I Heard You Paint Houses summary

Understanding the Life of a Hitman

In I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt, we are introduced to Frank Sheeran, a man who lived a double life. On the surface, he was a devoted family man and a truck driver. However, he was also a hitman for the Bufalino crime family. The title of the book, I Heard You Paint Houses, refers to the euphemism for killing someone, with the 'paint' representing the blood that splatters on the walls.

Sheeran's life as a hitman began during World War II, where he served as a soldier. His time in the war was brutal, and he was involved in numerous killings. This experience desensitized him to violence, making it easier for him to transition into a life of crime after the war. He was soon introduced to Russell Bufalino, a powerful mob boss, and began working for him.

Sheeran's Role in the Disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa

One of the most significant events in Sheeran's life was his involvement in the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa, the powerful leader of the Teamsters Union. Hoffa was a close friend of Sheeran, and the two shared a strong bond. However, their friendship was put to the test when Hoffa began to challenge the authority of the Mafia, which had significant control over the union.

Sheeran was ordered by Bufalino to lure Hoffa to a meeting, where he was killed. Sheeran claims to have carried out the murder, and his account of the events leading up to Hoffa's disappearance is chilling. He describes how he shot Hoffa twice in the back of the head, and the body was disposed of in a crematorium. The book suggests that Hoffa's body was never found because it was completely destroyed.

Sheeran's Confessions and the Kennedy Assassination

Sheeran's confessions don't stop at Hoffa's murder. He also claims to have been involved in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. According to Sheeran, the Mafia was unhappy with Kennedy's administration, and they believed that his brother, Attorney General Robert Kennedy, was targeting them. Sheeran alleges that he was part of a team that was involved in the assassination, and that the hit was carried out from a grassy knoll.

These claims are controversial and have been met with skepticism. However, Brandt presents Sheeran's confessions without judgment, allowing readers to form their own opinions. Sheeran's accounts are detailed and consistent, and he maintains that he is telling the truth until his death in 2003.

The Aftermath and Legacy of Sheeran's Life

After Hoffa's disappearance, Sheeran continued to work for the Bufalino crime family. He was involved in various criminal activities, including loan sharking and labor racketeering. However, as he grew older, Sheeran began to feel remorse for his actions. He became a devout Catholic and sought redemption for his sins, even confessing his crimes to a priest.

In conclusion, I Heard You Paint Houses is a gripping account of Frank Sheeran's life as a hitman. Brandt presents Sheeran's confessions in a straightforward manner, leaving it up to the readers to decide whether to believe them or not. Sheeran's story is a dark and complex one, shedding light on the inner workings of the Mafia and the consequences of a life of crime.