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The Snakehead is a detailed account of the human smuggling operations run by Cheng Chui Ping, a charismatic middle-aged grandmother known as Sister Ping. The book delves into the inner workings of her complex empire, the decade-long FBI investigation that eventually led to her capture, and the intricate underground economy that sustained and exploited illegal immigrants. It also explores the broader context of immigration policy in America, highlighting the struggles and risks faced by those seeking to realize the American dream. Keefe's narrative is based on hundreds of interviews with law enforcement officials, immigrants, and other key figures, providing a vivid and suspenseful portrayal of this true crime story[2][4][5].

The book delves into the bitter conflict in Northern Ireland and its aftermath, focusing on the lives of key figures such as Dolours Price, Brendan Hughes, Gerry Adams, and Jean McConville's children. It explores the civil rights movement, the Provisional IRA's bombing campaign, the 1981 hunger strike, the peace process, and the post-conflict struggle to understand crimes like McConville's murder. The narrative also incorporates the Belfast Project, a secret oral history endeavor that collected stories from former IRA members. The book is a panoramic history that captures the complexities and tragic consequences of the Troubles[1][2][5].