Time After Time: Repeat Offenders – the Inside Stories

by Chris Atkins

A funny, touching, challenging and campaigning book about our prisons crisis by the Sunday Times bestselling author of A Bit of a Stretch.

British prisoners have to endure the most inhumane and barbaric conditions imaginable, so why do so many of them keep going back?
80% of criminals who receive cautions or convictions are reoffenders
46% of ex-prisoners are re-convicted within a year of leaving prison
Reoffending costs the taxpayer £18 billion per year
The numbers are staggering. But the reasons behind them will shock you.

Former inmate and documentary maker Chris Atkins has spent the last six years tracking the fortunes of a dozen repeat offenders to understand why the state fails to keep them out of trouble. Featuring funny, wild and poignant stories, Time After Time exploits Chris's unprecedented access to the criminal underworld to understand why the system actually makes reoffending all but inevitable for ex-prisoners.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Crime, Politics, Social Work, True Crime

381 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 7, 2023

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is even better than his first book (A Bit Of A Stretch) in terms of insights about our broken criminal justice system in the UK and the shockingly high reoffending rates. Real life stories (empathetically told), quality journalistic research, clear explanations …..this book should be compulsory reading for anyone working with prisoners or ex-prisoners. Fascinating and worrying. And, on a human level, very sad.

[Emily Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another very needed book by Chris Atkins, showing the reality of the justice system and how unfit for purpose it is. This book made me feel angry that more isn’t done, that things aren’t different, that money is thrown at things which don’t work rather than targeting the things we know do. Thank you to the contributors for allowing their stories to be shared.

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've read this year (so far), wish I could give it more stars. Tough reading but so incredibly important.

[Paul Botterill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thoroughly engaging and entertaining book that can be really (for me at least) quite triggering.

It is a candid telling of a number of stories of offenders reoffending, what some of the contributory factors are and the impact it has both on individuals, society and the taxpayer.

The triggering aspect for me was the pretty much systemic injustices that occur. Now I will say that the author does a decent, but not perfect, job of providing some balance albeit the result is still very much from the perspective of the offender. But he never tries to justify their crimes, this book is purely about the potential causes of reoffending, what drives people to repeat their behaviour rather than properly rehabilitate.

The author does also touch on some potential remedies, which sound difficult but like they would make a real difference and be very cost effective in the long term. However, politics being the way it is and the UK electoral cycle makes commitment to them seem an unfortunately remote possibility.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read A Bit of a Stretch, I was delighted to be offered a sample of the follow-up. Now a free man Chris Atkins is, as any of us would be, deeply affected by his jail sentence and what came next for himself and the friends he made inside. In this short extract, the author reintroduces us to a friend of his and his life on licence. The statistics quoted at the beginning are truly shocking but this book adds a personal insight into the failings of both the prison and probation services which only adds to the evidence that the system is failing not only the inmates but their families as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed, if that's the right word, this extract. Chris Atkins has a relaxed writing style, which is easy to read but also pulls no punches. With his background, he provides a deep understanding of what is happening and how, if possible, our prison and rehabilitation services could start to be rebuilt before they are damaged beyond repair.

I was able to read this sample thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Atlantic Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is an entertaining preview of what promises to be another important book by this excellent author.

[Kieran McAndrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh off the success of 'A Bit of a Stretch', Atkins uses this volume to examine the causes of repeat offending. Why would anyone who has been behind bars ever want to go back?

Sadly, the cases shown in 'Time After Time' explain how offenders are often set up to fail and there is a sad realisation that the services meant to assist in the rehabilitation of offenders are overloaded and incapacitated by a lack of funding. A sad and eye opening read.

[Ellie Flinton · Rating 3 out of 5]

An audible listen 3.5 stars. Good but not as good as the first book.

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book.Terrifying statistics throughout.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Work book club - very depressing when you work in rehabilitation and very anti programmes 😢

[R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and insightful but the chapters felt too long and were disconnected.

[Debby Binns · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought A Bit of a Stretch was a fabulous book - and this is very close on its heels. I listened to it on Audible and Chris Atkins was narrating the book (which was fabulous). Its a 4.5 star rating from me. It was fascinating to hear prisoners and ex-prisoners reasonings for reoffending and highlighted the huge failings within the criminal justice system in the UK.

[MargCal · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Finished reading ... Time after Time: Repeat offenders The inside stories / Chris Atkins ... 19 March 2024

ISBN: 9781838954673 ... 334 pp. + Appendix, Endnotes, Index ... Note: Endnotes are entirely URLs of sources. There is no additional information unless you go to one of the websites listed.


The author is an ex-prisoner - tax fraud so no physical violence involved, and also much better educated than the vast majority of ex/prisoners. As such, he has an authenticity that made other ex-prisoners willing to talk to him so this book, comprising largely of a dozen individual case studies, could become a reality.

