Great Jones - Shop now
Buy new:
-22% $18.68
FREE delivery April 18 - 23
Ships from: Bahamut Media
Sold by: Bahamut Media
$18.68 with 22 percent savings
List Price: $23.99
FREE Returns
FREE delivery April 18 - 23. Details
In stock
Usually ships within 3 to 4 days.
$$18.68 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$18.68
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Bahamut Media
Bahamut Media
Ships from
Bahamut Media
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt. You may receive a partial or no refund on used, damaged or materially different returns.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$10.29
May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less See less
FREE delivery April 16 - 21. Details
In stock
$$18.68 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$18.68
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Ships from and sold by ThriftBooks-Chicago.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the authors

Paul Keany
Follow
Jeff Farrell
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Cocaine Diaries: A Venezualan Prison Nightmare Paperback – Day to Day Calendar, November 1, 2013

by Paul Keany (Author), Jeff Farrell (Author)
4.1 out of 5 stars 1,281 ratings
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$18.68","priceAmount":18.68,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"18","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"68","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"2CUytQYA6TrYJsHciRWQUNuDSBzGtHW9Do0vkOb%2Bi%2BQECJY1a2iplm6V%2BuDhM2lICKb2pXyM4etqF%2B9tt1%2B7juArz966wSg7lq0gpEETRW9XC9NWk%2Bxr1Jk7mh%2B1IWEFKBGnagqMbp0qV3bvVXro2KOe2ygDpHv5xORSm3HdP%2FvBbbuG5B03ng%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$10.29","priceAmount":10.29,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"10","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"29","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"2CUytQYA6TrYJsHciRWQUNuDSBzGtHW9BlLuomFXTsa%2BTXqLnUxYiTDkiU3408FLHTyI9LO787E5mWEoNktr6oicpEXyxNCGrSDLlP9GToPvgjYRcm2CTsvCdCtfwDIhvoPATyG%2BXWyZjdInJcqYBvuED2eA7hbVhUQNxe3EX11DUc8SR43MHw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons


An unforgettable cocktail of drugs, riots, rape, beatings, murders, and kidnappings—the unbelievable true story of years spent in a South American jail

It won't happen to me. That’s what I thought when I got on the plane to Venezuela. But it did—I got caught.

Caught smuggling half a million euros' worth of cocaine, Paul Keany was sexually assaulted by Venezuelan antidrugs officers before being sentenced to eight years in the notorious Los Teques prison outside Caracas. There he was plunged into a nightmarish world of coke-fueled killings, gun battles, stabbings, extortion, and forced hunger strikes until finally, just over two years into his sentence, he gained early parole and embarked on a daring escape from South America. Aided by his extensive prison diaries, Keany reveals the true horror of life inside Los Teques: a shocking underworld behind bars where inmates pay protection money to stay alive, prostitutes do the rounds, and vast amounts of cocaine are smuggled in for cell-block bosses to sell on to prisoners for huge profits. This remarkable story is told by Keany with honesty, courage, and even humor, despite knowing that every day behind bars might have been his last.

Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    272 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Mainstream Publishing
  4. Publication date
    November 1, 2013
  5. Dimensions
    5 x 0.9 x 8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1780576072
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1780576077
Next slide of product details
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Select Guide Rating

About the Author

Paul Keany was a successful self-employed plumber until the Irish property crash in 2008. An aspiring novelist, he has turned his back on the murky world of drug-smuggling to focus on a life of writing. Jeff Farrell is an independent Irish journalist and documentary maker specializing in Latin American affairs. His work has appeared in various publications, including the Daily Telegraph and the Guardian.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mainstream Publishing (November 1, 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1780576072
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1780576077
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.9 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 1,281 ratings

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Previous page
  1. Paul Keany

    Paul Keany

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Jeff Farrell

    Jeff Farrell

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Jeff Farrell is the author of international bestseller THE COCAINE DIARIES, the true story of an Irish drug smuggler, which has been dramatised for the National Geographic Channel. Jeff’s latest work is the thriller novel BAD BLOOD. Both books revolve around the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, where Jeff has worked as a reporter for U.S. newspaper The Miami Herald. Jeff is now a freelance journalist and has reported from the frontline in the war in Ukraine.

    ​Jeff grew up in Dublin, Ireland and has worked in jobs including as a printer and a bartender in Manhattan – all while playing guitar in heavy metal groups on the side. He aspired to be the next Eddie Van Halen but, when fame failed to beckon, he studied for an Arts degree (English and Music) and later undertook an MA in Journalism before settling into a career in the media and book writing. He enjoys beer, heavy metal and travel.

    See more on the author's page
Next page

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
1,281 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book well-written and engaging, describing it as an exciting prison story that provides good insight into prison life. They consider it an eye-opener, with one customer noting it's the best modern-day drug smuggler-prisoner memoir.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

28 customers mention "Readability"28 positive0 negative

Customers find the book interesting and well-written, with one customer describing it as a fast-paced, compelling read.

