The Sly-Fanner Murders: The Birth of the Mayfield Road Mob; Cleveland's Most Notorious Mafia Gang Paperback – June 25, 2014

This century old murder still reverberates with Cleveland crime buffs. This botched robbery left a total of nine people dead, directly or indirectly as the result of the events of December 31,1920. I read the book with great interest. One of the CPD officers who figures prominently in the story was George Matowitz. At the time of the murders he was a captain in the CPD's detective bureau. He was also my grandfather. This excellent book makes clear exactly what happened and tells a story I couldn't learn directly from him. He died years before I was born.He was quoted at length. Hearing his account in his own words really struck a nerve. After more than fifty years with my father I certainly recognized the speech patterns. I consider the book to be invaluable, and likely to remain the last word on this sad event and its consequences. I liked the follow up at the end of the book that provided details of the subsequent lives of the major characters.I regret that this book did not appear in time for my father and his older brother Clayton to read it. They would have been very gratified to read this account of the case that represented a turning point in the life of a beloved father they honored as long as they lived.Well done, Mr. May.

The actual reason I love this book is because it is about our family. Dominic Benigno is my father inlaws uncle.

My family is from Cleveland. My dad grew up on Murray Hill Rd. I was excited to to read this book. However, it was the LOOOOOONGEST, most boring read I have ever come across, in this genre. No story. Just a bunch of long winded, unexciting details of the court trials, and prison interviews of the arrested men. By the time I was 3/4 done reading, the book had only mentioned the Mayfield Road Mob two or three times, with NO information about the MRM. This book is weak.

Great book.

Another true crime book for other crime buffs to enjoy.