Black Caesar: The Rise and Disppearance of Frank Matthews, Kingpin
When I was presented with this book for review, I was immediately intrigued. I wasn't disappointed. The book was very interesting. Even though not a lot of details are clear about Frank Matthews life and disappearance, the author did a great job of presenting a pretty good picture of how Frank became one of the largest drug runners in the US. I thought the investigation and take down was pretty cool. Even on a shoe string budget, the investigators involved were able to put together a pretty solid case. They were also able to close down his operation. Frank Matthews was reported to be a generous man with money. The thing that struck me about this whole situation was that not one person who was interview expressed regret that the money they took from Frank came from the sale of cocaine. Even the children's tutor expressed regret that he was losing his job after Frank was arrested. That had me shaking my head.
What happened to Frank Matthews? I don't think we will ever know. The authorities have been searching for 40 years with no clues. The author gives a pretty good argument that he is probably dead. I'm inclined to agree. Read the book and decide for yourself.
