Regrettably, not all Amazon First Reads are worthwhile reads – but this memoir does not disappoint. Pesos: The Rise and Fall of a Border Family is a true story about a “Don Corleone” style Mexican family. It is set in the 1980s, and the corruption and violence are systemic in the area bordering the US.

Pietro La Greca Sr. ran many scams but his Pesos currency exchange fraud was the big money-spinner. Eventually, Greca’s enterprise was laundering the Cartel’s vast fortunes. Government officials and even ex-Presidents were culpable in the fraud. Money talks and bribes were the devices to open doors.  The Greca family was able to live a fabulous lifestyle in the US  and Mexico entertaining celebs, finance chiefs, senior politicians, and government officials. He developed relationships to oil the fraud. But not all was plain sailing! Pietro La Greca had married into wealth, and his wife’s father was running a very successful legitimate transport business between the US and Mexico. He was a master at arranging the import/export paperwork, and his business rapidly expanded. However, Pietro was not accepted by his wife’s family primarily because of his shady business deals. How would Pietro tap into his father-in-law’s wealth?

His long-suffering wife and son Pietro La Greca Jr. were treated badly by Pietro senior. Eventually, Pietro Jr decides he cannot stand the sins and greed of his father. The final chapters detail Jr.’s cunning and planning to bring down his father and release his mother from his domineering personality.

If you like True Crime you will love this rivetting story. At times you cannot believe this is indeed a true story.