Frank H. (perryfran) reviewed on 11/27/2020 + 1190 more book reviews

This is the second book in Winslow's trilogy about the Mexican drug cartels. It is a continuation of the first book, THE POWER OF THE DOG, which I have not read but plan on doing so as soon as possible. Although this is the second in the trilogy, it can definitely be read as a stand alone novel. The two protagonists in the novel, Art Keller, a DEA agent and Adán Barrera, a drug cartel kingpin, are sworn enemies who met as young men in the first book. In THE CARTEL, Keller sets up Barrera for arrest only to have him basically run the Mexican prison he is incarcerated in and then to boldly escape with the help of the paid-off guards, military, and politicians. The book goes on to the describe how Barrera tries to get back in charge of the Mexican drug business but he is confronted by other cartels which leads to a very bloody and gruesome war between them.

This was a long book at over 600 pages but it was never boring. Winslow does an excellent job of portraying the various characters that come to play in the story. These include the vicious cartel bosses who use every means possible to terrorize the citizens of Mexico and try to outdo each other. They even go so far as to recruit women and young boys into their fold. One of the central characters is Chuy, an eleven-year-old boy who is recruited by the "Zetas" and is taught to cut off heads! The book is filled with violence against both the members of the warring drug cartels and against idealistic citizens including journalists, doctors, law enforcement, or anyone who may get in their way. Overall, a very compelling read. I'll be looking forward to reading the others in this series.

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