Mafia Secrets
  • Published: 5 January 2026
  • ISBN: 9780806544755
  • Imprint: Kensington
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 320
  • RRP: $65.00
Categories:

Mafia Secrets

Untold Tales from the Hollywood Godfather

  • Gianni Russo,Michael Benson
Pre-order from…
Amazon Booktopia Dymocks QBD Readings Your Bookstore Abbeys Boomerang Find local retailers Find local retailers Collins Fishpond Gleebooks Harry Hartog Kinokuniya Robinsons The Nile Mighty Ape

A Mafia insider and authentic Hollywood tough guy reveals the explosive secrets he’s learned (and kept) for decades in this shocking tell all that unveils the hidden worlds of film and organized crime—from who shot JFK and murdered Jimmy Hoffa to the truth about Marilyn Monroe’s death.

Foreword by Steve Schirripa, star of The Sopranos, Blue Bloods, and Under the Boardwalk

A Mafia insider and authentic Hollywood tough guy reveals the explosive secrets he’s learned (and kept) for decades in this shocking tell all that unveils the hidden worlds of film and organized crime—from who shot JFK and murdered Jimmy Hoffa to the truth about Marilyn Monroe’s death.

Foreword by Steve Schirripa, star of The Sopranos, Blue Bloods, and Under the Boardwalk

The Kennedys, Marilyn, the Vatican, Vegas, The Godfather, the Mob, and more . . .

During a cursed childhood in a Manhattan neighborhood teeming with Italian immigrants, Gianni Russo fended for himself at an early age. It was a quality that didn’t go unnoticed by Frank Costello—father figure, mentor, and legendary crime boss. Thanks to Costello, Gianni was only twelve when his luck would change for a lifetime. All of it charmed—and thrilling. With it came Hollywood glamor, Vegas risk-takers, political conspiracies, sex, murder, shadow governments, and secrets. The stories Gianni Russo could tell . . . 
Now he does in this bombshell confessional. This is the inside account of the Sicilian Mafia, Cosa Nostra, what really transpired in those Mulberry Street clubs, and who whacked whom—including how mobster Tony Spilotro and his brother really died, finally revealed for the first time. This is Gianni, buddy of Frank Sinatra, and intimately more with Marilyn Monroe. What’s the cover-up behind her death, JFK’s, and Jimmy Hoffa’s? It’s all here. So is the clandestine role of the pope as the sacred boss of bosses, the glory days and downfall of Las Vegas, and the colorful behind-the-scenes tales of Gianni’s role in the greatest movie ever made, The Godfather.

The go-getter Frank Costello once called “The Kid” shares his shocking, exhilarating, sometimes violent, and always riveting life with the dealmakers of Hollywood and the Mob. Gianni Russo lives to tell, and spills it all.
  • Published: 5 January 2026
  • ISBN: 9780806544755
  • Imprint: Kensington
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 320
  • RRP: $65.00
Categories:

Praise for Mafia Secrets

Praise for Gianni Russo

MAFIA SECRETS

“Gianni Russo has been a friend of mine for forty-three years. There is no one funnier, more charming, or more entertaining than my pal Gianni. Also, there is no better storyteller. You will love this book, I promise. Salute, my friend!” —Steve Schirripa, actor, The Sopranos

THE 6TH FAMILY

“A suspense-packed, what-if novel with twists and turns all around. Brilliant storytelling.” —Mark Shaw, bestselling author of The Reporter Who Knew Too Much


HOLLYWOOD GODFATHER


“Gianni Russo walks the walk and talks the talk. What a life. Fascinating. A worthy read.” ―Robert De Niro, two-time Academy Award-winning actor


“Gianni Russo has seen a lot, done a lot, and tells it all. Amazing.” —Nick Pileggi, author of Wiseguy and Casino and Academy Award-nominated screenwriter of Goodfellas


“Gianni Russo is a true character who has led a most colorful life.” —Gay Talese, New York Times bestselling author of Honor Thy Father

“In this robust, fast-paced memoir, Russo describes his life going from being a real-life mobster to landing a role playing one in The Godfather . . . [his] exhilarating memoir packs a punch.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Russo’s writing style reads like narration from Goodfellas . . . Fans of mob movies and unlikely success stories will find Russo’s account compelling.” ―Library Journal



“Recounting a life that reads like a narrative for a mob-movie script, a mobster, actor, and Las Vegas presence delivers numerous eye-opening revelations about national and world events . . . Russo is an engaging raconteur.” ―Kirkus Reviews



“Russo tells a fascinating story about how a kid from New York’s Little Italy grew up to be a genuine mobster (and actor, singer, and restauranteur) . . . a hell of an interesting guy.” —Booklist



“An absolute blast . . . Great storyteller . . . Great read.” —Criminal Elemen

penguin pop image
penguin pop image