Making The Hit List

Roberto Saviano used to cruise around Naples on his Vespa for material that would one day fill his book about the criminal underworld. His anonymity provided ample cover as he trolled for tips and frequented murder scenes. "Over time, my face became known," the 28-year-old writes in Gomorra, a riveting account of the Naples Mob. "[But] in territory under surveillance every second anything that isn't a hindrance is considered neutral."

But with 100,000 copies sold since April, Saviano is no longer considered neutral, and no longer safe. After getting death threats from the local organized crime syndicate,...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!