The Warden's Son

by C.G. Cooper

"I guess the most important thing to say up front was that the summer of 1987 was a pivotal time in my life. I was ten. I made a new best friend. And, I became a murderer. Yep. You heard right. The summer of 1987 was the ninth stop for yours truly on the great prison tour of my childhood. Every year a new town and a new prison to explore. I wasn’t yet a murderer. Not at the beginning. Just the plain old son of a warden in jeans with permanent grass stains and threadbare sneakers that wore me more than I wore them. Life as the son of a Federal prison warden never felt weird until I turned 10. I was still a naive little waif until that nasty summer when everything changed. Now I sit here in my suit, so far removed from the boy of 1987 Virginia that I feel like I’m perfectly qualified to judge him. But when the window’s open, all I have to do is get a breeze from which I can detect the gluey stink of split black locust, or hear the froggy grind of a woodcock’s call, and then I’m no longer qualified. There I am, back under the hot sun, at the edge of the creek stinking of heat and moss. I am that boy again. And I can make out the line of Redcoats marching in ramrod-straight formation along a pink-feathered sea of mountain laurel in the distance..." What happens when a ten-year-old boy becomes friends with an inmate? Jimmy Allen's about to find out, and the crash of reality will stick with him for an eternity. The author of the USA Today bestselling Corps Justice series pens a coming of age story about youth, strength and the bravery of bonds between friends.

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2019

About the author

C. G. Cooper is the USA TODAY and AMAZON BESTSELLING author of the CORPS JUSTICE novels, several spinoffs and a growing number of stand-alone novels.

One of his novels, CHAIN OF COMMAND, won the 2020 James Webb Award presented by the Marine Heritage Foundation for its portrayal of the United States Marine Corps in fiction. Cooper doesn't chase awards, but this one was special.

Cooper grew up on a steady diet of Dungeons & Dragons and the travels of a Navy family.

Upon graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in Foreign Affairs, Cooper was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and went on to serve six years as an infantry officer. C. G. Cooper's final Marine duty station was in Nashville, Tennessee, where he fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle of Music City.

His first published novel, BACK TO WAR, came out of a desire to link back to his time in the Marine Corps. That novel, written as a side project, spawned many follow-on novels, several exciting spinoffs, and catapulted Cooper's career.

Cooper lives just south of Nashville with his wife, three children, and their German shorthaired pointer, Liberty, who's become a popular character in the Corps Justice novels.

Reviews

[Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another direction

C.G. Cooper has gone in an entirely different direction with this book. I have read all the Corps Justice and a couple of the Daniel Briggs books which are all action/thriller/political adventures. This is a fairly simple boy growing up/family story. I commend Cooper for taking a chance on a different genre and recommend this book to his fans and to those who haven't read anything else by him, but just enjoy a heartwarming read.

[Laura Clifton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting, powerful

Mr. Cooper has hit it out of the park with this new novel. It is a coming of age story about a 10 year old son of a prison warden. It is also about friendship, family, and courage. The Warden's Son will draw you in and keep you reading until the very last page.
We follow Jimmy as he goes from a young, innocent, imaginative boy to a murderer. To quote Mr. Cooper, "Yep.You heard right." But, not everything is as it appears to be. As the story unfolds, I found myself laughing with him, crying for him, and fearing for him. He learns at too young of an age that sometimes the "bad guys" aren't necessarily bad,and that the "good guys" really are not good at all.
From his friendship with another young boy at school to his friendship with an inmate, through his losses and near losses, choices and consequences, you will be taken on an incredible journey. This story is a roller coaster of ups and downs, twists and turns taking you towards a stunning conclusion that you will never see coming.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a truly great story. I believe that this will become a classic tale of the ages. Thank you so much, Mr. Cooper for another incredible adventure! Keep up the excellent work!

[pagesofchapters | demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable read, I absolutely loved every second of it! There were never any moments where this story fell flat for me, in fact I was 100% hooked from the very beginning!

I really loved reading this book from Jimmy’s perspective. It was super interesting to see his life as a 10yr old with a warden for a dad and to see the events that happen. This story was fully of mystery, and I found myself not wanting to put this book down! I really liked the writing style of this book and the way it was written by the main character looking back on this time in his life. I also really loved how at the end we go forward to Jimmy in his present seeing how the events of him as a 10yr old impacted his life.

Overall, this was such a fun and interesting read! After reading The Wardens Son, I definitely want to look into more of this author’s work!

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Compelling page turner

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Brilliant Art

Dear Mr. Cooper
While I've read and enjoyed just about all your novels (I might be missing one) I was a bit reluctant to pick this one up. Wow! No more reluctance...the perspective of writing as experience through a child's eyes was captivating. Quite a bit of additional drama going on to take ones attention from the overall plot....nice and deceptive, though you did kinda let the proverbial car out of the bag around that last family dinner where he was just to damn nice and smiling. I can see several differing endings to this....as I am sure you considered. I would be curious to know how and why this specific ending was chosen as final.
I am happy I overlooked my initial impression and reluctance, what a great story. Thank you

[Chuck Yarling · Rating 5 out of 5]

C.G. Cooper has written the tale of 10-year old Jimmy who tells us about his life at a new prison

James Michael Allen, Jimmy, has a busy life settling down with his family after arriving at Slater Federal Penitentiary in Slater, VA. This is his dad's ninth prison where he is considered to be a fixer, one who is sent to various members of the Bureau of Prisons that have been experiencing problems for him to bring back to normal operation. The other members of his family include his caring mom and Larry, his younger brother.

Jimmy's detailed life includes going to school where he meets Kenji, his Japanese classmate, who interests him in the role-playing game of Dungeons and Dragons; a friendly prisoner named Carlisle; and a not-so-friendly prison guard named Brady Bruce. Jimmy's life has unexpected ups and downs and challenges that normal ten-year old boys do not face because they don't live near a prison!

Mr. Cooper has written one of those stories that catches you right up front and makes you want it not to end any time soon!

[Jewel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Teen Suspense Novel

This had the potential to be an amazing book and it could be but it’s more like a teenage suspense novel. I was expecting more because of the introduction which led me to believe a 10 year old was sitting on death row for murder and he happened to be the Warden’s son.
I enjoyed parts of it but was never scared or moved emotionally other than the beating the Warden gives his 10 year old son in the greenhouse. A spanking is one thing but stuffing a handkerchief in your son’s mouth and then beating him with a belt so badly that he can’t move for two days is out right child abuse and the mother was just as guilty for not protecting her son. I know parents used to do this a lot and get away with it. My parents were those kind of horrible parents who did that as well. I enjoyed Jimmy, the 10 year old son’s character. I loved his side comments and sarcasm. However I would say this reading level is high school.

[Scott Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very late to the C.G. Cooper party, so I'm glad it's still going on.

How did I miss this author? I totally believed I was listening to a 10 year old boy, finding his feelings quite authentic. I appreciated the straight forward bare bones story, with nary a description of the landscape, household furnishings,apparel, vehicles, etc. I am usually mired (pleasantly) in pages upon pages of feelings and angst. I loved Jimmy, loved Carlisle, started to live Kenji and Larry.
There was no fluff to this story. What it reads is what it means. I was happy to find Mr. Cooper is a prolific writer, and I look forward to more of his work.

[Otis Hanby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an easy and tough book to rate accurately. Throughout the narrative, the story could feel awkward and not well written. Then I take into account that it's from the perspective of a ten-year-old boy and it helps. And at other times the situations that unfold in the book are more than a bit of a stretch, but I still can't help but frantically turn the pages. The reason for the five stars is for an engrossing and hypnotic tale, no matter how ridiculous it often was. And what's more, I know that Cooper will only get better with his craft as he continues to write. This was truly a very enjoyable novel for me.

[Michelle Hedley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very familiar with this authors style, and so this book was very much so different - in a good way. Was an interesting viewpoint seeing the story told through the eyes of a 10 year old, older than his years in some ways but very much still a child. I don't like spoilers in reviews, so it suffices to say there was a good pace, nice and easy going but still enough to draw you in before you realise it. Definitely a book worth picking up and reading as through Jimmy we watch human nature and how he develops with his childlike innocence as he then goes into adulthood. Well recommended!

[Jo Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I hope I can find the words to describe this story without giving it away. Carlos is such a terrific person and with this story has outdone himself. The story starts out as seen through the eyes of a ten year old boy but it is so much more than that. It will bring tears to your eyes, make you smile and laugh also hold your breath for what is to come. This should be a must read for every one. The characters are wonderful . If I could give 50 stars I would. Carlos thank you for this beautiful story. Loved it.

[Carolyn Strength · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I have ever read.

I believe I can say that I have become a fan and will be following Mr. Cooper's work. Have you ever started reading a book that you can't put down? Have you ever gotten so caught up in the story and the characters that you can't wait to finish the book? Finally, have you ever reached the end but wished you could keep on reading? That has been my experience with this book. Darn! I have reached the end...and I miss it.

I highly recommend "The Warden's Son". Excellent book!

[Keith Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first C.G. Cooper experience. This is a riveting account of a young boy growing up in the shadows of revolving penitentiaries! His father an accomplished prison warden with the reputation of being a “fixer”. Thus he is transferred almost annually to leverage his special skills. It’s a fascinating peek into the lives of the families of prison security personnel. There is much joy and drama in a snapshot of this boy’s life around prison guards and prisoners. This is not a book for juveniles. A good read for advanced adolescents and adults!

[Alice Frati · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It was an easy read. There were characters that I disliked and there were characters that were great. I don’t mind disliking characters. What I love is a story that has a great plot. A story that has has twist and turns you don’t expect right to the end. Jimmy is the ten-year-old narrator, who takes us through the journey of being the Warden’s son. This is a difficult position to be in especially when living on the prison grounds. When a warden is sent to fix a prison there are problems. Little does he know how far up the top the corruption goes in this prison.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!

I have a real soft spot for books told in the voice of a kid and this book was certainly no disappointment. Jimmy is such an adventurous and fun kid who gets into more trouble than a 10 year old bargained for. It takes place in 1987 and has everything you want in a story, adventure, tragedy, mysteries and family complications. I couldn’t put this down and loved the ending! I recommended this to my husband who isn’t a big reader and my son who is. I’m even going to recommend it to my son who was an adventurer like Jimmy!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read!

Prepare for the full gamut of emotions when reading this book. There is something uniquely relatable for everyone with every turn of a page. Be ready to be spellbound from the first chapter. I had prepared myself to pick up a few chapters a night; however I could not put it down! C.G. Cooper yet again does not disappoint. (If you have not read his Corp Justice series, you should start your library soon)

[Matt Shafer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid read

C. G. Cooper has written an engaging story about a ten-year-old and a nefarious prison plot. It's a quick, easy read that reminds me in places of Stephen King's Bachman novels and of John Grisham's A Painted House in others. This would easily have been a five-star novel, but every chapter ends with a very ominous foreshadowing that goes over-the-top after the third time.

[Aly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book over all and finished it in about 2 sittings. The writing style of it was fantastic and the story concept was amazing but I felt like there was a lot of filler thrown in for the sake of length. The final scenes (not to be mentioned for sake of soiling it) seemed to not take up enough of the space, only being the last few chapters. 70% of the story was proving that Jimmy was only a boy rather than explaining how he grew.

[Ron Buehrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story Well written

I read it in one sitting. The story flows like a story should. No insulting your intelligence with repetition or sensationalism. The story is t o l d as vivid memory with the only speculation being that of the youth grasping the reality that he's being dealt . . . And dealing with it.

~ Editing IS NOT an issue with this book.
The issue is that so many books have !$#! inexcusable editing issues that I'm compelled to say this one doesn't. 'Nuf said.

[robert gunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not too suprised at the trajectory of this story after reading the Lone Peak books. As usual I had trouble putting it down. As a disabled Vietnam vet I could have really used a place like that instead of 40 years unknowingly suffering from PTSD. Luckily I encountered a retired Marine who convinced me to get counseling. since then I've righted my life. IT made it possible to be touched by Mr. Cooper's stories.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grabbed me with the first paragraph. It's been a long time since I finished a book in one sitting. This has got to be Cooper's best book so far. I abandoned myself into the story because Jimmy's imagination is just like mine was when I was ten. A great story, great characters, lots of twists and turns. Just the way I like it.

[MR CHRISTOPHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb story

I love reading C G Cooper books as they are full of real characters that jump off the page and into your room.

My only gripe is that is that they take such a long time to write, but, such a short time to read. This book again was read in one sitting, I am lucky that I have an understanding wife.

[Mike Shecora · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wardens son grows up overnight!I

C.G. Has created another riveting book! I was a little leary when I first read the forward but I became hooked before the end of the first chapter! Could picture myself as part of the story as I continued to read! Well done Carlos, can't wait for you to get back to The Corps Justice series.

[Cindy Griffes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

I would highly recommend this book. It was very hard to put down. Fast paced. I loved the characters,even though at times it's hard hard to believe a 10 year old could have that much freedom. Thank you C.G.Cooper. This was the first i had read of yours. I will read more.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from CG Cooper. Lots of twists and turns and exciting moments but the main theme is friendship against adversity. A highly recommended read.

This is one of my favourite books by Mr. Cooper and i binge read it in one day. The concept is very unique from the perspective of a ten year old.

[Beverly Doss · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional and compelling novel

A behind the scenes look at prison life from the view of the warden's 10 year old son. The novel spares the reader from the ruthlessness of prison life, nevertheless, it includes the story of poor decision-making and its consequences with the power of love, forgiveness and redemotion. Beautifully told in a child's voice.

[Sybil Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love this book.

If you want to read a good book then read this one. It is about this precious ten year old boy. His younger brother and his parents. They move to a house located outside of the prison where his father is the warden. The story centers around his relationships with the guards and some of the prisoners. I hated to finish it

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written from the aspect of the son Jimmy Allen. He writes a good story that Jimmy keeps telling. Carlisle is a great prisoner that befriends Jimmy and the story revolves therein. We take Jimmy from 10 to eventually 18 or more. Cooper writes in a very interesting style that keeps you involved, not a peg turner, but very good reading. 5

[Jillian Moening · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!

When I first started this book, I wasn’t sure it was my kind of book. I persevered (didn’t take too long) and soon, I couldn’t put it down. So extremely well written. I felt as if I was with Jimmy all the way. A touching book about friendship, life and one that will stick with you long after you read the last page. Well done!

[Richard L. Grogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wit, drama, sheer entertainment.

I've read most of C.G. Miller's works about the escapades of the marines. I didn't expect what was in store. This book is a masterpiece. It's filled with comments that will crack you up. However, the drama of a young boy and his inmate friend leaves me saying this one wins the blue ribbon.