From Crystal Club Soda to Gertrude Hawk Chocolate

One of the fastest-selling books in Northeastern Pennsylvania is not a national best seller, or even a new book. “I Heard You Paint Houses: Frank ‘the Irishman’ Sheeran and Closing the Case of Jimmy Hoffa,” (Steerforth, 2004) by Charles Brandt, is based on the deathbed confession of a mafia hit man who claims to have killed Teamsters union leader Jimmy Hoffa on the orders of Russell Bufalino, the reputed mob boss from West Pittston. The book owes its resurgence to the travails of Mount Airy Casino Resort owner Louis DeNaples and his friend, diocesan priest the Rev. Joseph Sica, who made headlines after indictments challenged their characterization of their relationship with Mr. Bufalino, his alleged successor William D’Elia, and others. [Times-Tribune]