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The Escape
"Colin Burrows is desperate. Recently sent to prison for burglary, he knows that the four year sentence means that he will miss the birth of his first child. With his wife's due date fast approaching, he had hoped that the prison authorities would allow him to be present at the birth, but they have said no.
Sharing a cell with Colin is Barry Marsden. Unlike most of the inmates, Barry actually likes prison life. He has come from a very difficult family and been in and out of a series of foster homes. In prison, he has three meals a day and he has discovered a talent for drawing. So he is upset that he will have to leave on parole soon.
Sad to see his cellmate looking depressed, Barry hatches a plan to get Colin out of jail for the birth. It's a plan so crazy that it will fail and get both men in deeper trouble, or it might just work."
Sharing a cell with Colin is Barry Marsden. Unlike most of the inmates, Barry actually likes prison life. He has come from a very difficult family and been in and out of a series of foster homes. In prison, he has three meals a day and he has discovered a talent for drawing. So he is upset that he will have to leave on parole soon.
Sad to see his cellmate looking depressed, Barry hatches a plan to get Colin out of jail for the birth. It's a plan so crazy that it will fail and get both men in deeper trouble, or it might just work."
- GenresCrime
101 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
105 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Lynda La Plante
124 books1,837 followersLynda La Plante, CBE (born Lynda Titchmarsh) is a British author, screenwriter, and erstwhile actress (her performances in Rentaghost and other programmes were under her stage name of Lynda Marchal), best known for writing the Prime Suspect television crime series.
Her first TV series as a scriptwriter was the six part robbery series Widows, in 1983, in which the widows of four armed robbers carry out a heist planned by their deceased husbands.
In 1991 ITV released Prime Suspect which has now run to seven series and stars Helen Mirren as DCI Jane Tennison. (In the United States Prime Suspect airs on PBS as part of the anthology program Mystery!) In 1993 La Plante won an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for her work on the series. In 1992 she wrote at TV movie called Seekers, starring Brenda Fricker and Josette Simon, produced by Sarah Lawson.
She formed her own television production company, La Plante Productions, in 1994 and as La Plante Productions she wrote and produced the sequel to Widows, the equally gutsy She's Out (ITV, 1995). The name "La Plante" comes from her marriage to writer Richard La Plante, author of the book Mantis and Hog Fever. La Plante divorced Lynda in the early 1990s.
Her output continued with The Governor (ITV 1995-96), a series focusing on the female governor of a high security prison, and was followed by a string of ratings pulling miniseries: the psycho killer nightmare events of Trial & Retribution (ITV 1997-), the widows' revenge of the murders of their husbands & children Bella Mafia (1997) (starring Vanessa Redgrave), the undercover police unit operations of Supply and Demand (ITV 1998), videogame/internet murder mystery Killer Net (Channel 4 1998) and the female criminal profiler cases of Mind Games (ITV 2001).
Two additions to the Trial and Retribution miniseries were broadcast during 2006.
Her first TV series as a scriptwriter was the six part robbery series Widows, in 1983, in which the widows of four armed robbers carry out a heist planned by their deceased husbands.
In 1991 ITV released Prime Suspect which has now run to seven series and stars Helen Mirren as DCI Jane Tennison. (In the United States Prime Suspect airs on PBS as part of the anthology program Mystery!) In 1993 La Plante won an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for her work on the series. In 1992 she wrote at TV movie called Seekers, starring Brenda Fricker and Josette Simon, produced by Sarah Lawson.
She formed her own television production company, La Plante Productions, in 1994 and as La Plante Productions she wrote and produced the sequel to Widows, the equally gutsy She's Out (ITV, 1995). The name "La Plante" comes from her marriage to writer Richard La Plante, author of the book Mantis and Hog Fever. La Plante divorced Lynda in the early 1990s.
Her output continued with The Governor (ITV 1995-96), a series focusing on the female governor of a high security prison, and was followed by a string of ratings pulling miniseries: the psycho killer nightmare events of Trial & Retribution (ITV 1997-), the widows' revenge of the murders of their husbands & children Bella Mafia (1997) (starring Vanessa Redgrave), the undercover police unit operations of Supply and Demand (ITV 1998), videogame/internet murder mystery Killer Net (Channel 4 1998) and the female criminal profiler cases of Mind Games (ITV 2001).
