Review: Entertaining History of Reno and the Mob
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 1, 2014
This is a concise, entertaining, well-written history of the mob's role in the development of Reno, Nevada. The period covered is roughly from 1900 through the 1960s, with a focus on significant events throughout the years, particularly those involving criminal mischief and organized crime. Moe names the main players, includes photographs,  and tells their stories with energy, verve, and humor, moves at a fast pace, and never writes a boring sentence. Among the players are George Wingfield, Nick Adelman, James McCay, Bill Graham, John Pettriciani, criminal celebrities (Ma Barker, Baby Face Nelson, etc.), Eddie Sahati, Sam Giancana, show biz and political figures (Sinatra, Dean Martin, JFK, Marilyn), and Lucky Luciano. The chapters move through the years in terms of players, major events, ups and downs, and fun and games involved--illegal booze, drugs, gambling, prostitution, swindles, bribery, skimming, money laundering, and so forth. This is a rich and wonderfully entertaining book. It was well researched, and includes a bibliography. Recommended to readers with an interest in Reno history and organized crime.