TRUE TO THE CODE: NICODEMO SCARFO
Welcome to the official media kit for "True to the Code: Nicodemo Scarfo" - a compelling exploration into the life and moral code of one of America's most notorious organized crime figures. This comprehensive resource provides journalists, reviewers, and media professionals with essential information about this groundbreaking publication.
Authored by veteran crime journalist McKinley Horton and historian Katja Horelli, in collaboration with Thomas C. Marris and Philip Pasha, with expert consultation from Nicky Rings, this work represents the definitive account of Scarfo's complex legacy. Published by MC Posh LLC.
Michael Farr MC Posh LLC
Email: mckinleyhorton@gmail.com
Phone: 678-622-1813
Exclusive Prison Interview Footage
Our publication includes rare footage from Scarfo's final prison interview, conducted in his cell at the Federal Correctional Institution.
This never-before-seen content provides intimate insights into Scarfo's mindset during his final years of incarceration.
The interview reveals Scarfo's reflections on loyalty, family, and his unwavering commitment to his personal code.
BOOK DESIGN & VISUAL IDENTITY
Cover Symbolism
The cover design incorporates symbolic mafia imagery against an urban backdrop, representing the shadowy world Scarfo inhabited. The vintage typography evokes the era of his reign.
Color Scheme
A black and red palette dominates the book's visual identity, reflecting the darkness of Scarfo's world and the violence that defined his career.
Typography
Bold, vintage-inspired fonts capture the historical context while ensuring readability. Gold accents highlight key elements like the title and author names.
OVERVIEW & THEMES

Historical Insight
Detailed examination of Scarfo's era in organized crime
Moral Complexity
Analysis of the contradictory "code" that governed his actions
Original Research
Never-before-accessed information and exclusive interviews
"True to the Code: Nicodemo Scarfo" delves into the life and legacy of Nicodemo 'Little Nicky' Scarfo, revealing the moral code that governed his climb to power in American organized crime. This meticulously researched work bridges history, ethics, and underworld lore to provide readers with a nuanced understanding of Scarfo's psychology.
Designed for true crime enthusiasts, historians, and readers curious about the personal motivations behind major mafia figures, this book offers a compelling examination of how principles—however twisted—shaped one of organized crime's most violent chapters.
THE AUTHOR TEAM
McKinley Horton
Veteran True Crime Journalist with over 20 years covering organized crime. Horton has been widely published in major publications and brings firsthand investigative experience to this project.
Katja Horelli
Historian specializing in 20th-century social movements and the societal conditions that enabled organized crime to flourish in America's urban centers. Her academic rigor complements Horton's journalistic approach.
Thomas C. Marris & Philip Pasha
Collaborators who contributed essential research and editorial expertise. Their background in historical documentation and archival research provided crucial context and source material.
Nicky Rings
Consultant with unique insights into the Philadelphia crime scene of Scarfo's era. Rings provided valuable perspective on the unwritten rules that governed Scarfo's world.
BOOK DETAILS
SYNOPSIS

