The Tangled Web

After reading an advance copy, Chicago Tribune reporter Ray Gibson said of The Tangled Web, "This is one of the most important mob books ever written."

The stories about Richard Cain that have been rumored for years, talked about in police stations and saloons, are now told for the first time in print for all the world to share. He redefined the very concept of a corrupt cop, while he secretly plotted to take control of the mob.

All copies ordered here will be autographed by the author. If you would like your copy personalized, just leave a comment here.

Sheriff Richard B. Ogilvie

In 1962, former federal prosecutor Richard B. Ogilvie threw his hat in the ring for Sheriff of Cook County, Illinois. Ogilivie's primary claim to fame was an income tax evasion conviction against mob boss Anthony "Big Tuna" Accardo. His opponent was equally qualified with the added bonus of being a Democrat. The city of Chicago has a long and deep Democrat heritage, but suburban Cook County is historically Republican. Ogilvie had an uphill battle from the start. Dick Cain, who had been Ogilvie's investigator while building the Accardo case, approached Ogilvie with an incredible offer.

Cain told the candidate that he was mobbed up and because of that he was able to manipulate the vote in Chicago to ensure Ogilvie won the election. In return he wanted to be appointed chief of a new Special Investigations Unit. In this role, Cain would clean up vice in Cook County, not by closing it down, but by controlling it. In accepting the deal, Ogilvie and Cain redefined the concept of police corruption in a city where corruption was nothing new.

More later...

What's it All About?

The Tangled Web is a book about the life, and death, of Richard Cain. Richard was a Chicago cop and a made member of Sam Giancana's mafia. When he worked for Cook County Sheriff Richard Ogilvie, he was chief of the Special Investigations Unit. Possibly the highest police rank ever for a made member of the mob.

The book explores how he came to be the person he was and how his corruption impacted law enforcement in Chicago.

The Tangled Web

Thank for visiting the home of The Tangled Web. You may order a copy of the book by clicking on the Buy Now button to the right, or you can look around and learn about Richard Cain and the tangled web he wove in his lifetime.

I am the author of this book, and while it was released nearly two years ago, it has continued to be a strong seller, and I'm still hopeful that it will become a motion picture.

The life of Richard Cain has been the cause of much speculation over the years about who he really was, where his loyalties were, and what drove him to a life of crime when he could have had so much more with different choices.

Stop by often as I'll be posting regular updates with new information as it becomes available.

You may leave a comment for me by clicking on the comment form just below this text. You'll see that I have other interests beyond The Tangled Web, and that I have a passion for helping and supporting our military in any way that I can. Please try to do your part as well.

Heroes Helping Heroes

This is the place of heroes. Home of the Airborne and Special Operations Forces. The more time I spend with these guys, the more I appreciate the sacrifices they've made for me and for you.

My volunteer work on Fr. Bragg mostly puts me with men and women who have been injured and are on the mend. Whether it's Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), or shrapnel wounds, or bullets, or a non-combat injury, these guys have earned our respect and our gratitude. No matter how you feel about the war, don't ever forget the people who put their lives on the line for you every day. Some of them have paid a horrible price for that.

I've seen the Army struggle with how to handle the wounded warriors and I've seen some of the mistakes they've made, but rest assured they're working hard to do the right thing. It isn't just the Army, though, that's working hard. I'm amazed at the number of civilians who have stepped up to offer what help they can. The men and women of the Wounded Warriors Battalion are frequently invited to get away for a day or two by generous citizens who take them to sporting events, hunting and fishing trips or just a barbeque on post.

These events provide a break from the monotony of daily PT and medical care, but more than that they give the soldiers a day to put all the "baggage" on the shelf and relax. Participation by the soldiers is less than universal, but for those who do take advantage of the opportunities, a welcome respite awaits.

Makes me proud to be an American.