The Power of the Dog

By: Don Winslow

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 20 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

This explosive novel of the drug trade takes you deep inside a world riddled with corruption, betrayal, and bloody revenge.

Art Montana is an obsessive DEA agent. The Barrera brothers are heirs to a drug empire. Nora Hayden is a jaded teenager who becomes a high-class hooker. Father Parada is a powerful and incorruptible Catholic priest. Callan is an Irish kid from Hell's Kitchen who grows up to be a merciless hit man. All of them are trapped in the world of the Mexican drug Federación.

From the streets of New York City to Mexico City and Tijuana to the jungles of Central America, this is the war on drugs like you've never seen it.

©2005 Don Winslow (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A pit bull of a book. Once unleashed, this thriller...charges and attacks without mercy, shredding anyone in its path....A well-tuned plot, driving rhythm, intelligence and a touch of politics." ( Washington Post)

Good book, improved by narrator

Winslow is trying to teach readers about the history of the drug war vis a vis Mexico. On the one hand, the story itself is often exciting, but the stretches of history and philosophizing could be a bit dull if you know about US involvement in El Salvador, Colombia, etc.

However, all credit to Ray Porter, the narrator, who manages to make each of these mini-history lessons sound different from each other, and to inject emotion into them. He also manages to make the occasionally purple prose go by smoothly, so that we can focus on the story, which is really worth hearing.

Gripping, but a little too gritty for me

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Maybe... I am by no means squeamish, but some of the descriptions of violence and torture in this book were a little too much for me. If that sort of thing doesn't bother you, you might enjoy this book. It's definitely action- packed and fast- paced.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed the pace of the story. It was exciting, entertaining, and I kept rushing back to it to see what would happen next.

Any additional comments?

Ray Porter's narration is typically great. However, every time he does a female voice I can't help but smirk. They all basically sound the same and he might just be better off using his normal voice.

A Riveting Deliniation of the Drug War

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Without question! This book takes you inside the workings of the cartels as well as drug enforcement. It educates you about the interworkings, while at the same time keeping you enthralled with multiple plots and plenty of action. There is never a dull moment.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

See above.

Have you listened to any of Ray Porter’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not, but certainly will in the future. He was excellent for this book.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It was not so much as a particular moment, but the most vivid impression was the wealth and power of the cartels and the loyalty and ruthlessness of their members.

Any additional comments?

Excellent, enlightening read!

What an amazing book!

Could not stop listening to it. The writing is gritty, real, and does not rely on tired cliches. The characters have real depth and are very well developed. This is the first book from this author and narrator that I have purchased and I can’t wait to listen to more. Highly recommend!

I could have listened for hours more

This is not your typical novel read as a story, but more like documenting events in history. If you liked Goodfellas, of course you did, you will love this. Very interesting insight on many different viewpoints involved in the drug dealing business, from the kingpin to their dealers, hitmen, prostitutes, families, and the agents looking to bring them down.

The narrator deserves his own paragraph in this review. Ray Porter was incredible. Not overly dramatic as Scott Brick can be, I enjoy him too but he would have exhausted me reading this book. Ray Porter was perfect, he gave distinct and reasonable voices to many characters no matter their ethnicity, age, station in life, or their gender. There were so many, but because of his performance I was able to recognize and even picture them throughout the book. It was relatively long, over 20 hrs, but I could have listened and enjoyed for hours more.

Hey gripping and gritty story…

This is a book about the US involvement in the drug wars in South and Central America. Obviously, you don't go into this expecting a happy novel with puppies and rainbows. Bad things happen and many of the characters are terrible, terrible people, or good people who do bad things. It was one of the best books I listened to last year.

What a ride!

This book has it all. Drama, suspense, romance, life, death, violence, tenderness...there's not one human condition or emotion that isn't explored. The story is expertly woven across several years and several countries with exceptional attention to detail and consistency. The narration is first rate. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was surprised by a twist or turn I didn't expect. I will likely listen to this book again, which is something I rarely do. I can't wait for the next installment, and hope it's half as good as this one. Scenes of very graphic violence and sexual situations make this appropriate for adult readers. Happy Reading!

excellent narration

This is a great although scary story. A Good discussion of the failed "War on Drugs" and the people's lives that are ruined on both sides of the border. At first, I had a little trouble keeping all the characters straight, but they all came together in good time. The narration was superb. Highly recommend.

Good Narco Read

Pretty good story. Interesting characters and the reading performance was unparalled. But, I was taken back by the explicit audible porn. Could have implied the sex without vivid descriptions.

Great book. One criticism

My only complaint was the weird romance novel style sex scenes. It was just over the top and distracting. Still worth the listen. Great characters and plot twists.