Paddy Whacked

Paddy Whacked traces the history of Irish-American organized crime from the mid-1800s through the end of the 20th century. Through research and interviews, T.J. English chronicles the rise of Irish gangs from street-level criminals to powerful organized crime figures. The book follows key figures in Irish-American organized crime across multiple cities including New York, Chicago, and Boston. English connects the cultural and socioeconomic conditions of Irish immigrants to the emergence of criminal enterprises, examining how poverty and discrimination influenced the development of Irish gangs. The narrative spans multiple generations of Irish-American gangsters, from early street gangs through Prohibition-era bootleggers to modern mob bosses. English documents the connections between Irish criminals and politics, law enforcement, and other ethnic crime organizations. This work reveals how ethnic identity and cultural displacement shaped American organized crime, while exploring themes of assimilation, power, and the American Dream. The story of Irish-American gangsters mirrors broader patterns of immigrant experience in America.

Readers praise English's research depth and storytelling ability in weaving together Irish-American gang history. Many note that it reads like an engaging narrative rather than dry history, with one Goodreads reviewer calling it "as gripping as any crime novel." Specific compliments focus on the book's coverage of lesser-known historical figures and events, with multiple readers highlighting the early chapters on 19th century gangs and immigration. Common criticisms include: - Too many characters to track - Jumps between time periods can be confusing - Some sections feel rushed or superficial - Later chapters less detailed than earlier ones Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (450+ ratings) Several readers mentioned purchasing additional books by English after reading this one. The audiobook narrator receives positive mentions in Audible reviews. A recurring note from Irish-American readers: the book helped them understand their family histories and cultural background.

The Westies by T.J. English This account chronicles the rise and fall of the Irish mob in New York's Hell's Kitchen from the 1960s through the 1980s.

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The First Family by Mike Dash This history traces the origins of the American Mafia through the story of Giuseppe Morello, New York's first Italian crime boss.

Five Families by Selwyn Raab This comprehensive history chronicles the five major New York crime families and their influence on American society throughout the twentieth century.

The Brotherhoods by Guy Lawson This investigation reveals how two NYPD detectives worked as hitmen for the mob while serving as active duty police officers.

🍀 Author T.J. English spent three years as a New York City taxi driver while conducting research for the book, allowing him to explore Irish-American neighborhoods and gather authentic stories. 🍀 The term "Paddy Wagon" originated from the large number of Irish police officers ("Paddies") who drove these vehicles, not from the Irish criminals they transported, as is commonly believed. 🍀 Many Irish gangsters featured in the book began their criminal careers as "coal heavers" - stealing coal from delivery carts during New York's brutal winters to help their impoverished families stay warm. 🍀 The infamous Irish mob boss Owney Madden, highlighted in the book, survived being shot 11 times in a gang ambush in 1915 but refused to identify his attackers, following the criminal code of silence. 🍀 The book reveals how Irish criminal organizations helped finance the Irish Republican Army's fight for independence, sending millions of dollars in weapons and supplies to Ireland during the early 20th century.