Author, drummer, and former police chief Rick Porrello has a knack for writing books that attract interest from filmmakers. Hollywood snapped up To Kill the Irishman—the War that Crippled the Mafia and turned it into the movie Kill the Irishman, starring Ray Stevenson, Vincent D’Onofrio, Christopher Walken, and Val Kilmer. A motion picture based on Superthief—A Master Burglar, the Mafia, and the Biggest Bank Burglary in U.S. History is in development.
Richard Henkel claims he murdered twenty-eight people. The author, a former police chief, wanted details. So, he asked.
“At first, Henkel politely declined my request,” Rick Porrello said. “Six months later, I persisted and sent him a page of questions based on three years of investigative research. He claimed there were significant inaccuracies about him, his crew members, and even some of his alleged victims. And he wanted to correct them. In our ten months of communication, Henkel was usually candid, but when it came to his associates, especially ex-police officer Gary Small, he was tight-lipped. And when I occasionally pushed too hard, he became angry. However, Henkel said he did not lie once to me.”
Homicide Detective Bob Payne remembered Richard Henkel pausing to look out over a wooded area and saying, “There’s more bodies out there.”
This book is the true story of one of the country’s most dangerous con artists, his police officer partner, the men and women who fell victim to his venom, and the lawmen who persevered to serve justice.
Midwest Book Review: “…a methodical drama emerges that is even more riveting than fiction for its factual yet emotionally alluring presentation.” D. Donovan.
Readers’ Favorite Reviews: …Porrello has carved a noteworthy niche as a true crime author with his previous work and his investigative skills honed in law enforcement serve him well with each subsequent book. He provides the gritty and grim details surrounding the various crimes Henkel and his associates would participate in during the 1960s and 1970s. Henkel is shown to be a ruthless criminal with little to no remorse for the mayhem he caused. Porrello doesn’t attempt to humanize his subject but does provide a voice for the victims caught up in a madman’s web. A captivating true crime biography that may cause more than a few readers to lose sleep.” Philip Zozzaro
A 2020 International Book Awards True Crime Finalist! From the host of AmericanMafia.com and the author who brought you To Kill the Irishman – the war that crippled the Mafia, basis for the motion picture Kill the Irishman co-starring Ray Stevenson & Vincent D’Onofrio, here is Alex “Shondor” Birns—Public Enemy Number One, friend of powerful Jewish and Italian mobsters, and trusted partner of black gambling racketeers. He went toe-to-toe against relentless challenges —the cops wanted him in prison, immigration officials wanted him deported, and the IRS wanted his nightclub, car, and cash. Black gangsters wanted the old white man out of the numbers racket, and rogue underlings wanted to kill the king.
One protégé in particular had Birns on the ropes in a high-finance mystery stretching from the US to Israel, and Canada to Cuba. Then along came Ellie, a second grade schoolteacher thirty-three years his junior. She was an unlikely paramour and ally, but clearly smitten with Shon. For half a century, the charismatic hood beat the odds, cultivating allies high and low, including ambitious reporters whose careers he helped build via blazing front-page coverage.
Combine the name Shondor Birns with stories of bribes, bullets, and bombs, and it sold newspapers. It was this notoriety that Shondor embraced through the decades as his turbulent story was memorialized. Until, that is, it reached a shocking crescendo. “Just the right blend of high drama, criminal introspection and biography… Compelling reading with a lively tone.” — Midwest Book Review.
Sep. 26, 2022. I am excited to announce my next book. THERE’S MORE BODIES OUT THERE – the true story of a Mafia associate and a cop who emerge as suspected serial killers is coming in mid-November 2022. Stay tuned for more information.
June 22, 2022: For folks in the Lake, Geauga, Cuyahoga area of NE Ohio, I will be at the Willoughby Hill Public Library on Thursday, August 25, 2022 from 6:30 to 7:15 to discuss my latest book, Bombs, Bullets & Bribes, the true story of notorious Jewish mobster Alex “Shondor” Birns. This is a free event, but you must register here: Register.
