Double Cross

The Explosive Inside Story of the Mobster Who Controlled America

By: Sam Giancana, Chuck Giancana, Tim Newark - foreword, Bettina Giancana - contributor

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

One of the most feared Chicago mobsters, Sam Giancana, clawed his way to the top of the Mafia hierarchy by starting as a hit man for Al Capone. He was known as one of the best vehicle escape artists, a tenacious business man, and a ruthless killer. He partied with major stars such as Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe and did business with agents ranging from the CIA to the Vatican to the shah of Iran. When politician Joe Kennedy gave Giancana the chance to use mob muscle to get his son John elected, Giancana jumped at the task. But the Kennedy brothers double-crossed him, waging full-out war on organized crime throughout the United States. And Giancana went after them.

Written with suspense and conviction, we learn about how the CIA asked Giancana to assassinate Fidel Castro. The book includes Giancana's testimony about the truth of his involvement in the deaths of Monroe and others. Chuck Giancana, Sam's brother, contributes a unique perspective of the mob's relationship with the Bay of Pigs and many other pivotal events of the '60s and beyond. Double Cross is an eye-opening account of the interworking of the government and the mob and how this relationship has impacted American history.

©1992 Sam Giancana, Chuck Giancana, and Bettina Giancana; Foreword copyright 2014 by Bettina Giancana and Sam Giancana (P)2019 Tantor

Really good insight on the Giancana family

Good in depth telling of Sam Giancanas life. Not a boring moment! I’m not too sure how truthful some of it is but it’s good.

A Definite Must Listen!

I have to admit that i am more than slightly biased, especially seeing that im a Chicago underworld enthusiast. But this audiobook gave me everything that I didn't know that I was looking for times two!! All of the under the table info was awesome to hear, and I wish that it could've been about 7 hours longer. The narration was on point, and to say that I loved it was an understatement.
Great Job!!

Excellent and informative

Reading was excellent Fascinating story!! Giancana rise from street thug to boss of bosses is well documented in the audio book…. Tying in his brother’s life was a great addition to the narrative

Intriguing insight into the unbridled power.

Captivating the imagination of the reader/listener, this book holds the attention and sparks the imagination of anyone who finds this way of life to be completely foreign. You find yourself, at times, annoyingly, actually rooting for the “bad guy.” It does tend to glamorize the seedy underworld of crime with the power and wealth it can bring while mentioning, but not dwelling on, the tragedies that accompany such a life. As with many writings that delve into the assassination of President John Kennedy, this presents information that on the surface seems credible, but must be weighed against the claims of accuracy from all other sources. It doesn’t necessarily contradict any of the others which I have read, but does not give as much detail into all aspects as to convince me of its complete accuracy. This book, however, was not written strictly for that purpose. I suppose that in as much as the accuracy can be proven the book is a great source of information. Without question, the book is a source of entertainment for those who enjoy intrigue, and a look into the shady side of life!

amazing!!! a must read!!!!

loved it! i have been watching making of the mob and read red mist and blonde (about marilyn and jfk) and this book was such a treat!!! must buy!!!