Interview with Al W Moe
Author of Vegas and the Mob
I've spent a good part of my life rummaging around old casinos in Nevada; finding even older casino owners and managers, and trying to find still older whiskey at local bars to ply stories about gamblers, Mob figures, and casino happenings from longtime Nevada residents.
The best of those stories have worked their way into my books and paved the way for me to spend even more time writing blogs (NevadaGamingHistory.com) and forcing my books on unsuspecting readers. Join me if you can.
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How would you describe "Vegas and the Mob" to a new reader?
- This is an easy-reading overview of how the Mob took control of nearly every large casino in Las Vegas and skimmed profits for years - right under the nose of the FBI.
To what extent is this story true?
- Work on "Vegas and the Mob" started with more than 500 pages obtained from the FBI under the Freedom of Information Act.
Where were some of the stories obtained?
- Interviews with dozens of casino managers and owners went into writing this book.
Is this all Las Vegas, or are other locations included?
- The story of the Mob begins in New York, as does this book. Other locations included that have ties to the history of the Mob and Las Vegas include Reno and Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
- Find something you are passionate about and start there.
Which authors do you most admire?
- I'm a fan of many authors. For non-fiction, Walter Isaacson is terrific. In fiction, I've particularly enjoyed reading Stephen King and John Grisham.
"Vegas and the Mob' is a thrilling read, a real page turner. How important was it to you to write with pace and energy?
- It helped a great deal that the Mob's work in Las Vegas was both amazing and deadly. That helped keep the story interesting and fun.
If "Vegas and the Mob" were to be adapted for TV or film, who would you see in the lead role?
- Well, Warren Beatty already played "Bugsy Siegel", but he really wasn't mean enough to convey what was happening Vegas...............
How have readers responded to "Vegas and the Mob"?
- Very well. Reviews (nearly 300) appreciate the truth about what was really happening.
Do you have any other books about the Mob in Nevada?
- Yes, "Mob City: Reno" takes a similar approach to "Vegas and the Mob" by telling who began, built, and sometimes stole the casinos the grew Reno into The Biggest Little City in the World.