The book relentlessly shows how prisons in England and Wales are not fit for purpose - privatisation of services has been a very expensive failure; little to no rehabilitation either in prison or on release; what few rehabilitation programmes there are, are not fit for purpose, cause more harm than good; probation does little to nothing to help newly released prisoners; recidivism numbers are so high largely because the newly-released have to resort to criminal activities to eat and, if they're lucky, find a roof over their head. As one person said of the justice/prison/probation system, "They've set you up to fail."

There are a very few sparks that show prisoners can be rehabilitated. The author bases his thoughts on prison reform, in part, on these prisoners' and his own experiences, observations, and seeing what works. He sees that in some areas, reform would cost very little. In other areas, money would need to be spent which could in part come from stopping spending on things that don't work. The one thing he does not cover is how willing the general population would be to go down a different path when politicians, in Australia at least, bray about being "tough on crime", seeing this as a vote winner.

From what makes the news in Australia, while legislation and rules differ here and there, prisons and their outcomes are sadly all too similar.

Highly recommended. Somehow, a conversation needs to be started about prison reform.


Borrowed from my local library.
Purchased at my request.

[Sam O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time After Time provides a well-written and insightful exploration of why convicts reoffend, highlighting the potential failures of the British prison system that contribute to their return to incarceration.

Each chapter focuses on a different recently-released offender, examining the specific ways the prison system failed them after their release. Chris demonstrates strong storytelling skills, painting vivid portraits of each individual without the narrative feeling repetitive. This clear chapter-by-chapter structure enables readers to fully engage with each character's story, avoiding the confusion that can arise when narratives are jumbled together.

While the book’s central theme is to explore Chris’s belief that ex-convicts reoffend at high rates due to systemic issues, the narrative leans heavily—almost exclusively—on the failings of the system, offering little discussion of the offenders’ personal responsibility. In fact, the only character Chris unequivocally portrays as morally culpable is a man convicted of a sexual offense, whose actions he criticises without the mitigating explanations he offers for others.

Chris briefly acknowledges a common critique of his previous book, A Bit of a Stretch, regarding the lack of attention to the victims of the crimes discussed. Yet, in this new work, he still only speaks to one victim. Moreover, the book overlooks two significant considerations: prison’s role as a form of punishment and its function in protecting the public by preventing offenders from committing further crimes while incarcerated.

Despite these criticisms, Chris’s conversational and descriptive writing style remains both engaging and informative. Time After Time is a vivid, enjoyable read that I would still recommend.

[Charlotte Biddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. Easy to read, well researched and shocking stats. I do like books written through short biographical vignettes. Uses a range of cases from big ones such as the plymouth attacks to less well known ones to demonstrate the problems with the probation service and other services that lead to reoffending. Still respectful to the victims. The stat at the start that 80% of crimes are committed through reoffenders shows that the reward for solving reoffending would have huge consequences. The last case in particular was shocking although glad it got the right outcome even if the trial should not have happened.

Only thing I would change is to have the conclusion with the solutions to be longer as the book appears more problem focused than solutions, although maybe that will be the next book.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I found this book even better than Atkins first book, ‘A Bit of a Stretch’. It was fascinating to hear prisoners and ex-prisoners reasonings for reoffending and highlighted the huge failings within the criminal justice system in the UK.

I had no clue quite how broken the system is - listening to stories of people being recalled to prison for years in some cases, despite not having broken their licence terms was absolutely shocking and demonstrated how much needs to change.

A lot of the suggestions in the final chapter of the book seem like common sense - so why on earth does the government/criminal justice system change to accommodate these changes. Everything is about saving money nowadays, when the focus should be on rehabilitating and treating prisoners and ex-prisoners as people, not prison numbers.

[Lara A · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw this, I was guilty of assuming it would be a rather lazy sequel to the excellent A Bit of A Stretch. I firmly aquit this book of any such accusations. It is even better than its predecessor. An extensively, but never tediously researched overview of the decline of the probation service e and subsequently the real issues causing our woefully high rates of reoffending. A variety of voices and experiences are featured, while Atkins doesn't lose sight of victms either. This is not an abolitionist manifesto, the vast majority of those featured thoroughly deserved their time in prison. Yet they also deserve a chance to live a meaningful life after imprisonment too and it is clear that society is failing badly to achieve this. Essential reading.

[Smitchy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different view of the flaws of the UK justice system from an author who has seen it from the inside. The complex needs of delivering justice to victims and actually helping perpetrators to break out of the complex cycle of drugs, abuse, crime, mental health issues, homelessness, for-profit prison & for-profit ineffective training courses and their roles in re-offending. Chris Atkins makes the case that without a radical overhaul, once a person is pulled into the prison system it is almost impossible to escape again as it is currently set up. He also makes arguments as to how it might be changed by looking at what actually works and what does not.

