A peculiar fascination with the mafia exists, largely fueled by iconic blockbusters like The Godfather and Goodfellas. While these films have contributed to this romanticized view, a wealth of captivating literature has also emerged, drawing inspiration from the larger-than-life figures and myths surrounding organized crime. This narrative landscape is ripe for exploration, with a plethora of engaging and thought-provoking mafia books waiting to be discovered.
What do we mean by mafia books?
Young Adult Mafia Books
In the realm of young adult (YA) fiction, stories about the mafia often revolve around the offspring of crime syndicate leaders. What’s intriguing is that many protagonists in these tales grapple with the weight of their family legacies while simultaneously navigating the universal quest for self-discovery, a hallmark of YA literature.
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
In the midst of 1926’s Shanghai, two rival gangs – the Scarlet Gang, led by Juliette Cain as its heir apparent, and the White Flowers, headed by Roma Montagov – are locked in a brutal blood feud. The stage is set for a modern retelling of the classic tale of star-crossed lovers, but with a twist: instead of fair Verona, the backdrop is the dark, gritty streets of Shanghai. Gangsters and monsters lurk in every shadow, as the violent delights of this new world unfold.
Kate Unmasked by Cindy M. Hogan
Seventeen-year-old Kate has longed to discover her biological roots since she was young. As an adoptee, finding her way back to her origins has been a lifelong quest. Despite following every lead, every trail ends in disappointment… until the day she stumbles upon a mysterious locket. The tiny token holds the key to unlocking a secret that will take her on a journey down the Jersey Shore.
But as Kate gets closer to her family’s doorstep, her excitement turns to shock and dismay when she realizes who they are – a revelation that shatters her expectations of a warm and fuzzy reunion.
White Cat by Holly Black
In the United States, magic is strictly forbidden, compelling practitioners to operate in secrecy. The Cassel family, one of the five most powerful crime families, has capitalized on this underground culture. Nevertheless, the family’s fortunes are dwindling, and internal tensions are rising. As a result, Cassel is left to confront a dark family legacy that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear.
Hold Me Like a Breath by Tiffany Schmidt
In the world of organ trafficking, Penelope’s family holds significant power as one of the three prominent crime families controlling the black market. As the privileged daughter of this powerful clan, Penelope’s life is marked by luxury. However, a sudden diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder leaves her in a precarious position, making her vulnerable to the violent undercurrents surrounding her family’s illegal activities.
When she finds herself caught in a brutal gang war between rival families, Penelope discovers that she possesses a resilience she never knew she had. This turning point sparks a glimmer of hope – perhaps freedom is within reach, and maybe, just maybe, she can break free from the suffocating grasp of her family’s dark past.
Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman
In a world where crime and family dynamics intertwine, Vince navigates the complexities of being the son of a powerful criminal organization’s leader. While his father’s influence has its advantages, it’s also hindered Vince’s romantic prospects. Enter the stunning daughter of an FBI agent on a mission to take down Vince’s dad, leaving both parties stunned by their unexpected connection.
Adult Fiction Mafia Books
In contrast to Young Adult (YA) novels that often subtly touch on the mafia’s darker aspects, adult novels featuring the mafia as a central theme are inherently more intense and nuanced. Unlike YA, which tends to gloss over the complexities of life within the criminal underworld, adult novels delve deeper into the gray areas where morality is blurred, and characters are forced to navigate a world of uncertainty.
The Godfather by Mario Puzo
In the pantheon of mafia literature, few stories are more iconic than the tale of the Corleone family. Their story, one of loyalty, blood, and greed, has permeated popular culture. This classic novel introduces us to an olive oil-selling family that, over time, becomes embroiled in the world of organized crime. The stakes are raised when their patriarch is targeted for attack, prompting a ruthless pursuit of revenge from his loved ones.
The Road to Perdition by Max Allan Collins
Michael’s story is likely familiar to you through its cinematic adaptation. As an enforcer for an Irish mob family, Michael leads a life defined by faith and violence. His world turns upside down when his eldest son becomes an unwitting witness to one of his hits, prompting the godfather to condemn Michael’s entire family to death. Miraculously, only Michael and his youngest son manage to escape the massacre.
In the aftermath, Michael sets out on a quest for vengeance, driven by a burning desire to protect his remaining loved ones.
Out by Natsuo Kirino
The tale of a young mother’s calculated actions has been a recurring theme in my writing. In this particular story, she takes drastic measures against her unfaithful husband and enlists the help of her colleagues to conceal the crime. As the police close in on them, the characters are drawn into the dark world of Japan’s yakuza underworld, where the stakes are high and the consequences are dire.
The Thief by Fuminori Nakamura
In the bustling streets of Tokyo, an enigmatic figure known only as The Thief navigates the crowds with ease, pilfering wallets and trinkets with precision. His services are eventually in high demand when he’s hired to secure a wealthy client, rendering him immobile while extracting the contents of his safe.
Initially, this appears to be a straightforward task, but The Thief is left stunned the following day by the revelation that his target was none other than a prominent politician who met a tragic demise after their encounter.
