1) Discuss how and why Andrés's mother, Paz, was forced into narco-trafficking.

2) Discuss why women like Isabella choose to become involved in narco-trafficking rather than working in maquiladoras.  (In your answer, define maquiladora).

3) What was the American who Paz worked for doing in Mexico?

4) What are narcocorridos and what does the author see as their relationship to drug violence?

5) Muehlmann argues that neoliberal policies and prohibition (the criminalization of drugs) in the United States are responsible for the increase in violence related to narco-trafficking. Elaborate on this claim.

6) How does this book change your understanding of the drug industry and the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico?

7) In 4-5 sentences, please add any general comments and/or questions about the book.