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This is a massive, cruel and violent work about a massively cruel topic. Don Winslow examines the drug trade from its infancy in the 1970s where local identities in Mexico began to organise the growth and production of drugs through the more sophisticated co-operation of American mobsters. Art Keller is half Mexican. He is a Vietnam War veteran who is, in the 1970s, sent to Mexico to do his part in the War on Drugs. Having seen the effect of drugs on the neighbourhood where he grew up, Keller is determined to try to stamp out the trade. Thinking that the DEA is going about their business incorrectly, Keller makes a point of getting to know the locals, specifically, the Barrera brothers, Adan and Raul. He meets their uncle, Miguel Angel Barrera, or Tio, and co-operates with him in bringing about the downfall and death of the local drug lord. Unbeknownst to Art at the time, Tio was simply attempting to consolidate his own position at the top of the heap. In New York's Hells Kitchen, Irish boys Sean Callan and his friend Stevie O'Leary, later known as O-Bop, accidentally become assassins teamed up with the local Mob. Sean evolves into a killer employed by the Italians and is soon irretrievably linked to them. Nora Hayden likes marijuana. Aged 14, she learns about sex and the power it gives her over men. She is fortunate that the madam of an elite brothel sees her beauty and undertakes her training. Soon Nora is in demand from the most powerful of the local Mafia. Eventually she becomes the mistress of and aide to Adan Barrera as the drug trade becomes more sophisticated. Art earns promotion. He is told there is no longer a Mexican drug problem. Despite the non-cooperation he receives from the authorities he attempt to pursue his duty, not realising the extent of the corruption of politicians. He soon discovers his true enemies are the Barrera brothers and their uncle, Too. The story spans almost 30 years. It details the lives of Art, Callan, Nora, the Barreras and a Catholic priest, Bishop Parada, a man determined to help the poor of Mexico but one whose superiors seem determined to undermine. Winslow seems to take delight in painting the violent and bloody. Some readers (and I must include myself in the number) might find the scenes of torture and murder a little hard to take but undoubtedly they add power to the descriptions of the criminals who indulge in these pastimes. For any reader who has an interest in the development of the drug trade, this book will no doubt hold some fascination. It is not a kind book nor one that holds out a great deal of hope. It is, however, extremely powerful and Winslow is a very able story teller.
Reviewed by Denise Pickles, April 2006
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