Manhunters

How We Took Down Pablo Escobar

By: Javier F. Peña, Steve Murphy

Narrated by: Ramon de Ocampo, Rob Shapiro

Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

For the first time, legendary DEA operatives Steve Murphy and Javier F. Peña tell the true story of how they helped put an end to one of the world’s most infamous narco-terrorists in Manhunters: How We Took Down Pablo Escobar - the subject of the hit Netflix series, Narcos.

Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar’s brutal Medellín Cartel was responsible for trafficking tons of cocaine to North America and Europe in the 1980s and ’90s. The nation became a warzone as his sicarios mercilessly murdered thousands of people - competitors, police, and civilians - to ensure he remained Colombia’s reigning kingpin. With billions in personal income, Pablo Escobar bought off politicians and lawmen, and became a hero to poorer communities by building houses and sports centers. He was nearly untouchable despite the efforts of the Colombian National Police to bring him to justice.

But Escobar was also one of America’s most wanted, and the Drug Enforcement Administration was determined to see him pay for his crimes. Agents Steve Murphy and Javier F. Peña were assigned to the Bloque de Búsqueda, the joint Colombian-US taskforce created to end Escobar’s reign of terror. For 18 months, between July 1992 and December 1993, Steve and Javier lived and worked beside Colombian authorities, finding themselves in the crosshairs of sicarios targeting them for the $300,000 bounty Escobar placed on each of their heads.

Undeterred, they risked the dangers, relentlessly and ruthlessly separating the drug lord from his resources and allies, and tearing apart his empire, leaving him underground and on the run from enemies on both sides of the law.

Manhunters presents Steve and Javier’s history in law enforcement from their rigorous physical training and their early DEA assignments in Miami and Austin to the Escobar mission in Medellin, Colombia - living far from home and serving as frontline soldiers in the never ending war on drugs that continues to devastate America.

Praise for Manhunters:

"Steve and Javier's experience on the front lines of the war on drugs over the last 30 years made them an invaluable source of information for us. Their contacts, both foreign and domestic, allowed us to put together a narrative of one of the most complex, poorly reported, and misunderstood chapters in our recent past." (Eric Newman, executive producer, Narcos)

"Manhunters is a riveting account of two brave DEA agents who put their lives, along with their families lives, on the line to fight the war on drugs in the US and Colombia. A must read on the take down of Pablo Escobar and the part they played in the investigation." (Joe Pistone, former FBI special agent, a.k.a. Donnie Brasco, New York Times best-selling author)

©2019 Javier F. Peña and Stephen E. Murphy (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"A gripping insider account of the hunt for Pablo Escobar. Brilliant, bold, and no holds barred, this is an impeccable true crime story, told by the two brave men who risked everything to bring down the world’s first narco-terrorist. A five-star read!" (Brad Thor, number-one New York Times best-selling author of Spymaster)

"Manhunters is a gripping story about two true patriots who were the difference makers in the final hunt for Pablo Escobar. They are heroes to a world that was otherwise held captive by the evil of the planet’s first narco-terrorist. Their bravery is unparalleled, and we owe them a great deal of gratitude for their selfless sacrifices. It is an honor to know them and their story." (Robert Mazur, New York Times best-selling author of The Infiltrator)

"Riveting. A must-read for anyone interested in one of the major campaigns on the war on drugs." (Publishers Weekly)

great

Wonderful detailed book. Got to know the people who lived this very dangerous and deadly time in Columbia. Dea agents who were brave and determined to take down an evil evil man who preyed on his own people

Book for Netflix Narcos Fans

Fascinating book about the DEA's assistance with Colombian law enforcement in capturing Pablo Escobar.

Fantastic

I loved the show, and this book was the perfect supplement. Very enjoyable listen! Narration was solid, story was great, and I liked the small details the show left out. Highly recommend!

Hunters' Story

This title is not about the hunt for Pablo Escobar. It is the story of the careers of two of the men who hunted Escobar. The story is from their perspective--with considerable bitterness. It is a great origin story of two men hunting a villain but they make a lot of claims and assumptions about the intentions of the White House and other US agencies that seem unfounded and accusatory.

The performer is outstanding.

Great Story about two heroes

I thought it was a great story and it clarifies what was Hollywood in Narcos and what was real. I was luckily enough to sit in on a presentation by Steve Murphy and Javier Penã. These guys are the real deal. They put their lives on the line day in and day out because they believed in their mission and ultimately completed it while assisting the CNP and the other contributors of the search block. Thank you for your service

Very good listen!

Downloaded this book and finished it in less than 2 days! I like how we get the back stories of the agents and the info really is along the lines of Narcos on Netflix!

Better than the "movie"

great story about true American and international heroes. listen to this BEFORE you watch Narcos ;)

A wonderful first-hand history

Please don’t listen to the people complaining about the narration. I thought it was as excellent as the book itself. Can’t praise both of them enough.

very good book

it was great hearing the personal stories of two DEA Agents on such a huge case. it reminded me of a tv show, switching between the two main characters stories but was easy to follow.

Excellent!

The narrators sounded exactly like Steve and Javier. 5 stars
Hearing their story was Phenomenal and very enlightening regarding the hunt for Pablo Escobar Gavieria.
I'm truly glad they wrote this book and told us all the truth.
Thank them both for their service!