Black Mass: Whitey Bulger, the FBI, and a Devil's Deal Theme of Justice and Judgment

If you hate injustice, then Black Mass might drive you clinically insane.

Documenting perhaps the most heinous example of corruption in FBI history, the book follows Whitey Bulger, a big-time Boston gangster who's just scored a new gig—as an FBI informant.
Instead of helping the government take down the bad guys, however, Bulger makes the government help him, using their protection to escape punishment and build up his own criminal empire. It's enough to drive you up the wall. Thankfully, Whitey's cockiness eventually catches up with him, and Lady Justice lands the final blow in the battle of the Bulger.

Questions About Justice and Judgment

  1. In what ways does the Organized Crime Squad subvert justice? Could it be possible for them to pursue justice with Whitey as an informant?
  2. What personal characteristic of Fred Wyshak help him bring Bulger to justice? What about his personal history?
  3. Is Bulger fittingly punished for his crimes? Defend your position.
  4. Is there anyone who escapes justice by the end of Black Mass? If so, explain.