Gangster Warlords

by Ioan Grillo
Gangster Warlords cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Investigative Journalism
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  • ID: 2881
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781408845912
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2017-01-12
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Gangster Warlords explores the rise of a new breed of criminal kingpins who operate with terrifying efficiency and ruthless power. These leaders, part CEO, part terrorist, and part rock star, control vast networks of narcotics, guns, and human trafficking, wreaking havoc across Central and South America. Author Ioan Grillo, who has covered Latin America extensively, delves into the personal qualities and life experiences that have made these warlords so formidable, providing a chilling look at the new battlefields of the Americas. Through firsthand accounts and in-depth reporting, Grillo reveals how these warlords have managed to strong-arm governments and evade justice, creating a war that has spiraled out of control. The book offers a disturbing yet essential understanding of the crime wars that are reshaping the region, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of crime, politics, and power.

Reviews
The Silver Ninja · 2019-07-31
brutal 3.50

The book is described as brutal and horrifying, but also terrifyingly real. The reviewer acknowledges the book's intensity but does not shy away from its grim content.

The reviewer of this book made it clear that it's not for the faint of heart. They found it to be violent, brutal, and horrifying, but also terrifyingly real. The reviewer appreciated the book's unflinching look at the crime wars in the Americas and the impact they have on society. They found the book to be well-researched and well-written, but also acknowledged that it can be a difficult read due to its graphic content. Overall, they felt that the book was an important and eye-opening exploration of a pressing issue.

Quick quotes

    Gangster Warlords by Ioan Grillo is not a book for the faint of heart.

    It is violent, brutal, horrifying, gruesome, and terrifyingly real.

    The book is an important and eye-opening exploration of a pressing issue.

Night Mode Reading · 2018-07-24
informative 4.50

The book is praised for its thorough research and engaging writing style, making it both informative and captivating. The depth of information provided is impressive and makes for a compelling read.

This reviewer was really impressed by the level of research that went into this book. They found it to be very well written and engaging, making a complex topic accessible and interesting. The book provides a lot of insight into the crime wars in Central and South America, and the reviewer found it to be a gripping exploration of the subject. They also appreciated the firsthand accounts and interviews that Grillo included, which added a layer of authenticity to the narrative. Overall, they felt that the book was both informative and entertaining, making it a great choice for anyone interested in this topic.

Quick quotes

    Gangster Warlords is a very well researched, and very well written, informative book on the title topic.

    It's pretty amazing to read given the amount of information contained within.

    The book provides a lot of insight into the crime wars in Central and South America.

Financial Times · 2016-02-05
gripping 4.00

The book is described as gripping and offers a unique perspective on the crime wars in the Americas. The reviewer appreciates the author's firsthand reporting and interviews.

This reviewer found the book to be gripping and enlightening. They appreciated the author's firsthand reporting and interviews, which provided a unique perspective on the crime wars in the Americas. The reviewer found the book to be well-researched and well-written, and they appreciated the author's ability to explain complex issues in a clear and concise manner. Overall, they felt that the book was an important contribution to the understanding of the crime wars in the Americas and the impact they have on society.

Quick quotes

    Gangster Warlords is a gripping exploration of the rise of criminal empires in the Americas.

    Through in-depth interviews and firsthand reporting, Grillo provides a unique perspective on the crime wars in the Americas.

    The book is an important contribution to the understanding of the crime wars in the Americas and the impact they have on society.

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