The Mexican Mafia

Good Book was very Interesting

Great product

This book is not as action packed as some books on the subject of gangs and gangsters. The reason I liked the book is that it is more informative than other books. It tells what is going on behind the scenes of the mafia, the separate gangs, the police and city hall. I gives you the big picture.

I am impelled to begin my review of Tony's book with a brief response to Rob Thomas (the 1st of Mr. Rafael's reviewers- see below): Mr. Thomas complains that the 'worst' part of Rafael's work is its 'right wing slant'. Perhaps Thomas would have been happier with a decidedly 'liberal' slant on the book, in which Rafael blamed the gang epidemic (and the pervasive influence of the 'M') on Bush and Cheney.....or the absence of affirmative action programs?? Perhaps instead of holding parents (and individuals) responsible for their own bad choices, Tony should have elected to blame the government (or better yet, the 'white man') for the success of gangsterism?? That way, he would have almost certainly been guaranteed a lectureship at UCLA! Mr. Thomas further laments Rafael's book cover, declaring it to have 'Mexican Immigration Xenophobia' written all over it. This is laughable! Here Thomas again betrays his own (obviously) liberal worldview. (Perhaps Mr. Rafael should have used a Swedish flag on the cover, in order to avoid the ever-present possibility of offending the PC thought police?) By the way, Mr. Thomas, since the book's cover also portays the image of a 9mm Baretta (an Italian-made firearm), does it follow that Rafael's intention was to disparage the Italians too? You're right, Mr. Thomas. The 'M' IS an American-born organization (particularly a California-born organization). But I haven't heard of any 'Emeros' lately waving the American flag or quoting the Federalist Papers. Have you? Call me crazy, but the charter members of 'M' named themselves 'La Mafia Mexicana' (their designation, not ours). Many of them sport tattoes which read 'Cien por ciento Mexicano' or 'Orgulloso Mexicano', etc. Moreover, along with most rank-and-file Surenos, many 'Emeros' portray themselves as Aztec warriors, who are carrying on their Mexican heritage. Perhaps simply stating the obvious ought to be avoided in the interest of not sounding 'Xenophobic' to those who interpret EVERYTHING through the politically-correct (and always RACE-CONSCIOUS) lenses of a liberal political ideology?? Anyway, onward toward my actual review of Tony's book... The book was enjoyable and educational, and it provides the reader with a fair understanding of the relationship between the 'M' and street gangs in California. I applaud the way in which Tony takes his readers into the courtroom, and into the seldom-seen world of police (and DA) investigations. Although (as mentioned) much of the material is meticulously-detailed and, in some cases, repetitious (after all, the book covers not one, but several different, although related, criminal trials), it was certainly not a major detraction from the overall enjoyment of the book. One interesting fact from the book that I was previously unaware of: Following the 'American Me' executions, Edward James Olmos was taxed $50k by the 'M', in order to get himself out of the hat. (As Mr. Rafael suggests, it's too bad that the other 'green-lighted' consultants didn't have the cash to get themselves off the list too) The book also provides at least one chapter of historical background for 'M', discussing the influence of 1st and 2nd generation "Emeros" such as Cheyenne Cadena and Joe Morgan. (This is a good chapter for those who are relatively new in studying the subject) My only real disappointment with the book is that I had hoped for some detailed, biographical discussion regarding some of the present-day 'leaders' and 'drop outs' in the 'M'. (The former would include 'carnales' like Alfie Sosa, Tupi Hernandez, Huero Shy and 'Champ', while the latter would include, most notably, "Boxer" Enriquez) Since Mundo's CD-Rom "From Altar Boy to Hitman" covered the late-1950's through the early 80's, I had hoped that Mr. Rafael's book would, in a manner of speaking, pick up the story where Mundo left off. (Another book begs to be written from the perspective of someone like "Boxer" Enriquez, in order to provide an insider's perspective on "M in the 21st century") However, to be fair, Tony Rafael explicitly states that he was not seeking to provide a biographical sketch of one or two high-ranking 'Carnales'. Rather, his work is written primarily from the perspective of law enforcement, and as an investigative reporter. In conclusion, Mr. Rafael has performed a public service by writing his book. As Gava Joe (in his wisdom) rightly points out, this book is important "for anyone concerned about the fate of our children". Well said, Gava Joe. Buy Tony's book.......right wing slant notwithstanding. With respect,

I previously gave this seller 1 star because at the time of the review, I had not heard from them about my unshipped order. I was contacted shortly after, and was given an apology and a refund of my money. I forgot to update my review and change the rating to 5 stars to reflect this. I would use this seller again in the future.

This book explains alot of curious questions one may wonder about.

This book is NOT about the "Mexican Mafia" !!! I'm as sure as I can be that he named it that to sell more books. - - The book is about Deputy "District Attorneys" and "Investigators" from Los Angeles (with some prison gang specialist thrown in for good measure). It's more about the "Avenues" gang than the MM. It's about 3 (maybe 4) murder trials over the course of approx 6 years. The Mexican Mafia (eme) gets a mention here and there thru out,, but not much, and some of the info is incorrect. On page 70 the author says that "Louis Maciel" was a powerful member. Truth was he barely got into "eme". He was finally accepted based on the urging of Huero Shryock.

Ok read, It Avenidas only. Some light EME history. I recommend Boxers memoir also, THE BLACK HAND, it has more EME history than this one.