Ghosts of Panama: A Strongman Out of Control, A Murdered Marine, and the Special Agents Caught in the Middle of an Invasion

Non-stop thriller, factual details. Highly recommended for all persons interested in the events that led to the invasion of Panamà (from the perspective of the US Gov. who gave this invasion the monaker ‘Operation Just Cause’).

Nice inside story of those whose operational contributions were vital, but purposefully kept from the headlines. Bravo Zulu to all!

Well written book about the events that happened in our countries history. Recommend for history buffs who enjoy reading about events

Bought this book for my husband for Christmas 2024, he has really enjoyed the book.

Mark Harmon & Leon Carroll’s “Ghosts of Panama: A strongman out of control, a murdered Marine, and the special agents caught in the middle of an invasion,” is a great action-packed story of NCIS agents working intelligence and criminal investigative aspects of Panama during the General Manuel Noriega era. Great people, great stories! Unfortunately, the writing is lousy. In fact, it looks like an early version of artificial intelligence was used to write it with no human in the loop to make sense of it. It is rife with confusing sentences, awkward transitions, and misspelled words. As an example: “Juse Cause [page 173]” rather than “Just Cause,” “Armed Forms [138]” rather than “Armed Forces,” “widow [124]” rather than “window,” “saying [225]” rather than “staying.” Note that most of the mistakes are not misspellings per se, but they are misspellings in context. That leads me to believe that no one proofread the book. Phrases such as the following made the sentences, and sometimes the paragraphs difficult to understand: “He had the ease of being single [page 99]” and “. . .has previous prior to this book’s publication. . . [xiii], “ and “[He} thought morosely [page 121],” and “Their battle stations were phones [189],” and “. . .to discourage the gunmen sheltering there from sallying out [189],” and “Hands draped him in a Kevlar vest . . .[180], and “but their tortured nerves did not allow them for actual sleep [173].” There were over 100 awkward sentences that made the book very difficult to read. I gave them five (5) stars for the story and a one (1) star for whoever or whatever wrote it, hence the three (3) star overall rating. Again, great story, but lousy writing. In fact, I think you do a disservice to the people involved when the writing of their incredible story is so poor.

Having read and enjoyed Ghosts of Honolulu when it was published, I gave it a 5 star review. I was excited to find the new release of Ghosts of Panama. I again have no hesitation in also giving this book a 5 star review! Unlike the subject of Honolulu story (a few years before my birth), I was in my mid-to-late 30s when the Crisis in Panama evolved. I casually observed the news coverage and was captured by Oliver North's nationally-televised testimony in the Congressional hearings. But, I never really did understand or absorb it all. I am grateful for Ghosts of Panama because it delivers a broad, encompassing view of the events. This book delivers a much-needed clarity to all of the moving pieces. I always prefer non-fiction stories and this one does not disappoint. The characters are very real and relatable. The color photos at the end of the book are a huge bonus. The authors' dedication to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice is poignant. This is a true American story with many American heroes.

At the heart of the story is “Operation Just Cause” and the over throw of the Panamanian dictator, General Manuel Noriega. Where this account differs from others is, it is also the personal stories of a group of real life NIS operatives assigned to Panama in the run up to the invasion. Leon Carroll was a NIS/NCIS special agent for 20 years and assigned as Special Agent In charge in Panama in 1991, just after Operation Just Cause. He would be especially aware that agents not only had official responsibilities, but would also be worrying about their families living in Panama City and doing what they could to make them safe. A good part of the book is the story of the agents, their families and how they came to be living in Panama at such a historic period. But the Invasion of Panama itself is also very well covered. At times it seems a little overly detailed but readable. Interesting, well researched and for the most part easy to read.

Sometimes the background of stories reveal parts that are very interesting.