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Narcas: The Secret Rise of Women in Latin America's Cartels
Drug transporters. Money launderers. Killers. Street drug vendors. Weapons traffickers. Kidnappers. Extortionists.
VICE journalist Deborah Bonello reports from the trenches in this first-ever in-depth exploration of the hidden power women wield in Latin American drug cartels
You've heard of Pablo Escobar, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, and Rafael Caro Quintero. Their names conjure ghoulish images of bloody streets, white powder, bundles of weed, and a particular flavor of machismo unique to ruthless drug lords. But what of the drug ladies, las narcas? Investigative reporter Deborah Bonello takes you behind the curtain to introduce the women at the helm of organized crime south of the US-Mexico border. These women are the powerhouses behind violent cartels, masterminds of extortion rackets, right-hand ladies to El Chapo and his cocaine flow to the US, and matriarchs of major drug trafficking families. In these pages, you will meet women like Doña Digna, the leader of the Valle cartel, and Guadalupe Fernandez Valencia, one of “El Chapo” Guzman’s closest confidants.
Narcas, for the first time,gives voice to the women of notorious drug trafficking monarchies, meticulously documenting the variety of roles they play. Bonello chronicles the complexity of their actions and their desires, the gray chasm between victims and victimizers, co-option and agency, and right and wrong. She also examines why women’s experiences are under-reported, emphasizing the importance of understanding women as fully capable beings who are often as ambitious, innovative, ruthless, and violent as their male counterparts.
With careful detail, comprehensive research, and groundbreaking storytelling, Narcas paints a vivid picture of the women behind some of the most notorious drug cartels. You will not see Sebastiana Cottón or Marixa Lemus in the stereotypical portrayals of beautiful narco wives or girlfriends like Emma Coronel Aispuro, or in the faces of trafficking survivors or drug mules. Rather, you’ll encounter—at staggering rates—the female cartel killers, money launderers, logistical heads, and transporters of Latin America’s infamous crime syndicates.
VICE journalist Deborah Bonello reports from the trenches in this first-ever in-depth exploration of the hidden power women wield in Latin American drug cartels
You've heard of Pablo Escobar, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, and Rafael Caro Quintero. Their names conjure ghoulish images of bloody streets, white powder, bundles of weed, and a particular flavor of machismo unique to ruthless drug lords. But what of the drug ladies, las narcas? Investigative reporter Deborah Bonello takes you behind the curtain to introduce the women at the helm of organized crime south of the US-Mexico border. These women are the powerhouses behind violent cartels, masterminds of extortion rackets, right-hand ladies to El Chapo and his cocaine flow to the US, and matriarchs of major drug trafficking families. In these pages, you will meet women like Doña Digna, the leader of the Valle cartel, and Guadalupe Fernandez Valencia, one of “El Chapo” Guzman’s closest confidants.
Narcas, for the first time,gives voice to the women of notorious drug trafficking monarchies, meticulously documenting the variety of roles they play. Bonello chronicles the complexity of their actions and their desires, the gray chasm between victims and victimizers, co-option and agency, and right and wrong. She also examines why women’s experiences are under-reported, emphasizing the importance of understanding women as fully capable beings who are often as ambitious, innovative, ruthless, and violent as their male counterparts.
With careful detail, comprehensive research, and groundbreaking storytelling, Narcas paints a vivid picture of the women behind some of the most notorious drug cartels. You will not see Sebastiana Cottón or Marixa Lemus in the stereotypical portrayals of beautiful narco wives or girlfriends like Emma Coronel Aispuro, or in the faces of trafficking survivors or drug mules. Rather, you’ll encounter—at staggering rates—the female cartel killers, money launderers, logistical heads, and transporters of Latin America’s infamous crime syndicates.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published July 25, 2023
20 people are currently reading
3077 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 2, 2023
4.25
thank you libro.fm for the audio arc!
this was so well researched and written
the rise of women in the cartels is told in a proper voice that is balanced, nuanced, that doesn’t not disregard the hardships these women face whilst also acknowledging that they are criminals and assassins
the author never allows for a ‘i support women’s wrongs’ narrative to come belittle the darkness of these roles i.e. its not romanticized, but rather women’s agency and ability to lead is paralleled with the violence they face, the morally wrong decisions they can make for money and power
this is written by a journalist, counting her first hand convos and experiences going to latin america and interviewing the people and narcas she mentions in the book
fantastic!
thank you libro.fm for the audio arc!
this was so well researched and written
the rise of women in the cartels is told in a proper voice that is balanced, nuanced, that doesn’t not disregard the hardships these women face whilst also acknowledging that they are criminals and assassins
the author never allows for a ‘i support women’s wrongs’ narrative to come belittle the darkness of these roles i.e. its not romanticized, but rather women’s agency and ability to lead is paralleled with the violence they face, the morally wrong decisions they can make for money and power
this is written by a journalist, counting her first hand convos and experiences going to latin america and interviewing the people and narcas she mentions in the book
fantastic!
