Inside the Cartel: How an Undercover FBI Agent Smuggled Cocaine, Laundered Cash, and Dismantled a Colombian Narco-Empire

by Martin Suarez, Ian Frisch

The gripping true story, that reads like fiction, of how legendary FBI Special Agent Martin Suarez went deep undercover—and lived a double-life for years—to infiltrate Colombia's most insidious drug cartels.

Martin Suarez, a legend within the FBI who specialized in Colombian drug cartels, holds the record for the longest time spent continuously undercover. As his alter ego Manny, Martin followed the unspoken rules of the cartels: He knew the right lingo to use, the right whiskey to drink, the right watch to wear, the wrong questions to ask. He smuggled over $1 billion worth of cocaine into the United States for the Medellín Cartel and, as his cover deepened, he graduated to become a high-level money launderer for the North Coast Cartel. He helped wash tens of millions of dollars worth of drug money, ensnaring himself in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse while simultaneously exposing the Black Market Peso Exchange, the most insidious money laundering apparatus in the world that involved billionaire bankers, blue-chip American corporations, and even the President of Colombia himself.

Martin was raised by a father who served in the military and valorized the nobility of the FBI, and Martin stopped at nothing to allow his father to live vicariously through his son. He wanted nothing more than to make his father proud—and to be a good husband to his wife, and a loving father to his two young sons. He became a man caught between two worlds—that of an undercover agent who wanted to rid the world of its evils, but also that of a family man who was trying not to lose himself in this dark, brutal underworld that captivated the globe during the War on Drugs.

And yet his worlds begin to collide as danger creeps dangerously close to his doorstep when his cover is blown and a cartel-hired sicario comes hunting for him.

Inside the Cartel is told with the pulse-racing action of a Hollywood blockbuster. This is the story of Suarez and his time undercover and how maintaining the trust of hardened criminals can start to tear away at even the most principled soldier.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Crime, Memoir, History, Biography Memoir, Audiobook

304 pages, Hardcover

Published September 16, 2025

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Inside the Cartel, by Martin Suarez: Ian Frisch, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is a true story about FBI agent Martin Suarez, who led a double life inside a drug cartel. Such an interesting read, what a life this man led.

[Deanna (she_reads_truth_365) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bookish thoughts: Wow, Inside the Cartel reads like a movie!! Filled with action packed scenes and tense moments for an undercover FBI agent who infiltrated the Colombian Cartel. I enjoy reading true stories and this one is riveting from start to finish. I highly recommend this one if you are a fan of nonfiction.

To Agent Suarez, thank you for your service!

I received an advanced electronic copy from publisher Day Street Books and Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview this book. All opinions are my own.

[Susy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Impressive story, well narrated. Though undercover life is quite tense and dangerous, I found myself to be especially interested in his personal life, so very happy that was included. Did find my mind wandering off now and then.

Story 8
Atmosphere 8
Writing Style 7
Pace 6
Setup 6
Enjoyment/Engrossment 7
Narration 7

[TheBookishSkull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inside the Cartel is a thrilling, raw, and deeply human story. It’s a riveting account of FBI undercover agent Martín Suárez, who holds the record for the most time spent continuously undercover, and whose career reads like something out of a thriller, only every word is true. Frisch masterfully tells Suárez’s story, from infiltrating major criminal organizations to navigating the personal toll of living a double life.

Set during the height of the Colombian cartels, the book highlights Puerto Rico’s critical but overlooked role as a bridge between Colombia and Florida. What makes it stand out is not just the high-stakes operations, but the emotional depth — Suárez’s pride in his heritage and his country, his internal battles, and the sacrifices he made.

Thank you Dey Street Books, Ian Frisch, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

—————————

Inside the Cartel es una historia emocionante, cruda y profundamente humana. Es un relato fascinante del agente encubierto del FBI Martín Suárez, quien ostenta el récord de mayor tiempo ininterrumpido encubierto, y cuya carrera parece sacada de un thriller, solo que cada palabra es cierta. Frisch narra magistralmente la historia de Suárez, desde su infiltración en importantes organizaciones criminales hasta el sufrimiento personal de una doble vida.