Nov. 28, 2021: On Saturday, Dec. 11 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, I will be signing all four of my books at The Bookshop in Lakewood, Ohio including my latest Bombs, Bullets, and Bribes – the True Story of Notorious Jewish Mobster Alex Shondor Birns . There will be a limited number of copies available. I hope to see you there.
Nov. 5, 2021. On Wednesday, Nov. 10th 7 pm – 8pm, I’ll do a virtual presentation of my books and writing journey in support of the Combined Campaign at Cuyahoga Community College. You can register (fee is $10.00) this Eventbrite link.
Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, I will be signing all four of my books at the Bookshop in Lakewood, Ohio – 15230 Madison Ave. 44107 (216) 221-5222
Nov. 11, 2020. Announcing two virtual events for December: Cuyahoga Community College has invited me to participate in their combined campaign which benefit agencies providing direct services to those living in our community who have the greatest need. $10.00. PLEASE NOTE THE TRI-C EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED.
On Wed., Dec. 9, 2020, I will present on the true story of notorious Jewish mobster Alex Shondor Birns for the Willoughby-Eastlake Library. This is a free online event via Zoom. For registration info, Click here
Stay safe!
July 15, 2020: On Thursday, July 30, I will be back at The Music Box in Cleveland as part of their Cleveland Stories Dinner Parties. Click here for more info: Music Box Rick Porrello July 30, 2020 . Thank you to Amazon purchaser/readers who, thus far, have posted 25 reviews of Bombs, Bullets, & Bribes, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Thank you to the West Geauga Library and the Lakewood Library for having me as part of their virtual presentation programs. Thank you also the Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce for inviting to participate in their 2020 Annual Awards. Borrow Bombs, Bullets, & Bribes from your local library or purchase at or through your local bookstore. Thank you and stay safe!
May 30, 2020. Check out my latest podcast interviews, one on Ron Chepesiuk’s Crime Beat Radio (heard in 130 countries), and one with fellow retired LEO Gary Jenkins’ GanglandWire. Enjoy. GanglandWire w/ Gary Jenkins . Crimebeat Radio w/ Ron Chepesiuk
Mar. 8, 2020. Coming this Thursday, I will be a featured guest at the Chagrin Valley , Ohio Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Awards .
Thank you to host Raymond Carr and guests at Gunselman’s Tavern for having me to their author series interview and book signing this afternoon. Great crowd!
Thank you to Administrative Judge Brendan Sheehan of Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, and his staff, for their hospitality, and also the judges, attorneys and other guests in attendance at Brendan’s speaker series March 5, 2020. Special thanks to attorney James Willis, the longtime lawyer for Shondor Birns, for my surprise introduction.
Thank you also to TheNetworkBreakfast.com host Thom Basie for inviting me to present on the Shondor Birns story March 3, 2020.
Feb. 1, 2020. Reservations are now full, but I thank those who reserved a seat at the Music Box Supper Club for their Feb 5th Cleveland Stories program. Thank you to Dawn and Alex and guests who packed into Quintana’s Speakeasy for my Jan. 27th presentation. Thank you also to Ray Carr of the Raymond Carr Radio Show for inviting me on Jan. 28th.
Jan. 19, 2020: Coming up: I will be presenting Cleveland mob/Shondor Birns at Quintana’s Speakeasy in Cleveland Hts., on Mon. Jan. 27th. at 7 p.m. Note limited capacity. Books will be available. On Tues. Jan 28th, at 8:00 a.m., I will be a guest on the Raymond Carr Radio Show – Cleveland – WCSB 89.3 FM. Listen live at https://www.wcsb.org/listen-online/ . More about Raymond Carr here https://www.raycarram.com/The_Ray_Carr_Show .
Jan. 18, 2020: See the new photos in our photo section.
Jan. 13, 2020: Bombs, Bullets, & Bribes now has 10 Amazon.com ratings with an average 5 out of 5 stars. Thank you readers!
Dec. 16, 2019: Last Cleveland book signing before Christmas is this Thursday, Dec. 19th 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm at the Bookshop in Lakewood (15230 Madison Ave. Lakewood, Ohio 44107) .
Thank you Laura DeMarco for the impressive story and photo layout in the Plain Dealer.
Thanks to all who came out yesterday to my book signing at Mac’s Backs in Cleveland Heights.
