The author takes you into the new gangs of Latin America and the leaders and the heads of the Cartels and how some have become so powerful. An interesting book.

I have read a number of Ioan Grillo's works,, and in general, I like them. They are usually well researched, easy to read, and show an understanding of the subject matter. This one was not quite up to the standard I expected.

=== The Good Stuff ===

* Grillo knows his subject matter. He has a familiarity with both the business of drugs and the social and cultural factors that go along with it. For example, without an understanding of the typical Latin American "neighborhood", it is impossible to really understand the problems of enforcement. Grillo brings that understanding, and communicates it reasonably well.

* I shudder to think of how Grillo does his research, but he seems well versed in how the illegal drug business operates in this part of the world.

=== The Not-So-Good Stuff ===

* The book, or at least the review copy, seems to need a good going-over by an editor. The grammar is sloppy, content is repeated, and use of names and objects are not internally consistent. Some of the chapter move along quite well and are easy to read, but many of them are difficult to read, are easy to put down, and don't provide a lot of rewarding content.

=== Summary ===

I don't think this is Grillo's best work, but still is full of facts and content that would interest anyone attracted to this genre. However there seems to be a bit of sloppy writing and clumsy phrasing in the text.