According to a new book, "Excellent Cadavers" by Alexander Stille, Italian prosecutors became notably less aggressive in combatting the Mafia.

"Excellent Cadavers" does not dwell on the Mafiosi themselves, refusing them the honor of being cast as larger-than-life movie protagonists once again.

In Sicily the term "Excellent Cadaver" is used to distinguish the assassination of prominent government officials from the common criminals and ordinary citizens killed by the Mafia.

Excellent Cadavers (1999)

Excellent Cadavers.

Until you read "Excellent Cadavers," you probably don't.

"Excellent Cadavers" shows that the Italian Mafia is vastly more entrenched in everyday life than its American counterpart, and more daring in its murderousness.

The trials, which might have been a kind of crime-fighting climax, are actually where the drama of "Excellent Cadavers" begins.

Stille, Alexander (1995), Excellent Cadavers.

Excellent Cadavers (1999, television)