Doug Feiden’s The Ten Million Dollar Getaway takes readers deep into the world of organized crime, detailing the audacious Lufthansa Heist of 1978. This meticulously executed robbery at New York’s JFK Airport resulted in the theft of nearly $10 million in cash and valuables, making it one of the most lucrative heists in American history. Feiden’s work captures not only the adrenaline-pumping execution of the heist but also the paranoia and deadly fallout that ensued.
The Crime: A Masterpiece of Criminal Strategy
The Lufthansa Heist was the culmination of careful planning by a group of New York mobsters with ties to the Lucchese crime family. The crime was strategically conceived with the help of an airport insider, who provided detailed information about the cargo schedule and security weaknesses. On December 11, 1978, the gang stormed the cargo area, subduing employees and seizing millions in untraceable currency transported monthly from West Germany.
Feiden vividly describes the tense moments as the crew breached the airport’s high-security zones and made their escape without triggering alarms. The heist itself lasted only minutes, but its precision reflected months of strategic plotting. For a brief moment, it seemed like the gang had pulled off the perfect crime.
The Aftermath: Greed, Betrayal, and Violence
What followed was a descent into chaos. Feiden paints a harrowing picture of how greed and mistrust unraveled the lives of those involved. As the stolen money failed to circulate due to intense scrutiny from law enforcement, tensions within the group escalated. Leaders like James Burke, better known as “Jimmy the Gent,” resorted to extreme measures to eliminate perceived threats.
Paranoia ran rampant, leading to a wave of murders. Accomplices and associates began disappearing one by one, their bodies discovered in gruesome circumstances or not at all. Feiden’s detailed recounting of these events provides a chilling glimpse into the cutthroat world of organized crime, where loyalty is fleeting and betrayal can be fatal.
The FBI’s Investigation
Despite the Mafia’s tight-lipped code of silence, the FBI worked relentlessly to crack the case. Feiden highlights the agency’s innovative tactics and sheer determination in piecing together the puzzle. Wiretaps, informants, and forensic breakthroughs painted a clearer picture of the heist and its players, but obtaining convictions proved challenging.
Feiden delves into the frustrations faced by investigators as key witnesses were murdered, evidence vanished, and the criminals continued to elude justice. Even decades later, the full story behind the heist remains shrouded in mystery, adding to its enduring allure.
Cultural Impact: A Crime that Captured the Imagination
The Lufthansa Heist has become a cultural touchstone, immortalized in films like Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas and the novel The Big Heist. Feiden’s book stands out for its dedication to factual accuracy and its focus on the human stories behind the crime. By exploring the motivations, fears, and flaws of the criminals, Feiden adds depth to a tale often romanticized in popular media.
The book also serves as a broader commentary on the nature of organized crime. It reveals the fragility of criminal alliances and the devastating consequences of unchecked greed. Feiden’s storytelling is as much about the individuals as it is about the crime itself, making it a compelling read for true-crime enthusiasts and casual readers alike.
Reviews and Reception
Critics have praised The Ten Million Dollar Getaway for its engaging narrative and meticulous research. Feiden’s ability to blend historical context with riveting storytelling has earned him accolades from readers and reviewers. One critic noted that Feiden “brings a cinematic quality to the tale,” while others applauded the book’s balanced portrayal of both the criminals and their pursuers.
Readers appreciate how Feiden avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on the gritty realities of the crime and its aftermath. The book’s detailed examination of the heist’s players and their motives has been described as both fascinating and haunting.
Read the Full Novel Here
The Ten Million Dollar Getaway: The Inside Story of the Lufthansa Heist by Doug Feiden | Goodreads
About the Author
Doug Feiden is an accomplished journalist and author known for his investigative prowess and vivid storytelling. With a career spanning several decades, Feiden has covered a wide range of topics, from organized crime to political scandals. His deep commitment to uncovering the truth and presenting it compellingly has made him a respected figure in the field of true crime writing. The Ten Million Dollar Getaway is a testament to his ability to turn complex historical events into captivating narratives that resonate with readers.
