The Last Narco

by Malcolm Beith
The Last Narco cover
Good Books rating 4.17
True Crime
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  • ID: 2842
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780802196224
  • Publisher: Open Road + Grove/Atlantic
  • Published: 2010-09-07
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Last Narco offers an in-depth look at the life and crimes of Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, the infamous Mexican drug lord who once topped Forbes' billionaire list. Author Malcolm Beith, a seasoned journalist, provides a firsthand account of the dangerous world of drug cartels, drawing from exclusive interviews and insider knowledge. /n/n This book not only chronicles El Chapo's journey from poverty to power but also highlights the courage of those who fought against him. With vivid storytelling and fearless reporting, Beith sheds light on the corruption and violence that plagued Mexico during this era.

Reviews
Grove Atlantic · 2011-09-06
powerful 4.50

The book is praised for its masterful revelation of the brutal war between the cartels and the heroic efforts of those who oppose them. It is seen as a powerful and important contribution to the understanding of the drug war in Mexico.

The reviewer commends 'The Last Narco' for its masterful portrayal of the brutal war between the cartels and the heroic struggle of those who dare to stand up to them. They find the book to be a powerful and important contribution to the understanding of the drug war in Mexico, highlighting the ways the cartels have infiltrated and corrupted various aspects of society. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the reporting and the courage of those who have fought against the cartels, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the subject.

Quick quotes

    "The Last Narco gracefully captures the heroic struggle of those who dare to stand up to the cartels, and the ways those cartels have"

    "This is the inside story of a man behind it all, a man who is still hailed as a folk hero despite having bribed or killed politicians, police and soldiers with"

    "Through reportage and interviews with rival narcos, police and DEA sources, The Last Narco masterfully reveals a brutal war between the cartels, staggering"

San Francisco Chronicle · 2010-12-24
gripping 4.00

The book provides a gripping account of the brutal drug war in Mexico, highlighting the fearless reporting and the complex narrative of El Chapo's rise. It offers a stark look at the ongoing conflict and the individuals involved.

The reviewer finds 'The Last Narco' to be a compelling and episodic biography that dives deep into the violent world of drug trafficking in Mexico. They appreciate the fearless reporting and the way the book captures the seemingly endless war on drugs, providing a stark and unflinching look at the brutality and complexity of the situation. The narrative is gripping, and the reviewer highlights the heroic struggle of those who stand up to the cartels, as well as the chilling ways the cartels operate.

Quick quotes

    "The Last Narco is a brave and terrific headlong journalistic trek into the dangerous, and immensely relevant, terrain of drug trafficking in Mexico"

    "The episodic biography of a narcotics smuggler embedded within the seemingly endless bloody war on drugs being conducted by governments across Mexico and the"

    "The Last Narco gracefully captures the heroic struggle of those who dare to stand up to the cartels"

Waterstones · 2010-09-02
courageous 4.00

The book is noted for its inside story of El Chapo and the brutal realities of the drug trade. It is seen as a courageous and gripping account that sheds light on the complex and violent world of drug trafficking.

The reviewer finds 'The Last Narco' to be a courageous and gripping account that provides an inside look at the life of El Chapo and the brutal realities of the drug trade. They appreciate the book's ability to shed light on the complex and violent world of drug trafficking, highlighting the fearless reporting and the stark portrayal of the ongoing conflict. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to capture the heroic efforts of those who have fought against the cartels, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the subject.

Quick quotes

    "Courageous, gritty, and gripping."

    "This is the inside story of a man behind it all, a man who is still hailed as a folk hero despite having bribed or killed politicians, police and soldiers with"

    "Through reportage and interviews with rival narcos, police and DEA sources, The Last Narco masterfully reveals a brutal war between the cartels, staggering"

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