Misión suicida

This issue of *Misión suicida*, translated from English by M. Giménez and published by Editorial Bruguera in September 1953, is a detective novel by Alar Benet depicting organized crime in the United States. The author's prefatory note establishes the fictional foundation on actual crime syndicates allegedly controlled by Lucky Luciano from Italy, with operations managed by figures like Tony Accardo and Frank Costello, generating billions annually through slot machines, gambling, drugs, and prostitution. Chapter One opens in Chicago at 3 a.m., where gang boss Morgan White meets Andrew Elliot bearing news that rival leader Larry Bolt has been assassinated by a disguised gunman with a violin case containing a submachine gun. War is declared between the gangs. White escapes an ambush by climbing through trees, then encounters Elliot in a tavern where a young card player is being swindled by professional cheaters. The narrative captures the brutal mechanics of gang violence and corruption in urban America.