The Cartel by Ashley Antoinette and JaQuavis Coleman
The Diamond dynasty, built on the lucrative port of Miami, teeters on the brink of collapse with the sudden passing of its patriarch, Carter Diamond. His widow and their twin offspring, a boy and a girl, are left to navigate the treacherous waters of succession.
But there’s an unexpected twist: an illegitimate son, born out of wedlock, emerges from the shadows to stake his claim on the family’s vast fortune and influence, setting off a chain reaction that will reshape the power dynamics in Miami forever.
Nonfiction Mafia Books
While fiction often captivates readers with its portrayal of organized crime, the true stories behind these criminal networks are equally captivating. It’s easy to get caught up in the intrigue of mafia tales, but the reality is that organized crime has a profound impact on our world. Fortunately, there are numerous well-researched books that delve into the complexities and consequences of this issue, offering readers a glimpse into the lives of those affected by these criminal networks.
Five Families by Selwyn Raab
The following five families are responsible for building the notorious mafia into an empire: Genovese, Gambino, Bonnano, Colombo, and Lucchese. The story delves into their rise to power and subsequent decline, highlighting the ruthless leaders and tenacious investigators who worked tirelessly to bring them down. What’s more intriguing is the notion that these same families may be poised for a comeback as federal authorities shift their attention from organized crime to homeland security.
Confessions of a Yakuza by Junichi Saga
A hauntingly real tale unfolds as a physician recounts the remarkable story of a dying patient. It all starts when the patient, clad in his kimono, walks into the doctor’s clinic and removes it in the exam room, revealing the faded body tattoo that tells a thousand stories. The patient, a former Yakuza boss, weaves a gripping narrative that not only captivates the doctor but also offers a poignant glimpse into 20th century Japan, its struggles, and triumphs.
Midnight in Sicily by Peter Robb
Sicily’s allure has captivated invaders and wanderers throughout history, but beneath its picturesque landscape lies a complex web of organized crime, fueled by the notorious La Cosa Nostra, or Mafia. Peter Robb, an author who spent 14 years immersed in Italian culture, embarked on a journey to unravel the origins of this syndicate and its enduring presence in modern Italy.
Making Jack Falcone: An Undercover FBI Agent Takes Down a Mafia Family by Joaquín “Jack” García and Michael Levin
The story of the mafia is inextricably linked with that of the FBI’s undercover operations. A pivotal aspect of this narrative is the tale of a tenacious FBI agent who embarked on an extraordinary mission, dedicating years to successfully infiltrate the notorious Gambino crime family.
Yakuza Moon: Memoirs of a Gangster’s Daughter by Shōko Tendō
The memoir chronicles the tumultuous life of Shoko Tendo, the daughter of a powerful yakuza crime boss. Initially, she enjoyed a life of opulence and indulgence, but her world was turned upside down when her father’s incarceration plunged her family into financial ruin. As her father emerged from prison and succumbed to violent bouts of intoxication, Tendo found herself driven to defy the status quo.
Romance Mafia Books
While the criminal underworld may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the mafia can surprisingly provide a rich setting for romantic stories. The thrill and danger that come with being entangled in such a world can create an undeniable sense of tension and excitement, which can ultimately fuel the flames of romance.
Friend-Zoned by Belle Aurora
In this lighthearted tale, two individuals find themselves swept up in a whirlwind romance. Nikolai, notoriously resistant to emotional entanglements, least of all with someone close, finds himself smitten with his friend Valentina. Meanwhile, Valentina’s priorities lie elsewhere, preferring the simple joy of putting a smile on Nikolai’s face to any romantic involvement.
While the mafia backdrop hums quietly in the distance, the true focus lies on the playful dynamic between these two charming leads.
The Kiss Thief by L.J. Shen
Trapped in a tangled web of desire and deception, Francesca finds herself torn between two formidable figures: Angelo, the scion of a ruthless crime family, and Wolfe, a cunning senator who manipulated Francesca into matrimony. As she navigates this treacherous love triangle, Francesca is determined to break free from her circumstances and forge her own path, finally achieving the autonomy and happiness she has long craved.
The Marriage Contract by Katee Robert
At the heart of The Marriage Contract lies a carefully orchestrated arranged marriage between Teague and Callista, aimed at forging a lasting alliance between their two families. What initially appears to be a mere business arrangement takes an unexpected turn for Teague when he discovers the physical scars on Callista’s neck, prompting him to reevaluate his stance and commit to protecting her with unwavering dedication.
Destino by Sienna Mynx
As Mira’s star continued its ascent, she found herself reigning supreme as the first prominent Black fashion designer to make a lasting impact on Italy’s fashion scene. With her career on a roll, it was only natural that a dashing Sicilian entrepreneur would sweep into her life, sparking a whirlwind romance that left her questioning whether a fleeting dalliance could truly be so harmful.
Deathless & Divided by Bethany-Kris
As the story unfolds, it’s tempting to assume that another arranged marriage trope will be the culmination of events. However, instead of following suit, the narrative takes a different turn as Damian is faced with an ultimatum from a crime boss, forcing him to uphold a prior commitment. The condition? Marrying the man’s daughter, Lily, who is equally perplexed by this sudden development. When Lily is forced to return home and tie the knot with a stranger, she anticipates a miserable existence.
But as she begins to get to know Damian, her expectations are confounded by his unexpected character.