Death threats. Kidnappings. Explosions. This was the MO of The Black Hand Society, a deadly Sicilian-American organized crime ring that stretched across America’s Rust Belt, predating Al Capone’s reign of terror by two decades.

And we though this was a tough time in history.

Inspector Oldfield and the Black Hand Society:  America’s Original Gangsters and the U.S. Postal Detective who Brought Them to Justice (Touchstone, ) is the captivating true story of Post Office Inspector Frank Oldfield and his quest in 1908 to take on a sophisticated and deadly organized crime syndicate preying on immigrants in America’s Industrial Heartland, recounted by his great grandson, William Oldfield.

For the first 40 years of his life, the author was sworn to secrecy about his great grandfather’s affairs, fearing retaliation by the descendants of the criminals who remained prominent members of communities near the Oldfield family’s residence. Hidden away by the Oldfield family for one hundred years and covered-up by rival factions in the early 20th century post office department, this incredible true story out of America’s turn-of-the-century heartland will captivate all lovers of history and true crime.

With never-before-seen photos, newspaper articles, and letters from The Black Hand, he’s breaking the silence of his family’s most treasured, tightly-kept secret.

Great stuff and a great read!