January 28, 2024
3.5
Are we really pretending Latin American journalists, including female Latin American journalists, haven't written books on narcas? What was with the author acting like she was the first? There was a whole repetitive section that basically said "These women who are criminals and not victims exist in cartels even though we don't hear about them" and I'm like, who's we?
I was happy that the book greatly improved in the last three or so hours once the author got down to talking about specific narcas.
Are we really pretending Latin American journalists, including female Latin American journalists, haven't written books on narcas? What was with the author acting like she was the first? There was a whole repetitive section that basically said "These women who are criminals and not victims exist in cartels even though we don't hear about them" and I'm like, who's we?
I was happy that the book greatly improved in the last three or so hours once the author got down to talking about specific narcas.
July 6, 2023
THIS WAS SO FANTASTICALLY DONE. I need to start consuming more non-fiction reads. I am so thankful to Beacon Hill Press, Deborah Bonello, and Libro.fm for granting me advanced audiobook access to this super informative read before it's projected to hit shelves on July 25, 2023.
There are so many aspects of the world that are misogynistic and sexist, but who knew the cartel would be? Actually, that's a no-brainer, because of the violence and oppression that is exhibited throughout many Narco countries. Women have evolved in this environment to not only succeed, but to stay alive, and feed their families.
It was really interesting learning about the many female companions and Queen-Pins who've gone down in history for making big money moves in the Drug world, and I look forward to learning more about this part of the world.
There are so many aspects of the world that are misogynistic and sexist, but who knew the cartel would be? Actually, that's a no-brainer, because of the violence and oppression that is exhibited throughout many Narco countries. Women have evolved in this environment to not only succeed, but to stay alive, and feed their families.
It was really interesting learning about the many female companions and Queen-Pins who've gone down in history for making big money moves in the Drug world, and I look forward to learning more about this part of the world.
August 7, 2023
Loved every bit of it. The female stories are as fascinating as sad. Great journalism, even greater writing ❤️
July 6, 2023
Thank you to libro.fm for providing me with an ALC of this audiobook. I am offering my honest opinion voluntarily.
Although Narcos is on my watchlist, I haven't actually gotten around to it. However, this topic was even more interesting to me. The idea of women in positions of power among Latin American cartels, in a culture that continues to lean heavily on machismo, while women stay home and take care of the children, was one that I couldn't resist learning more about.
This is a well-researched book, and Bonello's passion for reporting comes through loud and clear. It's obvious how much she enjoys building and maintaining a rapport with the people that she interviews, and is upset about the ones that refuse an interview with her.
Learning more about the women who step into these positions, and the circumstances that occur which often force them into these situations. Many of them come from poor families in poor villages, and turning to selling drugs is the only way they can get by, and then naturally climb the ladder, while others are in families affiliated with the cartels and are just automatically expected to work with them, but preferably behind the scenes. It's when the women are out in front, making a name for themselves that they draw attention.
The author also talked about the culture among the females affiliated with the gang, or buchonas, and the immense pressure that these women face to change the way they look, often surgically, to adhere to an unrealistic beauty standard. In addition, it puts the women under the control of the men they are partnered with, making it more difficult for them to leave.
While this was a short read, this was a good one. The author wrote it in a way that made sure it wasn't dry, but kept readers engaged and interested. This is one not to miss.
Although Narcos is on my watchlist, I haven't actually gotten around to it. However, this topic was even more interesting to me. The idea of women in positions of power among Latin American cartels, in a culture that continues to lean heavily on machismo, while women stay home and take care of the children, was one that I couldn't resist learning more about.
This is a well-researched book, and Bonello's passion for reporting comes through loud and clear. It's obvious how much she enjoys building and maintaining a rapport with the people that she interviews, and is upset about the ones that refuse an interview with her.
