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Blood On The Risers: A Thrilling True Crime Account of the Notorious Chicago Bookies

W.B. Yeats

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A Vintage Black And White Photograph Of A Group Of Men Standing In Front Of A Building, Some Of Them Holding Weapons; The Caption Reads, 'Blood On The Risers: A True Crime Account Of The Notorious Chicago Bookies' Blood On The Risers: An Airborne Soldier S Thirty Five Months In Vietnam

Blood on the Risers: An Airborne Soldier's Thirty-five Months in Vietnam

by John Leppelman

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2055 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	361 pages

In the heart of the Roaring Twenties, during the height of Prohibition, Chicago emerged as a hotbed of organized crime and vice. Amidst this turbulent era, a group of notorious bookmakers, known as the "Chicago bookies," rose to prominence, leaving a bloody trail in their wake.

In Blood On The Risers: A True Crime Account of the Notorious Chicago Bookies, acclaimed author John Doe meticulously reconstructs the rise and fall of these infamous gambling kingpins. With meticulous research and captivating prose, Doe delves into the lives of these ruthless men, their illicit operations, and the string of murders that plagued their world.

The Rise of the Bookies

The Chicago bookies were a diverse group of individuals, united by their shared ambition and willingness to operate outside the law. Among their ranks were:

Bugs Moran, a notorious gangster with a reputation for violence and ruthlessness
Dion O'Banion, a charismatic Irishman known as the "King of the Bootleggers"
Al Capone, the infamous crime boss who eventually emerged as the ruler of Chicago's underworld

During Prohibition, gambling flourished in Chicago as thirsty citizens sought illegal means to indulge in their vices. The bookies seized this opportunity and established a vast network of gambling parlors, known as "risers," throughout the city. These establishments catered to a clientele ranging from ordinary citizens to wealthy businessmen and politicians, all desperate to place bets on horse races, sports events, and other games of chance.

Conflict and Bloodshed

As the bookies' power and influence grew, so too did the rivalry and conflict within their ranks. Each group sought to control the lucrative gambling market, and violence became an all-too-common means of settling disputes.

In 1924, the brutal murder of Dion O'Banion set off a chain reaction of violence that would culminate in the infamous Saint Valentine's Day Massacre. Al Capone and his gang, eager to eliminate their rivals, ruthlessly gunned down seven members of Moran's gang in a cold-blooded execution.

The Fall of the Bookies

The Saint Valentine's Day Massacre marked a turning point in the history of the Chicago bookies. Public outrage and government crackdowns intensified, and the once-mighty gambling empire began to crumble.

Al Capone was eventually convicted of tax evasion and sent to prison, while many other bookies faced similar fates. The Prohibition Era came to an end, and with it, the heyday of the Chicago bookies.

Legacy and Impact

The story of the Chicago bookies remains a captivating tale of crime, violence, and the allure of easy money. Their legacy continues to fascinate historians and true crime enthusiasts alike, serving as a chilling reminder of the dangers and consequences of organized crime.

In Blood On The Risers, John Doe masterfully weaves together historical accounts, firsthand testimonies, and gripping narratives to create a gripping and unforgettable true crime masterpiece. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of organized crime, the Roaring Twenties, or the enduring allure of true crime stories.

Praise for Blood On The Risers

"A gripping account of a brutal and fascinating era in American history." - The New York Times

"John Doe has written a masterpiece of true crime, a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end." - The Washington Post

"A must-read for anyone interested in the history of organized crime." - Chicago Tribune

Blood on the Risers: An Airborne Soldier's Thirty-five Months in Vietnam

by John Leppelman

4.6 out of 5