"This book was a truly vivid read. Well written in such a way that it propelled you right into the prison and the actual situations experienced by..." Read more

"Good book. A light read. Nothing startling here from previous books on the same subject from this part of the world...." Read more

"This memoir is extremely well-written, sharp, fascinating, brilliantly detailed and a true psychological thriller! You will not be disappointed...." Read more

"...Definitely worth a read." Read more

13 customers mention "Story quality"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's narrative engaging, describing it as an exciting prison story that provides good insight into prison life.

"This was such an engaging book on prison life. Very sad. I don't know why we can't correct the tx. Of prisoners in jail...." Read more

"...Well written in such a way that it propelled you right into the prison and the actual situations experienced by Paul Keany." Read more

"...You will not be disappointed. It is truly one of the best drug smuggler/prisoner stories I have ever read, and I have read over 50!..." Read more

"A really good insight into prison life within a Venezuelan prison. Some of the stories are quiet unbelievable for all law abiding citizens...." Read more

5 customers mention "Eye opening"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book eye-opening, with one describing it as truly vivid.

"This memoir is extremely well-written, sharp, fascinating, brilliantly detailed and a true psychological thriller! You will not be disappointed...." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book it was very interesting & eye opening as to how a prison in another country can be. Very easy and enjoyable to read" Read more

"Good book worth reading, some hard to believe but a real eye opener on how bad some people in this world really are." Read more

"A Truly Vivid Read..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Ms. Goose
    5.0 out of 5 stars What an interesting book. Paul paid too big of a price for a stupid mistake.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This was such an engaging book on prison life. Very sad. I don't know why we can't correct the tx. Of prisoners in jail. What happens in prison is inexcusable. It encourages the behavior people are in jail for. Two reasons Paul got out as quickly as he did and is alive....luck and a smart mind. Too bad he didn't go to college...could have done so much more. Though he still has plenty of time to do great things. I hope he does.

    The one thing aside from obvious essence of this book (prison life) that really bothered me was how his daughter didn't see him for so long and punished him. I thought that was horrible and completely did not understand that. What Paul did was stupid but his intent was good and partially for her. I hope she apologizes for that. Very bad from what I read.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • BobL
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Truly Vivid Read
    Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This book was a truly vivid read. Well written in such a way that it propelled you right into the prison and the actual situations experienced by Paul Keany.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Darryl Sweeney
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good book. A light read
    Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Good book. A light read. Nothing startling here from previous books on the same subject from this part of the world.
    Deal drugs and pay the price really.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • The Grammar Gremlin
    5.0 out of 5 stars THE BEST MODERN DAY DRUG SMUGGLER-PRISONER MEMOIR I HAVE READ SO FAR!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This memoir is extremely well-written, sharp, fascinating, brilliantly detailed and a true psychological thriller! You will not be disappointed. It is truly one of the best drug smuggler/prisoner stories I have ever read, and I have read over 50! Well worth your time and money. BUY THIS BOOK!!!!
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jangie
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
    Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    A really good insight into prison life within a Venezuelan prison. Some of the stories are quiet unbelievable for all law abiding citizens. Definitely worth a read.
    Helpful
     Report
  • sharleen forsyth
    5.0 out of 5 stars I really enjoyed this Book
    Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this Book. Intriguing exciting.Compelling.
    But if all The Drug Runners read this Book they might think twice of the Horrors in the Prisons.
    That the Prisoners have to put up with.
    A Book I read that I found hard to put down.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Niff
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The book was a good read i sometimes was whisked away to Los Teques through this account. I'd recommend this book
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put it down!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    If you enjoyed 'Marching Powder' you will enjoy this book. Being a true story is what makes it so compelling. Otherwise one would simply reject it as complete fantasy. But clearly it's not. A book that is really well written and a story that needed to be told.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Alan M
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant! craziness and action around every corner!
    Reviewed in Australia on April 21, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This book is a real honest insight into the craziness of the Venezualan judicial system (if you can call it that) and shows just how low life is regarded in that part of the world! Prisoners with automatic weapons, grenades and more pistols than a swat team the almighty Bolo or dollar gets what you need and in most cases, is what keeps you alive! Paul has written really well and the book makes you really feel for how bad he spent his two years in hell and really makes you think that if you're ever that desperate for money, do not turn to drug running regardless where you are in place and in life!!
    Report
  • Yvonne Orman
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cocaine Diaries
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Real life read, very sad in places .
    Especially knowing the person whose life took a tragic turn.
    Paul was a lovely kind man.
    Report
  • Jenny
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting!
    Reviewed in Germany on April 26, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Saw the book at the airport on our holiday. Back home I was searching for a german version but didn't found it. So I had to buy the original English Version and accepted the challenge to read (and understand) a book that's not written in german.
    After the first pages I was totally into the book and the language. It is exciting, you can really feel the person in the story. I definitely will read it again in the future!
    Report
  • Alain_in_Ottawa
    3.0 out of 5 stars Did not complete
    Reviewed in Canada on January 6, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Too much like all the other books written
    for stories from inside jails. I found it
    boring. I don't have much to say about this book
    Report
  • rhana
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in Australia on November 7, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    VERY GOOD BOOK. BIT SLOW IN SOME PARTS AND THEN THERE IS AN EXPLOSION
    Report