Hitman

The Untold Story of Johnny Martorano, Whitey Bulger’s Enforcer and the Most Feared Gangster in the Underworld

By: Howie Carr

Narrated by: Keith Szarabajka

From the New York Times best-selling author of The Brothers Bulger comes the story of Johnny Martorano, whom the FBI called “the most feared man in the underworld.”

Martin Scorcese’s The Departed barely touched his story, but radio talk show sensation, crime reporter, and Boston Herald columnist, Howie Carr, takes us into the heart of the life of Johnny Martorano. For two decades Martorano struck fear into anyone remotely connected to his world. His partnership with Whitey Bulger and the infamous Winter Hill Gang led to 20 murders for which Johnny would serve only 12 years in prison. Carr also looks at the politicians and FBI agents who aided Johnny and Whitey and at the flamboyant city of Boston which they so ruthlessly ruled. But most of all, Carr depicts Johnny—the most fascinating crime figure Carr has ever encountered. A plethora of paradoxes, he was Mr. Mom by day and man-about-town by night. Surrounded by fast-living politicians, sports celebrities and show biz entertainers, Johnny was charismatically colorful—as charming as he was frightening. After all, he was in the end…a hitman.

After graduating from high school, John Martorano turned down seven football scholarships and instead stayed in Boston. Hanging out in the notorious Combat Zone, he fell under the guidance of Stephen Flemmi--high ranking Winter Hill mobster and close associate of James "Whitey" Bulger--and by the age of 25, Martorano was a professional killer. He became one of the Winter Hill Gang's most prolific--and feared--enforcers. This is the gripping true-life story of Martorano's years killing for the Winter Hill Gang, told in Carr's arresting inimitable style.

©2011 Frandel, LLC (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Howie Carr weaves a frightening tale of unlawful conduct, and it’s all true.” (Bill O’Reilly, Fox News commentator and bestselling author)

Howie Carr does it again!

Would you consider the audio edition of Hitman to be better than the print version?

Yes. I found it hard to follow all the little stories, within the story, but listening to the book made it understandable and I was able to follow it, completely.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hitman?

I loved the Q & A banter, between the Prosecutor and John.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The book was very well written. I listen to Howie Carr on the radio, almost everyday.
The story was true in the telling and, descriptions clear. Read The Brothers Bulger, then this and get the full story of what happened in Boston's South-end.

Any additional comments?

Can't wait for The Rifleman, to come out in Audio.

Wicked Awesome!

We all know the story but it’s fun to hear it from different angles. The narrator does a great job with the Boston accent. The yelling and swearing sound so real! The only problem was his pronunciation of “Worcester”, making it clear that he’s not a native Masshole.

Gruesome & Gritty

Grew up in Winter Hill so this was crazy, knew all the locations. Used to walk by the Garage on Broadway on my way to school every morning. Had my first kiss on Marshall St.
Best accent by somebody not from Boston that I've heard. He should get a roll in all Boston movies. Only thing, I cringed everytime, he said "Bahhh-stin", Its "Baugh-sten" with an "awe"...the AH sound is for words with ar in them. The town of Wouborn is "Wuu-ben" and Worchester is "Wuh-sta".
Book is violent and depressing. crazy that it's a true story. Now I need to read something inspiring and uplifting to restore my faith in humanity.

outstanding

its weird when you hear about your great uncle and another uncle lol welll it is what it is.

Great book!!

If you're from Boston you will really enjoy this book it really tells the story of the Boston underworld. John has a had a hell of a life I think underneath it all it he is a good man!!

Great story!

If, like myself, you enjoy a good story about true crime and punishment or are a fan of organized crime stories, this is a book for you!
Martorano's unflinching story telling is top of the line and some of the information he shares about the Irish mobs in and around Boston is shocking as well as inspiring when you hear how he learned to flow with the punches coming at him.
Give this book a listen and you won't be disappointed.

The “Boston accent” is cringeworthy! Interesting story though.

Being from Boston, I was interested in learning about all the crazy characters and the local places that were a part of their lives. It’s hard to imagine living a life like these guys!
Although It was hard listening to the narrator and his forced Boston accent, I thoroughly enjoyed listening!

Could not stop listening!! Loved it!

a very interesting Vue into the world of crime that can take place right under our noses. an awesome insight into such a dangerous time in Boston's past and perhaps their future as well. an awesome story about the events that took place. awesome awesome I could not stop listening I loved it.

Great book but

I am a huge Howie Carr fan and love his writing (and radio show) but honestly the narrator of this book ruined it for me. He speaks in a fake wise guy manner which is only interrupted by an even worse fake Boston accent. As a life long resident of the area, I cringed each time he did it.

You might not be as affected by this as I was...and honestly it's a great story which is very well written. Worth purchasing but be warned..

Good New England Mob Story

I've listened to or read, several books about organized criminal activity in Boston during the later part of the 20th Century and this one stands out as one of my favorites. The fact that the narrator uses a distinctive New England accent in reading the text added realism, for me, to the raw details of Martorano's tale. I'm still not sure how the justice system could be satisfied with someone who admitted to 20 murderers getting only 12 years in prison, but Johnny somehow comes off as doing the right thing in becoming a government witness, testifying against Stevie Flemmi, Zip Connolly, Paul Rico, and later, after this book was written, Whitey Bulger himself. Very good story.