Maranoia

The transformation of Northern California into a haven for growers is an under-reported story. Rose's book depicts a far different scene to the one that law enforcers - or growers themselves - tend to depict. Far from being an idealistic world of peaceful pioneers, Northern California is a violent and mercantile place of guns, money and high stakes deals. The industry also has a hugely negative effect on the environment. David Rose writes a compelling account of a booming Californian business in the spirit of Hunter S. Thompson's Hells Angels.