THE QUIET DON
In “The Quiet Don,” Matt Birkbeck weaves together the stories of two of the most powerful men to emerge from Pennsylvania in the late 20th century.
Firstly, it’s a gripping biography of the little-known Russell Bufalino, a crime boss with the uncanny ability to pop up, like a malevolent Forrest Gump, at crucial moments during post-World World II history.
It’s also the near-fantastical tale of how Gov. Ed Rendell pushed through legalized gambling in the state, allegedly steering contracts to favored campaign contributors and derailing state police efforts to investigate mob-tainted applicants for casino licenses.
Phillynews.com
DECONSTRUCTING SAMMY
"It's essentially a mystery tale, a piece of investigative journalism that unravels what happened to Davis' estate, and in the process reveals more about the man that we knew. Birkbeck spoke to people that have never spoken before — and the portrait of Sammy that emerges is difficult, demanding, and ultimately tragic."
National Public Radio (NPR)
"Deconstructing Sammy” was written by an investigative journalist, and it shows: Birkbeck has killer leads, gripping kickers and sensational descriptions. This cinematic book reads more like a detective story than a traditional “life of.” The New York Times
In “The Quiet Don,” Matt Birkbeck weaves together the stories of two of the most powerful men to emerge from Pennsylvania in the late 20th century.
Firstly, it’s a gripping biography of the little-known Russell Bufalino, a crime boss with the uncanny ability to pop up, like a malevolent Forrest Gump, at crucial moments during post-World World II history.
It’s also the near-fantastical tale of how Gov. Ed Rendell pushed through legalized gambling in the state, allegedly steering contracts to favored campaign contributors and derailing state police efforts to investigate mob-tainted applicants for casino licenses.
Phillynews.com
DECONSTRUCTING SAMMY
"It's essentially a mystery tale, a piece of investigative journalism that unravels what happened to Davis' estate, and in the process reveals more about the man that we knew. Birkbeck spoke to people that have never spoken before — and the portrait of Sammy that emerges is difficult, demanding, and ultimately tragic."
National Public Radio (NPR)
"Deconstructing Sammy” was written by an investigative journalist, and it shows: Birkbeck has killer leads, gripping kickers and sensational descriptions. This cinematic book reads more like a detective story than a traditional “life of.” The New York Times
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