This is a barely fictionalized account of the Mexican drug wars from 2008 - 2013. Some of the names have been changed and the dialog is surely invented, but the cartels themselves, the conflicts among them, and the violence they inflicted on one another and innocent Mexicans is horrifyingly real. What emerges is a complex business model that in most ways mimics other economic sectors: transportation, minerals, energy, agriculture and high tech. CEOs look to maximize profit, outsell competitors, maximize market share, cut costs of production, increase productivity, and ensure customer satisfaction and reliability. But cartels also act like independent warring states. They have armies, intelligence operations, advanced weaponry like helicopters, ships, and rocket-propelled grenade launchers. They engage in frontal assaults, guerrilla tactics, flanking maneuvers, shifting alliances, and treaties. Yet, they differ from both states and all other businesses in one key aspect. They achieve their ends through intimidation and unmitigated violence. This book is a page turner with main characters working for law enforcement or the cartels that are simultaneously heroic and flawed and worthy of our undivided attention. Winslow has constructed a masterpiece of combined research and story and Ray Porter's narration is marvelous.
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