American Desperado: My Life--From Mafia Soldier to Cocaine Cowboy to Secret Government Asset
American Desperado: My Life--From Mafia Soldier to Cocaine Cowboy to Secret Government Asset
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2011
Book Brief
BetaAmerican Desperado: My Life--From Mafia Soldier to Cocaine Cowboy to Secret Government Asset
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2011560
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Miami, Florida • 1980s
2011
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
American Desperado: My Life--From Mafia Soldier to Cocaine Cowboy to Secret Government Asset chronicles Jon Roberts' transformation from a Mafia affiliate to a notorious drug smuggler during the cocaine boom. Co-authored by Evan Wright, the book reveals Roberts' criminal exploits and eventual cooperation with the government, offering a firsthand account of his tumultuous life and criminal underworld experiences.
Gritty
Suspenseful
Adventurous
Dark
Reviews & Readership
4,456 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
American Desperado thrills with its raw, unfiltered portrayal of Jon Roberts' transformation from a mafia enforcer to a pivotal figure in the cocaine trade. Critics applaud the vivid storytelling and gripping narrative, crediting Evan Wright with effectively channeling Roberts’ voice. However, some find the graphic violence excessive, which may deter sensitive readers.
Who Should Read American Desperado: My Life--From Mafia Soldier to Cocaine Cowboy to Secret Government Asset?
Readers of American Desperado likely enjoy gritty true crime and memoirs of redemption. Fans of Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi and Blow by Bruce Porter will appreciate its raw narrative of crime, transformation, and high-stakes drama. Ideal for those intrigued by organized crime and covert operations.
4,456 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
560
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Miami, Florida • 1980s
2011
Adult
18+ years
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