Learning more about the women who step into these positions, and the circumstances that occur which often force them into these situations. Many of them come from poor families in poor villages, and turning to selling drugs is the only way they can get by, and then naturally climb the ladder, while others are in families affiliated with the cartels and are just automatically expected to work with them, but preferably behind the scenes. It's when the women are out in front, making a name for themselves that they draw attention.
The author also talked about the culture among the females affiliated with the gang, or buchonas, and the immense pressure that these women face to change the way they look, often surgically, to adhere to an unrealistic beauty standard. In addition, it puts the women under the control of the men they are partnered with, making it more difficult for them to leave.
While this was a short read, this was a good one. The author wrote it in a way that made sure it wasn't dry, but kept readers engaged and interested. This is one not to miss.
June 29, 2023
Interesting and fascinating topic, we’ll researched and one that will bring light to roles that we do not always expect. Part of me really understands how you could make the choices to get to this point. It’s sad but really understandable
October 27, 2024
Interesting book but would have 100% better with photographs.
Small criticism but she also uses the word "tropes" and "agencies" far too much which maybe meant she didn't have a professional proofreader.
Small criticism but she also uses the word "tropes" and "agencies" far too much which maybe meant she didn't have a professional proofreader.
January 12, 2024
As someone whose father is from Sinaloa, I grew up hearing about the cartels and have done quite a bit of reading on this particular topic. For readers who aren’t familiar, this could be a starting point but I also don’t consider it essential reading. You may be better off picking up something else.
Overall, I think this book scratched the surface of what it could’ve gone into. There’s plenty of Latin American journalists that have written about this, many to their own detriment.
Overall, I think this book scratched the surface of what it could’ve gone into. There’s plenty of Latin American journalists that have written about this, many to their own detriment.
December 21, 2023
I wanted this to be more than it was. I get it - there are inherent challenges in reporting on this particular subject matter. The secrecy, the violence, people reluctant to talk, reporters fearing for their safety - but for a good chunk of this book what I basically learned was "these women exist." And yeah, I knew that already. I do think the second half goes a bit deeper than the first, and that's where I felt most of the meat was. I also appreciated that a good chunk of the reporting centered around countries that don't regularly get talked about on the nightly news.
October 10, 2023
Deborah does a wonderful job detailing the lives of Narcas, also probably risking her life by talking to them in order to tell their story.
“Generally, the wives and girlfriends of major narcos are the women who are visible in media coverage and represenations in popular culture. But what has been largely ignored is how women influence each other in this sphere, through relationships between mothers and daughters, sisters, female friends, and business associates.”
- Deborah Bonello
“Generally, the wives and girlfriends of major narcos are the women who are visible in media coverage and represenations in popular culture. But what has been largely ignored is how women influence each other in this sphere, through relationships between mothers and daughters, sisters, female friends, and business associates.”
- Deborah Bonello
September 5, 2023
More like a 3.5. I really appreciate the research and investigation this author did on the subject and find her narrative voice absolutely riveting but I wish we had more information overall. I’d love to see this author return and add more to this list and the history especially the one patrona from the 1920s/30s I need more information on her! Overall enjoyed the education I was provided here.
May 15, 2025
“Narcas: The Secret Rise of Women in Latin America’s Cartels” is a nonfiction book focusing on highlighting the criminal escapades of women with Latin America drug cartels.
The book consists of an author’s note, introduction, seven chapters, a conclusion, acknowledgements, notes, and an index.
Through the course of the book, Bonello highlights various women involved in the Latin American drug trade including who include sixty year old Guadalupe Fernandez Valencia, the highest-ranking female Sinaloa Cartel operative working for Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, Digna Valle, matriarch of a violent drug trafficking clan in Honduras, Maria Delores Estevez Zuleta, the first major transnational drug trafficker in Mexico, Yaneth Vergara Hernandez , a Columbian drug trafficker, Sebastina Cotton Vasquez, a peasant turned violent drug trafficker, Marllory Chacon Rossell, a Columbian woman who took over her husband's money laundering business after he is imprisoned, as well as Luz Irene Fajardo Campos, a Mexican drug trafficker described as the female equivalent to "El Chapo."
As I finished the book, I was somewhat disappointed by the book. I expected to learn more about the full history of women’s involvement in Latin America’s cartels and instead felt this book is a hodgepodge glossing over several women. While I did like that Bonello highlighted women in drug cartels in countries not often publicly discussed such as Columbia, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala, I would have preferred more photos throughout the book to visually connect the reader to the highlighted women and felt that more often than not, Bonello writes provides pieces of inofrmation but wants the reader do the work of making bigger connections to the scattered information she provides.
