In Too Deep: How an American Teen Became a Pioneer Boss of the International Drug Trade

by Leigh Ritch

The true story how a young teen becomes the Boss of the Largest Marijuana Smuggling operation in US History.Being described by the Detroit Free Press as the Billionaire Boys. Living among the Rockstars and flying their Private Jets around the Globe. With money laundering and drug payouts under the protection of Panama’s General Noreiga.

Genres: Nonfiction

138 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 19, 2020

Reviews

[Antonio Arch · Rating 4 out of 5]

“May you live in interesting times.” The old English expression thought to come from an ancient Chinese curse might have been written just for Leigh Ritch, who has penned his life story without ever being contrite in hindsight, or coy with what happened. The book is written with a “nothing to lose” candor that refuses to sugarcoat the events, triumphs and letdowns of his life, without even bothering to alter the names and identities of those he encountered along the way --some famous, some infamous and more than a few household names. I write this during an election campaign in the Cayman Islands and note that several august politicians get (dis)honorable mentions with little or no attempt to conceal their identities. You won't find any contrition in the pages of Ritch’s memoirs, just events as he remembers them and a matter-of-fact candor that makes In Too Deep impossible to put down. If you're looking for a companion to the history books that document the Cayman Islands’ incredible evolution from sleepy fishing outposts that time forgot into the financial center that replaced them, then this is required reading.

[Justin Ritter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a very good smuggler

I learned of Leigh Ritch and his story as the “gentleman smuggler” on the podcast ‘Deep Cover’. I looked forward to reading his account of his deals, his experiences, and his eventual capture, conviction, and release.
Mr. Ritch should have hired an editor or at least a proof reader. Instead, we get poorly organized stories, most of which ended up badly for the drug smugglers. The stories ramble around in a stream of consciousness format, without enough explanation of who people are, how they’re involved, or why they are there.
It’s amazing that he wasn’t caught and sent to prison far earlier than he was. I don’t think one of the major deals he conducted was 100% successful. People on his team were losing or damaging the product (drugs), getting caught, or tipping off authorities somewhere along the way.
This man led an amazing life, with intriguing experiences, but it was a life story poorly told.

[Erik Sapp · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story is not bad, but the writing is awful. Stories are repeated multiple times. The sentence structure is choppy. I almost gave up on this book a few times.

[Josh M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as I felt that it would speak to the general controversy of the author.

Growing up in the Cayman Islands, I heard of Mr. Ritch's escapades throughout my life. Reading this book was a unique pleasure. Seeing a firsthand account of Leigh's ascension from a seemingly well-to-do kid into a smuggler with no few connections was interesting to read. Some may frown on this, but I will say, you've got to have a wealth of courage for that level of risk-taking. This portion made for an exciting and informative read.

I believe that anyone can change their life and habits if they truly want to. His subsequent incarceration, the birth of a child, and attempts to reintegrate with society both in the US and Cayman Islands struck home for me (hehe). I think this book also provides a very brief yet seldom-seen side of life in the Cayman Islands, which rounded out the piece fairly well for me.

With that being said, I gave this one 4 stars. It was a quick read, I wish it was a little longer. Still, I think I know why the author "left it at that".

[Phyllis Schwindt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating story about drug dealing mostly in Florida and Cayman Islands. This could be a better book if the author had a ( better?) editor. Story was vague with dates , Grammar was mediocre and repeated descriptions of people. Was there any violence ? None mentioned. Could be a good action movie.

[Thomas K. Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hit close to home......

So.... I was reading this just for fun and was stunned to find out that I bought my Cayman home from the most dishonest people in the entire book. Talk about weird coincidences......

[HOWARD MCCONNELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving bigger and bigger loads each time.

I enjoyed the book and whole story. Others reviewed it poorly due to grammar and editing. The story was good and got better and bigger with each load. Love hearing about the logistics of the business. Fast read. Good story.

[Tammy Dilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

Heard about this book and just had to get it. Definitely one of the best book I have read in a long time. . A must read for many.