[6] In the prologue, Turati introduces the context of drug violence and corruption in Mexico and describes the investigative process she undertook to write the book.

She also reflects on the emotional impact of investigating such devastating violence and impunity, beginning the book with the statement "My soul abandoned me in Matamoros.

Through interview excerpts from survivors and their families, as well as bus drivers, government officials, and alleged perpetrators, Turati presents a chilling and complex narrative of cartel violence and its effects on San Fernando and beyond.

[6] Part II begins by detailing the Mexican government's failure to identify victims and return their bodies to their families.

[8] She is also a cofounder of Quinto Elemento Lab, a collaboration of journalists that seeks to elevate stories that serve the public interest.

[7] Turati was awarded the 2011 Walter Reuter German Journalism prize for an article about families of disappeared people in Mexico.

Turati won the 2014 Recognition for Excellence award from the Gabriel Garcia Marquez Foundation for a New Ibero-American Journalism.