The book, available on Amazon.com, expands on a story Veasey first told from the witness stand in U.S. District Court in 1995.
It details his early life growing up in South Philadelphia, his role as an enforcer for the Stanfa organization, the attempt on his life - two Stanfa associates shot him three times in the head, but he survived - and the hits he carried out. Those hits include the murders of Frank Baldino (killed outside the Melrose Diner) and Michael Ciancaglini, and the attempted murder of Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino.
It also tracks his decision to cooperate, the murder of his brother Billy, his testimony in the Stanfa trial, and his new life as a highly successful car salesman somewhere in the Midwest.
"I try to just be happy every day," Veasey said in an interview with Marnie Hall of Philly.com. "I go to work every day. I kind of like it."
The story of redemption and Veasey's media blitz have raised more than a few eyebrows on the streets of South Philadelphia, particularly among mob members and associates who targeted him or whom he targeted during the mob war in the 1990s.
"He's never going to change," one former mob rival said. Federal authorities routinely warn Merlino associates whenever Veasey slips back into town, he said.
"He's nothing but trouble," added another.
The interview with Philly.com offers a study in contrasts. Veasey is self-effacing one moment, full of street-corner bravado the next.
He talks about turning his life around, then takes potshots at his old enemies.
Most of his taunts were aimed at Merlino, recently released from prison and now living in Florida.
