About A Gun in my Gucci
Named one of the Best True Crime Books curated by Amazon Book Review Editor, Chris Schluen
Synopsis
A Gun in My Gucci is a true story of two “outsiders” who helped bring down the Chicago Mob — the middle-aged mobster Ken “Tokyo Joe” Eto, and a determined young woman, Elaine Corbitt Smith. In the early 1980s, Joe Eto was the highest-ranking Asian-American mob associate in the country. His nemesis, rookie Elaine Smith was one of a few female Special Agents in the FBI at that time. Only three percent of FBI Agents were women in 1979. Her relentless pursuit of Eto resulted in his detention by the Bureau on interstate gambling charges. Afraid that he would “spill his guts”, Eto's Mob bosses decided not to gamble on Joe’s ability to remain silent. He had to be eliminated and a “hit” was ordered. Joe Eto would never talk, nevertheless the Mob still tried to kill him. But the “hit” was botched and Tokyo Joe walked away with three bullets in his head. Alive, with his honor intact, he was now released from any loyalty to the mob. He was ready to talk, but only to Special Agent Elaine Smith. Over time, Eto's testimony released a waterfall of evidence and information which led to arrests, convictions, and long sentences for many of Chicago’s top mobsters. A Gun in My Gucci reveals the special relationship between Joe Eto and his FBI handler Elaine Smith, who went from school teacher to crime-buster. Smith’s story exposes her tough climb up the ladder of acceptance and ultimate success as she broke into the macho, male-dominated criminal justice system, and helped take down the Chicago Outfit.
“A princess with gun, the jock with sig, and a bureaucracy called the FBI. Joe Eto knew what waited for him at the end of a gun. But he never expected what he found when he met “The Smiths”.”
“Wonderful book and so insightful on workings of the Chicago mob. Growing up in Chicago we knew the mob had power but did not understand the mechanics and extent of the evil. Also great insight to the FBI and the extent to which they go to protect us Americans. Book is extremely well written and holds your attention. One of those can’t-put-down books.”
Excerpt of Chapter 1
Read by the author, E.C. Smith