Books & Looks Podcast: The unlikely rise of a crime boss in 1860s New York

Books & Looks: Real books for real readers was launched as a literary podcast to complement Blaine Desantis' website ViewsOnBooks.com and expanded to include audio and video interviews with authors.

With Books & LooksBlaine's goal is to focus on real books that real people will read. At least half of the books he reviews are either new authors or unknown authors that many people don't know about. After a segment where he reviews books or interviews authors, Blaine ends each episode with a discussion of the movies and TV shows he's currently watching.

Learn more about Blaine and his podcast at ViewsOnBooks.com.

This week's episode

Today we have acclaimed author and former New York Times obituary writer Margalit Fox as our guest. Margalit talks about her riveting new historical true-crime book, The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum, which uncovers the extraordinary life of a forgotten crime boss in 1860s New York.

Book in the spotlight: “The talented Mrs. Mandelbaum”:
The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum tells the amazing story of Fredericka Mandelbaum, a poor Jewish immigrant who rose to become America's first great female Mafia boss. With meticulous research and gripping prose, Margalit Fox brings to life this overlooked figure from New York's underworld and the corrupt society that allowed her empire to flourish.

Discussed in this episode:

• The incredible story of Fredericka Mandelbaum, a German-Jewish immigrant who built a criminal empire as a “fence” for stolen goods.
• How Mandelbaum used social changes, corrupt politicians and an eager new middle class to build a thriving underworld business
• The difference between a bank robber and a bank burglar and how Mandelbaum's gang used clever tactics to carry out their robberies
• Mandelbaum's opulent lifestyle and her surprising role as a popular philanthropist in her Lower East Side community
• The sophisticated methods Mandelbaum used to evade the authorities, including secret rooms, hidden compartments and a network of safe houses
• The changing attitude towards crime, which ultimately led to increased pressure on Mandelbaum and her empire
• Insights into Margalit Fox's research process and her fascination for uncovering forgotten stories from the past

Left: