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Still Doing Time
Former minor-league baseball player Jimmy Bailey spent four years incarcerated after taking a plea deal for a crime he didn't commit. He believed freedom awaited him on the day his sister, Debbie, picked him up from Walpole State Prison, a maximum-security facility in Massachusetts and brought him home to live with his mother in North Weymouth, Massachusetts.. Little did he know that both he and Debbie, as well as others they knew and loved, would face stalking, kidnapping, and more from people associated with the prison, and, even though Jimmy was no longer behind bars, he still didn't feel free. Begun as a sequel to the 2017 novel Empty Seats by this author, Still Doing Time is a journey into intrigue, crime, conspiracy, kidnapping, baseball, and even a little romance, set in eastern Massachusetts in 1976. A touch of feminism, introspection, soul-searching, and racism cap off this novel, which also interacts with several celebrities of the time.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 14, 2024
Jimmy Bailey once was a minor league pitcher with a promising career in front of him – that is, until a drunken evening ended with the unexpected death of an acquaintance. Jimmy plead guilty even though he knew he didn’t kill the man, but he had no proof of his innocence. As Still Doing Time begins, Jimmy is counting down the days until his release from Walpole and hoping for a new start. When his sister Debbie comes to pick him up, a seemingly little incident at the prison triggers off a dramatic series of events that puts Jimmy and all those he loves in danger.
Jimmy is a gentle giant, and prison didn’t toughen him. He’s naïve and not very deep, but lovable and easy to root for. In fact, most of the characters Wanda Adams Fischer created in the book are likable. Thank goodness, because there’s a lot of them! Jimmy’s family, his friends, his x-ray technician, his cellmate Keeshon, the nurses at the hospital, his old teammates – the list goes on. Not only does Fischer include a grocery list of characters, but many of them lack depth. Unfortunately, the extensive cast can leave the reader confused – especially when similar names are used. Eileen is Jimmy’s romantic interest, while later in the book we’re introduced to Debbie’s roommate Elaine.
While much of the book is told from Jimmy’s point of view, many chapters give us the perspective of other characters. Fischer pulls this off rather well most of the time, but a few chapters were focused on relatively minor characters. While this choice conveniently explained where the story was going, the trick seemed a little clunky.
Still Doing Time is not a prison novel, or a sports novel (although baseball is featured), but rather more like a cozy mystery in which you have to suspend your disbelief and just relax into the story. If you’re looking for a light, PG-rated story, this might be the book for you.
Grateful to have received an ARC in exchange for a fair review. See full review at https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/sti...
Jimmy is a gentle giant, and prison didn’t toughen him. He’s naïve and not very deep, but lovable and easy to root for. In fact, most of the characters Wanda Adams Fischer created in the book are likable. Thank goodness, because there’s a lot of them! Jimmy’s family, his friends, his x-ray technician, his cellmate Keeshon, the nurses at the hospital, his old teammates – the list goes on. Not only does Fischer include a grocery list of characters, but many of them lack depth. Unfortunately, the extensive cast can leave the reader confused – especially when similar names are used. Eileen is Jimmy’s romantic interest, while later in the book we’re introduced to Debbie’s roommate Elaine.
While much of the book is told from Jimmy’s point of view, many chapters give us the perspective of other characters. Fischer pulls this off rather well most of the time, but a few chapters were focused on relatively minor characters. While this choice conveniently explained where the story was going, the trick seemed a little clunky.
Still Doing Time is not a prison novel, or a sports novel (although baseball is featured), but rather more like a cozy mystery in which you have to suspend your disbelief and just relax into the story. If you’re looking for a light, PG-rated story, this might be the book for you.
Grateful to have received an ARC in exchange for a fair review. See full review at https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/sti...
June 3, 2026
“Still Doing Time is a compelling and multilayered crime novel that blends prison drama, conspiracy thriller elements, and emotional character study into a richly textured narrative. Wanda Adams Fischer delivers a story that is both suspenseful and introspective, following former minor-league baseball player Jimmy Bailey as he attempts to rebuild his life after incarceration for a crime he insists he did not commit.
What stands out most is the emotional weight of post-incarceration life. Even after his release, Jimmy’s struggle to reclaim a sense of freedom is constantly undermined by external threats and lingering connections to the prison system. The narrative expands beyond traditional crime fiction by weaving in elements of stalking, kidnapping, and conspiracy, while also grounding the story in personal trauma and psychological tension.
The setting of 1970s Massachusetts adds strong historical atmosphere, enriching the story with cultural detail, social tension, and references to real-world figures and issues of the time. The inclusion of baseball as both a personal past and symbolic thread adds depth to Jimmy’s identity and sense of loss, reinforcing the theme of a life interrupted.
