gangster (2004) Chronicles the rise and fall of Ron Previte, a Philadelphia police officer turned mobster who became an FBI informant.

The Summer Wind (1999) Examines the murder investigation of businessman Andrew Cunanan and his connection to fashion designer Gianni Versace.

Mobfather (1993) Documents the story of John Stanfa's rise to power in the Philadelphia crime family and the subsequent gang war that followed.

Goodfella Tapes (1992) Details the FBI's investigation of the Philadelphia mob through secret recordings of mobster John Stanfa.

The Ultimate Book of Gangster Movies (2011) A comprehensive review of gangster films with background information on the real events that inspired many of them.

Gotti's Rules (2015) Recounts the story of John Alite, a former member of John Gotti Jr.'s crew, and his experiences in the Gambino crime family.

Mafia Prince (2012) Details the life of Phil Leonetti, underboss of the Philadelphia mob, and his eventual decision to cooperate with federal authorities.

Nicholas Pileggi documented organized crime in New York through first-hand accounts and deep research into the Mafia's operations. He wrote "Wiseguy" which became the basis for the film Goodfellas, and "Casino" which was also adapted into a film.

Selwyn Raab covered organized crime for the New York Times for decades and chronicled the rise and fall of the Five Families. His book "Five Families" provides detailed history of New York's crime families from 1931 to the present.

Dan Moldea investigated the connection between organized crime and labor unions, particularly the Teamsters. He exposed the relationships between mobsters, union officials, and politicians through extensive source work and document analysis.

Jerry Capeci ran the "Gang Land" column covering New York organized crime and maintains deep connections with law enforcement sources. He has written multiple books on the Mafia based on his decades of reporting and access to court documents.

Anthony DeStefano covers organized crime for Newsday and focuses on modern Mafia activities in New York and beyond. His work examines how traditional organized crime has evolved in recent decades while maintaining connections to its historical roots.