Review: The Smell of Duty
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 20, 2012
The Smell of Duty (Neglected War) by Elias Rodriguez opens right in the heart of the action of a training drill. It follows the story of Miguel, an officer in the special operations unit of the Federal Police in the United States of Mexico and his team, who are fighting the good war on drugs and all the violence that comes along with that, where kidnappings and such have become a daily occurence. The book cleverly switches between the violence in Mexico, and contrasts it by then showing a happy suburban scene of a little girl excited about her dogs puppies being born, in nearby San Diego where a family is completely unaware of what terror is going on in Mexico, and is steadily encroaching towards them and their blissfully unaware existence.  This story is based on true events, and reads as an action-packed cautionary tale of the mayhem that drugs produce.  It is at times humorous, while showcasing good values, family, and love. I enjoyed it immensely and will be recommending it to others.