#38: Interview with Ray Franze, Author of ‘The Heights,’ A Historical-Fiction Mob Novel About the Chicago Heights Crew

The Gangland History Podcast: An Organized Crime & Mafia History Podcast

In this episode, we talk with Ray Franze author of ‘The Heights.’

The Heights is a historical mob fiction novel based upon the early days a very real and powerful crew of Italians in Chicago Heights, Illinois that became one of the most powerful, but least well-known, crews in the Chicago Outfit (as well as nationally).

Fox News Chicago has called The Heights “A masterful dive into mob history.”

• Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Heights-Ray-Franze/dp/1955058083
• Blue Handle Publishing: https://www.bluehandlepublishing.com/ray-franze
• Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheightsnovel/
• Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writerrayfranze

Here is a brief synopsis of the book:

“FALL IN LINE, OR FALL IN A GRAVE

After 30 years of research and scouring 5,000 pages of FBI files, The Heights was born. Inspired by true events and racketeers who ruthlessly fought their way into Al Capone's inner circle and expanded organized crime across the American West.

It's hard to believe Sal Liparello has survived long enough to enjoy a midday scotch on his California tomato farm.

The sixty-something crime boss from Chicago Heights helped take out Sicilian gangs, advised Al Capone on some of his biggest moves, and rubbed elbows with the Kennedys, Sinatra, and Marilyn Monroe - all while avoiding the likes of Eliot Ness and J. Edgar Hoover.

But as he surveys the fruits of his labor, Sal also remembers the cost of staying above ground and out of prison.

And all those decisions are about to catch up with him.”

In the episode, we dive deep into the book and talk about:

• The characters and their backgrounds
• The process of mixing real history within a fictional novel following a single character
• The question of historical fiction versus non-fiction writing
• The writing process and getting published
• Weaving in real characters such as Al Capone, Tony Accardo, and even Eliot Ness

Additionally, we dig deep into the real history behind ‘The Heights’ to discuss the real-life counterparts of some of the characters within the books. We discuss the origins of the Chicago Heights crew and how they eventually joined forces with Al Capone to become a part of the larger Chicago Outfit in the 1920's and beyond.

We also discuss their exploits and their potential part in planning the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Mentioned in this episode are:

• Francesco Lipperatti (also known by the name “Frank LaPorte”)
• Vincenzo Ameratti (also known by the name “Jimmy Emery”)
• Dominico Roberto (also known by the name “Dominic Roberto”)

These three men were the core leaders of the Chicago Heights crew in the 1920's that murdered their way to the top of Chicago Heights, formed partnerships with Al Capone and eventually were brought into the Chicago Outfit under Capone. They ran bootlegging in what Eliot Ness dubbed “the second wettest city in America” behind Cicero, Illinois, and provided shooters and brains whenever Capone needed them.

These three men ran Chicago Heights for the Outfit from the 1920's into the early 1970's before the crew was taken over by younger (and more violent) elements of the family. Yet, their history and relative importance in the national crime syndicate is relatively unknown.

Additional source: https://www.myalcaponemuseum.com/id193.htm