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Books matching: criminal masterminds

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  1. #1

    The Mastermind: Drugs. Empire. Murder. Betrayal. by Evan Ratliff
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    'The Mastermind: Drugs. Empire. Murder. Betrayal.' by Evan Ratliff is a riveting non-fiction account that delves into the criminal underworld, focusing on the complex character of Paul Le Roux. The book intricately weaves together a story of power, wealth, and manipulation, showcasing Le Roux's rise as a criminal mastermind involved in drug trafficking, arms deals, and illegal activities spanning across the globe. Through meticulous investigative journalism, Ratliff exposes the dark and twisted empire built by Le Roux, capturing the reader's attention with a narrative that reads like a thrilling crime novel.

    The writing style in 'The Mastermind' is highly praised for its ability to captivate and engage readers, presenting a multifaceted story involving a wide cast of characters and intricate plotlines. Ratliff's meticulous research over several years shines through the pages, offering a detailed and immersive insight into the life and crimes of Paul Le Roux. The book skillfully blends elements of true crime, investigative reporting, and character study, painting a vivid picture of a criminal genius and the far-reaching consequences of his actions.

    The whole thing started with a spreadsheet. DEA investigator Kimberly Brill was sitting in her government-issue cubicle in downtown Minneapolis one afternoon in October 2007 when a package arrived fro...

  2. #2

    The Man in the Brown Suit - Colonel Race by Agatha Christie
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    "The Man in the Brown Suit" by Agatha Christie follows the adventures of Anne Beddingfeld, a plucky young woman who, after her father's death, seeks excitement and becomes entangled in a mystery involving stolen diamonds and a criminal mastermind. Set in colonial South Africa and Rhodesia, the novel is a blend of adventure and romance, with Anne uncovering false identities, facing danger, and ultimately finding love amidst the thrilling plot twists. Written in a style that combines elements of a thriller and a detective story, the book features multiple points of view, including diary entries from Sir Eustace Peddler, adding complexity to the narrative.

    Everybody has been at me, right and left, to write this story, from the great (represented by Lord Nasby) to the small (represented by our late maid-of-all-work, Emily, whom I saw when I was last in E...

  3. 'Merchant of Death: Money, Guns, Planes, and the Man Who Makes War Possible' by Stephen Braun and Douglas Farah delves into the intricate world of international arms trafficking, focusing on the notorious figure Viktor Bout. The authors provide a detailed account of Bout's illicit activities, his connections with various governments and organizations, and the legal complexities surrounding his operations. The writing style is described as academic and detailed, offering a deep dive into the subject matter not easily found elsewhere.

    The plot of the book unfolds through a series of events involving Bout's arms dealing operations, his interactions with different countries, and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in bringing him to justice. The narrative explores themes of national security, civil liberties, and the blurred lines between legality and criminality in the realm of arms trafficking. Despite some criticisms of the writing style, the book presents a compelling narrative that sheds light on the dark world of illegal arms trade.

    One evening in April 2001, Jean-Pierre Bemba, a Congolese warlord leading a rebel army of guerrillas and gun-toting teenagers, discovered that he had a problem. Camped with his ragtag troops on a remo...

  4. 'Flawless: Inside The Largest Diamond Heist In History' by Greg Campbell and Scott Andrew Selby is a riveting account of the infamous diamond theft that took place in Antwerp in 2003. The book delves into the meticulous planning and execution of the heist, intertwined with insights into the diamond trade, security measures, and the history of diamond trading. Divided into two halves, the first part focuses on the heist itself while the second part details the investigation that led to the apprehension of the thieves. The narrative style is engaging and informative, offering a detailed look at both the criminal act and its aftermath.

    The authors skillfully weave together the intricate details of the heist with the history of diamond trading, creating a compelling story that reads like a heist movie. With a focus on the human errors that played a crucial role in both the success of the theft and the subsequent investigation, 'Flawless' provides a captivating insight into the world of high-stakes crime and the lengths individuals will go to for a lucrative score.

    Leonardo Notarbartolo set the world’s greatest diamond heist into motion on a cold gray autumn day in 2000 with a smile and a polite “merci beau-coup,” as building manager Julie Boost granted him free...

  5. #5

    Escape from Alcatraz by J. Campbell Bruce
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    'Escape from Alcatraz' by J. Campbell Bruce is a detailed account of the infamous escape from Alcatraz by Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers in 1962. In addition to narrating the escape itself, the book delves into the history of Alcatraz as a prison, covering the lives of prior inmates, escape attempts, daily routines, and the experiences of both prisoners and guards. The author provides a balanced perspective of life inside Alcatraz, discussing the harsh treatment of inmates, the conditions within the prison, and the challenges faced by both the authorities and the prisoners.

    The writing style of 'Escape from Alcatraz' is engaging and captivating, with the author skillfully blending historical facts with storytelling elements. Readers are drawn into the narrative from the very beginning, feeling transported to the grim and chilling atmosphere of Alcatraz. reads like a novel, making the history of the prison and the daring escape attempts come alive, while also shedding light on the various aspects of justice, punishment, and the desire for freedom within the confines of Alcatraz.

    JANUARY 14, 1960, A THURSDAY, broke dismal and drizzly over the San Francisco Bay region. The Weather Bureau had forecast a few showers in the morning, clearing in the afternoon. The showers would spi...

  6. American Kingpin: The Epic Hunt for the Criminal Mastermind Behind the Silk Road by Nick Bilton is a true crime narrative that delves into the rise and fall of Ross Ulbricht, the mastermind behind the Silk Road, an online marketplace for illegal goods. The book portrays Ulbricht's journey from establishing the lucrative criminal enterprise on the dark web to his eventual downfall due to a series of mistakes that led the federal government to track him down. The writing style of the book is described as fast-paced, gripping, and reads like a thriller, with insights into the psychology of the characters involved in the saga.

    He stood in a windowless mail room, the Department of Homeland Security badge hanging from his neck illuminated by pulsing halogen lights above. Every thirty seconds, the sound of airplanes rumbled th...

  7. #7
    Artemis Fowl
    Book 1 in the series:Artemis Fowl

    Artemis Fowl - Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
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    Artemis Fowl follows the story of a young boy genius who embarks on a scheme to extort fairy gold by kidnapping a fairy and holding her hostage. The book delves into a world where magical beings are militarized and the protagonist, Artemis, must outwit the fairies to achieve his goal. The narrative is filled with action, humor, and a unique twist on the fantasy genre, portraying Artemis as a villainous character who is not entirely evil, adding depth to the storyline.

    The writing style of the book is described as engaging, fun, and quick-paced, with a mix of magic and technology that appeals to a wide range of readers. The plot unfolds with a blend of humor, adventure, and intriguing characters, including the clever protagonist Artemis Fowl, the resourceful fairy Holly Short, and the loyal butler Butler, creating an entertaining and captivating story that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

    HO Chi Minh City in the summer. Sweltering by anyone’s standards. Needless to say, Artemis Fowl would not have been willing to put up with such discomfort if something extremely important had not been...

  8. #8
    Modesty Blaise
    Book 1 in the series:Modesty Blaise

    Modesty Blaise - Modesty Blaise by Peter O'Donnell
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    The first Modesty Blaise novel by Peter O'Donnell sets the stage for a thrilling series where Modesty and her right-hand man, Willie Garvin, come out of retirement to assist British Intelligence in a high-stakes operation. Modesty, a former criminal mastermind, is described as a far-sighted strategist, lethal in combat, and devastatingly beautiful. The story is filled with suspense, excitement, witty dialogue, and fascinating characters, making it a promising start to a series filled with espionage, adventure, and impossible escapes.

    "A remarkable woman, Fraser," he said, watching the heavy smoke coiling up in the warm fluorescent light. "If you had been a child, on your own, in a Middle East DP camp in '45, do you think you could...

  9. #9
    Mystery Mile
    Book 2 in the series:Albert Campion

    Mystery Mile - Albert Campion by Margery Allingham
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    Mystery Mile, the second book in Margery Allingham's Campion series, introduces Albert Campion as the main character. The story follows Campion as he assists an American judge, Crowdy Lobbett, in hiding from the dangerous Simister gang. Set in a small Suffolk village, the plot unfolds with mysterious occurrences, such as a suicide, disappearance, and kidnapping, leading to a thrilling adventure. Campion's witty banter and clever mind shine as he navigates through the twists and turns of the plot, ultimately facing the criminal mastermind behind the chaos. Allingham's writing style blends elements of whodunit, spy thriller, and adventure, creating a unique and engaging narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Albert Campion )

  10. 'American Desperado' by Jon Roberts is a gripping account of his life journey from being born into the Mafia, serving as a Special Forces trained assassin in Vietnam, becoming a fixture in the 1970s New York nightclub scene, and eventually becoming one of the biggest cocaine smugglers for the Medellin Cartel in Miami. The narrative delves into his encounters with legendary figures like Meyer Lansky, Max Mermelstein, and Don Ochoa, while also exploring his interactions with celebrities like O.J. Simpson, Jimi Hendrix, and Richard Pryor. offers insights into the world of drugs and organized crime, shedding light on the corruption prevalent in law enforcement and political circles during that era.

    The writing style of 'American Desperado' is lauded for its captivating and engaging nature, with footnotes used effectively to verify or add information to Jon's claims. is commended for its use of transcriptions from interviews conducted by Evan Wright, seamlessly weaving together different perspectives to build a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked till the end.

    EVAN WRIGHT (E.W.): During a break in the Heat versus Pistons game at Miami’s American Airlines Arena, an announcer informs the crowd that a “very special celebrity” is in the house. “Ladies and gentl...

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