Ambientada durante el auge de los cárteles colombianos, la novela destaca el papel crucial, aunque poco conocido, de Puerto Rico como puente entre Colombia y Florida. Lo que la hace destacar no son solo las operaciones de alto riesgo, sino también su profundidad emocional: el orgullo de Suárez por su herencia y su país, sus luchas internas y los sacrificios que hizo.

Gracias a Dey Street Books, Ian Frisch y NetGalley por el ARC a cambio de una reseña honesta.

[Michelle Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a simple book, but the pride and honor Martin has for what he accomplished and his family makes it a good read.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inside the Cartel is a firsthand account of the life of a deep undercover FBI agent as he fights ongoing drug trafficking. What an incredible look at a very exciting life for not only the agent but his family. Thank you to GR for this giveaway

[Kenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ wild story that reads just like an HBO drama.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won an Advanced Reading Copy in a Goodreads giveaway contest in exchange for an honest review. 

This is the true story of Martin Suarez, who led a double life inside both the Medellin and North Coast cartels as a top-level money launderer and Cocaine smuggler using Manny as his code name.  In fact, Martin Suarez, a distinguished FBI agent specializing in Colombian drug cartels, holds the record for the longest continuous time spent undercover. 

Usually, I am not a fan of nonfiction genre because many times, the writing feels very dry like a textbook, but this book reads more like a true crime fiction novel full of numerous thrilling experiences. 

I would totally recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Martin's involvement in drug smuggling, money laundering, dismantling a major narco-empire, and the challenges he faced while maintaining his cover. 

[Basic B's Guide · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.

Suarez, a legend within the FBI, holds the record for longest time spent continuously undercover. 23 years! Can you even imagine?

This wasn't a gripping tale or page turner but quite enjoyable. I really liked the peek inside the life many of us will never know. I have such admiration for him and his family.

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Martin Suarez’s time as an undercover FBI agent who infiltrated deep into the Colombian drug cartels in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s reads like an extended episode of the old TV show “Miami Vice.” But this was real life and Suarez’s dedication to not only his job, but to family, is superbly told by Suarez in this memoir.

Wanting so much to please and honor his father, Suarez has a successful stint in the Navy after leaving his home in Puerto Rico. He has wanted to be an FBI agent, so when he is accepted, he and his wife Maria along with their sons head to Miami, where Suarez begins his life as “Manny” his alter ego undercover. Suarez writes about his second life as first a drug smuggler, then as a money launderer, with excellent detail and excitement. It also was fairly easy to keep the long list of characters straight as to who were the “good guys” versus the “bad guys” as the details were deep enough to keep them straight, but not so deep that a reader gets confused.

Whether it was about his wife and sons, or about his parents, Suarez also writes about them with the same amount of detail. Here the difference is the emotions a reader will feel as it’s easy to see that Suarez fears for the safety of his family should something go sideways for Manny and also the frequent passages about how much he honors his father.

I can’t say enough good things about this book that will really do it justice. I’ll just finish with the thought that if you enjoy topics like true crime, the height of the drug cartel business or just a good memoir, pick this book up.

I wish to thank Dey Street Books for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

[Aly]

For fans of the war on drugs, wives supporting their husbands in any circumstance, and the FBI I’m sure this really hit

[Jennifer Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Inside The Cartel” By Martin Suarez with Ian Frisch
Book Review By Jennifer Gilbert

Summary
A family man and a brave FBI agent balances life, well being undercover. Martin takes on the persona of Manny. Manny is an undercover FBI agent, battling the good vs evil theme. The plot of Manny infiltrating the world of the “Medellin Cartel”. Manny’s cover only deepens with time. Manny soon is in the thick of this cocaine business and money laundering. Until the worlds collide and danger is on the horizon. This action packed delivers details that keep you reading nonstop. This book is a highly recommended read.

Personal Reflections

This book is significantly different from what I normally would be reading. For this reason, I usually stick with historical romance novels or popular trending books.

In my opinion, I love the colors of the cover. It has major 80’s and 90’s vibes. Plus it draws a person's attention to the cover of the book. Which is a huge strength. Another strength is the prologue. It definitely hooked me into reading the book. The characters are well developed, with details. I don’t feel there are any plot holes or the plot being rushed. The theme of the book is “the conflict of good vs evil”. This theme keeps you on the edge of your seat. Many times, I did wonder if his cover would be blown. Such as the following quote, “portion paid up front and rest upon delivery to his men in the States. I always picked this option” (Suarez & Frisch, 2025). To my surprise, this seemed like a huge red flag. Although he had it covered.

If I could change or suggest something that is a weakness. It would be the following: The paper is significantly thin and tears easily. The print needs to be placed on a more contrasting white. I was confused by the table of contents. There were zeros and no page numbers, which I found odd. Although it did create curiosity for me. It made me want to read the book. To obtain why.

This book does not fall short, it keeps you on the edge of your seat. The book’s details made me feel right there. This book’s lasting impact is I hope to read more from this author.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read prior to it being published. The writing is captivating and jaw dropping all at the same time. The story of Martin/ Manny is told with such a descriptive and compelling tone that it makes you want to ignore all responsibility and turn the next page.

[Samantha Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was actually very surprised with how much I enjoyed this book. Nonfiction usually isn't my vibe. This book was crazy! I loved reading about all the close calls and undercover work completed. I don't think I could do it. It just sounds so stressful, but it was amazing what Martin was able to accomplish. I also loved the perspective that he was just trying to make the world a better place. This book kept me on my toes with what was going to happen next. Different pace than normal, but a welcome change!

[Roo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super interesting read! I love anything True Crime! As someone who has Criminal Justice degree I love seeing the stories of individuals who have given it there all to go undercover, solve crimes, and more!

This story follows an FBI agent who specialized in Colombian Drug Cartels. This book tells the story of Suarez while he was undercover, it will feel like a Hollywood movie while reading through this story of danger, drugs, and an FBI agent in the midst of it all!

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Renee B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

Wow - a very matter of fact and detailed account of an undercover FBI agent working to bust a Colombian drug cartel. It was really interesting to hear from the inside about drug cartels I have seen in other books and documentaries. Great writing.

[Danna · Rating 4 out of 5]

My two favorite nonfiction categories are (1) cartels and (2) cults, so I jumped at the opportunity to read Martin Suarez’s Inside the Cartel. Like others have said, while this is nonfiction, it is fast-paced, easy reading that flows like a novel, so don’t be intimidated.

Martin Suarez is a retired FBI agent known for spending 23 consecutive years (a record!) undercover. Inside the Cartel focuses on about 5 years in the early 90s when Martin smuggled drugs then money. Martin’s alter ego, Manny, became so embedded in the cartel that he was investigated by other federal agencies. As such, the access Martin was able to gain to top tier criminals is unparalleled. The stories are as wild as you’d expect!

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. I had less previous knowledge of the money laundering side of things, so that was fascinating to read about.

My only complaint about this book is Martin’s view of himself, his wife, and his father. It also tracks: for a man to get this far into an undercover operation and be successful, his ego is bound to be enormous. I just didn’t need to hear every few pages about how unique/amazing/special his operations were. Maria, Martin’s wife is painted as uncomplaining, incredibly supportive martyr (also maybe true?). I wish there had been a tiny bit more on her interior life, which I’m sure was incredibly complicated. Lastly, Martin’s father is painted as a hero of epic proportions (and not a word about his mother). It is clear that Martin and family are of the patriarchal mindset. Nonetheless, I breezed past these annoyances to continue reading the wild story.

Recommended. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Helena Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️: 4.25 / 5

Publication Date: September 16, 2025

I want to thank Dey Street Books and for allowing me to get a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

The prologue chapter had me hooked from the beginning! The description was vivid and the intensity of the opening scene had me on the edge of my seat.

From there, some of the coolest aspects of this story, were all of the different aspects of the drug trafficking operation he was able to gain access to. Hearing the close call stories were also some of the most intriguing parts of the novel as a whole. Throughout the book, but especially towards the end the author emphasizes his love for his family but especially his wife which I found absolutely heartwarming.

As for my reservations, I went into this thinking this was going to be like Narcos where it was specifically tied to the Pablo Escobar empire. This book definitely wasn’t focused in on Pablo Escobar specifically but talked about a different Narco-Empire in Colombia.

Overall I thought this book was a wild ride! I had some minor nitpicking issues throughout, but overall I really did like this book. While the story does have moments that were cinematic like Narcos, overall there is a lot less sexuality and violence in this book compared to the show.

Would recommend for those who are fans of
Nonlinear timelines
Miami/Puerto Rico settings
True Crime stories



⚠️ violence, murder

[Melina · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are parts of this story that bug me. For example, Suarez seems genuinely shocked when his cover is blown. I couldn’t help but think: dude, I get it—you were undercover in the cartel in the 90s—but have you never watched a single movie? Puerto Rico is an island. If you’re undercover and living on the same island as the people you’re infiltrating, how do you expect not to be made eventually? That moment felt less like the gritty realism the book promises and more like a lapse in judgment.
Another puzzling decision comes after his extraction. Why move him to Miami? That’s where he originally started working, and Miami is a major hub for cartel activity. It felt like a questionable choice that undermined the sense of strategic planning the FBI is supposed to embody. These details made me question the logic behind some of the operations, which weakened the book’s credibility for me.
On the positive side, the memoir does capture the tension of living a double life. Suarez’s descriptions of laundering millions, smuggling cocaine, and navigating cartel culture are vivid and cinematic. The personal angle—his struggle to balance being a family man with the dangers of undercover work—adds emotional weight.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an incredible story about the true life that Martin lived. It was beyond extremely dangerous and to think about how long he was undercover for, it blows my mind! I really enjoyed hearing about Martin’s undercover work with the FBI. He was so deep in with the cartel smuggling drugs and laundering money, it was wild to hear about. Sometimes I would have to remind myself that this was a true story. I liked how he described his family life in the book. You really got to see how his job interfered with seeing his family but his wife was absolutely amazing and supportive. Sometimes I was on the edge of my seat reading about some of the transfers and would always wonder if the ball was going to drop and he would end up being discovered. Martin sounded like an amazing agent. I loved how the story wrapped up regarding his career and his family. I’m glad Martin was able to tell his story to share with the world.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inside the Cartel really stuck with me. I first heard about it a few months back when Martín Suárez was a guest on the Underworld Podcast, hosted by Danny Goldstein and Sean Williams, and that interview is what pushed me to finally read it. The book delivers exactly what I hoped for—sharp, firsthand insight into the psychological and social games behind cartel and police interactions, not just violence for shock value.
Suárez comes across as intelligent, confident, and incredibly adept at navigating dangerous power dynamics, which makes the story feel tense and authentic throughout. My only small gripe is the audiobook: I honestly wish Suárez himself had narrated it. Hearing it in his own voice would’ve added another layer of intensity. Still, the narrator does a solid job, and it doesn’t take away from how gripping and eye-opening the book is overall

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

"The gripping true story, that reads like fiction, of how legendary FBI Special Agent Martin Suarez went deep undercover—and lived a double-life for years—to infiltrate Colombia's most insidious drug cartels".

This was an intense book on FBI Agent Suarez's life and work. Dealing with the most ruthless drug dealers from Columbia while remaining married with two little boys. Switching personas including the details of what he wore, constantly being aware of his surroundings, protecting his family and still able to set up these huge drug lords and prevent drugs from entering our country.

