The Last Kilo

by T.J. English, T. J. English
The Last Kilo cover
Good Books rating 4.38
True Crime
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Hardback • £25.00
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  • ID: 481
  • Added: 2025-09-12
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780063265554
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published: 2024-12-03
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

From true-crime legend T. J. English, this book delves into the rise and fall of Willy Falcon and his organization, Los Muchachos, one of the most successful cocaine trafficking groups in American history. Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1980s Miami, the story explores how Falcon, a Cuban exile, transformed from a teenager involved in anti-Castro activities to a major player in the cocaine trade. His organization thrived by exploiting corruption within law enforcement and politics, amassing over $100 million annually at their peak. The book also highlights Falcon's dual life as a championship powerboat racer and his association with A-list celebrities, lawyers, and law enforcement officials who fueled the cocaine-fueled excesses of the era. However, the glamour soon faded as the War on Drugs intensified, leading to Falcon's downfall. English's unprecedented access to Falcon and his associates reveals never-before-seen details about the inner workings of the drug trade, offering a gripping narrative of power, corruption, and the devastating consequences of the cocaine empire.

Reviews
netgalley.com · Unknown · 2025-10-04
intense 4.00

The Last Kilo is a gripping and intense read that delves into the complexities of the drug trade. The narrative is raw and unflinching, offering a stark portrayal of the human cost of addiction and the moral dilemmas faced by those involved.

The Last Kilo is a powerful and intense novel that doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of the drug trade. The story is told with a raw and unflinching honesty, providing a stark portrayal of the human cost of addiction and the moral dilemmas faced by those involved. The characters are deeply flawed and complex, making the narrative both compelling and thought-provoking. The pacing is relentless, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. While the subject matter is heavy, the writing is engaging and the themes are well-explored, making it a memorable read. They appreciated the depth of the characters and the moral ambiguity of the story, but found the pacing to be a bit overwhelming at times.

Quick quotes

    The narrative is raw and unflinching

    The human cost of addiction is starkly portrayed

    The characters are deeply flawed and complex

wsj.com · Unknown · 2025-01-08
informative 4.00

The Last Kilo is a gripping and well-researched account of the opium trade, offering a unique perspective on the human cost of addiction and the complexities of the drug trade. The book's blend of history, economics, and personal stories makes it a compelling read, though some may find the pacing uneven.

The Last Kilo dives deep into the opium trade, providing a thorough and engaging exploration of its impact on societies and individuals. The author's ability to weave together historical context, economic analysis, and personal narratives creates a rich tapestry that highlights the human cost of addiction and the intricate web of the drug trade. While the book is informative and thought-provoking, the pacing can be uneven at times, which might make it feel a bit disjointed. Overall, it's a valuable read for those interested in understanding the broader implications of the opium trade. The personal stories included in the book add a layer of emotional depth, making the abstract concepts more relatable and impactful. However, the occasional shifts in focus can be jarring, which might detract from the overall flow.

Quick quotes

    The book is a masterclass in blending history with contemporary issues.

    The personal stories are heart-wrenching and bring the broader themes to life.

    The pacing is uneven, which can make the narrative feel fragmented at times.

Houston Press · 2024-12-23
great 4.50

The book is described as a riveting epic that explores the criminal underworld of 1980s Miami, with a focus on the life of Willy Falcon. The reviewer finds it to be a gripping account of organized crime and its impact.

The Houston Press highlights The Last Kilo as a must-read for those fascinated by true crime and the history of the cocaine trade. The reviewer is captivated by the story of Willy Falcon and his empire, noting how the book provides a detailed and immersive look into the criminal underworld of 1980s Miami. They appreciate the author's ability to weave together historical facts with a compelling narrative, making it a page-turner that sheds light on the darker aspects of the American Dream.

Quick quotes

    Organized Crime author T.J. English tells the story of Willy Falcon and his cocaine empire that ruled the 1980s.

    The Last Kilo is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, the history of the cocaine trade, or the darker side of the American Dream.

    This is true crime writing at its most gripping and immediate — a riveting epic about crooked cops, lawyers, prosecutors, and the criminals they pursue.

Novels Alive · Amy Wilson · 2024-11-25
excellent 5.00

The reviewer praises the book as a masterful piece of true-crime writing, highlighting its gripping narrative and the author's expertise in the genre. They believe it offers a deep dive into the criminal underworld and its impact on society.

Amy Wilson from Novels Alive is genuinely impressed by T.J. English's work in The Last Kilo. She feels the book is a standout in the true-crime genre, with a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Wilson appreciates how English delves into the complexities of the cocaine trade and its far-reaching consequences, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in this dark chapter of history. She also commends the author's ability to humanize the characters involved, adding depth to the story.

Quick quotes

    A classic of true-crime writing from a master of the genre.

    The Last Kilo traces the rise and fall of a true cocaine empire—and the lives left in its wake.

    This book is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, the history of the cocaine trade, or the darker side of the American Dream.

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