AOTW- Gus Pelagatti

Gus Pelagatti

About the Author:

I’m a practicing trial lawyer with over 47 years of experience trying civil and criminal cases, including homicide.


I’m a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, limited to attorneys who have been recognized as achieving a standard of excellence as a trial expert.
I’ve spent years researching the true story of the 1938 insurance scam murders, interviewing judges, lawyers, police and neighbors involved in the trials.


I was born and raised within blocks of the main conspirator’s tailor shop and the homes of many of the wives convicted of murdering their husbands.


You can find Gus at: His Website | Blog | Goodreads | Twitter |

Interview with Gus Pelagatti

Gus Pelagatti is author of The Wicked Wives.

Holly: Hello, Gus! Would you mind telling us a little about yourself?

Gus Pelagatti: I’m a practicing trial lawyer with over 47 years of experience trying civil and criminal cases, including homicide.

I’m a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, limited to attorneys who have been recognized as achieving a standard of excellence as a trial expert.
I’ve spent years researching the true story of the 1938 insurance scam murders, interviewing judges, lawyers, police and neighbors involved in the trials.

I was born and raised within blocks of the main conspirator’s tailor shop and the homes of many of the wives convicted of murdering their husbands.


Holly: When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?


Gus Pelagatti: I was born in 1938 at a time when Philadelphia citizens learned of the local poison murder scandals. Giorgio DiSipio, the book’s mastermind conspirator, had a tailor shop and apartment located two blocks from my family’s home in South Philadelphia.


As I grew up, I would often eavesdrop on adult conversation concerning the evil and unfaithful wicked wives. When I was old enough my mother explained the scandals to me.


I’ve always wanted to write a novel about these infamous wives and lovers.


Holly: Your first novel, The Wicked Wives is a crime and mystery novel. Can you tell us a little about this novel and its characters?


Gus Pelagatti: "Wicked Wives" is based on the true story of the 1938 Philadelphia murder scandals in which seventeen wives were arrested for murdering their husbands.

Mastermind conspirator Giorgio DiSipio, a stunning lothario and local tailor who preys upon disenchanted and unfaithful wives, convinces twelve of them to kill their spouses for insurance money.

The murder conspiracy is very successful until one lone assistant D.A., Tom Rossi, uncovers the plot and brings the perpetrators to justice.

"Wicked Wives" is a story made for Hollywood, combining murder, corruption, treachery, love, lust and phenomenal detail as it vividly captures Depression-era Philadelphia.


Holly: From what I understand this novel is based on a true story?


Gus Pelagatti: Yes. This novel is based upon the true story of Philadelphia’s notorious poison murder scandals of 1938.


Holly: Where can we purchase it at?


Gus Pelagatti: Amazon.com & Borders


Holly: Do you have any plans for another novel, maybe in 2012?

Gus Pelagatti: Yes. It’s a sequel to “The Wicked Wives” and is also a novel based on a true story. Entitled “Benito’s Gold,” the book takes place during World War II (1941-1945).

Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini had millions in gold, cash and jewels when he attempted to flee to Switzerland in 1945. Before he was executed, someone or group stole his entire treasure and murdered those who knew the thieves.

The book features two main characters from “The Wicked Wives” — Tom Rossi (who is now a U.S. Army major) and Hope Daniels.


Holly: Do you have anything you would like to say to your readers?


Gus Pelagatti: The wives were not tea totlers The novel is rated R..


Holly: Can you tell us a bit about your publishing experience?


Gus Pelagatti: This is my first novel.

Random Quickies!


Holly: Peppermint or Butterscotch?


Gus Pelagatti: Scotch whiskey


Holly: Do you use a bookmark, a stray piece of paper, or do you dog ear the page of your books?


Gus Pelagatti: Stray piece of paper


Holly: All time favorite book?


Gus Pelagatti: The Godfather


Holly: Do you know a movie or show that could compare to it?


Gus Pelagatti: No, but I’ve written a screen play of The Wicked Wives.

Books by Gus Pelagatti

The Wicked Wives