Reviews

The Brothers Bulger: How They Terrorized and Corrupted Boston for a Quarter Century by Howie Carr

emilyrosebooks's review against another edition

challenging dark informative

3.5

This was a fascinating read, as it outlines the corrupt Boston underworld and politics of the Bulger era. I remember Whitey's ultimate capture, but reading this was eye opening as to the real significance of it. I found it a bit hard to follow, as it wasn't exactly sequential, but it grouped events together to help them make sense. Also, every Irishman with all the same names make it difficult to keep track of some of the players, but ultimately it is enough to understand the corruption and what it might have been like to cross paths with one of the Bulger-brothers. 

laverrrne's review against another edition

4.0

Even with more than several grains of salt as a Howie Carr creation, it’s a great book

duparker's review against another edition

3.0

This was a good airplane book. I wouldn't call it a classic not would I dismiss it. There was some fun information and stories, but overall the author is clearly trying to tell the downfall of two people he does not like. There is a level of bitterness throughout the book and it does cloud the pace and flow of the book, especially when people who supported the bulger's are mentioned.

chardavidson's review against another edition

challenging informative slow-paced

3.5

mattyzmom's review against another edition

4.0

An easy read about the gangsters of Boston in the 80's and 90's. Many know about the story of "Whitey" Bulger but many do not know the intricate details of his life and his leadership in gangs. His brother seems to be the opposite as he was the president of a university and Senate for some time but that was not the case. Howie Carr writes in a matter of fact manner with very little opinions. He tells it like it is and I think his readers are thankful. Many times I looked for more information. I know I will have to watch Black Mass again as it is a similar story written by a competing journalist.

pls210's review against another edition

3.0

Poorly written and the chronology had me all twisted around. That being said it was an interesting read and I learned quite a bit (and was shocked even more!)

smelliot420's review against another edition

informative tense medium-paced

3.75

interesting topic but the writing style was a bit slow and stitled

thomasroche's review against another edition

4.0

I had read some of Howie Carr's columns on the mob in Boston, and was slightly less than blown away -- so when I read this book, I WAS blown away. It's great. This is top-notch mob journalism, covering the corruption of Billy Bulger's career as president of the Massachusetts Senate, as well as his brother Jim "Whitey" Bulger's career as the principal hood in South Boston. Stands with some of the best accounts of political corruption and organized crime. A great read and immensely informative.

brittanyboston18's review against another edition

4.0

This was a great companion book to "Black Mass" and adds a whole other level to the infamous Whitey Bulger legend.