Product Description

From New York Daily News crime reporter Michele McPhee comes the incredible true story of Chris Paciello, a young thug from Staten Island who rose to the pinnacle of high society in Miami's tony South Beach-only to lose it all when his bloody past caught up with him.

Includes never-before-revealed information on infamous Mafia figures!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #497301 in Books
• Published on: 2002-03-15
• Released on: 2002-04-02
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Customer Reviews

A low-rent 'Casino'
Mob Over Miami chronicles the quick rise and fall of Chris Paciello, a Staten Island thug who became club king of South Beach before his past caught up with him.

From Brooklyn to Staten Island as a teen and into his 20s, Chris Paciello was an out and out thug, a thief who regularly ripped off friends and anyone he could scam, gaining the nickname 'the Binger' (as he'd binge on stealing). Prone to violence, he administered many a beating as well. Looking to avoid the heat of New York, where he was aligned with various low-level street crews of wannabe wiseguys, he fled to South Beach, Miami, where he had various contacts and was able to open up a successful club, starting a massive snowball that would go uphill in a hurry before tumbling down.

After torching his first club, he aligned himself with various promoters, most notably Lord Michael Caruso (who was connected to Peter Gatien, Manhattan club king) and opened up Liquid, a hugely successful club. Before long Paciello was a highly visible South Beach figure, hanging out with celebrities. Of course, they loved his Brooklyn charm, his tough guy looks, his nice guy demeanor. But little did they know the other Chris, a violent, shiftless goon that no amount of Armani couture could hide.

It was precisely this nature and his past that brought Paciello down. Arrested no less than a dozen times while he was running his Miami fiefdom of clubs, restaurants, and lounges, he assaulted staff, patrons, and whoever else threatened him, drove drunk, threatened various folks, and of course was connected to made guys in the mob. A real class guy, he even stole his neighbors car, only to show up a week later in the same car with an new paintjob.

This book is a good indication of the difference between careful, career criminals and the goons who make good only to destroy it in a hurry. Paciello's rein was indeed short before he became another cooperating witness for the government, after his old crew of Fulbright scholars ratted him out. This is not a flattering photo of anyone. The disgusting nature of thieves who would rob anyone and everyone they could, rob their own friends, and screw you over without thinking, is clear.

The book is certainly serviceable of its kind, written by a Daily News reporter with typical poetic touches here and there, but overall a decent read. Included are photos (usually mug shots) of some of the characters like Mikey 'Flat Top' and 'Messy Marvin', hardly a fascinating portrait of the criminal mind. If the picture of Paciello is at all accurate, it's doubtful he will remain in Witness Protection very long. Recommended for true crime mob addicts, as well as anyone who lives in Brooklyn (Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, Bay Ridge) or Staten Island, since you'll recognize names, places, and events.

One Of A Kind
Michelle Mcfee's first book is a wonder. She details the exploits of the underworld across two states with verve and confidence. This writer knows her subject and I can't wait to read what gritty tale she uncovers next.

Awesome Read! - Mob Over Miami
This book was fantastic...Michelle McPhee takes you through the life of a punk kid "wannabe" from the streets of Brooklyn & Staten Island to his rise as a South Beach night club baron...running with the beautiful people...until his not so beautiful past catches up with him...this book is an awesome read, and I couldn't put it down...McPhee's got a way of writing about the Mob that captivates you and brings you right into their world....Kudos to McPhee and to Mob over Miami.