This was an interesting book about a special agent and his work on taking down the gang MS-13 in San Francisco. This gang came up from El Salvador and settle in Los Angeles first just as a group of kids displaced from all of the violence from that country. They ten formed on the streets of Los Angeles and started taking over other local gang territories. They were extremely violent and when arrested that violence transferred into the jails and prisons in California, not talked about in the book. It would be a few years later that there was information about them. Now sadly they are everywhere in the United States. Yes, this is a very good story about this man and his team turning two members into snitches with the threat of sending them back to El Salvador and death. Not saying either is right or wrong just saying. The author takes you through the journey and there even is a story of our now Governor of California, who was then Mayor of San Francisco shaking hands with one of their leaders. Now we have Senators and congressmen and women who do not want to deport criminals and sadly some, not all are gang members. Though I liked this book and I think people should read it the gang itself is still around. Having been in law enforcement for over 30 years I still see their tattoos around. Are they still gone from San Francisco I don’t think so but I hope? A good book that shows what goes into taking down a gang.

If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. Great and outstanding look at the MS-13 gang, their mentality of their members, etc. But, what stood out to me was the determination of one law enfocement agency who put petty agency jealousies aside and took on bringing this gang down. I commend the informants that worked with these agencies. What a book. This book grabs you and does not let go. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book. Although I received the book in this manner, it did not affect my opinion of this book nor my review.

A true crime memoir that reads like a thriller! The takedown of the notorious street gang, MS-13, is described in Operation Devil Horns.

“A special agent is never—ever—off duty.”

MS-13 expanded from El Salvador throughout Central America to Los Angeles and finally San Francisco’s Mission District. Local cops were unable to stop the gang's crime and violence. The city’s sanctuary status ties their hands. Sanctuary cities vow not to deport illegal aliens or help the federal government to do so, which takes away a significant law enforcement tool. The San Francisco Police Department was unable to deport illegals to break up the gang. Enter the feds.

Santini, a federal special agent, finds two gang members, Diego and Casper, to report on the gang’s activities. By threatening them with deportation and offering the carrot of legality and witness protection, he was able to turn two hardcore gang bangers into rats. His goal was to use the federal RICO statute, already used to break up mafia families, against the 20th Street MS-13 gang.

Operation Devil Horns is a superb book. It is perfect for true crime and mafia fans. However, it is also highly recommended for thriller readers. I loved getting a behind the scenes story about how gangs work and how law enforcement brings them down. 5 stars!

Thanks to the publisher, Rowman & Littlefield, and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Operation Devil Horns is a truly exceptional, well-written book on a very chilling subject. From the first page onward, the author brings you right into the life of MS-13 members, taking you through all the terrifying, if not heartbreaking, day-to-day events while keeping you on the edge of your seat with terrific storytelling. Much like a fictional psychological thriller, Operation Devil Horns keeps you invested in the main characters and the twists and turns involved with infiltrating and taking down a gang clique from the inside. Santini and Bolger did a spectacular job portraying the intricacies of gang life and the complexities and social pressure of being a gang member. I found this book to be fast-paced and suspenseful as well as pensive and purposeful. A very worthwhile, informative, and thought provoking read.

Holy Mackeral!! What a read!.. The information and details in this book are compelling, I could not put it down. If you are interested in crime stories get this one!!

Excellent read! Fast moving, exciting, really grabs you from the start. I couldn't put it down! One of the best books in this genre that I have read. The true story of taking down at MS-13 gang in San Francisco. Kudos to the author for his fantastic work ridding the streets of this clique. I only hope that there are other similar operations occurring now to rid the country of the MS-13 (and other gangs) scourge!

A sublime mix of true crime drama with great storytelling. Operation Devil Horns provides an inside look at one of the largest gang takedowns in American history yet it is done with the sensibilities of a adept storyteller.