Stephen Randel

The story of El Barquero, the drug smuggling trade and the US Border Patrol was riveting. However, I didn't particularly relish the scenes with the civilian militia, whose members are shown as fumbling fools a la F Troop. Yes, I could see how those scenes could be humorous, but I find it discomforting that such a group is represented as harmless and comedic and nothing about which to be concerned. Civilian militia border patrols can be dangerous and, if they are made up of fumbling fools, they present an even greater threat to the safety of each other, other civilians (both US and Mexican) and the professional, trained US Border Patrol. Personally, I think they should be taken very seriously.… (meer)

It took me a long time to finish this book and I don't have any real reason for it. It was just slow, so I won't rate it low because it really doesn't deserve a low rating just because I wasn't in the mood for it when I started reading.

There are a number of POVs and they all come together near the end of this crazy book. The characters best describe it. The author managed to tell a humorous (though dark) story even with serious themes: illegal aliens, remorseless assassins, drugs, cartels and a very high body count.

Avery Bartholomew Pendleton is a paranoid conspiracy nut. He constantly writes threatening or blackmailing letters to anyone who did something wrong (in his opinion). The problem with Avery is that is almost everyone. His letters are hilarious and show just how crazy he is. Avery is obsessed with finding a proof that chupacabras are invading the US. He is living with Bennet (a retired doctor who was married to his mother) and Bennet's son Kit, who recently got back to Austin.

I loved the parts with civilian militia. General X-Ray and his men want to protect the border and prevent any illegal alien to cross over. The following passage best shows their awesomeness. "After kick-starting the heavy dirt bike to life, he led the convoy of vehicles into the desert, only to return to base a few minutes later because Private Foxtrot had forgotten to lock the door to the HQ"Who wouldn't like these guys as protectors?

The third group are Bennet's cousin Polly's friends. They are a bunch of great older ladies with their own quirks. My favourite, Pearl, is a tiny fearless woman with a really big gun. She is always aggressive and Polly decided to help her. From changing the church to Pearl's to tai-chi lessons, this group of ladies is determined to make Pearl happier and less aggressive."The only sweating I want to do at my age," Pearl replied, "is with that good-looking administrator over at the retirement center. The one that looks like Denzel."

"Just do what Master Wu says," Jolene said. "Well, he might be Master Wu to you," said Pearl. "But he's just plain old Wu to me. You don't ask an old black woman to go calling someone Master." Their constant banter is what makes them interesting and funny.

Those are the funny parts. The other side couldn't be darker. The main bad character is El Barquero, an assassin who decided it is time to retire and whoever is standing in his way gets killed. You get a glimpse of cartel life too.… (meer)