MAFIA BORN ©

A Novel by

JOHN VIGNARI & M. BRADY

                                                                                                             Query

The story of Gino Roma begins in 1916 and spans half a century. From a remote village in Sicily to the streets of New York, Beverly Hills, and the wealth of Palm Beach, the story chronicles the lives of three people born into Mafia families. The first of these is Gino Roma. Though born into a heritage of powerful underworld people, his immediate family is unable to rise above the abject poverty associated with the depression era. This is mainly due to his father's propensity for women, gambling, and booze.

After witnessing the assassination of a Mafia Capo whom he admired, he develops mixed feelings about becoming a made man. Later, as a teenager, following a near clash with the mob during which he is spared only because of his family influence, he is sure he never wants to join the mob. While he is not in the life, his connections remain as his birthright. He is determined to become "somebody" honestly and on his own. When he discovers in himself a talent for art, he considers a career as an artist his way to accomplish this. A series of beautiful and affluent women promote his art career but he falls in love with the one woman who is unattainable. She is Mary Swift, consort of Don Alberto Campagna.

Martina Presstissimo was born in Sicily and grew up in a London convent after her entire family is murdered on order of a Mafia Godfather, Don Alberto Campagna. Martina's single goal in life is to avenge the deaths of her parents and brothers. To this end, she follows the Don to America. As a young woman, using the alias Mary Swift, she lands a job in one of his night clubs as a singer.

Her opportunity for revenge comes on the eve of the Don's return to Sicily where he intended to escape assassination during the planned take over of the mob being led by Lucky Luciano. The Don's plan called for faking his own death. Mary, with the help of her aunt, made sure his death was real. Once the revenge that she had sought since the age of seven had been accomplished, Martina found herself without goals, without purpose in life. Since Don Campagna did not intend to actually die, Mary had been named as the sole heir in this will. His intention was to marry her when they arrived safely in Sicily and regain control of this fortune. Martina was unprepared for the feelings of guilt and self-hatred that followed.

Angelo Natasi is Gino's nephew. After a stint in the U.S. Marines left him horribly disfigured, a Mafia Don friend of the family has him flown to Switzerland where he undergoes plastic surgery and rehabilitation. He passes the time between operations learning languages, and martial arts. Grateful for his new lease on life, Angelo is totally wedded to the Mafia and the Godfather who befriended him. He becomes a feared hit man, known only as the OUTSIDER The novel takes the reader with Angelo on several suspenseful assignments: First, to Holland, in search of a jewel thief who has ripped off the Don, then to a casino in Las Vegas for a rendezvous with a obnoxious comedian. But, Angelo's specialty is killing rogue mobsters and the book describes several such missions. In an era when the mob is being run like big business, there is no room for renegade Capos. Angelo enjoys his work. He honestly believes he is doing the world a favor. Finally, we accompany Angelo on the hunt for Tony Morelli. Operating in Palm Beach and preying upon the wealthy who flaunt their wealth, Tony made the mistake of robbing Gino's friends. In spite of his desire to disconnect himself from this past, Gino wants to help his friends recover their jewels. He goes to Angelo for help.