Ungrateful Bastard: The Shocking Journey of a Killer and Escape Artist

by Susan Ashline

Gordon "Woody" Mower made worldwide news for his foiled attempt to escape a maximum security prison in a getaway coffin. Now, behind the headlines is a story the notorious prisoner tells only to author Susan Ashline. Ungrateful Bastard unravels the making of a killer and escape artist, from a troubled upbringing on a rural farm to a descent into crime, fueled by abuse, addiction—and a thirst for vengeance. A haunting examination of the criminal mind, read some of the killer's tale through his own chilling words.

The murderer first rose to infamy in 1996 when, at eighteen years old, he shot his parents dead, forever silencing his mother's moniker for him: "Ungrateful bastard." Mower fled, leading authorities on an international manhunt. When the fugitive was featured on the TV show America's Most Wanted, a tip led to his capture. The judge spared the teenager the death penalty, sending him to prison for life. The killer's relentless pursuit of freedom culminated in a daring scheme to escape prison buried alive under sawdust.

A gripping account, Ungrateful Bastard reveals the tragic events that shaped a killer's dark psyche, and the prison climate that allowed him to practice an escape repeatedly, without prison guards ever catching on. Ungrateful Bastard blows the roof off of the Mower case from the cradle to the (escape) coffin.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

212 pages, Hardcover

Published February 5, 2026

About the author

Susan Ashline is the author of A Jacket Off the Gorge and the nationally acclaimed true crime books Ungrateful Bastard and Without A Prayer. She is featured in two Hulu docuseries: “How I Escaped My Cult” and “Cult Justice.” The episodes are based on her book Without A Prayer. Susan’s journalism career spans more than twenty-five years and includes news reporting for the major television networks. She has covered everything from breaking news to politics. Her long-time role as a court correspondent sparked a deep interest in law and the criminal justice system. Susan has worked as a radio reporter, talk show host, television news anchor, magazine editor, website manager, and staff newspaper columnist for publishing juggernaut, Gannett. Her work has received major awards, including an Emmy nomination for a public broadcasting societal-concerns program, a first-place Associated Press award for "general excellence in individual reporting," and a Democrat and Chronicle Gold Medal Award for "online excellence." She graduated from Gloversville High School (NY), earned a BA in Mass Communication from the University of Massachusetts, and studied at the University of New Mexico and the State University of New York at Brockport.

Reviews

[Ellen Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so well done and really takes you into the world and mind of Woody where we can see the inner workings of a criminal mind even with his own insight. I had briefly heard of him before but never looked into it more. After reading this book, I not only know about what happened and what may have caused his downward spiral but also have a better understanding of the criminal mind overall. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Doug Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ungrateful Bastard is a tough, unflinching look at the life of Gordon “Woody” Mower and the brutal realities that surrounded him. The first half of the book immediately pulls the reader in with its gritty, raw tone. Ashline does not soften the edges of Woody’s life, and the result is a narrative that feels honest and sometimes uncomfortable in the best way that true crime can be.

That opening section is the strongest part of the book. The author lays out Woody’s story in clear, direct terms and allows the facts, behavior, and consequences to speak for themselves. It reads like a window into a life that most people would never encounter firsthand, and the detail gives the reader a real sense of the environment that shaped him.

The second half of the book feels different in tone and pacing. The material is certainly important and adds context, but it sometimes seems to linger longer than necessary. The focus shifts away from the gripping personal narrative that defined the first half and moves more deeply into explanation and reflection, which may slow the momentum for some readers.

Even so, one of the most eye-opening aspects of the book is its look at modern prison life and culture. Ashline sheds light on how the system functions day to day and how people navigate it. At one point she acknowledges the limits of the record, explaining that some of Woody’s stories were difficult to verify, noting that certain details were included even though “many could not be corroborated by others.”

That transparency ultimately works in the book’s favor. Ashline is careful to acknowledge uncertainty where it exists, which reinforces the sense that she is trying to present the story responsibly rather than sensationalize it. The result is a book that is often fascinating and occasionally uneven, but still valuable for the candid look it provides into a harsh and complex world.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Larry Sosebee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give it 5 and 1/2 stars if I could. Its about Gordon "Woody" Mower. In 1996 at the age of eighteen Woody shot his parents. He tells this gripping story only to author Susan Ashline. Most of the book is about his escape attempt without guards ever catching on and life in prison. I was amazed at life in prison and the things he got away with. It's a good look into the criminal mind. I look forward to reading the other books by the author. I would like to thank Bloomsbury Academic for a free advance copy to read.

[Valerity (Val) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read about Gordon “Woody” Mower, who had a very strange upbringing which eventually led him to kill both his parents in 1996 at the age of 18. Much of the story is about his life in prison and how he managed to adjust to life inside for the most part. After a suicide attempt when he’d lost all hope of ever getting out, he began to use his prison job to come up with a way to escape.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book illustrates the investigative background and research done by Ms. Ashline. It more than recounts the crimes, it also reveals the NYS prison system’s many disturbing dysfunctions. The portrait of the main subject of the book is neither sympathetic nor does it sensationalize his crimes. It is a fascinating read that I could not put done.

[Me · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book had a good concept but I felt the author included unnecessary details to “fill” the book. Also, adding the footnotes to the back of the book was irritating. I eventually gave up on flipping back and forth. It would have been much easier for readers if they were at the bottom of pages.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was fantastic and a must read!! If you're a fan of true crime, you need to read this book.