The Power of the Dog

Don Winslow's masterpiece is not only a page-turning thriller but also a rich and compelling novel about a very mixed group of characters, each in his or her own way seeking some sort of salvation or redemption. Set on the Mexican border and against the background of the US government's (via its agencies the CIA, FBI and DEA) underhand encouragement, sponsoring and active financing of the development of the drug cartels and their trade in Mexico, The Power of the Dog tells of the stories of a hugely varied cast of characters: a young Chicano boy from the barrio who makes good and becomes a Senator; a morally troubled DEA boss who tries to do good, but who is driven by events and by a desire both for salvation and revenge to sleep with the devil; the leaders of the drug gangs, some of them psychopathic, others urbane, civilised and deadly; a high-class prostitute; and a charismatic Catholic priest who is dedicated to the improvement of the lives of his people. Out of this material,Winslow has crafted a hugely ambitious - and hugely successful - novel that works on so many levels and offers so many satisfactions it defies belief.