Capturing the Devil

Synopsis

A deadly game of cat-and-mouse has them fighting to stay one step ahead of the brilliant serial killer -- or see their fateful romance cut short by unspeakable tragedy.

Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell have landed in America, a bold, brash land unlike the genteel streets of London. But like London, the city of Chicago hides its dark secrets well. When the two attend the spectacular World's Fair, they find the once-in-a-lifetime event tainted with reports of missing people and unsolved murders.

Determined to help, Audrey Rose and Thomas begin their investigations, only to find themselves facing a serial killer unlike any they've encountered before. Identifying him is one thing, but capturing him---and getting dangerously lost in the infamous Murder Hotel he constructed as a terrifying torture device---is another.

Will Audrey Rose and Thomas see their last mystery to the end---together and in love---or will their fortunes finally run out when their most depraved adversary makes one final, devastating kill?

Summary

Chapter 1: The Devil's Playground

The chapter introduces the notorious Mexican cartels and their violent reign over the country. It describes the cartels' war against the government, rival gangs, and innocent civilians, leaving a trail of unimaginable horrors.

Example: The case of the mass grave in San Fernando, where gunmen executed 72 migrants and dumped their bodies in a mass grave.

Chapter 2: The Devil's Messenger

The chapter focuses on Rafael Caro Quintero, the legendary drug lord behind the Guadalajara Cartel. Known as "The Devil," Quintero commanded vast wealth, influence, and a ruthless army of hitmen.

Example: Quintero was nicknamed "El Rafa" and was responsible for the largest cocaine shipment ever seized in the United States.

Chapter 3: The Devil's Gambit

The chapter chronicles the DEA's relentless pursuit of Quintero. Agents risked their lives infiltrating cartels, conducting surveillance, and navigating treacherous political landscapes.

Example: DEA agent Kiki Camarena was kidnapped and brutally tortured to death by Quintero's men, sparking an international outcry.

Chapter 4: The Devil's Reckoning

The chapter describes the dramatic capture of Quintero in 1985. Mexican authorities, supported by the DEA, conducted a daring raid on Quintero's Costa Rican hideout, leading to a shootout and his arrest.

Example: The raid involved over 100 Mexican soldiers and resulted in four deaths, including that of Quintero's bodyguard.

Chapter 5: The Devil Returns

The chapter reveals that Quintero's capture was not the end of the story. After serving 28 years in prison, he was released in 2013 and quickly returned to the drug trade.

Example: Quintero is now suspected of leading the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most powerful cartels in Mexico today.

Chapter 6: The Devil's Lair

The chapter examines the ongoing struggle to combat the cartels in Mexico. It highlights the corruption, violence, and impunity that continue to plague the country.

Example: In 2017, the government launched Operation "Joint Force Mexico" to confront the cartels, but it has faced challenges due to corruption and resistance from local authorities.

Chapter 7: The Devil's Legacy

The chapter concludes with a sobering assessment of the legacy of the cartels and the ongoing fight against them. It argues that the war on drugs has failed to address the root causes of violence and corruption in Mexico.

Example: In 2022, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador adopted a non-confrontational approach to the cartels, focusing on poverty reduction and social programs.