The Black Hand: The Story of Rene "Boxer" Enriquez and His Life in the Mexican Mafia (Mass Market Paperback)

~ Chris Blatchford (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A fascinating look at the world of the Mexican Mafia, more ruthless than the LCN. A must read for law enforcement and a tribute to the courage of 'dropout' Rene 'Boxer' Enriquez." (Joe Pistone, aka Donnie Brasco )

"Chris Blatchford has hit a grand slam. The Black Hand is an important page turning book that will take you into a frightening dark world that shouldn't exist. but it does. It's riveting, and when you finish the book, you'll get up and lock your doors. Highly recommended." (William "Billy" Queen, retired special agent ATF and bestselling author of Under and Alone )

"A gripping, powerful, chilling inside look at a criminal organization that is changing the organized crime landscape. This is a mob classic." (Dominick Dunne )

"A fascinating, vivid and unforgettable insider's look at the bloody, secret and deadly Mexican Mafia. Chris Blatchford's compulsively readable wake-up call spares no one and names everyone, including the politicians who aid and abet this dangerous criminal organization, through corruption, maddening naivet, or political correctness." (Joseph Wambaugh )

"A courageous and well-written expos on one of the most ruthless and powerful gangs of all, the Mexican Mafia. Chris Blatchford reaffirms his position as being among Americans greatest investigative reporters." (Vincent Bugliosi, author of Helter Skelter )

"Blatchford is well-suited to tell this story . . . he captures the nuances and nihilism of the prison world . . . The narrative is interspersed with fascinating prison arcana." (Los Angeles Times )

Product Description

Rene "Boxer" Enriquez grew up in East L.A., where gang fights and drive-by shootings were everyday occurrences fueled by rage, drugs, and alcohol. Sent to prison at nineteen, he was recruited by La Eme, the near-mythic Mexican Mafia, arguably the most well-armed and dangerous gang in American history. A young man without fear who would kill without hesitation, Enriquez's loyalty and iron will drove him quickly up the ranks, from mob enforcer to the upper echelons, where he would help rule for nearly two decades. Seeking respect, he devoted his life to a bloody cause, only to find betrayal and disillusionment.

Award-winning journalist Chris Blatchford's The Black Hand is an astonishing look deep inside a closed, secret, and deadly criminal society—an intense and unprecedented tale of depravity, violence, and redemption.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Harper (September 29, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061257303
• ISBN-13: 978-0061257308
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #38,216 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #36 in	Books > Nonfiction > True Accounts > Organized Crime
  #58 in	Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Specific Groups > Criminals

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars very good book, November 23, 2009

By	Manuel Saldivar (ca) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

this is a great book, i could not stop reading it. i will for sure read it a second time. the book takes you deep into how the mexican mafia operates and how its structured. this is not just the story of boxers life as a criminal but also the story of his death and his rebirth. i will definitly let my friends borrow this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Stay away from prison!, November 2, 2009

By	A. Gift For You "EDGALLACTIC" (PHOENIX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This is by far one of the most detailed stories about the Mexican Mafia. Growing up in southern California the EME was as legendary as La Cosa Nostra. Until now I never thought the inner workings of La EME were so complex. Politics within members in La EME rival those of major corporations (without the deadly consequences) or small governments. Rene and I grew up in very similar circumstances. Although we share business mentalities, I however do not have the balls to kill. Ending up in the Los Angeles County Jail for 4 days was enough for me. I was scared straight. This book reemphasizes that experience. I would consider it a must read for anyone in criminology or law profession of any kind. Read this book for entertainment, if you like reality in its purest form. I wish Rene the best and am thankful for his story being made public.