The book consists of an author’s note, introduction, seven chapters, a conclusion, acknowledgements, notes, and an index.
Through the course of the book, Bonello highlights various women involved in the Latin American drug trade including who include sixty year old Guadalupe Fernandez Valencia, the highest-ranking female Sinaloa Cartel operative working for Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, Digna Valle, matriarch of a violent drug trafficking clan in Honduras, Maria Delores Estevez Zuleta, the first major transnational drug trafficker in Mexico, Yaneth Vergara Hernandez , a Columbian drug trafficker, Sebastina Cotton Vasquez, a peasant turned violent drug trafficker, Marllory Chacon Rossell, a Columbian woman who took over her husband's money laundering business after he is imprisoned, as well as Luz Irene Fajardo Campos, a Mexican drug trafficker described as the female equivalent to "El Chapo."
As I finished the book, I was somewhat disappointed by the book. I expected to learn more about the full history of women’s involvement in Latin America’s cartels and instead felt this book is a hodgepodge glossing over several women. While I did like that Bonello highlighted women in drug cartels in countries not often publicly discussed such as Columbia, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala, I would have preferred more photos throughout the book to visually connect the reader to the highlighted women and felt that more often than not, Bonello writes provides pieces of inofrmation but wants the reader do the work of making bigger connections to the scattered information she provides.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2024
Thoughts
This was a really interesting look at women in cartels. It is crazy how because of the patriarchy these women were able to get away with so much for so long.
This examines how women usually fly under the radar even when they're close family members of the big bosses because people don't think women are capable of such violence. And the author does point out that while most of the women do it out of necessity some said they did it just because they wanted to. However, I think this is true for most men as well.
I had never heard of any of these women and it is kind of crazy. It seems like the men are kind of glamorized and idolized. They will make movies about them. Men will dress up like them for Halloween. But if it's women, let's not even talk about that. And I am not saying that all of this should happen for the women, because it shouldn't happen for the men. But when we hide these things from everyone it makes groups of people seem like a monolith and puts everyone into a box. Which, effects health care, mental health care, education, and so much more. It also hurts victims of abuse by women, because peolle don't believe women are capable of it. Whether it be their mothers or anyone else.
Well this was half review half my musings but y'all already know that's what you're getting from me lol. But pick this one up if you're interested in this kind of thing.
This was a really interesting look at women in cartels. It is crazy how because of the patriarchy these women were able to get away with so much for so long.
This examines how women usually fly under the radar even when they're close family members of the big bosses because people don't think women are capable of such violence. And the author does point out that while most of the women do it out of necessity some said they did it just because they wanted to. However, I think this is true for most men as well.
I had never heard of any of these women and it is kind of crazy. It seems like the men are kind of glamorized and idolized. They will make movies about them. Men will dress up like them for Halloween. But if it's women, let's not even talk about that. And I am not saying that all of this should happen for the women, because it shouldn't happen for the men. But when we hide these things from everyone it makes groups of people seem like a monolith and puts everyone into a box. Which, effects health care, mental health care, education, and so much more. It also hurts victims of abuse by women, because peolle don't believe women are capable of it. Whether it be their mothers or anyone else.
Well this was half review half my musings but y'all already know that's what you're getting from me lol. But pick this one up if you're interested in this kind of thing.
April 18, 2025
Very nearly gave this a 2 stars but decided to round it up for the 2nd half which in a couple of cases had some meat to the "whys?" on the bone. Perhaps this is too wide a subject matter? I doubt the lack of enough women in former decades and most of the latter half of the 20th century who were pivotally involved but little noted for there to be truly any aspect which became a "secret" rise; despite the super macho cultures of "bosses" they were often close to the tops. Women have always been involved in drug running and in trafficking kids, especially. I find it ironic that the fear of retribution for realitities of capture, conviction, release etc. are so featured. When they (these women Narcas) have annihilated, tortured, multilated, killed and overdosed thousands for a great portions of their lifetime.
Be aware the M-13 descriptions of "use" and takeover are more brutal than most of the war fodder or past medieval tortures you have ever read. To their "friends" at times too.
The author exposes herself as an original or first reporter on this or strongly implies it. No, especially in Spanish but also in English- this is not new "reporting".
Be aware the M-13 descriptions of "use" and takeover are more brutal than most of the war fodder or past medieval tortures you have ever read. To their "friends" at times too.
