Mafia Spies understands the spy novel origins of the “mob hits public enemy number one” concept better than all but the greatest entries in that secret history genre. Like the iconic Nichols’ Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, this series understands that personal betrayals nurtured in the Cold War’s shadow are its true intrigue.

Donahue deglamorizes the dapper agents of cliche to reveal flawed men defined by ego more than ethics. His America Most Wanted seeks to resolve global tensions through gangland-style tactics, foolishly courting criminals more interested in profits than patriotism. Giancana and Roselli serve their own interests above all, using national security as leverage for personal thrills.

Yet Mafia Spies avoids the cynicism of thrillers that see corruption as humanity’s default. Donahue locates shreds of idealism even in these unlikely patriots, showing Roselli believed, however misguidedly, in his duty. His players remain hopelessly devoted to obsolete notions of manly honor,...