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About The Book

Real stories. Real teens. Real crimes.

A group of teens traffic drugs between Mexico and California in this start to the brand-new Simon True series.


It’s 1971 in Coronado, a small southern California beach town. For seventeen-year-old Eddie Otero, a skilled waterman and avid surfer, life is simple. Then a friend makes him an offer: Swim an illicit package across the border from Mexico. The intense workout is dangerous. Thrilling. Lucrative. And the beginning of a small business.

When the young entrepreneurs involve their former high school Spanish teacher, the smuggling adventure grows into a one hundred million dollar global operation.

Soon they become fugitives. Living on the edge, they vow to return to their normal lives—right after one last run…

About The Author

Photography by Leah Ball

Katherine Nichols is a former teacher and longtime journalist who has contributed to numerous publications, including the magazines for The New York Times and San Francisco Chronicle. An athlete since childhood, Katherine is a three-time finisher of the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Hawaii. She grew up in Coronado and currently lives in Boston.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (May 2, 2017)
  • Length: 288 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781481481083
  • Ages: 14 - 99

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Raves and Reviews

"Deeply researched and evocative, Nichols’ narrative clearly illustrates where a single bad decision can lead. As events unfold, readers experience the emotional roller coaster inherent to dangerous, illegal activities. Readers who love true crime will find themselves engrossed in this true tale of excess."

– Booklist

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More books in this series: Simon True