Summary
"Black Mass: Whitey Bulger, the FBI, and a Devil's Deal" is a gripping non-fiction account that delves into the intricate and corrupt relationship between notorious South Boston gangster James "Whitey" Bulger and the FBI. Written by Dick Lehr and Gerard O'Neill, the book meticulously uncovers the layers of deceit, betrayal, and abuse of power that allowed Bulger to reign over Boston's underworld for decades while evading law enforcement.
The narrative begins by painting a vivid picture of South Boston, a tight-knit Irish Catholic community with its own set of rules and a deep-seated distrust of outsiders. It introduces key players such as John Connolly, an ambitious FBI agent who grew up in the same neighborhood as Bulger, and Stevie Flemmi, Bulger's partner in crime and fellow FBI informant. The book chronicles the fateful decision by Connolly to enlist Bulger as an informant in the mid-1970s, ostensibly to combat the Italian Mafia, setting in motion a chain of events that would have devastating consequences.
As the alliance between Bulger and the FBI deepens, the lines between law enforcement and organized crime become increasingly blurred. Connolly, driven by a desire for recognition and career advancement, turns a blind eye to Bulger's criminal activities, providing him with protection and inside information. Bulger, in turn, uses his FBI connections to eliminate rivals, consolidate his power, and amass a fortune through drug trafficking, extortion, and murder. The book details specific instances where the FBI protected Bulger, such as quashing investigations, burying evidence, and even warning him of impending arrests.
The authors expose the devastating impact of this corrupt alliance on the community of South Boston, which is ravaged by violence, drugs, and fear. They highlight the stories of ordinary people who were victimized by Bulger's gang and betrayed by the very institutions that were supposed to protect them. The book also examines the internal conflicts within the FBI, as some agents grow increasingly concerned about Connolly's close ties to Bulger and the agency's failure to hold him accountable.
Ultimately, "Black Mass" is a cautionary tale about the abuse of power, the corrosive effects of corruption, and the dangers of compromising ethical principles in the pursuit of justice. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability, transparency, and integrity in law enforcement, and the devastating consequences that can occur when these values are abandoned. The book leaves the reader pondering the complex moral questions raised by the Bulger case and its implications for the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.