The Last Jewish Gangster - by David Larson (Paperback)

About the Book

"In 1944 Brooklyn, newborn Michael J. Hardy is rejected by his mother so she can run with gangster Bugsy Siegel, Hardy's godfather. Shirley Rook quickly rose to the top of the criminal ranks. As the Queen of New York City crime, she laundered Mob money, ran the city's largest bookmaking operation, and handed payouts to dirty cops, politicians, and judges. To win his mother's love and respect, Hardy became a fearless gangster. Throughout his career as a criminal, he robbed banks and drug dealers alike, ran a finger of an international stolen car ring, kidnapped drug lords, and even became a hired gun. At his lowest, he ended up doing time for his mother's counterfeiting operation in Mexico's most dangerous prison. Hardy's criminal code of conduct combines elements of tough Ukrainian Jew and warm Southern Baptist, whether dealing with family and friends or fellow inmates during a combined twenty-six years spent in prisons and jails. He maintained this characteristic gregarious strength throughout his astonishing life in which Hardy was shot eleven times, committed fourteen hits for the Mob, twice wore wires for Rudy Giuliani to nab dirty cops, wrote a letter to JFK to get out of military prison, choked the Hillside Strangler, shared prison time with notorious criminals, and even spent ten years in Hollywood working as muscle for a B-studio, where he was even cast in non-speaking roles." -- page [4] of cover.

Book Synopsis

"When it comes to gangsters, Michael Hardy's the real thing. I knew this godson of Bugsy Seigel for thirty-five years. This is a captivating and different kind of true-crime story, and I'm astounded David Larson captured his voice."-Nick Pileggi, author/screenwriter of Wise Guy/Goodfellas and Casino.

In 1944 Brooklyn, newborn Michael J. Hardy is rejected by his mother so she can run with gangster Bugsy Siegel, Hardy's godfather. Shirley Rook quickly rose to the top of the criminal ranks. As the Queen of New York City crime, she laundered Mob money, ran the city's largest bookmaking operation, and handed payouts to dirty cops, politicians, and judges.

To win his mother's love and respect, Hardy became a fearless gangster. Throughout his career as a criminal, he robbed banks and drug dealers alike, ran a finger of an international stolen car ring, kidnapped drug lords, and even became a hired gun. At his lowest, he ended up doing time for his mother's counterfeiting operation in Mexico's most dangerous prison.

Hardy's criminal code of conduct combines elements of tough Ukrainian Jew and warm Southern Baptist, whether dealing with family and friends or fellow inmates during a combined twenty-six years spent in prisons and jails. He maintained this characteristic gregarious strength throughout his astonishing life in which Hardy was shot eleven times, committed fourteen hits for the Mob, twice wore wires for Rudy Giuliani to nab dirty cops, wrote a letter to JFK to get out of military prison, choked the Hillside Strangler, shared prison time with notorious criminals, and even spent ten years in Hollywood working as muscle for a B-studio, where he was even cast in non-speaking roles.

"A fascinating character study of an unapologetic criminal. David Larson masterfully weaves this tale in Michael Hardy's own words, resulting in a powerful, inside story of a gangster's life." -Cathy Scott, Los Angeles Times-bestselling author

Review Quotes

When it comes to gangsters, Michael Hardy's the real thing. I knew him for thirty-five years. This is a captivating and different kind of true-crime story. I can't believe you captured his voice.

Nicholas Pileggi, Author and Screenwriter

Wise Guy (Goodfellas) and Casino

What a story this is-a vivid picture of a real gangster with a code of honor. It makes me glad I've been lucky enough to stay on Michael's good side.

Nick Taylor, Author

Sins of the Father, A Necessary End, American Made

The Last Jewish Gangster is a fascinating character study of an unapologetic gangster. David Larson masterfully weaves this tale in Michael Hardy's own words, resulting in a powerful, detailed story of a mobster's life.

Cathy Scott, Los Angeles Times bestselling True Crime author

The Killing of Tupac Shakur, The Murder of Biggie Smalls, Murder of a Mafia Daughter, Death in the Dessert, The Millionaire's Wife

I met Michael J. Hardy (Hardin) on the day he threatened to kill my client in 1978. A lot of bad guys threaten to kill people, but rarely mean it. This book is hauntingly real and engrossing as David Larson channels Michael Hardy.

Logan Clarke, Private Investigator

Book Pipeline Review

The voice of this piece of nonfiction is impeccable. Very reminiscent of GOODFELLAS, Michael Hardy is a fascinating subject that truly commands your attention as you read. It's easy to imagine his story getting the feature film treatment or being the basis of a compelling premium cable/streaming drama TV series. Thankfully, there's more than enough material to mine to make either of those a legitimate reality. This is the type of project that needs an A-List attachment--either a filmmaker or lead actor--in order to get it off the ground.

Michael J. Hardy is difficult to forget...or avoid. Larson entertains with a fluency equal to John Grisham.

Lisa McCombs, 5-Star Readers Favorite Review

A biography so interesting, so intriguing, so captivating, that the reader will at times forget that this is the story of real life Michael J. Hardy, and will feel as if they have fallen into a fictional world of crime.

Tracy Slowiak, 5-Star Readers Favorite Review