Gangland, Hogan - B+

                      This is a totally fascinating novel set in 1970's Chicago. Nicky 'Pins' Passero, owner of a bowling alley, does a job for Tony Accardo, and shoots Sam Giancana five times while Sam's dinner is sizzling on the stove. Thus begins a great story that is partially fiction and partially fact. Accardo and Giancana were big time Chicago bosses. Nicky Pins is a fictional character, a quiet middleman who has earned Accardo's confidence. Levinson's Jewelry is robbed by a sophisticated crew who didn't ask Tony's approval, nor pay him a piece of the action. When Tony learns of the robbery, which included a gift for his wife, he orders that the stolen goods be returned. Johnny Salita, architect of the theft, is so distraught that he starts a war against Tony, that leads to endless unanticipated results. Great insight into the era, the Outfit, and the truly horrid consequences of life on the fringes of that world.