Dark side of Frank Sinatra and Mafia connections revealed in Lavenham author's new book

When you mention Frank Sinatra, most will conjure up an image of one of the most popular musicians and entertainers of the 20th century.

Far lower in the public consciousness, however, is Ol’ Blue Eyes’ reported ties to the upper echelons of the American Mafia.

But a new book released today – co-written by a Suffolk-based author and a former US detective – seeks to explore the extent of this connection as never seen before.

Frank Sinatra and the Mafia Murders draws upon previously-unreleased police files, FBI documents and new interviews to reveal how Sinatra’s life and career were inextricably linked to the Mafia.

The book is the latest collaboration between Hollywood biographer Douglas Thompson and veteran Los Angeles police detective Mike Rothmiller, after 2021’s Bombshell, which sought to reveal the true story of the death of Marilyn Monroe.

Mr Thompson – who has lived in Lavenham with his wife Lesley for over a decade – said this latest title is a “completely new focus on Sinatra and a new look at the man”.

This includes how Sinatra sought the help of his ‘godfather’ Sam Giancana, one of America’s most notorious mobsters, to help track down his 19-year-old son, Frank Jr, following his kidnapping in 1963.

The Mafia’s involvement is thought to have led to nine murders, as Giancana’s hoodlums pursued clues as to Frank Jr’s whereabouts.

Mr Thompson told Suffolk News: “Sinatra always had a reputation of being connected to the Mafia, but when we investigated, this was the predominant thing in his life.

"The mob were always around him and he knew everyone, even some of the founders of the American Mafia. They helped him and he acted as the go-between with the Kennedys and the Mafia.

"There have been many books written about Sinatra which mention the mob connection, but I had no idea just how deeply he was not just involved, but it was part of his being in his day-to-day life.

“That took me into talking to people who knew him and, at the same time, backing it up with the police and FBI files.

“I was the writer and Mike had the investigative skills. Between us, we were able to put this all together.

“I think the book gives an understanding of history. There have been plenty of biographies written about Sinatra, but this focuses on the Mafia connection.”

He added: “These books are not so much about Sinatra or Monroe. It’s more about the history of the time, but you need a name to pull people in.

“I think what keeps people reading is the detail. It shows how police departments and governments worked at the time, both the good and, mostly, the bad.”

Frank Sinatra and the Mafia Murders is out today from Ad Lib Publishing.