Two additions to the Trial and Retribution miniseries were broadcast during 2006.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 29, 2023
Colin Burrows is ready to do anything possible only to be with his beloved wife when she will give birth to their fist child.
But he is in the prison for an old crime that he committed and after this run away. Now he is in deep depression. His cellmate Barry Marsden likes prison: possibility to each on regular base and to have art lessons. He is in the prison for a small theft and soon should be released. Colin and Barry decide to swap their identities and help Colin to see his wife.
This is an interesting story but, in my opinion, it is more an YA one. It is written in a simplistic way and it is a bit too far from reality.
This is why I gave it only 3 stars.
But he is in the prison for an old crime that he committed and after this run away. Now he is in deep depression. His cellmate Barry Marsden likes prison: possibility to each on regular base and to have art lessons. He is in the prison for a small theft and soon should be released. Colin and Barry decide to swap their identities and help Colin to see his wife.
This is an interesting story but, in my opinion, it is more an YA one. It is written in a simplistic way and it is a bit too far from reality.
This is why I gave it only 3 stars.
August 22, 2020
This is the story of a lasting friendship born out of an identity switch/prison escape plan or as the escapee Colin at one point calls it an "insane plan". The character of Colin is sympathetically written, he is a man who has pulled his life around with a marriage and an expected child seemingly sealing the deal when he discovers to his despair that the law doesn't forget. Finding himself inside he makes friends with Barry, a prisoner on remand, and an unlikely plan is hatched to allow Colin to escape to attend the birth of his child after his request for day release is denied.
March 14, 2015
An enjoyable quick read. Colin has straightened himself out, married, got a good job and his wife is pregnant. Unfortunately his past catches up with him and he is sent to prison. Desperate to help the first friend he's ever had, Colin's cell mate, Barry, comes up with a plan that they hope will result in Colin being present at the birth of his child.
June 8, 2014
Don't know why I bothered.
February 1, 2024
This is a fantastic, unique plot and the characters are developed enough to find stunning
February 25, 2016
I received a copy of this book from Quickreads in exchange for an honest review.
The Escape is one of 6 new Quick Reads titles released last week. Quick Reads aims to bring reading to all, encouraging those who don't normally read to give it a go. The Quick Reads books are all short stories of around 100 pages written by well known authors.
In The Escape Colin is desperate to be released from prison for the day so that he can be with his wife as she gives birth to their first child. Depressed because his request for day release has been rejected Colin soon confides in his new cell mate, Barry. Barry, who enjoys the stability prison life gives him suggests that Colin takes his place, as Barry is only on remand and is soon to be released to attend court. The first half of the story tells of the pairs plans for the prison escape with the second half telling of the consequences of it.
On the surface this is a simple prison break tale. However as the story develops it becomes a story of friendship, family, love and how decisions can effect our lives in so many unforeseen ways. Even if Colin and Barry's actions are wrong, the sentiment behind them are genuine.
The book is easy to read, with short, snappy chapters and I found myself whizzing through it. Of course the beauty of a Quick Read story is that you can go at your own pace so this is also a book that you can easily dip in and out of.
This book would appeal to new readers as an introduction to the crime thriller and also to the more experienced reader wanting a quick, light read.
The Escape is one of 6 new Quick Reads titles released last week. Quick Reads aims to bring reading to all, encouraging those who don't normally read to give it a go. The Quick Reads books are all short stories of around 100 pages written by well known authors.
In The Escape Colin is desperate to be released from prison for the day so that he can be with his wife as she gives birth to their first child. Depressed because his request for day release has been rejected Colin soon confides in his new cell mate, Barry. Barry, who enjoys the stability prison life gives him suggests that Colin takes his place, as Barry is only on remand and is soon to be released to attend court. The first half of the story tells of the pairs plans for the prison escape with the second half telling of the consequences of it.