As I listened to this book, I felt the intensity of his work. It makes me grateful for the tough men and women in our FBI who do this kind of work. I found it hard to quit listening to this gripping story.

[Vanima León · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me on pins and needles with my heart pounding out of my chest. This book is about Martin Suarez's time as an undercover FBI agent. Not only was he an undercover agent he is a Legend and holds the record for the longest continiously undercover.

Martin goes by the alter ego name of "Manny." he knows the ins and out of the cartel form the lingo to knowing the what questions not to ask. He infiltrates the Medellian Cartel and the deeper he gets he eventually becomes a high dollar money launderer the North Coast Cartel.

As his cover is blown the cartel hires a hitman. The hitman find "Manny" at the front door of his family's home. Read to find out how Martin Suarez survives the sicario.

-Thank you NetGallery for the ARC.

[Amy Sunshine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to #NetGalley for the DRC of #InsidetheCartel. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Martin Suarez was a special agent with the FBI for 23 years. This is his story of the multiple years he spent infiltrating the Colombian cartels, first as a smuggler and then as a money launderer. He learned more about the inner workings of the cartels and drug trade and established protocols and best practices that the FBI still uses. When the DOJ filed indictments against the top players, it was based on the evidence that Martin gathered at great personal risk.

A riveting story about dedication, perseverance, loyalty and family.

[Nikki P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inside the Cartel is a memoir written by Martin Suarez about his 23 years as an FBI special Agent. His years of undercover work infiltrated the Cartel and brought a lot of criminals to justice.

This book was a fascinating read. You learn a lot about the inner workings of the Cartel and just how much power and corruption resides within that group. I found myself feeling the moral conflicts that Martin felt when he would have to play his persona and then go back to his real life.

I teared up at the end because of how moving his family and life accomplishments are. It was a very complex, emotional, and fulfilling read that I would highly recommend.

[Zappadragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to start by saying thank you to Dey Street Books, Martin Suarez, Ian Frisch and Netgalley for allowing me a copy of this eARC for an honest review.

This was a fast paced read about Agent Suarez years undercover for the FBI and it didn't disappoint! Drugs, Guns, Money, and lots of crazy moments. Makes you wonder about some of the things they are not allowed to publish that happened. Overall an interesting read and look into the life of an undercover agent and he work family life balance.

[Mark Atley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I often read quickly, which can make it challenging for me to keep up with my NetGalley reviews. To be honest, I sometimes struggle to find the right words to express my thoughts.

This book is a must-read. I really enjoyed the narrative and the writing style. It tells a nonfiction story almost at the pace of a thriller, maintaining momentum throughout. It’s well-researched and documented, and the recounting of events feels immediate and engaging.

[Ava720 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey! I just wanted to say how much I loved your story, it was a truly amazing read. The visuals came so naturally that it felt like a cinematic experience.

I’m an artist who specializes in comic and webtoon commissions, and I couldn’t help but think of how amazing your work would look as a webtoon series. If that ever interests you, I’d be honored to bring it to life.

You can reach me on Discord (ava_crafts). if you’d like to chat more or see examples of my work.

[Sadie Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the copy of Martin Suarez’s novel. The recount of his days undercover as a drug and money smuggler, while true, sounds like an elaborate movie plot with so many terrifying moments. Suarez cared about role models in his life and being someone not only he was proud of, but that he could model to his sons, and to make his father proud. For anyone curious to hear what it’s like to be in an entanglement with the Cartel, this book is a must read.

[Megan Stec]

Really fast paced nonfiction that reads like a fiction. If you were obsessed with Narcos, then you’ll eat this right up bec this is the real-life version of it. Such an interesting & thrilling story & Suarez really puts a lot at stake to expose the bad guys of the cartel in his memoir. Really interesting guy who led a really fascinating & heroic life & bonus points bec it’s great on audio! Loved this!!!