The Border

by Don Winslow
The Border cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 6193
  • Added: 2025-11-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-13
  • ISBN: 9780008227555
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published: 2019-02-26
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The Border is the highly anticipated finale to the Cartel trilogy, promising an explosive and thrilling conclusion. Written by the New York Times bestselling author of The Force, this book has been hailed as 'The year’s best thriller' by The Times, Books of the Year. The story delves into the gritty world of crime and cartels, offering a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. /n/n The author's expertise in crafting compelling crime fiction is evident in this installment, which builds on the intense and suspenseful elements of the previous books. Fans of the series will not be disappointed, as The Border delivers the same high-stakes action and intricate plotting that have made the Cartel trilogy a standout in the genre.

Reviews
LA Review of Books · 2019-04-25
intriguing 4.50

The book blends multiple genres, creating a complex narrative with returning characters. It is a multifaceted exploration of contemporary issues through a variety of literary styles.

The reviewer notes that the book successfully combines elements of a narco shoot-'em-up, police procedural, and legal thriller, creating a rich and layered narrative. They appreciate the return of familiar characters, which adds depth and continuity to the story. The reviewer also highlights the book's ability to tackle serious issues through a variety of literary genres, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    The result is a book that's part narco shoot-'em-up, part police procedural, and part legal thriller

    with a raft of returning characters from previous novels

    Winslow's prose is muscular and unflinching

NPR · 2019-03-03
harrowing 4.00

The book is brutally grim, offering no joy and forcing readers to confront the horrors of America's longest conflict. It is a powerful and unflinching portrayal of modern issues.

This review highlights the book's unrelenting grimness, which serves as a stark reflection of contemporary societal issues. The reviewer emphasizes that there is no escape from the brutality depicted, making it a challenging but necessary read. They praise the book's ability to immerse readers in the chaos and fear of the times, making it a relevant and impactful story.

Quick quotes

    The Border, like its predecessors, is a brutally grim book.

    There is no joy here.

    No looking away from the absolute horror of America's longest-

Goodreads · 2019-02-26
intriguing 4.50

The book is shocking in its brutality but raw in its humanity, offering an unflinching portrait of modern America. It's a story that feels incredibly relevant and timely, resonating with readers.

Goodreads reviewers find The Border to be a shocking and raw portrayal of modern America. The brutality is unflinching, but it's balanced by a deep sense of humanity that makes the story resonate. The reviewer appreciates the book's relevance and timeliness, making it a story for our time. The emotional impact is profound, and the book's exploration of contemporary issues is both powerful and thought-provoking. Despite its grimness, the humanity in the story makes it a compelling and important read.

Quick quotes

    Shocking in its brutality, raw in its humanity

    An unflinching portrait of modern America

    A story of—and for—our time

Crime Fiction Lover · 2019-02-25
masterful 4.75

The book is a masterful blend of history, action, and deep emotion. It is a gripping and truthful portrayal of modern America.

This review praises the author's skillful storytelling, noting the book's fast-paced action and deep emotional resonance. The reviewer appreciates the historical context and the way it enriches the narrative, making it more than just a thriller. They highlight the book's ability to capture the raw humanity of its characters and the brutal realities of the world they inhabit. The reviewer also mentions the book's emotional depth, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    Winslow is a masterful stylist and the pages just fly by.

    The book is full of illuminating history, visceral action and deep, truthful emotion.

    It's a gripping and truthful portrait of modern America.

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