On the surface this is a simple prison break tale. However as the story develops it becomes a story of friendship, family, love and how decisions can effect our lives in so many unforeseen ways. Even if Colin and Barry's actions are wrong, the sentiment behind them are genuine.
The book is easy to read, with short, snappy chapters and I found myself whizzing through it. Of course the beauty of a Quick Read story is that you can go at your own pace so this is also a book that you can easily dip in and out of.
This book would appeal to new readers as an introduction to the crime thriller and also to the more experienced reader wanting a quick, light read.
February 8, 2015
This was diabolical. The less that can be said about it the better.
I am surprised because Lynda La Plante is very much a household name and a highly respected screenplay writer and Author. I haven't read any of her work before but I have briefly come across her television adaptations. But this was shocking!
Although Lynda states at the beginning of the book that 'The Escape' is based on two actual prisoner accounts (and I have no reason to doubt what she says), this whole book is completely unrealistic and unbelievable from the very first page. Not only is every single plot twist unrealistic but this small book is littered with incredibly obvious coincidences masquerading as plot devices.
A prison guard is about to look at a photograph that would blow the whole escape plan but suddenly a fight breaks out so he doesn't look at it.
The prisoner escapes because his hand cuffs are removed in the magistrates court waiting area and his guard goes off into a separate room, leaving him alone next to the front door.
The prisoner runs out of the court and needs to find a mode of transport and just at that exact time an old man is propping a bicycle up against a shop window.
Too many coincidences. Poor, lazy writing. The biggest plot hole is the main plot itself. A plot hole bigger than the Eiffel Tower. Avoid.
November 5, 2018
This short story was ok, but not great. It wasn't very well-written and the writing style made the characters sound quite pathetic. While based on a true story, the plot was quite weak.
I wouldn't bother.
I wouldn't bother.
October 25, 2018
A short bedtime read.
February 12, 2024
So this is my first Quick Read of the year! I love reading some Quick Reads every year; I think they break up some samey novels without too big of a break! Anyways, I’ve always said that I’m not convinced you can write a suspense novel in such few words. I think they are too short and you are not able to build the tension as much or develop the characters enough! I do still think this, however this short novel was pretty good! I liked the plot and to be honest I liked the characters too! I would still prefer to read a full length novel however, if you are looking for a suspenseful Quick Read then this one is pretty good!
Blurb
Is a change of identity all it takes to leave prison?
Colin Burrows is desperate. Recently sent to prison for burglary, he knows that his four year sentence means that he will miss the birth of his first child. With his wife's due date fast approaching, he had hoped that the prison authorities would allow him to be present for the birth, but they have said no.
Sharing a cell with Colin is Barry Marsden. Unlike most of the inmates, Barry actually likes prison life because he has come from a very difficult family and been in and out of a series of foster homes. In prison, he has three meals a day and he has discovered a talent for drawing. So he is upset that he will have to leave on parole soon.
Sad to see his cellmate looking depressed, Barry hatches a plan to get Colin out of jail for the birth. It's a plan so crazy that either it will fail and get both men in deeper trouble, or it might just work.
Blurb
Is a change of identity all it takes to leave prison?
Colin Burrows is desperate. Recently sent to prison for burglary, he knows that his four year sentence means that he will miss the birth of his first child. With his wife's due date fast approaching, he had hoped that the prison authorities would allow him to be present for the birth, but they have said no.
Sharing a cell with Colin is Barry Marsden. Unlike most of the inmates, Barry actually likes prison life because he has come from a very difficult family and been in and out of a series of foster homes. In prison, he has three meals a day and he has discovered a talent for drawing. So he is upset that he will have to leave on parole soon.
Sad to see his cellmate looking depressed, Barry hatches a plan to get Colin out of jail for the birth. It's a plan so crazy that either it will fail and get both men in deeper trouble, or it might just work.
April 6, 2019
Quickreads should not mean Lowquality
This book felt like it was written for children, by a child. I appreciate that a Quickreads book needs to truncate the details, but that shouldn’t mean that the prose is lazy and infantile. Describing depressed characters as “very sad” repeatedly was just jarring.