[Markod0101 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thought provoking read (or listen, had this as audiobook).

It is very well laid out and surprisingly humorous, and makes lots of great points.

It will be interesting with Starmer in charge now given his background if things change. One of the authors recommendations (James Timpson) is already in place.

I agree with most of the points made but I feel a bigger one is missed. While there needs to be better support, especially for lower level and drug related crime, getting this perfect won’t stop reoffending until clear societal change is enacted with the most deprived of the population alongside prison reform.

Thoroughly recommend.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hearing that re-offending rates are high and our prisons are full, you think there should be a better way to do something with the system. But knowing nothing at all of any part of the justice system, I was not really in a place to hold a view on any of this.

I found this book really interesting and really well written. I’m very glad I listened to it at a time when a different government are just coming in and the first thing our new prime minister did was appoint James Timpson to the post of prisons minister. Maybe things will improve a bit under this administration.

[Shona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book club book!!! The guys at work picked this. I actually really enjoyed it, the author is funny but also serious. He make the heavy topic light hearted. Although a lot of what he said was true, and I agree with it, there were a few inaccuracies (from my experience/judgement). Also he was SO NEGATIVE about the whole prison system, and whilst he’s there are failures, there are some positive things like come on Chris, I’m trying here !!!!!

Anyway 4/5 coz good book but also very negative. But very interesting

[Jemma Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

I smashed through this on a plane and it kept me entertained the whole 3 1/2 hours. Chris is position as a former prisoner really gives the book a sense of authority, and it’s really well researched. It doesn’t forget to focus on the victims, but does encourage empathy and helps to understand how the system encourages reoffending. Atkins writes in a really engaging way, and I’ll be reading anything he writes in the future!

[TwoDrinks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason I DNFed was that it was a busman’s holiday reading this and I’m not in the right frame of mind for it. But, really helpful at explaining why the probation system doesn’t always effectively rehabilitate people. I think I just found it not the right book to read at the moment when the Tories have cocked up the country so royally and we’re all skint yet spending £40k a head to house prisoners … and I’d prefer that to go towards students not having to spend a fortune in tuition.

[Ellyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the start. It’s an insanely thought provoking, insightful and engaging read. Chris navigates the murky waters of the justice system with well informed humour and honesty. This has not only inspired me but enraged and entertained me. It’s a fabulous read and I would highly recommend to anyone, especially people interested in psychology, criminology, law and politics. Brilliant! Wish I could give it 10/5 stars. 🌟

[Aparna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly engaging, and even has some light, funny moments. Atkins illustrates the abysmal realities of our overstretched criminal justice system and the consequences - inevitably leading to further reoffending. The author presents some sensible recommendations at the end of the book to address how we tackle reoffending. The only thing I'd like to see more of is diversity. Atkins only interviewed one female offender, for example. It'd be useful to see more from other offenders' perspectives.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an insight into the justice system, with plenty of food for thought on changes which the UK desperately needs to make, sooner rather than later. A really interesting read in an area that perhaps many of us need to show a greater level of understanding and compassion for as members of society. Honest, eye-opening, and very well written.

[Polly Perks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have previously read and enjoyed Atkins’ book “A Bit of a Stretch”, so was keen to read this one. As I expected, it shines a much needed light on the issues around (and created by) the prison & probation system. Filled with facts but also real people and their stories, this hits home. A must read for anyone, really.

[Simon Burdus · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely incredible read and exposé of our failing probation services. Real life examples written with great care and nuance.

Thanks Chris Grayling and all the other greedy Tory bastards for screwing up another important service through privatisation and sending billions of pounds to their cronies.

[Holly Hartley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the follow up to a bit of a stretch, with each chapter focusing on a particular individual in relation to an aspect of the prison system (mental health, housing, day release). It has a different flow to it, and although Atkins at some points comes across as slightly pompous and sanctimonious, the stories from former and serving prisoners outweighs this.

[Rebecca Phillips-Bartlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook.

It was a really interesting listen on a topic I know very little about. I learnt a lot about how the UK’s prison and rehabilitation system works (or rather, how it doesn’t work). It was interesting to hear stories and perspectives from such a range of people discussing their experiences in and out of jail.

[Shiv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the sequel to Bit Of A Stretch. Fascinating insight to the realities of the criminal justice system, prison and probation. I don't see the issues being sorted anytime soon, but it is refreshing to have someone openly address the absolutely MENTAL way the system currently works, perpetuating the cycle of crime and failed rehabilitation in the UK.