"I go for the pulled chicken sandwich with black beans and Joe orders the Texas chili."      Jay Atkinson, Legends of Winter Hill

March 28, 2006, From The Boston Globe: "Author Jay Atkinson made an announcement that left most of the 250 people speechless at a party to mark the paperback release of his book Legends of Winter Hill: Cops, Con Men, and Joe McCain, the Last Real Detective. He declared his candidacy for Massachusetts governor. 'In a world where Kevin Weeks is on '60 Minutes,' then why can't I be governor?' joked Atkinson, referring to...

James "Whitey" Bulger's henchman and the proliferation of books by those formerly associated with the South Boston mob. 'To hear all these guys say they are authors...What are they going to write about next, the French Revolution?'"

When we were scouting for locations to hold the Legends of Winter Hill paperback release party, we had to look no further than the title of chapter 4: Redbones. The fact that there was a T stop close by, and there would be catfish and pulled pork involved, made it a no-brainer.

Members of Big Joe McCain's family were on hand, including his widow, Helen, and son Joe Jr, currently a Sergeant with the Somerville Police Department. A couple of Big Joe's grandkids performed in their thunderous rock band - WOW! The future of rock and roll is in good hands with these kids. Also in attendance were authors Elizabeth Searle, Timothy Gager and radio guy Hank Morse.

You know it's a party when both major Boston newspapers cover it: From The Boston Herald: "Tracked Down: Legends of Winter Hill" author Jay Atkinson partying at Redbones in Somerville at his paperback release bash."

Thanks to Caryn, Rob, JB, Anne & everyone else at Redbones for being gracious and generous hosts. Thanks also to the McCain family, the bands, Jen & Kate, and last but not least Jay Atkinson for writing such a great book.

Who else was there? Take a look:

Other Appearances

Stoneham Public Library 5/24/2006

read The Stoneham Independent article

Harvard Square Oktoberfest 10/2/2005

Somerville Public Library 4/24/2005

Recorded for broadcast on SCAT

Mike Barnicle radio program on WTKK

Links

Official Jay Atkinson Site

Read Chapter One of Legends

International Herald Tribune Profile

Methuen Mayor Lends Support  (page 3)

© 2007 Haley Booksellers