Another small bug-bear, was the use town “Croydon” (the town I am from), yet the complete inability to use a Google search to find out what the hospital in Croydon is actually called. This just highlighted how sloppy the writing was, and even though this was a Quickread, it more smacked of something that was quickly (and carelessly) written.
This book was absolutely full of plot holes, ridiculously convenient moments to “move the plot along” but even suspension of belief could not make this book make real sense!
I downloaded this book on the basis that Lynda La Plante is a fairly big name in the thriller world, but this sample was enough to put me off ever picking up one of her longer works.
This book felt like it was written for children, by a child. I appreciate that a Quickreads book needs to truncate the details, but that shouldn’t mean that the prose is lazy and infantile. Describing depressed characters as “very sad” repeatedly was just jarring.
Another small bug-bear, was the use town “Croydon” (the town I am from), yet the complete inability to use a Google search to find out what the hospital in Croydon is actually called. This just highlighted how sloppy the writing was, and even though this was a Quickread, it more smacked of something that was quickly (and carelessly) written.
This book was absolutely full of plot holes, ridiculously convenient moments to “move the plot along” but even suspension of belief could not make this book make real sense!
I downloaded this book on the basis that Lynda La Plante is a fairly big name in the thriller world, but this sample was enough to put me off ever picking up one of her longer works.
July 1, 2023
Poor Colin Burrows has been sent to prison for burglary and is destined to miss the birth of his son. That is, until he meets Barry Marsden, his new cellmate. A friendly fast food junkie and art loving nobody who would rather stay in prison then return to his hapless life outside. The two form an unlikely friendship and together hatch a plan to get Colin out of prison.
This quick read has a simple narrative. There are no major twists or shocking plot points but it is surprisingly suspenseful. I found myself rooting for Colin, despite the stupidity of their escape plan. There is a charm to both characters that makes you forget they are criminals. I think the fact that it's based on a true story also adds to the appeal.
Its a good lazy afternoon read.
This quick read has a simple narrative. There are no major twists or shocking plot points but it is surprisingly suspenseful. I found myself rooting for Colin, despite the stupidity of their escape plan. There is a charm to both characters that makes you forget they are criminals. I think the fact that it's based on a true story also adds to the appeal.
Its a good lazy afternoon read.
January 1, 2023
Colin is in prison but prior to being sent there he had actually turned his life around, he had a job, a wife who is pregnant with their child and he felt life was good but previous crimes have caught up with him. He is now focused only on being at the birth of his child but after being rejected permission for this he will do anything and so his new cellmate, Barry, is desperate to help him in any way he can. Can he make it to see the birth of his child and if he can then will it be worth the potential repercussions?
A first time reading work from this author but I can see why she has been so successful over the years as this is a great piece of writing that I really did enjoy.
A first time reading work from this author but I can see why she has been so successful over the years as this is a great piece of writing that I really did enjoy.
May 24, 2023
An enjoyable quick read, where Colin Burrows sent to prison for burglary is desperate to be at the birth of his first child, Barry his cellmate hatches a plan for them to swap places, with Colin to return to prison following the birth, but with Colin managing to get through the outbound and attend court - walks away and is with his wife Karen at the birth. What both do not realise the 'loss of face' for the prison and the anger and resentment from prison personnel. Colin ends up bashed and bashed a gain by angry guards. When Barry - now free from jail finds out his friends injuries he assists in healing the rift from his wife and child.
March 28, 2024
Thoughts:
I’m really not sure what I think of this story. Some bits of it were great like exploring the realistic backgrounds for some people in prison and the ending was happy and sweet. But I struggled to believe Colin’s miraculous recovery and the birth being bang on the due date which I have never seen happen before. I also noticed there were a lot of ands, sometimes more than one in a sentence and some for every sentence in a paragraph.
Favourite Quote:
"As Colin went on listening, he thought it was no wonder that Barry didn’t want to leave the prison. After such a childhood, life inside was better."
I’m really not sure what I think of this story. Some bits of it were great like exploring the realistic backgrounds for some people in prison and the ending was happy and sweet. But I struggled to believe Colin’s miraculous recovery and the birth being bang on the due date which I have never seen happen before. I also noticed there were a lot of ands, sometimes more than one in a sentence and some for every sentence in a paragraph.
