Operation Playboy

by Kathryn Bonella

FROM THE ACCLAIMED AUTHOR OF TRUE CRIME BESTSELLERS HOTEL KEROBOKAN AND SNOWING IN Kathryn Bonella.

Sex. Drugs. Danger. Death.

This is the adrenaline-pumping, true crime story of the world's most audacious drug runners and the true life police hunt, 'Operation Playboy', to track them down.

These drug-running criminals travel the they ski in Europe, surf in Bali, hook up with celebrity models and live in five-star hotels. They are 24/7 party boys with brass balls, steely nerves and reckless ambitions. They pay for their high-risk, hedonistic lifestyle by trafficking cocaine, ecstasy and marijuana on international flights and through the world's biggest airports.

But to ride the wave you have to roll the dice. And in this game a bust means prison - or even a firing squad. A Brazilian cop is watching closely, determined to close the net. With a small team, he battles corrupt colleagues and bent judges to learn the secrets of the criminal playboys' gang and bring about their downfall.

If you love true crime or organised crime thrillers, drug bust stories, espionage, murder and mayhem, mafia films, international mystery and crime, heists and biographies featuring a real police operation and a real criminal gang, then this is the true crime biography for you . . . a page-turning, white-knuckle thriller - the true story of a mafia-style manhunt codenamed OPERATION PLAYBOY.

Perfect for fans of true crime stories and authors like Rusty Young, James Phelps, Chopper Read and Underbelly.

| True Crime | Mafia | Organised Crime | Hoaxes & Deceptions | Murder & Mayhem |

Available at all etailers and in audiobook.

Grab Your Copy NOW . . .

PRAISE FOR KATHRYN BONELLA

'[A] graphic insight into the hidden world of Bali's top western criminal cocaine bosses . . . With unprecedented access into their lives author Kathryn Bonella charts their rise to incredible wealth and power . . . [and] also follows many to the depths of hell when they are busted.' Tracks on Snowing in Bali

'. . . an insightful and sharply observed account of life inside Indonesia's most notorious prison. Bonella casts a cool journalistic eye over some horrific true life events . . .' Sun Herald on Hotel Kerobokan

'Bonella's portrayal of the jail . . . will make readers flinch with its graphic descriptions of violence and debauchery taking place under the eyes of bent guards.' South China Morning Post on Hotel Kerobokan

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Crime, History, Biography, True Story, Travel

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 12, 2017

About the author

Australian Journalist
Former 60 Minutes tv producer.
Kathryn has written 4 bestselling books.
Instagram @kathryn.bonella

Snowing in Bali

SNOWING IN BALI/KATHRYN BONELLA
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...


Operation Playboy


OPERATION PLAYBOY / KATHRYN BONELLA
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...


Hotel Kerobokan


"HOTEL KEROBOKAN" [HOTEL K]
https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=HO...


Schapelle Corby My Story (also titled No More Tomorrows.)

"SCHAPELLE CORBY MY STORY" [NO MORE TOMORROWS]
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a non-fiction book looking at the playboys at the top of the drug trafficking operations, particularly between Brazil, Amsterdam, and Bali.

The author focuses on a small group of Brazilians with a lot of influence in the industry. At this stage, we know a fair bit on this topic. However, I was surprised about the use of surf boards (or blow boards as they call them) and paragliding equipment. Inventive.

I wasn't surprised by the amount of money these guys earn and how once you're in the system, you are only going to want more and to climb the ranks quicker.

The Brazilian justice system did not surprise me either however I do feel for the officers who do take their roles seriously, it must be frustrating when you resist all bribery and corruption only to see it play how at the top of the organisation. 

I don't think there's anything new being revealed here. However, it was gripping enough, a decent read.

Three stars.

[Ann-marie Braun]

I could not put this book down. True to form Kathryn Bonella has managed to write another white knuckle page turner that will prevent you from sleeping at night. A very terrifying look at the charismatic and somewhat crazy people that smuggle drugs internationally and the International police who chase them..... Definitely worth the read.