Rise to Power
Scarfo's ambitious climb through Philadelphia's criminal hierarchy
The Code
The unwritten rules that governed his decisions and relationships
Legacy
The lasting impact of Scarfo's reign on organized crime in America
This book explores how an unwritten moral code influenced Scarfo's decisions, bridging history, ethics, and underworld lore. Readers learn about Scarfo's rise to power, the violence he wielded, and the ramifications of a 'code' that demanded total loyalty while betraying its own principles.
Through extensive research and interviews with those who witnessed Scarfo's reign, the authors construct a compelling narrative that examines not just what happened, but why. The result is a nuanced portrait of a complex figure whose contradictions continue to fascinate crime historians decades later.
SAMPLE CHAPTER: THE OATH
"The oath was everything. But an oath is only as good as the man who takes it. And Scarfo's interpretation of the code would reshape Philadelphia's underworld forever."
1
June 8, 1981
As the summer heat settled over Philadelphia, Scarfo called a meeting at the Italian-American club on Snyder Avenue. Those who attended didn't realize they were witnessing the beginning of the bloodiest era in the city's organized crime history.
2
The Message
"Loyalty isn't just given," Scarfo told his captains that evening, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's proven." Three men who had questioned his leadership would be dead within a week.
3
The Aftermath
The bodies were discovered scattered across South Philadelphia, each execution a message that the code—Scarfo's code—was now the only law that mattered in the city's criminal underworld.
PRESS & PRAISE
"An enthralling exploration of Scarfo's hidden ethos."
— True Crime Quarterly
"Horton and Horelli expertly blend historical fact with compelling storytelling."
— Crime & Culture Podcast
"The definitive account of Philadelphia's darkest crime era."
— Philadelphia Inquirer
"A masterclass in true crime writing that transcends the genre."
— Publishers Weekly
Notable coverage includes features on the Underworld Insights podcast, where the authors discussed Scarfo's complex personality, and a major feature in City Tribune diving into the moral paradoxes that defined his leadership. The book has also been selected for the True Crime Book Club's fall reading list.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1
What makes this book unique?
Unlike previous works on Scarfo that focus primarily on his crimes, this book examines the personal "code" that drove his decisions, featuring never-before-accessed information from those who knew him personally.
2
Who is the target audience?
True crime enthusiasts, mafia historians, and ethically minded readers interested in the psychology behind organized crime figures. The book appeals to both casual readers and serious crime history scholars.
3
Is there an audiobook version?
Yes, narrated by award-winning voice actor James Martinelli, known for his authentic portrayal of Italian-American historical figures. The audiobook includes bonus interview content not available in print editions.
4
Where can I purchase the book?
Available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, independent bookstores nationwide, and directly through the MC Posh LLC website. Special signed editions can be ordered exclusively online.
KEY TALKING POINTS