Overall, Still Doing Time is a thoughtful and suspenseful crime narrative that will appeal to readers who enjoy prison stories, conspiracy-driven fiction, and emotionally complex protagonists trying to reclaim their lives under pressure.”
What stands out most is the emotional weight of post-incarceration life. Even after his release, Jimmy’s struggle to reclaim a sense of freedom is constantly undermined by external threats and lingering connections to the prison system. The narrative expands beyond traditional crime fiction by weaving in elements of stalking, kidnapping, and conspiracy, while also grounding the story in personal trauma and psychological tension.
The setting of 1970s Massachusetts adds strong historical atmosphere, enriching the story with cultural detail, social tension, and references to real-world figures and issues of the time. The inclusion of baseball as both a personal past and symbolic thread adds depth to Jimmy’s identity and sense of loss, reinforcing the theme of a life interrupted.
Overall, Still Doing Time is a thoughtful and suspenseful crime narrative that will appeal to readers who enjoy prison stories, conspiracy-driven fiction, and emotionally complex protagonists trying to reclaim their lives under pressure.”
March 30, 2026
A well written novel, Still Doing Time checks all the boxes for an entertaining read. The author’s description mentions this book as a sequel to Empty Seats, but the story line is complete as a standalone.
After agreeing to a plea deal for a crime he didn’t commit, Jimmy spends four years in prison. Like Jimmy, his cell mate, Keeshon, wants nothing more than to do his time and start over. A former baseball player, Jimmy had never thought of himself as a teacher, but to pass the time and help his cell mate, Jimmy teaches Keeshon to read.
When Jimmy is released before Keeshon, the two men promise to get together when Keeshon gets out. Jimmy has concerns about Keeshon’s safety without Jimmy beside him and Keeshon is worried, too. As it turns out, their instincts were right, although not for the reasons they expected.
Wanting nothing more than a job at Fenway Park and a chance to play baseball, Jimmy’s first taste of freedom is short lived. He becomes entrenched in a conspiracy that threatens him, his family, and Keeshon, whose loyalty to Jimmy is unshakable.
The characters are memorable and the plot will keep your interest. Drama, intrigue, and tension fill the pages, along with a generous dose of history, and a sprinkling of humor.
After agreeing to a plea deal for a crime he didn’t commit, Jimmy spends four years in prison. Like Jimmy, his cell mate, Keeshon, wants nothing more than to do his time and start over. A former baseball player, Jimmy had never thought of himself as a teacher, but to pass the time and help his cell mate, Jimmy teaches Keeshon to read.
When Jimmy is released before Keeshon, the two men promise to get together when Keeshon gets out. Jimmy has concerns about Keeshon’s safety without Jimmy beside him and Keeshon is worried, too. As it turns out, their instincts were right, although not for the reasons they expected.
Wanting nothing more than a job at Fenway Park and a chance to play baseball, Jimmy’s first taste of freedom is short lived. He becomes entrenched in a conspiracy that threatens him, his family, and Keeshon, whose loyalty to Jimmy is unshakable.
The characters are memorable and the plot will keep your interest. Drama, intrigue, and tension fill the pages, along with a generous dose of history, and a sprinkling of humor.
March 22, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! I had read its prequel, Empty Seats, when it first came out and enjoyed it, but this book took things to a whole other level. The main character, Jimmy, is being released from prison after serving four years for a crime he didn't commit. Unfortunately, some of the guards on the inside weren't too fond of his good-mannered ways, and when his sister offended one of them as Jimmy was leaving, the guards decided to get even in their own way.
Their retribution led to an all-scale investigation into an inner crime ring, which put Jimmy and everyone he loved in even more danger. Every chapter kept me needing to know what would happen next. The author did a phenomenal job in keeping so many moving parts going until they finally merged together with a climactic ending. Each character had it's own believable personality, and I truly enjoyed all of them. Besides Jimmy, my favorite character was definitely Keeshaw. And I loved the two fierce moms! They were awesome!
If you are looking for a page turner with some good wholesomeness sprinkled in between, you will love this book!
Their retribution led to an all-scale investigation into an inner crime ring, which put Jimmy and everyone he loved in even more danger. Every chapter kept me needing to know what would happen next. The author did a phenomenal job in keeping so many moving parts going until they finally merged together with a climactic ending. Each character had it's own believable personality, and I truly enjoyed all of them. Besides Jimmy, my favorite character was definitely Keeshaw. And I loved the two fierce moms! They were awesome!
