Riptide: Cartels, Cocaine, and an Undercover Cop's Fall from Grace: A Memoir of Temptation and Redemption

by Javier Guzmán

An intense deep-dive into the cartel underworld—and it's temptations—as seen through the eyes of undercover police officer Javier Guzman.

Tampa Bay, Florida, 1992. Javier—a Spanish-speaking street-smart cop who had grown up in the South Bronx—is a decorated cop who produces results. Recently awarded Officer of the Year, he is married to a beautiful and brilliant attorney, Elizabeth. Javier knows exactly what he’s getting into when he goes undercover in Operation PROMO, infiltrating a savage Columbian drug cartel. He lives on the edge every day, with shotguns pressed against his forehead, threats of torture, and constant fear of being discovered and disappeared.

Things are not as they appear in the wilderness of mirrors that is the reality of an undercover narc. Javier becomes mired in a living web of lies, deceit and betrayal, where surviving the day is a victory. As the strain increases, the cracks begin to appear yet Javier's calls for help are dismissed. The black-and-white lines that governed his life and made him a coveted undercover cop blur. Javier begins to sympathize with the people he is supposed to be targeting.

While straddling the fence between good and evil, Javier makes a decision that will haunt him forever…

Riptide is a raw, unflinchingly honest, and action-packed page-turner. Filled with drug cartels, undercover police work, heroism, death, romance, and the ultimate betrayal, Riptide begs the reader to answer the Does Javier Guzman deserve redemption?

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2026

Reviews

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel was like watching one of those cop shows. I really enjoyed how this novel was written and that the author explained how he rose through the ranks and then ultimately what ended his career. So we get to see how he developed into who he was and how undercover work can literally eat you alive until you don't know who you are anymore. I felt he explained it perfectly when saying it is like a lobster being put in cold water and the water slowly heating up, the situation isn't realized until it's already too late. It was interesting to read about how he was one of the first Spanish-speaking cops in most of the departments he worked in and although it got him to where he wanted to be, it also was the first thing that was taken advantage of from him when the new guy on the team. He looked the part, he played the part, he spoke their language and often this is also what never allowed him to feel as if he was part of the boys club either within the departments. I enjoyed the different stories he told and the risks he constantly took to prove himself and his abilities. Everyone has heard about all the police brutality, violence and riots in LA and so it was interesting to read that almost the same stuff was happening in Tampa Bay and yet it isn't as known. Thank you to the author for sharing his story and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Javier Guzman, the Author of “Riptide: Cartels, Cocaine, and an Undercover Cop’s Fall From Grace’ has written an enlightening, captivating and intriguing memoir. The Genres for this book are: Law Biographies, Memoir, and True Accounts Crime. Javier sets his memoir in 1992 in Tampa Florida, where he is a Spanish Speaking cop, that originally came from The South Bronx. Javier describes his enthusiasm and success as a Police Officer. He meets and marries a loyal attorney. As Javier gets promoted and gets more involved with undercover work, something changes. He is living with more danger, and more on the edge, and he starts to feel frustrated with the system, and himself. Somehow he loses all his enthusiasm, and finds that he feels stressed and in over his head. He crosses a boundary, and finds himself in trouble. After battling the system of good and evil, Javier finds himself in trouble.

The author vividly describes the criminals, the criminal world, and the victims. It appears to be a dark world for some in law enforcement. The Author mentions the importance of family, friends, second chances and redemption. I recommend this intriguing book.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-written memoir and Javier's story drew me in very quickly. He not only gives a lot of insight into the physical dangers undercover officers face, but also the psychological aspects of having to live a lie and not lose yourself in the process. He's very up front about his circumstances and experiences, and what led to his stay in a federal prison. The importance of family and solid friendships is not to be overlooked and I could see how they could be a sort of touchstone. I enjoyed learning more about the realities of his career and not just what we see in movies. It takes a toll and is demanding in so many ways. This book is great for a more nuanced understanding.


I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buckle up and prepare for a wild ride!

I’ve always found the lives of undercover cops fascinating. What they have to go through to do their jobs is simply mind-blowing. Sometimes, it’s hard to believe how closely fiction and reality can blur.

In this memoir, Javier Guzman takes us along on his journey infiltrating a Colombian drug cartel, giving us a look into the dangerous world of undercover work and the toll it can take.

Raw, unflinching, and packed with action, this is a story that will keep you turning the pages.