Luiz Eduardo Soares is an academic, a politician, an activist and a writer. Professor of the Department of Social Sciences at Rio de Janeiro State University, he teaches political science and sociology, with a particular emphasis on the social invisibility of poor black youth in Brazil. He served as national secretary for public security, and is author of the bestselling and widely translated crime novels Elite Squad and Elite Squad 2, both of which have been adapted for the big screen. The film Elite Squad won the Golden Bear at the 2008 Berlin Film Festival.

Luiz Eduardo Soares is the most insightful observer of Rio I have ever read. He had the unique combination of expert analysis, a compassionate gaze, and a gripping writing style. This is a book that will take its place among the great city chronicles of our time.