Dec. 5, 2019: Much is happening as promotion for my new book picks up steam. Two interviews are now online: Mark Valenti and I talk Bombs, Bullets, & Bribes on his Refined Savage Podcast . It is also available on Sticher, Spotify, and Youtube. Watch The Fabulous Boomer Boys webcast on Youtube. Finally thank you to the Columbus Jewish News for including the book in their Best Chanukah Gifts for Book Lovers feature.
Dec. 3, 2019: Thank you to Mentor Public Library and the guests who attended my presentation about Shondor Birns last night. The event and books were sold out. Thanks John & and Jason, Todd from Mac’s Backs Books, the 120 registered guests, and even the couple who admitted to sneaking in. Check out my Mentor Library Author Talk interview here. Thanks also to Bob & Bruce – the Fabulous Boomer Boys and our guests for the webcast show earlier tonight. I’ll post the link soon.
Dec. 2, 2019 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm – Full presentation at Mentor Public Library (main). REQUIRES REGISTRATION Call 440.255.8811, ext. 247 or go online at Register at Mentor Library
Nov. 30, 2019 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm at Fireside Bookshop in Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Nov. 26, 2019: Upcoming events: Saturday, Nov. 30th 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm at Fireside Bookshop in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Monday, December 2, 2019 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm – Full presentation at Mentor , Ohio Public Library- SORRY THIS IS SOLD OUT. District Marketplace, Shaker Heights, Ohio.
Nov. 20, 2019 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. at the Bookshop in Lakewood, Ohio
Nov. 16, 2019 1:00pm – 2:30pm at Mac’s Backs in Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Nov. 12, 2019: Fox 8 Cleveland Morning Show this AM. Click here . Thank you Wayne Dawson, Margaret, and crew. Tomorrow morning Louie b. Free radio Show WFMJ in Youngstown. Saturday book signing 1-2:30 at Mac’s Backs in Cleve. Hts. If you purchased the book via Amazon, please put up an honest review there. All online retailer reviews are helpful. Thank you!
Oct. 30, 2019: Thank you Ray Boom-Boom Mancini , his co-host Mike Case, and their crew for a fun afternoon in the Boom Boom Room! You can catch it on Facebook or Youtube. Ray’s Boom Boom Room with guest Rick Porrello 10-29-2019 ; Ray’s Boom Boom Room Facebook
Oct. 18, 2019: After working on this project for eleven years, I can now thank the following individuals and organizations, and those persons who wish to remain anonymous, for their contributions and assistance.
Tom Armelli; Sandy August; Bruce Ballash; Phil Barragate; William C. Barrow; Avi Bash; Mike Baumiller; Beverly Beuck; Gina Drake Busch; Chuck Cabot; the Call and Post; Bob Cermak: Judith Cetina; Cleveland Magazine; the Cleveland, Ohio Police Department; the Cleveland Plain Dealer; the Cleveland Police Museum; the Cleveland Public Library; the Cuyahoga County Archives; Kenny Davis; Russell Davis; Tom Doyle; Gary Eisner; Sr. Barbara Eppich, OSU; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Rebecca Ferlotti; Sarah Flinn; Steve Gleydura; Jerry Gold; Marisa August Heidt; Mark Hetrick; the Kent State University; Thomas Kirk, Lisa Lewis; Dick Lillie; Jim Lynsky; John Luskin; the Mary Ferrell Foundation; Chris Mathers; Allan May; John McCaffrey; Brian Meggitt; Ryan Miday; Frank Monastra; Joe Mosbrook; The National Library of Israel, Jerusalem; Dennis Nicklas; the Northeast Ohio Broadcast Archives – John Carroll University; Mike O’Mara; Len Orcino; the Perrysburg Twp., Ohio Police Department; Dave Piekarczyk; Lejune Pier; Beth Pollack; Rocco Pollutro; Danielle Randolph; Bill Riedthaler; Cherie Rohn; Harry See; Mutawaf Shaheed; Henry Stoken; John William Tuohy; the US National Archives and Records Administration; James Willis; Howard Wise
Oct. 17, 2019: Bombs, Bullets and Bribes can be ordered from any bookstore.