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Early Release for Bad Behavior
Someone is illegally moving death row inmates between prisons, and one prisoner finds out firsthand what the perpetrator wants with them.
24 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2011
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 5, 2012
I was asked to read this digital short and if possible give it an honest review. I like stories of a horror or thriller genre, so I agreed. I don’t normally include spoilers, but I can’t comment on everything I feel I need to without them.
The story presents us with the main character, Jake Evans, a prisoner on death row, lamenting the conditions of his surroundings, and the restrictions imposed upon him. To his surprise, he gets transferred to a special compound at Lansing, in a very hush-hush, rough way, where he is subjected to an unusual medical procedure involving a machine like nothing he has seen before. The experiment is interrupted by a police raid and from there, the full truth of Evans’ tale is revealed.
Even though I did enjoy this story, to tell you the truth I noticed two issues right from the start. There were grammatical errors suggesting the story could have used a better edit, and there was a discord between the narrative and the storyline. Written in first person, I was expecting thoughts that reflected a less-educated criminal mind-set, and in places the narrative does capture this, but use of fanciful words like “differentiated” in the opening paragraph, “physical affliction” for pain and suffering, and terms like “piss off” followed a few sentences down by a word like “altercation”, and a later use of “propensity” sent conflicting messages about the narrator.
Why would an inmate be using words you would expect from a university professor? While it makes some sense later in the story, I felt it damaged some of the suspense. Did the writer intend this as a clue to the reader? Possibly, but it was pretty blatant and I thought it revealed too much about the narrator. To me, the story would have been more intriguing written in third person, or at least with the language toned down a little, so as not to give too much away.
The descriptions were good, and in some cases quite clever, and the writing flowed reasonably well. I was interested enough in the story to keep reading, despite the issues I mentioned. I was a little let down by the ending, mainly because I was ”looking” for something to be different in the protagonist so it didn’t strike me as the “reveal” it should have been, but I can say that the ending was satisfying in that it brought closure to the tale and didn’t leave you scratching your head.
While I can’t say I loved this story, I did find it entertaining. I would probably rate it a 3.5 if I could, leaning slightly more towards a 4. Better than average but not one of my top picks.
The story presents us with the main character, Jake Evans, a prisoner on death row, lamenting the conditions of his surroundings, and the restrictions imposed upon him. To his surprise, he gets transferred to a special compound at Lansing, in a very hush-hush, rough way, where he is subjected to an unusual medical procedure involving a machine like nothing he has seen before. The experiment is interrupted by a police raid and from there, the full truth of Evans’ tale is revealed.
Even though I did enjoy this story, to tell you the truth I noticed two issues right from the start. There were grammatical errors suggesting the story could have used a better edit, and there was a discord between the narrative and the storyline. Written in first person, I was expecting thoughts that reflected a less-educated criminal mind-set, and in places the narrative does capture this, but use of fanciful words like “differentiated” in the opening paragraph, “physical affliction” for pain and suffering, and terms like “piss off” followed a few sentences down by a word like “altercation”, and a later use of “propensity” sent conflicting messages about the narrator.
Why would an inmate be using words you would expect from a university professor? While it makes some sense later in the story, I felt it damaged some of the suspense. Did the writer intend this as a clue to the reader? Possibly, but it was pretty blatant and I thought it revealed too much about the narrator. To me, the story would have been more intriguing written in third person, or at least with the language toned down a little, so as not to give too much away.
The descriptions were good, and in some cases quite clever, and the writing flowed reasonably well. I was interested enough in the story to keep reading, despite the issues I mentioned. I was a little let down by the ending, mainly because I was ”looking” for something to be different in the protagonist so it didn’t strike me as the “reveal” it should have been, but I can say that the ending was satisfying in that it brought closure to the tale and didn’t leave you scratching your head.
While I can’t say I loved this story, I did find it entertaining. I would probably rate it a 3.5 if I could, leaning slightly more towards a 4. Better than average but not one of my top picks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2012
Jake Evans is just another convict on death row…or is he?
The story begins as “Jake” awaits his fate on death row. But a funny thing happens, he witnesses two other death row inmates being taken away and returned. That never happened in the past. You either stayed on death row or left and never returned…if you know what I mean.
Before his actual time comes up, he too is removed. Not one to be a spoiler, I will allow you, the reader, to experience his tale firsthand. I know you’ll feel his pain as he gets roughed up a bit…and doesn’t understand why. But in the end it all comes to him...as it will to you.
Kevin Hopson spins a tale of action, suspense and anticipation into this work of short fiction. I find myself wanting to read more of his writings…as I am sure you will too! “Early Release for Bad Behavior” is a great story, especially if you have only a small amount of time you want filled with something special.
The story begins as “Jake” awaits his fate on death row. But a funny thing happens, he witnesses two other death row inmates being taken away and returned. That never happened in the past. You either stayed on death row or left and never returned…if you know what I mean.