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome book.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely addicted to this book! I loved it. The story is just amazing. Reading it I could not help but think, 'what if i was a horse', could i get away with it? The story of the playboys and living the playboy life is fascinating and i thought what if i was part of that life, but all at high level risk. You just never know what people are doing, what scam they got going on. so many times I've been to bali and now i just really wonder about all these surfer guys.. The book is really well written, so easy, it just flows. The detail and the research that went into this book is a credit to Kathryn. When you read you sort of don't want them to be caught, but them remember what they are actually doing. Wonder what actually happened to Jorge, how did Katheryn even get in touch with him. I'm sure he is still living the life, doing what he's doing. Amazing story!

[Victor · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Bonella's others books Hotel K and Snowing in Bali this book had a lot to live up to. It did and like the others I couldn't put it down and was again completely drawn into the story and the characters. Bonella writes in a way that makes you feel like you are there and you get to know these people. A fantastic book. I highly recommend.

[Joshua Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Hotel K and Snowing in Bali. This is by far the best book i have read from Bonella. The main character here is Jorge who transcends between Europe and Brazil but there are some familiar characters out from the previous books as well. What made the difference here was that this book crosses international borders with no geographical restriction like the other 2 books. She goes into details of understanding how the drug dealers operate and what keeps them motivated. Of course, the law would eventually catch up with them. The story also describes how the head to narcotics uncovers an international syndicate with adrenaline filled details on how both sides felt at the same time leading to the arrest. It also explains how hard the police needs to fight in a very corrupt legal system where these drug lords could get away with short sentences. Bonella really got both sides of the story this time round which made this book so captivating.

[Isabella Rosselinni · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Kathryn manages to bring us in the world of drug smuggling without the judgmental eye. Operation Playboy shows both the hunter and the hunted's side, which makes it all the more interesting. As you immerse yourself in the book, you don't realise this was months and years of hard work coming into fruition -- the book is worth every penny. Not many people involved in the drug world want to open themselves up to a writer because they will most likely be portrayed as the villain. Kathryn manages to humanise them. That's what makes her writings so interesting :-)

If she ever writes another book, I'll buy them without a second thought as soon as I find out about them. I love the way she tells her stories.

[Amelia Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Operation Playboy. Bonella’s writing is exceptional, I found myself completely immersed in the story on the train to uni each day not wanting to arrive at my stop because it meant I had to stop reading. This book is one of the few books I’ve read where I’ve found myself constantly picturing the scene in my head which, when I told my sister this she said it has a lot to say about the writer, so proof Bonella’s writing really is amazing! I remain completely mind blown at the truth of the story and the lives the playboys lived.
I loved the way she wrote about the playboys, particularly Jorge, as although she outlines the crimes they were committing and the harm this had on those involved in the business, she created a character that I found myself rooting for and hoping he would get away with each crime he committed as he just seemed like a charismatic guy that found a lifestyle he loved to live and it was unfortunate that it was a lifestyle funded by a process of incredibly high highs and paired with incredibly low lows.
A wonderful and intriguing story everyone should read!

Amelia

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Operation Playboy
Sex. Drugs. Danger. Death.

The true story of a bunch of surfers trafficking drugs across the globe, police chase for them but with the police facing challenge of bribe system among judge as they are in country where ‘Money talked..and his (drug dealer)could say plenty ’

The surfer @ playboy @ drug traffickers normally wouldn’t get charged as they don’t touch the drugs but sending their ‘horse’ to do it. 1-4.9 kg of drug trafficking is fine , but if u get caught with 5kg - u r going to face death penalty in Indonesia. In the same time if u successfully trafficked 5kg or more, that surfer pay u well too.

Operation playboy - a great book to give you insight how drug trafficker do it and why u should stop it. Today u wouldn’t get caught but doesn’t mean you will forever be free.

[Christoffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dont read a lot but this book caught my attention and I got caught up with the story right away. The book is very well writtin and you easily get into the atmosphere of the persons, topics and surroundings that the author is writing about.

I will recommend this book to everyone who wants to get a first hand knowlegde of drug trafficking.

You should also read Snowing in Bali, Hotel K og No more tomorrows from Kathryn Bonella, she is a fantastic author!

I am just waiting for her to publish the next one.

[Brooke Drzewucki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down! Kathryn is a brilliant author, I was captivated from the first page. This book tells the tale of International drug trafficking from the side of the playboys who thought they were untouchable AND from the side of the cops who hunted them. It is a fascinating insight to a crazy world! Kathryn's ability to get to the heart of each person's story and generate empathy towards all players is incredible. I absolutely loved it. Highly recommend!

[Nathan Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read Operation Playboy is. Every page draws you in and you just want to keep reading. The way Kathryn writes this book is amazing so well researched. Bali is so much more than a holiday destination. This book is a must read for fans of true stories. Brilliant book. Thanks Kathryn for the read.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Snowing in Bali by this author and loved it. So my expectations for Operation Playboy were exceptionally high. It did not disappoint. It blew me away and for two days I didn't stop reading. Like Snowing in Bali, reading this book is like watching a film. This is escapism and true crime at its best.

[Jake Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing!! I did not want to put this book down once I started to read it.

From start to finish I feel the book flowed so easily and was very easy to remember the people and their role in the drug organisation.

I have now read 3 out of the 4 books written by Kathryn Bonella and have rated them 5 stars. Currently reading the 4th now.

[Buzzed Nomad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathryn Bonella did it again. She wrote a book that completely hooked me from line one. Just like Hotel K and Snowing in Bali, Kathryn's storytelling is unique, fresh and addicting. And just like after reading her previous books, I'm left wanting more. I hope there is a next one. Please, please, please, Kathryn! ;)

[Caitlin Norrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathryn has an incredibly ability to draw out the deepest, darkest secrets from some of the worlds most dangerous drug lords, but gain their respect. This book is captivating, left me wanting more, and had me dreaming about a life completely different from my own. An excellent journalistic approach, filled with fact and testimony which keeps you from putting it down.

[Shirley Metelmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

True to form Another great book from this author
Bring on the next book

[Alexandra Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, true story, mind blowing - loved it!

[Lyla Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way Bonella potrays the drug world as facsinating, thrilling, but in the end, dark, insecure & alone is really interesting to read.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you thought the trilogy was over after Snowing in Bali, along comes this gem to breathe more life into the story.

This book picks up right where Snowing in Bali left off. There are a few new names, a lot of skull duggery and enough suspense to leave you hoping for an additional release in the series.

Operation Playboy is arguably the most enjoyable book to read in the whole series. It was impossible to put down and is a book that shall be revisited at another time merely for the sheer pleasure of reading it.

[Bradey Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Snowing in Bali first and couldn't put it down. Operation Playboy by same author is even better. I didn't want either book to finish. I was totally absorbed in these riveting true stories. I can already see both these books as movies. I feel like i know the characters and understand their motives for trafficking drugs. Awesome books.

[Evan Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating read. The story is so out-of-this-world that at times I completely forgot that I was reading a non-fiction book.

[Marsilla Dewi-Baruch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect whirlwind of sadness, terror, boldness and decadence. It taught me that nothing comes good from pushing drug. To the future horses, read this book before ever thinking of doing that job.

[Krisdinantya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a masterpiece from the author, its amazing, i got goosebumps when i read it💯

[Annabelle Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love the way Kathryn writes. She tells the story as if you are in the picture too. Loved this one, just as much as Snowing in Bali and Hotel Kerobokan. She brings all the players to life and you can't help liking them (which isn't that cool as they are criminals).
This will be another one of hers that I will re-read again and again.

[Gaute Gautestad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to let it down after you started, amazing story abt how some brazilian surfers ends up beeing international smuglers and starts living it up with gucci and parties hooked on adrenaline and coke. Some poor sentances but very direct and close up.
Great book

[Galina Ivanova · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Kathryn Bonella's writing when I first read Snowing in Bali.
Operation Playboy is another proof of her great talent. An amazing story which transports you right into the underworld, and it's just so fascinating learning how this underworld works. Must read!

[Alan AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great continuation of the Brazil/Ams/Bali gang crew! Alot of New insight and detail on the whole op. 💪💪💪💪

[Marc Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished and thoroughly enjoyed it, 5 out of 5 from me!

[Sam M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely bizarre tales of a fascinating and dangerous world. 10/10 would recommend to anyone!!!