The Silence and the Dark - X. Carlos Marc

A FORMER MARINE SNIPER WAGES A PERSONAL WAR AGAINST THE CARTEL AND HUMAN TRAFFICKERS IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DESERT.

Drew, a former Marine sniper, his partner, and an unemployed slacker become entangled in a human- trafficking ring. After a devastating financial setback, Drew reluctantly agrees to transport human cargo. Hired on to transport “special cargo,” their only instructions are not to inspect the load. The discovery they make places them in the crosshairs of a sadistic cartel leader. In the desert, they join forces with an-on-the run narcotics detective and former cartel sicario. What follows is a dangerous cat-and- mouse game to save the cargo and themselves through the back-country desert of Southern California. The desert holds a path for a new life or death for all those attempting the dangerous crossing.

The Silence and the Dark is a no nonsense, go for the jugular thrill ride, yet nuanced with heart felt emotions and plenty of surprises! One of the best debuts I’ve read in a very long time. I can’t wait to read Marc Carlos’ next effort! —Matt Coyle, Author of the bestselling Anthony Award-winning Rick Cahill crime novels

An excellent and poignant novel. The author describes each scene so vividly the readers are transported as if they were actually there. A gut-wrenching story that moves quickly and keeps the reader engaged. While this story is fictional, it could just as well be an expose on today’s immigration plight. A must read for anyone who enjoys a suspense filled action novel. —Merle Norman, Author of Finders Keepers

“No disrespect, amigos, pero, you have seen me. There is no turning back on this now. Not a question of being in or not. You are all,” Caritas was looking directly at Drew, “most definitely in.”

“We know where you live,” Fatty couldn’t help himself. “We know what your kids look like.”

The muscles and tendons in Drew’s forearms twitched, firing with violence that begged to be unleashed.

“No se preocupen, don’t worry, boys,” Caritas said as he swept the wallets and other items off the hood of the Escalade and onto the dirt. The dust cloud was still swirling as Caritas walked toward Drew and Chino.

“Do the job. Don’t fuck around. Get paid. Muy simple, que no?”