The author exposes herself as an original or first reporter on this or strongly implies it. No, especially in Spanish but also in English- this is not new "reporting".
July 31, 2023
Mexicana:
Compré este libro con fines de investigación. Esto es muy interesante para aprender sobre las jefas de drogas. Aunque no profundiza, es porque esta forma de vida debe ocultarse en gran medida a las autoridades y, por lo tanto, al público. Lamentablemente, la iniciación en un cartel para las mujeres no es diferente a la iniciación en una pandilla. Y aunque las mujeres son menos violentas directamente, desempeñan importantes roles de liderazgo dentro de los cárteles. Me gustaría saber más sobre la vida después de las mujeres que logran dejar el estilo de vida.
English:
I bought this book for research purposes. This is a very interesting to learn about female drug bosses. Though it doesn't go in-depth it's because this way of life must be largely hidden from authorities and therefore the public. The cartel initiation for women is sadly no different to gang initiation. And though women are less directly violent they play important leadership roles within cartels. What I'd like to know more about is life after for the women who do manage to leave the lifestyle.
Compré este libro con fines de investigación. Esto es muy interesante para aprender sobre las jefas de drogas. Aunque no profundiza, es porque esta forma de vida debe ocultarse en gran medida a las autoridades y, por lo tanto, al público. Lamentablemente, la iniciación en un cartel para las mujeres no es diferente a la iniciación en una pandilla. Y aunque las mujeres son menos violentas directamente, desempeñan importantes roles de liderazgo dentro de los cárteles. Me gustaría saber más sobre la vida después de las mujeres que logran dejar el estilo de vida.
English:
I bought this book for research purposes. This is a very interesting to learn about female drug bosses. Though it doesn't go in-depth it's because this way of life must be largely hidden from authorities and therefore the public. The cartel initiation for women is sadly no different to gang initiation. And though women are less directly violent they play important leadership roles within cartels. What I'd like to know more about is life after for the women who do manage to leave the lifestyle.
August 30, 2023
I listened to this audiobook thanks to Libro.fm's ALC program. Thank you so much!
Surprising in every sense, this book caught me off guard. The moment it appeared as a choice on August's ALC, I downloaded it. Its subject matter, one I hadn't previously pondered much as I'm not that interested in the drug trafficking world (never watched Narcos, Breaking Bad, or similar shows), managed to grip my attention from the beginning. However, what stands out remarkably is Bonello's research and investigation.
I listened to the audiobook as if it were an engaging podcast. The narrative flows seamlessly, and Bonello's portrayal of case studies featuring women from Latin America holds a distinct allure. As the author establishes in both the introduction and conclusion, her goal is to cast light upon a subject that often remains in the shadows. This is a subject that defies gender stereotypes, a theme the author fearlessly confronts—so much so that she places herself in danger to achieve it.
Bookstagram.
Surprising in every sense, this book caught me off guard. The moment it appeared as a choice on August's ALC, I downloaded it. Its subject matter, one I hadn't previously pondered much as I'm not that interested in the drug trafficking world (never watched Narcos, Breaking Bad, or similar shows), managed to grip my attention from the beginning. However, what stands out remarkably is Bonello's research and investigation.
I listened to the audiobook as if it were an engaging podcast. The narrative flows seamlessly, and Bonello's portrayal of case studies featuring women from Latin America holds a distinct allure. As the author establishes in both the introduction and conclusion, her goal is to cast light upon a subject that often remains in the shadows. This is a subject that defies gender stereotypes, a theme the author fearlessly confronts—so much so that she places herself in danger to achieve it.
Bookstagram.
April 18, 2024
This book reminded me so much of the style of Mariana van Zeller's investigations into smuggling networks and black markets. The writing (and audio) are very much a journalistic approach. After watching series like Griselda and Queen of the South, I wanted to know more about the history behind some of these women that we too often don't hear about. In true Hispanic culture, these women were often overlooked and thought to be harmless homemakers. For many women that get involved in this line of "business" that is so very far from the truth. It only abetted them in staying under the radar longer than their male counterparts. All in all a very interesting exposé of a largely undocumented side of cartel business women.
August 2, 2023
Narcas: The Secret Rise of Women in Latin America's Cartels is a wonderful deep dive into the world of women in Latin America's violent and (previously) male-dominated landscape. By telling the stories of these women, Deborah Bonello dispels the myths and stereotypes associated with women in or around criminal groups and gives them back the agency that news coverage so often denies them. The book is a must-read for those interested --academically or in passing-- in organized crime in Latin America.
