The Snakehead

An Epic Tale of the Chinatown Underworld and the American Dream

By: Patrick Radden Keefe

Narrated by: Patrick Radden Keefe

In this thrilling panorama of real-life events, the bestselling author of Empire of Pain investigates a secret world run by a surprising criminal: a charismatic middle-aged grandmother, who from a tiny noodle shop in New York’s Chinatown managed a multi-million dollar business smuggling people.

“Reads like a mashup of The Godfather and Chinatown, complete with gun battles, a ruthless kingpin and a mountain of cash. Except that it’s all true.” —Time

Keefe reveals the inner workings of Sister Ping’s complex empire and recounts the decade-long FBI investigation that eventually brought her down. He follows an often incompetent and sometimes corrupt INS as it pursues desperate immigrants risking everything to come to America, and along the way, he paints a stunning portrait of a generation of illegal immigrants and the intricate underground economy that sustains and exploits them. Grand in scope yet propulsive in narrative force, The Snakehead is both a kaleidoscopic crime story and a brilliant exploration of the ironies of immigration in America.©2009 Patrick Radden Keefe; (P)2009 Random House

Critic reviews

Advance Praise for THE SNAKEHEAD

Additional Quotes TK (by 4.20)

“THE SNAKEHEAD achieves what only the finest reporting can: it peels back an astonishing hidden world. Keefe takes the reader on a spellbinding journey from peasant farms in Asia to the treacherous high seas to the violent streets of Chinatown-a journey that will forever change your understanding of what it means to become an American.” – David Grann, the author of THE LOST CITY OF Z


“In Keefe's steady hand, the history of immigration to America is brought to life with the story of Chinese sojourners who arrive in a strange new land. You will pick it up for the drama it promises, but you will read it for the warmth and humanity it delivers.” –Sudhir Venkatesh, author of GANG LEADER FOR A DAY

TIME & MONEY WELL SPENT

I will be happy to recommend this book to my associates, family and awesome book club.

Wow

Growing up I heard stories from my Mother and our cousins that one day they saw a swarm of Asian people, many unclothed running around frantically around Riis Park area in my hometown of Rockaway, Queens. Never knew why until we came across a Documentary on Sister Ping some years ago. This book helps connect the dots and validates the stories of reformed former Asian gangsters

worth a quick listen

not any groundbreaking research but a good, quick, and captivating story that's worth to listen

A Busman's Holiday

I joined the INS in 1993. The Golden Venture saga had just begun it's American phase. The case has continued throughout my career although I was not involved in any aspect of it (to my knowledge). I heartily recommend this book to any new immigration officer because they will encounter cases like that described in this book. Excellent reporting.

Great read!

If you could sum up The Snakehead in three words, what would they be?

unbelievable true story

Who was your favorite character and why?

n/a

Which scene was your favorite?

intro- smuggling event

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes! in fact, i listened to the entire book in 1day!

Any additional comments?

great buy!