1

1
Loyalty vs. Manipulation
How Scarfo weaponized the concept of loyalty

Socioeconomic Context
The conditions that enabled Scarfo's rise to power

Criminal Ethics
The contradictory moral framework of organized crime

4

4
Collaborative Research
The unique multi-perspective approach of the authors
These key points provide journalists and reviewers with thematic angles to explore in coverage. The authors are particularly interested in discussing how Scarfo's personal interpretation of the mafia code differed from his predecessors, creating a reign defined by unprecedented violence.
The book also examines the lasting impact of Scarfo's leadership on Philadelphia's organized crime landscape and how his extreme methods ultimately led to the downfall of the very organization he sought to strengthen.
INTERVIEW TOPICS
Research Methodology
The authors can discuss their five-year investigation process, including interviews with former associates, law enforcement officials, and family members of victims. This detective-like approach reveals how they pieced together the true story behind the headlines.
Historical Context
Explore how changing demographics, economic pressures, and the evolution of law enforcement strategies in 1970s-80s Philadelphia created the perfect environment for Scarfo's rise. The authors provide insight into this crucial but often overlooked aspect.
Psychological Profile
The authors worked with criminal psychologists to develop an understanding of Scarfo's mindset and motivations. This analysis offers fascinating insights into how someone can justify extreme violence through a distorted moral framework.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
This comparative analysis demonstrates how "True to the Code" stands apart from previous works on Scarfo and organized crime in Philadelphia. While other books have focused on specific aspects of Scarfo's story, none have combined the historical depth, psychological insight, and exclusive source material present in this definitive work.
The authors conducted over 200 hours of interviews, accessed previously sealed court documents, and incorporated expertise from law enforcement professionals who worked the Scarfo cases directly. This comprehensive approach provides readers with the most complete picture of Scarfo's world ever published.
MEDIA ASSETS
The complete media kit includes high-resolution images for use in coverage. All images are cleared for media usage in connection with book coverage. Additional materials available upon request include:
  • Extended author bios and availability for interviews
  • Historical photographs of Scarfo's Philadelphia (with appropriate rights clearances)
  • Timeline infographics of key events in Scarfo's rise and fall
  • Audio clips from interviews with law enforcement officials
  • B-roll footage of key locations for broadcast media
NEXT STEPS
Request Review Materials
Contact our publicity team to receive advance review copies in your preferred format (print, digital, or audio). Media professionals can also request exclusive excerpts tailored to your publication's audience.
Schedule Interviews
Book time with the authors through our online calendar system. Interview slots are available beginning six weeks before publication and continuing through the launch period. Both in-person and virtual options are available.
Access Additional Resources
Visit our media portal at www.mcposhllc.com/media for downloadable high-resolution images, author headshots, extended biographies, and supplemental historical materials to enhance your coverage.
Publication Coverage
We appreciate advance notice of planned coverage dates. Our team can provide additional support for feature articles, including fact-checking assistance and complementary resources specific to your angle.
Thank you for your interest in "True to the Code: Nicodemo Scarfo." We look forward to working with you to bring this compelling story to your audience.
Contact & Media Inquiries
Interview Availability
McKinley Horton available Tuesday, May 6th and Thursday, May 8th, 2025 from 7am-1pm ET.
Media Contact
Reach our publicity team through the online portal at McPoshLLC.com/media.
Interview Topics
Exclusive revelations, comparative analysis with other mob figures, upcoming film adaptation.
Press Materials
Advanced review copies available in print, digital, and audio formats.
Additional content available upon request, including exclusive excerpts tailored to your audience and B-roll footage of key Philadelphia locations.
TRUE TO THE MAFIA CODE
PHILLY STYLE
New book spotlights the life of Notorious Philadelphia Mob Figure Nicodemo “Little Nicky” Scarfo
TRUE TO THE CODE : NICODEMO SCARFO gives readers a front row seat to the rise and fall of the Phiadelphia Mob Boss
Interview Available: Co Author: McKinley Horton - Veteran True Crime Journalist with over 20 years covering organized crime.
Tuesday , May 6th 2025 , Thursday May 8th 2025 7 am ET -1pm ET
True to the Code: Nicodemo Scarfo is a compelling exploration into the life and moral code of one of America's most notorious organized crime figures.
Authored by veteran crime journalist McKinley Horton and historian Katja Horelli, in collaboration with Thomas C. Harris and Philip Pasha, with expert consultation from Nicky Rings, this work represents the definitive account of Scarfo's complex legacy.
Published by MC Posh LLC, “True to the Code: Nicodemo Scarfo”delves into the life and legacy of Nicodemo 'Little Nicky' Scarfo, revealing the moral code that governed his climb to power in American organized crime.
This meticulously researched work bridges history, ethics, and underworld lore to provide readers with a nuanced understanding of Scarfo's psychology.
Designed for true crime enthusiasts, historians, and readers curious about the personal motivations behind major mafia figures, this book offers a compelling examination of how principles, however twisted, shaped one of organized crime's most violent chapters.
Topics that will be discussed include
What makes Nicodemo “Little Nicky” Scarfo’s life so compelling?
What lead to the rise and fall of this notorious mob figure?
How does ‘Little Nicky” stack up against some of the other larger than life organized crime figures like Gotti ,Genovese , Testa ?
What type of new facts or information is being revealed in this book for the first time ?
Film is in the making which may involve names like Johnny Depp or Austin Butler how important is it for the right type of actor to play Little Nicky ?
Station Note : This segment is brought to you by McPoshPublishing LLC
CONTACT & MEDIA INQUIRIES
24/7
Media Response Time
Our publicity team is committed to responding promptly to all media inquiries
50+
Available Review Copies
Digital and print advance copies for qualified reviewers
15
Major Media Appearances
Already scheduled across print, digital, and broadcast platforms
For media inquiries, review copies, interview requests, or additional materials, please contact:
Michael Farr MC Posh LLC
Email: mckinleyhorton@gmail.com
Phone: 678-622-1813
The authors are available for in-person and virtual interviews, panel discussions, bookstore events, podcast appearances, and feature article interviews. A comprehensive press tour is scheduled to begin one month prior to publication date.