Favourite Quote:
"As Colin went on listening, he thought it was no wonder that Barry didn’t want to leave the prison. After such a childhood, life inside was better."
June 26, 2020
This isn't my usual style of book but I'm glad I chose it.
I love these short stories and the skill of fitting a story into a short book always amazes me.
I love that the friendship between Colin and Barry develops in the unlikely place of a prison. Barry puts his reputation on the line for his new friend who by all accounts is a stranger.
I feel very sorry for Barry not being bothered if he has more time added to his sentence because of not having a loving family.
I loved how the book came together.
I love these short stories and the skill of fitting a story into a short book always amazes me.
I love that the friendship between Colin and Barry develops in the unlikely place of a prison. Barry puts his reputation on the line for his new friend who by all accounts is a stranger.
I feel very sorry for Barry not being bothered if he has more time added to his sentence because of not having a loving family.
I loved how the book came together.
November 15, 2018
I have a greater understanding of the prison system and how 2 different cell-mates changed identities so that one of them could get to see his son being born. But what happened after that really was an eye-opener to the fact that the damage from bashing, hitting with the baton by both police and prison guards affected one of them..causing serious injury mentally and phyically. Based on a true story.
July 1, 2019
I think this is a really solid short story and quick read. The characters are l likeable and easy to follow and keep up with. It's very easy to relate to this characters, even without being a criminal and in prison. Their desperation is so clearly written throughout this book and I feel that it was done well I'm such a short book. I'd like to read more of the quick reads.
April 18, 2020
A very simple retelling of a true story that had obviously occurred some considerable time ago when the police and corrections systems were a great deal harsher than is the case now.
Not so much a book you cannot put down, but rather one you cannot wait to finish. Once done so however, it could easily be considered reflectively inspirational.
Not so much a book you cannot put down, but rather one you cannot wait to finish. Once done so however, it could easily be considered reflectively inspirational.
September 14, 2021
A short read detailing two inmates plan to break out of prison.
When it comes to stories of inmates breaking out of prison, the plot for this one is a mere average as it focuses more on the prisoners background, and their motivation in planning an escape.
However, I have a feeling that the story or the author has a negative view on the US prison system and law enforcers as well.
When it comes to stories of inmates breaking out of prison, the plot for this one is a mere average as it focuses more on the prisoners background, and their motivation in planning an escape.
However, I have a feeling that the story or the author has a negative view on the US prison system and law enforcers as well.
November 14, 2017
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May 30, 2023
I really enjoyed this book as an easy read. I found it at home this evening and read it in an hour and a half. Although it is very enjoyable it's not really realistic not is there much depth to it. Feels more like a young adult book.
August 26, 2017
It was what it was, a quick read. Nothing wrong with it. I enjoyed it. It's rather nice occasionally to read and finish a book quickly. Yes it kept me entertained.
July 27, 2018
Something and nothing.
Something and nothing. An Exercise in selfengrandisment . Did not so the notable and talented author justice. A great pity.
Something and nothing. An Exercise in selfengrandisment . Did not so the notable and talented author justice. A great pity.
August 30, 2019
Lightweight crime caper, I was particularly drawn in during the actual escape attempt and an element of the aftermath was shocking. Ultimately, I prefer La Plante's full length novels.
September 22, 2019
A clever little novella
July 5, 2020
Enjoyable
Great book & enjoyable read, I have always enjoyed reading these crime stories that grip you until the very end.
Great book & enjoyable read, I have always enjoyed reading these crime stories that grip you until the very end.
January 15, 2022
fabulous quick read, feel good read.
February 27, 2022
Was a feel good/sweet book- a short read and was enjoyable!
However it was quite predictable didn’t have much depth to it
However it was quite predictable didn’t have much depth to it
December 20, 2022
Good read
A really well written short story. Not just a an escape but a good sensitive insight, into the characters. Recommend.
A really well written short story. Not just a an escape but a good sensitive insight, into the characters. Recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews