<B>A breakthrough novel that pits young kingpins against a Mexican drug cartel, <I>Savages </I>is a provocative, sexy, and sharply funny thrill ride through the dark side of the war on drugs and beyond. <P></B>Part-time environmentalist and philanthropist Ben and his ex-mercenary buddy Chon run a Laguna Beach–based marijuana operation, reaping significant profits from their loyal clientele. In the past when their turf was challenged, Chon took care of eliminating the threat. But now they may have come up against something that they can't handle—the Mexican Baja Cartel wants in, and sends them the message that a "no" is unacceptable. When they refuse to back down, the cartel escalates its threat, kidnapping Ophelia, the boys' playmate and confidante. O's abduction sets off a dizzying array of ingenious negotiations and gripping plot twists that will captivate readers eager to learn the costs of freedom and the price of one amazing high. <P><P>Following "the best summertime crime novel ever" (<I>San Francisco Chronicle </I>on <I>The Dawn Patrol</I>), bestselling author Winslow offers up a smash hit in the making. <I>Savages </I>is an ingenious combination of adrenaline-fueled suspense and true-crime reportage by a master thriller writer at the very top of his game.