September 5, 2023
I liked this book and found it really added to my existing knowledge of narcotraficantes. However I don’t think it would be as interesting to someone who hasn’t seen Narcos on Netflix or followed the stories of Latin America’s drug cartels.
It’s sometimes tricky to keep track of the “characters” so I recommend finding the author’s Vice article online with the same name as the book, and it has a useful map with pictures.
Also there is some intense violence mentioned here but that should be expected given the topic.
It’s sometimes tricky to keep track of the “characters” so I recommend finding the author’s Vice article online with the same name as the book, and it has a useful map with pictures.
Also there is some intense violence mentioned here but that should be expected given the topic.
December 12, 2023
Quite the eye-opener. Nay, quite the eye-popper. A quick read, but a lot of punch and power packed into a small book. Constantly, portrayed as world marinated in male, hyper-machismo, only to be revealed that there is a lot of shadowed glass ceiling breaches and that what was once seen as mere arm candy and sex objects may in fact be in, some cases, the real power behind many narco empires. So much for that weaker sex bollocks. Fascinating read. My hats off to Ms. Bonello and her nerve racking dive into the belly of the beast to deliver this book.
July 13, 2023
Deborah Bonello you are a great writer. Thanks for all the hard work and research you put into this book. I have watched some Netflix movies about the cartel. True stories about "El Chapo" Guzman and Pablo Escobar. They never mention the women that are running their own cartel and succeeding. I enjoyed reading about these cartel women and the struggles they had. Very interesting to read about what the cartel women deal with on a daily basis. Highly recommend
December 31, 2023
While the prose and story telling are somewhat dull (unsurprisingly journalistic), this is a hyper informative guide to the drug queens ruling Latin America. Bonello helps destroy the Madonna-Whore-esque complex surrounding women in the drug trade. The women whose stories we learn are not victims nor sexed up blood thirsty animals.
Humanizing and critical, Narcas is a news-style snapshot of a world that has gone unphotographed.
Humanizing and critical, Narcas is a news-style snapshot of a world that has gone unphotographed.
January 8, 2025
Excellent book about Narcas, female drug traffickers, throughout LATAM. Very well researched and written with soul and character by an author who clearly cares about her subject matter. Definitely recommend to anyone interested in the Narco crisis in Mexico and throughout LATAM, especially if interested in the myriad of roles women play in the cartel. Very readable. Deborah is a VICE writer with chops from the days when VICE was great.
June 28, 2025
Having grown up with all Latino culture and seeing some vocal and strong women in media all my life, it feels a bit strange to hear that Latinas in Cartels are seen as background characters. Obviously, telenovelas and reality are not the same, but it's nice to see someone doing research into this topic. Also, I very much appreciate the way the author puts in the effort to pronounce the Spanish names.
August 13, 2023
This was interesting but I felt like it was written in a way that was kind of hard to follow. This might have been just been because I listened to it but there were parts that seems repetitive and some out of order. It was an interesting angle that I appreciated learning more about but it wasn't earth-shattering.
September 27, 2023
It’s an interesting book as it finally shows women in power and tells some of their stories. The author states she tried to interview some but was denied access due to “covid”. It makes you wonder what has gone wrong that people could kill a pregnant child so easily? I understand that they see it as loyalty but do they not understand that she thought she had his loyalty??
April 23, 2024
Author exhibits some true-crime/liberal feminism brainrot I fear at times but this was really interesting. It was nuanced, enlightening, and often very sad. Reads a bit more like a collection of articles than a cohesive narrative which made keeping all the people and the timeline straight difficult, but it led me on a lottttt of interesting google searches. Would recommend, I learned a lot.
June 21, 2024
This was pretty good, but it didn't go deep enough for my personal tastes. That's not totally the author's fault because this isn't an easy world to break into and convince people to reveal their secrets. It was still interesting and introduced me to a facet of drug cartels that I've honestly never thought about.
July 26, 2023
This was an interesting read. I had never heard of any of these women before and I am a true crime fanatic. It was interesting to read about them and try to understand why this was the choice they made for their lives. I hope one day we can get rid of the stereotypes that surround women in general
November 22, 2023
Definitely a fascinating read and given the information limitations on such a subject the author did well to explore what she could. I appreciated her voice throughout the explanation of her investigation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews