Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob

John Connolly, a rising FBI agent and fellow "Southie," had known the Bulgers since boyhood when Whitey rescued him from a playground fight. After investigating organized crime in New York, Connolly was reassigned to the bureau's Boston office in 1975, and was determined to make a name for himself by relying on his old connections. He succeeded in a big way by lining up Whitey as an FBI informant in an effort to bring down the Italian Mafia--a major coup for both the FBI and Connolly. In exchange, Bulger received protection. Though heavily involved in extortion, intimidation, assassination, and drug trafficking, Connolly's "good bad guy" did not receive so much as a traffic infraction for over 20 years. In time, however, the deal changed, and information began flowing the other direction, with Bulger manipulating Connolly and a small group of corrupt FBI agents to further his nefarious network. The criminals and the lawmen eventually became virtually indistinguishable.

Black Mass expertly details the twists and turns of this complex story, painting a vivid portrait of Boston's underbelly and its inclusive political machine, as well as exposing one of the worst scandals in FBI history. It's also an examination of loyalty--to family, home, and heritage--and "a cautionary tale about the abuse of power that goes unchecked." As a final favor, Connolly tipped off Bulger that he was to be indicted on racketeering charges in 1995, allowing him time to go on the lam (he's reported to have access to secret bank accounts across the country). He was added to the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted List" in 1999. --Sharon M. Brown

Product Description

John Connoly and James "Whitey" Bulger grew up together on the streets of South Boston. Decades later, in the mid 1970's, they would meet again.  By then, Connolly was a major figure in the FBI's Boston office and Whitey had become godfather of the Irish Mob.  What happened next -- a dirty deal to being down the Italian mob in exchange for protection for Bulger -- would spiral out of control, leading to murders, drug dealing, racketeering indictments, and, ultimately, the biggest informant scandal in the history of the FBI.

Compellingly told by two Boston Globe reporters who were on the case from the beginning, Black Mass is at once a riveting crime story, a cautionary tale about the abuse of power, and a penetrating look at Boston and its Irish population.

O'Neill and Lehr have beaten everyone to the punch on a story that has never been told and will shock the senses. Black Mass is destined for greatness and is a book that was made for the big screen.


Entrapment   July 2, 2001
15 out of 17 found this review helpful

Some questions one might ask in this case: 1) Have any federal/state personnel in Massachusetts/NH been sanctioned formally or informally to use any children Bulger might have as bait to aid in his capture or to punish the children because the father is gone? 2) Did Bulger have a child employed by a TEMPEST site contractor who has been blackballed throughout MA/NH industry through government contacts with industry in the region even though such a child might not be aware of their background? 3) If any state or federal officials are using children of Bulger against him, is there an effort underway to also conceal the fact this is going on through pretense efforts?


Scary stuff!   May 18, 2002
18 out of 21 found this review helpful

I know someone who communicated with the Justice Management Division after attempts to get help from the Boston and Lowell/Lawrence Mass. FBI offices failed and the State Police in Massachusetts blew them off. After accepting a hundred pages or more of correspondence the Justice Mgt division told them to get a personal lawyer and that they don't speak to ordinary citizens. Appeals to Attorney General Scott Harshbarger's office only resulted in an angry letter from that office saying the AG's office is not their private firm.

What did this person complain to these authorities about? Death threats and threats of violence to friends,family and people that person was dating when this case went public in 1995 and thereafter. Car tampering, being followed, and individuals alleging ties to the highest ranks of the local FBI office and to the Justice Dept. Some suggested the person was the target of a cruel joke being played by the DEA and other Justice Dept personnel. When this individual requested copies of any files they had with the FBI or Justice Dept, they were blown off.

The person mentioned had no criminal history and was a longtime volunteer for many organizations in Massachusetts and often worked 3 jobs.This person became convinced they are somehow linked to parties in this bizarre case but were never told they are.


Running in circles   September 25, 2001
21 out of 25 found this review helpful

The same government we are now entrusting broad wiretapping, electronic surveillance, roving warrants and the like to is the same one we criticize so sternly in this case. Once we further empower such forces, can we ever go back the freedom we have enjoyed?

Does the government itself construct events to further its own quest for greater control and power?

I know someone who has provided extensive information in this case to the authorities and all that has happened is that person has been targeted by the authorities. This shows that confidentiality cannot be maintained by government or law enforcement personnel nor so called "confidential" tip sources as tv law enforcement shows. Will Dan Burton and others objectively and fully investigate how leads in this case have been handled? And who can stand up to the harassment which is brought to bear on any who try to discern the truth in this case?