Before his actual time comes up, he too is removed. Not one to be a spoiler, I will allow you, the reader, to experience his tale firsthand. I know you’ll feel his pain as he gets roughed up a bit…and doesn’t understand why. But in the end it all comes to him...as it will to you.
Kevin Hopson spins a tale of action, suspense and anticipation into this work of short fiction. I find myself wanting to read more of his writings…as I am sure you will too! “Early Release for Bad Behavior” is a great story, especially if you have only a small amount of time you want filled with something special.
August 12, 2012
Wow! Talk about a very short read. This book is only 22 pages long. The author has packed a lot of dialogue into the short pages. The main character in this book is Jake Evans, a prisoner on death row.
Jake is told during his supper time that he is leaving his cell. he ask for what reason and is not given an answer. Okay I have to stop there or I will give away the whole book in spoilers.
If you are looking for a quick 20 minute read with crime, mystery and death row then download this book today. There are a lot of authors that publish short stories these day some of them have the ability to write that amazing short story and some do not. Kevin Hopson has that ability. I truly enjoyed reading this book. I will admit that I wished it was longer in length but that is not always possible.
Jake is told during his supper time that he is leaving his cell. he ask for what reason and is not given an answer. Okay I have to stop there or I will give away the whole book in spoilers.
If you are looking for a quick 20 minute read with crime, mystery and death row then download this book today. There are a lot of authors that publish short stories these day some of them have the ability to write that amazing short story and some do not. Kevin Hopson has that ability. I truly enjoyed reading this book. I will admit that I wished it was longer in length but that is not always possible.
June 4, 2012
Early Release for Bad Behavior is a short story and I was very interested when I read the blurb. I love reading about stuff like this! I was not disappointed. I can't say too much because of the fact that it is a short and I don't want to give away any of the story. Kevin Hopson packed so much into this short story and it manages to leave the reader satisfied with the ending. I can say that reading about a character on death row and rooting for them to be the one that wins in the end is not normally the character we root for in books. All in all, this was a good read. I have been preferring shorts lately because of time issues, so this was the perfect length. If the blurb caught your interest, then you will probably like this story.
May 23, 2012
A smoothly-written short story, suffused with surprises, secrets, and mystery. What’s going on with death row inmates at El Dorado Prison? One at a time, they disappear, then reappear, existing in constant chronic pain. They’re not going to Lansing Prison for execution: so where are they going? Why? And why is the transport by a private corporation, not the State correctional system?
Read on and discover, and be amazed at the number of secrets (and secretive individuals) that Kevin Hopson can pack into a brief story, in this somewhat futuristic mystery. He is truly a writer to keep one’s eye on. [Mr. Hopson is also the author of “Earthly Forces,” “The Vanishing,” and “World of Ash.”]
Read on and discover, and be amazed at the number of secrets (and secretive individuals) that Kevin Hopson can pack into a brief story, in this somewhat futuristic mystery. He is truly a writer to keep one’s eye on. [Mr. Hopson is also the author of “Earthly Forces,” “The Vanishing,” and “World of Ash.”]
May 25, 2012
For me, reading has been an escape; a place to go to when I need to disappear. I do not read fiction to swept up in literary prose, to be astounded by the brilliant mind of the writer, or to debate ethical or political beliefs. I read to suspend belief. And Kevin Hopson delivers. This is a very interesting and creative story with a great twist and the writing is clean, interesting and enjoyable.
Jake Evans is a man on death row, waiting for his last journey and living life as best he can, when the unexpected happens.
Kevin Hopson knows how to tell a story to captivate the reader and provide entertainment and intrigue.
Jake Evans is a man on death row, waiting for his last journey and living life as best he can, when the unexpected happens.
Kevin Hopson knows how to tell a story to captivate the reader and provide entertainment and intrigue.
January 31, 2013
Kevin Hopson has done it yet again, wonderful and engaging writing that draws you into the story.
Why are death row inmates being pulled out of their cells and taken away? Why are they in so much pain when they are brought back to the cell? These questions will only be answered by reading this story. I will not give anything away, but I will tell you this is one of the best prison short stories I have ever read. This story will surprise and shock you in such a way it will stay with you and never be forgotten.
Why are death row inmates being pulled out of their cells and taken away? Why are they in so much pain when they are brought back to the cell? These questions will only be answered by reading this story. I will not give anything away, but I will tell you this is one of the best prison short stories I have ever read. This story will surprise and shock you in such a way it will stay with you and never be forgotten.
June 8, 2012
Kevin Hopson weaves an intriguing and mysterious tale. Whenever you think you know what's going on or might happen next, think again. There were enough clues though that afterward I felt like slapping my forehead. I love it when the puzzle pieces fall into place like this. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and wished to continue when it ended.
June 14, 2011
This is a short fast prison story with a little mystery thrown in.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews