Chapter 8 Summary and Analysis

The 1930s is not a good era for racketeers. The most feared Jewish mobster of the day, Louis (Lepke) Luchalter is ultimately electrocuted. No Cosa Nostra boss has ever faced a like end—in fact most bosses never see the inside of a jail. Lepke is in narcotics, labor, trucking, restaurant and other operations. After Lepke's conviction, a member of his gang Abe Reles reveals the existence of a band of Brooklyn mobsters who are responsible for a series of gangland executions. This group is known as Murder Incorporated. Soon after these revelations, Reles plunges to his death from a sixth floor window although he is surrounded by policemen. The benefactor of Reles' death is Albert Anastasia. Reles was set to testify against Anastasia in an upcoming murder case. Valachi is certain that Anastasia is behind Abe's demise.

Valachi continues...