If you are looking for a page turner with some good wholesomeness sprinkled in between, you will love this book!
October 20, 2024
Packs lot in
Don’t let the quick read fool you. The novel is filled with enough character, plot, and history to keep the reader entertained. The author’s characters are fleshed out realistically down to the accents. 1970’s Boston comes alive as we can’t help but get involved in the story line and the fates of all concerned. A well-written tale that digs into the deepest wells of human nature, while also being just fun. A good read to put on your list.
Don’t let the quick read fool you. The novel is filled with enough character, plot, and history to keep the reader entertained. The author’s characters are fleshed out realistically down to the accents. 1970’s Boston comes alive as we can’t help but get involved in the story line and the fates of all concerned. A well-written tale that digs into the deepest wells of human nature, while also being just fun. A good read to put on your list.
May 31, 2026
Just wrapped up Still Doing Time by Wanda Adams Fischer! ⚾️⚖️ At 377 pages, this is a fast-paced mystery and thriller that completely hooks you from the start. The cover art gives a massive hint at what you're getting into: a gritty story that tightly weaves sports culture (specifically baseball) with a dark legal or criminal underbelly. If you love thrillers where the stakes are high and the secrets run deep, you'll definitely want to check this one out. Why it's worth the read: It has an incredible 4.5-star rating on Amazon right now for a reason! It balances a unique sports angle with classic psychological suspense masterfully.
September 14, 2024
Still Doing Time
I am always looking for books that speak louder than the noise of the world around me. This kept my attention and silenced my surroundings. I love this style of writing.
Same page. Same chapter. Same book.
Thank you for sharing your gift for writing with the world.
I am always looking for books that speak louder than the noise of the world around me. This kept my attention and silenced my surroundings. I love this style of writing.
Same page. Same chapter. Same book.
Thank you for sharing your gift for writing with the world.
July 1, 2026
Still Doing Time presents a compelling premise that immediately captures the reader's attention. The story explores freedom, justice, and resilience in a way that feels meaningful and thought-provoking. Wanda Adams Fischer has created a novel that blends suspense with emotional depth. Congratulations on writing such an engaging story, and I look forward to reading more of your work.
July 1, 2026
This is a fascinating combination of historical fiction, crime, mystery, and personal redemption. The themes are timeless, and the setting adds an extra layer of authenticity. The author deserves recognition for crafting a story that is both entertaining and reflective. Wishing you continued success in your writing journey
July 1, 2026
I appreciated how this novel explores the idea that freedom is more than simply leaving prison. It raises important questions about justice, healing, and second chances. Thank you, Wanda Adams Fischer, for sharing such a compelling concept with readers.
July 1, 2026
This book offers much more than a mystery. It combines emotional storytelling with meaningful social themes that encourage readers to think beyond the surface. I admire the creativity and dedication behind this work.
July 1, 2026
Historical fiction becomes even more memorable when paired with strong emotional themes and intriguing characters. Still Doing Time delivers a unique premise that kept me interested from the very beginning. Well done to the author.
July 1, 2026
This novel demonstrates the power of perseverance and resilience. It is encouraging to see stories that remind us people can continue fighting for hope even after life's greatest challenges. Congratulations on this wonderful achievement.
July 1, 2026
The historical setting creates a vivid backdrop for a story filled with suspense and emotion. The combination of mystery and heartfelt moments makes this an appealing read. Best wishes for continued success.
July 1, 2026
I enjoyed the thoughtful premise and the way different themes come together in one story. Crime, family, romance, and history blend into a narrative that feels both entertaining and meaningful. Excellent work.
November 23, 2025
Fischer’s prose hums with lived-in detail and quiet power. It’s the kind of story that leaves you both breathless and hopeful.
November 23, 2025
Electric with suspense and compassion, this novel shines a light on resilience and second chances. It lingers like a favorite song you keep replaying.
January 21, 2026
This is a very interesting novel from the manayunk book club
January 21, 2026
I really had a great time reading this book, it was a fantastic feature.
January 22, 2026
This book sparked intense discussion at the Manayunk Book Club about justice, wrongful convictions, and lingering consequences.
January 22, 2026
Members of the Manayunk Book Club were immediately drawn into Jimmy Bailey’s story and the injustice that continues to follow him even after prison.
January 22, 2026
Jimmy’s emotional journey resonated strongly with the Manayunk Book Club, especially his struggle to feel truly free.
July 1, 2026
The story tackles difficult subjects while maintaining an engaging pace. I appreciate authors who are willing to explore justice, family, and hope through fiction. Thank you for sharing your talent.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews