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Bailey Morgan #1
Jailbird
'Fast paced and addictive.' Ross Greenwood
'A riveting read full of tension and suspense with a vivid cast of characters and an enticing plot.' Heather Burnside
When you’re working undercover the smallest mistake can cost you your life.
Detective Constable Bailey Morgan has been out of the undercover game since her last job went horribly wrong, leaving her with scars inside and out.
When her colleague Alice is found dead whilst working deep cover in a women’s prison, Bailey steps in to replace her.
Working alone, Bailey embarks on a dangerous journey through the murky underbelly of the prison and soon discovers that Alice’s death was part of a spate of brutal murders.
Surrounded by prison officers, criminals and lowlifes, the slightest mistake could cost Bailey her life. Illicit drug trafficking, prison gangs and corruption are just some of the things she’s up against… and behind it all lurks a sinister and terrifying secret that will truly test her survival instincts.
Heart-stopping and gripping. Perfect for the fans of hit TV shows such as Line of Duty, Orange is the New Black and Bad Girls.
What readers are saying about Jailbird:
'I have nothing negative at all to say about this book. I can’t wait for the next book from this author as she has extreme talent.'
'Flows well, extremely good plot! One of the best reads of the year. HIGHLY recommend!!!'
'Absolutely loved this book! The story flows, the characters are fascinating and I couldn't tear myself away. Highly recommended.'
'This one is a sure winner!'
'I was literally on the edge of my seat reading this book.'
'I was totally engrossed in this book.'
'A riveting read full of tension and suspense with a vivid cast of characters and an enticing plot.' Heather Burnside
When you’re working undercover the smallest mistake can cost you your life.
Detective Constable Bailey Morgan has been out of the undercover game since her last job went horribly wrong, leaving her with scars inside and out.
When her colleague Alice is found dead whilst working deep cover in a women’s prison, Bailey steps in to replace her.
Working alone, Bailey embarks on a dangerous journey through the murky underbelly of the prison and soon discovers that Alice’s death was part of a spate of brutal murders.
Surrounded by prison officers, criminals and lowlifes, the slightest mistake could cost Bailey her life. Illicit drug trafficking, prison gangs and corruption are just some of the things she’s up against… and behind it all lurks a sinister and terrifying secret that will truly test her survival instincts.
Heart-stopping and gripping. Perfect for the fans of hit TV shows such as Line of Duty, Orange is the New Black and Bad Girls.
What readers are saying about Jailbird:
'I have nothing negative at all to say about this book. I can’t wait for the next book from this author as she has extreme talent.'
'Flows well, extremely good plot! One of the best reads of the year. HIGHLY recommend!!!'
'Absolutely loved this book! The story flows, the characters are fascinating and I couldn't tear myself away. Highly recommended.'
'This one is a sure winner!'
'I was literally on the edge of my seat reading this book.'
'I was totally engrossed in this book.'
438 pages, Paperback
Published October 15, 2019
260 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
October 8, 2019
Bailey is a undercover police officer. Her job is to go undercover into a woman's prison to replace her friend, Alice, who was murdered while working there. Bailey is sent in to uncover a drugs ring. Bailey had left undercover when her last job went terribly wrong for her, leaving her with scars on her body a nod face. She only accepted the job to get justice for Alice. Once inside the prison, HMP Foxbrook, no one is aware that she is working undercover, not even the Governor knows. She soon discovers the prison is rife with corruption.
Once Bailey is in prison there is quite a lot of characters to remember. Between officers and inmates, Bailey dies not know who she can trust. There is also some horrific murders take place. There are some marvellous characters in this book who are all believable. The pace is well set with a few twists along the way. I did ot know how this story was going to unfold. I did ot k ow how it was going to end. I just k we I had to keep reading to find out. I never saw the ending coming. I was shocked to say the least. This is a fantastic read and I cant wait to read more from this author in future.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Boldworld Books and the author Caro Savage for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Once Bailey is in prison there is quite a lot of characters to remember. Between officers and inmates, Bailey dies not know who she can trust. There is also some horrific murders take place. There are some marvellous characters in this book who are all believable. The pace is well set with a few twists along the way. I did ot know how this story was going to unfold. I did ot k ow how it was going to end. I just k we I had to keep reading to find out. I never saw the ending coming. I was shocked to say the least. This is a fantastic read and I cant wait to read more from this author in future.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Boldworld Books and the author Caro Savage for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2021
Jailbird
is the first book in a new series by Caro Savage featuring Morgan Bailey, a detective constable who has been assigned to work undercover.
This is a captivating and original story. Dripping with tension, the women's prison setting, HMP Foxbrook created a real feeling of apprehension. A perfect read for a dark, wintery night, I read this over a few nights snuggled under a warm blanket but still felt the chills from the author's fabulous writing. With an exceedingly strong plot and comfortable pacing, the mystery was absorbing and compelling. There were abundant twists and turns as the plot unfolded, and the story begged for an exceptional bunch of characters which they mostly were. The author dropped in plenty of tension and quite a lot of brutality and used the prison environment and the culture of abuse, drugs and violence to full effect. The conclusion was dramatic and one I definitely didn’t anticipate. Considering Jailbird is a début I was mightily impressed.
The audiobook was narrated by Genevieve Swallow and listening to the story was a terrific decision. I thought it was narrated really well and the narrator brought the necessary oomph to the proceedings, giving the individuals their own voice and inflections. Overall, Jailbird is a fantastic, highly recommended, gripping mystery/ thriller from Caro Savage and I am looking forward to seeing what DC Morgan Bailey gets into next in book two, Villian. 😊 ❄🥶
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Boldwood Books and Boldwood Books UK Audio via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
This is a captivating and original story. Dripping with tension, the women's prison setting, HMP Foxbrook created a real feeling of apprehension. A perfect read for a dark, wintery night, I read this over a few nights snuggled under a warm blanket but still felt the chills from the author's fabulous writing. With an exceedingly strong plot and comfortable pacing, the mystery was absorbing and compelling. There were abundant twists and turns as the plot unfolded, and the story begged for an exceptional bunch of characters which they mostly were. The author dropped in plenty of tension and quite a lot of brutality and used the prison environment and the culture of abuse, drugs and violence to full effect. The conclusion was dramatic and one I definitely didn’t anticipate. Considering Jailbird is a début I was mightily impressed.
The audiobook was narrated by Genevieve Swallow and listening to the story was a terrific decision. I thought it was narrated really well and the narrator brought the necessary oomph to the proceedings, giving the individuals their own voice and inflections. Overall, Jailbird is a fantastic, highly recommended, gripping mystery/ thriller from Caro Savage and I am looking forward to seeing what DC Morgan Bailey gets into next in book two, Villian. 😊 ❄🥶
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Boldwood Books and Boldwood Books UK Audio via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
May 30, 2021
Review to follow
July 23, 2020
WOW - What a killer of a read.
Great debut book from Caro.
What an opening chapter that was, so gruesome, but amazing at the same time.
I just loved this sick twisted read.
Great debut book from Caro.
What an opening chapter that was, so gruesome, but amazing at the same time.
I just loved this sick twisted read.
October 16, 2019
Thank you Boldwood and NetGalley for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Jailbird
By: Caro Savage
*REVIEW* ✔✔✔✔
Jailbird is a completely different type of story for me, and it's been refreshing to read. Seriously, though, this scenario of going undercover in a women's prison is like a nightmare come true for me. I could never do this because it's terrifying. I have mad respect for the female officers who do put their lives on the line. In this case, Alice is an undercover officer who has been murdered. A friend and fellow officer, Bailey, takes the place of Alice on the inside. Who killed Alice and why? As Bailey is pulled deeper into the inner circles, very bad things continue to happen. It becomes increasingly obvious that this prison is overrun with drugs, corruption, gangs, etc., and the powers that be seem lax in their duty to solve these problems. Bailey is in an extremely dangerous situation, and her chances of survival dwindle. Will she unmask a killer in time? This story gives an inside perspective of corruption within the prison system that is very interesting and compelling. Bailey is smart and intuitive, but I felt such anxiety for her. There are scenes involving drugs and some gritty raw stuff, but it's par for the course with this subject matter. Overall, it's a fascinating trip into a seldom seen place with plenty of twists and grave danger at every turn. I was completely absorbed in the story. This book is a good choice for something different that is still action packed and dramatic.
Jailbird
By: Caro Savage
*REVIEW* ✔✔✔✔
Jailbird is a completely different type of story for me, and it's been refreshing to read. Seriously, though, this scenario of going undercover in a women's prison is like a nightmare come true for me. I could never do this because it's terrifying. I have mad respect for the female officers who do put their lives on the line. In this case, Alice is an undercover officer who has been murdered. A friend and fellow officer, Bailey, takes the place of Alice on the inside. Who killed Alice and why? As Bailey is pulled deeper into the inner circles, very bad things continue to happen. It becomes increasingly obvious that this prison is overrun with drugs, corruption, gangs, etc., and the powers that be seem lax in their duty to solve these problems. Bailey is in an extremely dangerous situation, and her chances of survival dwindle. Will she unmask a killer in time? This story gives an inside perspective of corruption within the prison system that is very interesting and compelling. Bailey is smart and intuitive, but I felt such anxiety for her. There are scenes involving drugs and some gritty raw stuff, but it's par for the course with this subject matter. Overall, it's a fascinating trip into a seldom seen place with plenty of twists and grave danger at every turn. I was completely absorbed in the story. This book is a good choice for something different that is still action packed and dramatic.
September 9, 2019
Bailey misses the police work she loved so when she is given the chance to go undercover in a womans prison to find out who are the main drug dealers and pushers she takes it.The same prison where her friend died Bailey hopes to avenge her death,a great book and well worth 5*
October 16, 2021
An undercover police officer is one of the best main characters. Tana French’s Cassie Maddox in The Likeness is my favourite but I’m also fond of Sharon Bolton’s Lacey Flint and Harry Bingham’s Fiona Griffiths. The situation of a law officer impersonating a criminal generates continual suspense even when nothing especially perilous is occurring and is guaranteed to create dodgy situations, especially as infiltrating a gang is likely to require willingness to commit a crime, even a murder. The basic rule is “never break cover”; the undercover cop must behave precisely in the character of the assumed identity. I felt that failure to observe that rule was a weakness in The Likeness, Cassie’s identity as Lexie sacrificed for the convenience of the plot. In Caro Savage’s Jailbird, Bailey Morgan maintains her cover almost till the very end, though her impersonation of an inmate in a women’s prison to discover the source of the drugs being smuggled into HMP Foxbrook leads to some sticky situations with the Ace Blade Crew – the powerful prison gang.
A general rule in such cases is that every big operation must be an inside job, so Bailey’s identity must be unknown even to the prison admin. Bailey’s only outside contact is with her police supervisor using the cover of a dummy solicitor’s office. Bailey is suffering from PTSD from a previous assignment in which she was suspected and horribly tortured, but she accepted the assignment because her friend and colleague Alice was murdered undercover in the prison.
Compared to French’s or even Bingham’s novels, Jailbird is a straightforward thriller with few literary pretensions and not much attempt at psychological or atmospheric realism. Besides drug smugglers and addicts, brutal prison bullies, hilarious Claude van Damme movie cultists, corrupt prison officers (some easier to identify than others), we also have a serial murderer with a hair fetish. Whenever the author exhausts one plot line, she starts another one. The book seemed long for a thriller, but despite some holes in the plot (I couldn’t figure out how anyone made a profit smuggling drugs when the inmates used cigarettes for currency) I was impressed at how Savage brought everything together. Enough loose ends are left over for sequels (so far the author has given us two) for readers who wish to pursue Bailey’s adventures further. I probably shall not, but as an undemanding pastime with an appealing principal character, Jailbird was a pleasant choice.
A general rule in such cases is that every big operation must be an inside job, so Bailey’s identity must be unknown even to the prison admin. Bailey’s only outside contact is with her police supervisor using the cover of a dummy solicitor’s office. Bailey is suffering from PTSD from a previous assignment in which she was suspected and horribly tortured, but she accepted the assignment because her friend and colleague Alice was murdered undercover in the prison.
Compared to French’s or even Bingham’s novels, Jailbird is a straightforward thriller with few literary pretensions and not much attempt at psychological or atmospheric realism. Besides drug smugglers and addicts, brutal prison bullies, hilarious Claude van Damme movie cultists, corrupt prison officers (some easier to identify than others), we also have a serial murderer with a hair fetish. Whenever the author exhausts one plot line, she starts another one. The book seemed long for a thriller, but despite some holes in the plot (I couldn’t figure out how anyone made a profit smuggling drugs when the inmates used cigarettes for currency) I was impressed at how Savage brought everything together. Enough loose ends are left over for sequels (so far the author has given us two) for readers who wish to pursue Bailey’s adventures further. I probably shall not, but as an undemanding pastime with an appealing principal character, Jailbird was a pleasant choice.
January 2, 2022
Oh. Good. Grief. Why do I do this to myself? I was recommended this book by Amazon, and I really wish they hadn’t.
In this book, one police officer is sent undercover at a women’s prison and is murdered. So what they do? They put another police officer (who screwed up her previous case), because... of course they do.
Once in the prison, she hooks up with the dealers, because, of course, and gets to work investigating the dealers, and murders that occupy the place, which is fine I guess, that's why she's there after all. The problem there’s no sense of peril for her, once she's inside. Whenever she ran into trouble, I was never in any doubt she’d survive. I get that it’s a book, and if the main character died on pages 32, there wouldn’t be a book, it’s just I want more in-built... peril in books like this (I get that we can’t have lead character peril in all your detective fiction, but it would have really would have worked here).
As an example, the whole book could have been written from the perspective of the first cop. We become invested in her, and... she dies. Cutting to a second prisoner, who shock of shocks, is another cop (despite having seemed more criminal-ish) would have been more of a shock, and would have raised the stakes I think.
Oh, and there's another thing or two. First, when I finished the book, I was promptly recommended a bunch of books with similar cover art. Nothing wrong with that, you might think. To me, though, it confirmed the sense that this was a production line book. The author had been given certain bullet points to hit, and had cranked the book out to hit those points. In short it all felt a little "Mills & Book of crime". This was confirmed by the second issue I had won the the book. Caro Savage felt a.... little too perfect a name for the book, so I did a little digging. Turns out it's a pseudonym. For a guy no-less.
So all in all, this book is so bad, and so lacking in effort, and so samey, that I'm left thinking I should cancel my Kindle Unlimited subscription, if this is going to be the first thing they recommend.
In this book, one police officer is sent undercover at a women’s prison and is murdered. So what they do? They put another police officer (who screwed up her previous case), because... of course they do.
Once in the prison, she hooks up with the dealers, because, of course, and gets to work investigating the dealers, and murders that occupy the place, which is fine I guess, that's why she's there after all. The problem there’s no sense of peril for her, once she's inside. Whenever she ran into trouble, I was never in any doubt she’d survive. I get that it’s a book, and if the main character died on pages 32, there wouldn’t be a book, it’s just I want more in-built... peril in books like this (I get that we can’t have lead character peril in all your detective fiction, but it would have really would have worked here).
As an example, the whole book could have been written from the perspective of the first cop. We become invested in her, and... she dies. Cutting to a second prisoner, who shock of shocks, is another cop (despite having seemed more criminal-ish) would have been more of a shock, and would have raised the stakes I think.
Oh, and there's another thing or two. First, when I finished the book, I was promptly recommended a bunch of books with similar cover art. Nothing wrong with that, you might think. To me, though, it confirmed the sense that this was a production line book. The author had been given certain bullet points to hit, and had cranked the book out to hit those points. In short it all felt a little "Mills & Book of crime". This was confirmed by the second issue I had won the the book. Caro Savage felt a.... little too perfect a name for the book, so I did a little digging. Turns out it's a pseudonym. For a guy no-less.
So all in all, this book is so bad, and so lacking in effort, and so samey, that I'm left thinking I should cancel my Kindle Unlimited subscription, if this is going to be the first thing they recommend.
January 13, 2020
Well this was my first Caro Savage novel but I'll definitely be watching out for more. This was a page turner and a half, so if you're going to read it make sure you have time to read uninterrupted. My preferred genre of book is a good old police procedural and this is still within that genre but its a little different and I liked it.
The majority of this novel is set within the walls of a women's prison HMP Foxbrook following the murder of Alice an undercover police officer. shortly after Bailey takes her place with two objectives one to find who murdered her and why, the other to close Alice's case for her. We are taken on a helter-skelter of a ride of drugs, gangs and violence. Its a prison that's so full of corruption its hard to work out exactly whose running the place, the guards or the women.
Its a book with a good selection of characters that we either love or loathe and I did both. I to pay close attention to keep up with who was who and who was involved with who once I'd got it right in my head made it an interesting read. The actual details of the murders is written with enough detail to pique our interest without being too gratuitous
God I take my hat off to the officers who bravely/stupidly enough to taking on these dangerous assignments to all intents and purpose leaving their whole lives behind. their families, friends and homes. Having to become someone new. someone the polar opposite to their natural selves and to top it off have to make life changing decisions on the spur of the moment can't be easy.
In my humble opinion they aren't paid enough or treated well enough. There's bad apples in all professions but I believe that the majority of officers do the job for the right reasons and we should.treat them accordingly
Read for an honest review. Thank you Ms Savage, Netgalley and Boldwood Books
The majority of this novel is set within the walls of a women's prison HMP Foxbrook following the murder of Alice an undercover police officer. shortly after Bailey takes her place with two objectives one to find who murdered her and why, the other to close Alice's case for her. We are taken on a helter-skelter of a ride of drugs, gangs and violence. Its a prison that's so full of corruption its hard to work out exactly whose running the place, the guards or the women.
Its a book with a good selection of characters that we either love or loathe and I did both. I to pay close attention to keep up with who was who and who was involved with who once I'd got it right in my head made it an interesting read. The actual details of the murders is written with enough detail to pique our interest without being too gratuitous
God I take my hat off to the officers who bravely/stupidly enough to taking on these dangerous assignments to all intents and purpose leaving their whole lives behind. their families, friends and homes. Having to become someone new. someone the polar opposite to their natural selves and to top it off have to make life changing decisions on the spur of the moment can't be easy.
In my humble opinion they aren't paid enough or treated well enough. There's bad apples in all professions but I believe that the majority of officers do the job for the right reasons and we should.treat them accordingly
Read for an honest review. Thank you Ms Savage, Netgalley and Boldwood Books
March 2, 2021
Wow, I never even suspected the villain.
Bailey goes undercover in prison after a colleague is murdered investigating how drugs are entering the prison.
It’s a well rounded story, telling of Bailey’s and some of the inmates' backgrounds mixed in with Bailey’s investigation. There are a lot of characters, but as diverse as the personalities were, I didn’t have any difficulty keeping them straight.
There was the tension of Bailey being undercover in jail with no backup and the suspense of who murdered her friend along with the investigation of the drugs. Are the two related or not? I also like the friendship that blossomed. It added humanity to the prison setting.
This reminded me a little of Wentworth and Orange is the New Black. It is fast paced and suspenseful.
I listened to the audio version of the book narrated by Genevieve Swallow. I haven’t listened to her narration before, but look forward to seeing what else she has narrated. She was a great narrator. She did all the highs and low points of the book well.
I recommend this for someone looking for a new thriller author with a good voice.
Bailey goes undercover in prison after a colleague is murdered investigating how drugs are entering the prison.
It’s a well rounded story, telling of Bailey’s and some of the inmates' backgrounds mixed in with Bailey’s investigation. There are a lot of characters, but as diverse as the personalities were, I didn’t have any difficulty keeping them straight.
There was the tension of Bailey being undercover in jail with no backup and the suspense of who murdered her friend along with the investigation of the drugs. Are the two related or not? I also like the friendship that blossomed. It added humanity to the prison setting.
This reminded me a little of Wentworth and Orange is the New Black. It is fast paced and suspenseful.
I listened to the audio version of the book narrated by Genevieve Swallow. I haven’t listened to her narration before, but look forward to seeing what else she has narrated. She was a great narrator. She did all the highs and low points of the book well.
I recommend this for someone looking for a new thriller author with a good voice.
May 31, 2020
Wow! What a masterpiece! I listened to this audiobook and so nearly didn't - the cover just doesn't do it justice. I was expecting crime with the usual grit and gore but what I got was SO much better!
A clever and well written novel with a mind-blowing plot, on-point pace and excellent character development - the relationships between characters felt gratifyingly being believable, and in one notable instance, hugely moving!
The plot involves undercover cop, Bailey, entering a women's prison under guise to uncover a drugs ring, but also more poignantly, to discover the identity of the culprit behind the brutal murder of her close former friend, fellow undercover cop, Alice. The plot is so intricate and clever I couldn't summarise it if I tried! Suffice to say, it needs to be read, devoured and enjoyed!
I can't wait to listen to another audiobook from Caro Savage!
A clever and well written novel with a mind-blowing plot, on-point pace and excellent character development - the relationships between characters felt gratifyingly being believable, and in one notable instance, hugely moving!
The plot involves undercover cop, Bailey, entering a women's prison under guise to uncover a drugs ring, but also more poignantly, to discover the identity of the culprit behind the brutal murder of her close former friend, fellow undercover cop, Alice. The plot is so intricate and clever I couldn't summarise it if I tried! Suffice to say, it needs to be read, devoured and enjoyed!
I can't wait to listen to another audiobook from Caro Savage!
October 18, 2019
First book I’ve read by this author and I found it gripping and thought it was very well written.
Got my attention right from the start and I liked the main character in it. There were plot twists and turns throughout, I thought I knew who the murderer was and was wrong, and was shocked when I found out who it was. Would recommend this book.
Got my attention right from the start and I liked the main character in it. There were plot twists and turns throughout, I thought I knew who the murderer was and was wrong, and was shocked when I found out who it was. Would recommend this book.
May 30, 2020
5 star
This grips you from the start and simply refuses to let go fantastically written the settings such as the kitchen and laundry room you feel as if you are there with them the characters are indeed pure genius and I won't hesitate to read the next book
This grips you from the start and simply refuses to let go fantastically written the settings such as the kitchen and laundry room you feel as if you are there with them the characters are indeed pure genius and I won't hesitate to read the next book
September 14, 2021
Another fantastic book by caro savage both books would make great tv drama’s can not wait for the next book
January 29, 2022
From first page I was hooked, was a edge of your seat book. Worth so much more than 5 stars. Definitely will read other books by this Author
December 20, 2020
**audiobook version**
Narrator is 5 stars!! Such a soothing voice and I would gladly buy an audio book just to hear her voice tell me a story.
Jailbird 4 stars. This was a gripping story and I laid in bed late into the night needing to find out who the murderer was and why!!
First book I've read/ listen to by Caro Savage but definitely not the last
Thanks to netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review
Narrator is 5 stars!! Such a soothing voice and I would gladly buy an audio book just to hear her voice tell me a story.
Jailbird 4 stars. This was a gripping story and I laid in bed late into the night needing to find out who the murderer was and why!!
First book I've read/ listen to by Caro Savage but definitely not the last
Thanks to netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review
October 5, 2020
4.75 stars
This is the first book in what I hope is a series (DC Bailey Morgan) by Caro Savage.
Bailey Morgan is brought out of retirement and brought back undercover to find out the truth about who in the jail killed her friend, Alice and where the drug smuggling ring was located.
Not long after they bring Bailey into the jail, another inmate is killed in a very similar way to Alice. Then Bailey finds a way to ingratiate herself with the clique that is running the drugs in the prison. Then the tension really starts to ramp up.
This was a very exciting story. If you are into prison dramas, definitely check this one out. It is basically a thriller with undertones of a police procedural. I was loving every minute of this. Plus, there is a big twist at the end that I don’t think anyone will see coming. What a wonderful read!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the first book in what I hope is a series (DC Bailey Morgan) by Caro Savage.
Bailey Morgan is brought out of retirement and brought back undercover to find out the truth about who in the jail killed her friend, Alice and where the drug smuggling ring was located.
Not long after they bring Bailey into the jail, another inmate is killed in a very similar way to Alice. Then Bailey finds a way to ingratiate herself with the clique that is running the drugs in the prison. Then the tension really starts to ramp up.
This was a very exciting story. If you are into prison dramas, definitely check this one out. It is basically a thriller with undertones of a police procedural. I was loving every minute of this. Plus, there is a big twist at the end that I don’t think anyone will see coming. What a wonderful read!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
October 20, 2019
If there’s one thing I like doing it’s discovering new authors. Caro Savage is a new author for me but she is an author who will go far. I read the synopsis of ‘Jailbird’ and I was immediately interested. I just knew that I needed to read this book as soon as I could. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Jailbird’ but more about that in a bit.
When I first met Detective Constable Bailey Morgan, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of her. There was something about her that set off little alarm bells tinkling away in my mind. I did eventually defrost a bit as regards my attitude towards Bailey but I can’t say that I would trust her and I certainly wouldn’t class her as a friend. That said it is fairly obvious that she has had one or two traumatic incidents in her life and that is why she has created a bit of a wall around herself, which is extremely difficult to get over. She used to be an undercover police officer which led her into some pretty dicey situations. She thought that she had left the undercover life behind but the death of a former colleague who was working undercover leads to her former handler contacting Bailey to ask if she would be willing to go and infiltrate the prison where her friend was killed. Bailey does miss her undercover life but I get the impression that she is bored with her run of the mill boring detective work. Bailey accepts the assignment and off she goes. Bailey is a bit of a closed book because she doesn’t seem to let anybody get too close to her. I did wonder if perhaps she had been hurt in the past and that’s why the barriers were up. Bailey is determined, stubborn, hard working and tenacious. Will Bailey get to finish the assignment she is given? Will Bailey manage to solve the murder of her friend? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into this story. Well it certainly starts in such a brutal way that is not going to be easy to forget. The brutality immediately got my attention and as I began to read the story I just knew that reading ‘Jailbird’ would become a serious addiction. How right I was too!! I just couldn’t stop reading. The book wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. The book had developed a hold over me and it was a hold that I didn’t want to break. I think part of the attraction of the book was the fact that I had to keep reading to see if the story got any worse in a brutal sense and I had to see if Bailey could carry off her undercover assignment. The pages of the book turned at a fair old rate but after about halfway through the book, the speed of turning the pages gathered momentum and I seemed to race to the end of the story.
Oh my giddy aunt, ‘Jailbird’ was an amazing read and the some. The story starts with a bang. The story hits the ground running and then maintains the pace throughout. The author certainly knows how to grab your attention and once she has your attention, Caro will not let it go. She kept my interest by keeping the characters interesting, the plot unpredictable and the descriptions of prison life. This was one of those rare books that had me gripped and on the edge of my seat throughout. Caro uses such powerful and vivid descriptions that I really did feel I was part of the story myself. She described prison life so scarily that I don’t think I will be checking in any time soon!
Reading ‘Jailbird’ was like being on one hell of a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a ‘Snakes & Ladders’ board. On more than one occasion I almost had to read through my fingers as I feared what was going to happen next. Just when you thought that you could reclaim your stomach, catch your breath and gather your thoughts then off the action would go again.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Jailbird’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers but particularly to readers who enjoy crime fiction. ‘Jailbird’ has to be one of my favourite reads of 2019 and Caro Savage is now one of my favourite authors. I can’t wait to read what Caro comes up with next. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
When I first met Detective Constable Bailey Morgan, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of her. There was something about her that set off little alarm bells tinkling away in my mind. I did eventually defrost a bit as regards my attitude towards Bailey but I can’t say that I would trust her and I certainly wouldn’t class her as a friend. That said it is fairly obvious that she has had one or two traumatic incidents in her life and that is why she has created a bit of a wall around herself, which is extremely difficult to get over. She used to be an undercover police officer which led her into some pretty dicey situations. She thought that she had left the undercover life behind but the death of a former colleague who was working undercover leads to her former handler contacting Bailey to ask if she would be willing to go and infiltrate the prison where her friend was killed. Bailey does miss her undercover life but I get the impression that she is bored with her run of the mill boring detective work. Bailey accepts the assignment and off she goes. Bailey is a bit of a closed book because she doesn’t seem to let anybody get too close to her. I did wonder if perhaps she had been hurt in the past and that’s why the barriers were up. Bailey is determined, stubborn, hard working and tenacious. Will Bailey get to finish the assignment she is given? Will Bailey manage to solve the murder of her friend? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into this story. Well it certainly starts in such a brutal way that is not going to be easy to forget. The brutality immediately got my attention and as I began to read the story I just knew that reading ‘Jailbird’ would become a serious addiction. How right I was too!! I just couldn’t stop reading. The book wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. The book had developed a hold over me and it was a hold that I didn’t want to break. I think part of the attraction of the book was the fact that I had to keep reading to see if the story got any worse in a brutal sense and I had to see if Bailey could carry off her undercover assignment. The pages of the book turned at a fair old rate but after about halfway through the book, the speed of turning the pages gathered momentum and I seemed to race to the end of the story.
Oh my giddy aunt, ‘Jailbird’ was an amazing read and the some. The story starts with a bang. The story hits the ground running and then maintains the pace throughout. The author certainly knows how to grab your attention and once she has your attention, Caro will not let it go. She kept my interest by keeping the characters interesting, the plot unpredictable and the descriptions of prison life. This was one of those rare books that had me gripped and on the edge of my seat throughout. Caro uses such powerful and vivid descriptions that I really did feel I was part of the story myself. She described prison life so scarily that I don’t think I will be checking in any time soon!
Reading ‘Jailbird’ was like being on one hell of a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a ‘Snakes & Ladders’ board. On more than one occasion I almost had to read through my fingers as I feared what was going to happen next. Just when you thought that you could reclaim your stomach, catch your breath and gather your thoughts then off the action would go again.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Jailbird’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers but particularly to readers who enjoy crime fiction. ‘Jailbird’ has to be one of my favourite reads of 2019 and Caro Savage is now one of my favourite authors. I can’t wait to read what Caro comes up with next. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
August 15, 2020
A damn good insight to the inner workings of a prison. The story is written such you must keep the page turning and turning, yet not wanting it to end.
August 4, 2020
Fantastic
Amazing plot, fantastic characters. Throughly enjoyed this book can’t wait for the next one! Definitely recommend for a thrilling, roller coaster trip from start to finish.
Amazing plot, fantastic characters. Throughly enjoyed this book can’t wait for the next one! Definitely recommend for a thrilling, roller coaster trip from start to finish.
March 2, 2021
** Audiobook edition **
Having already read book 2 – Villain – I jumped at the chance to hear Bailey’s backstory. With hindsight I think I would have slightly preferred to have read this book for myself as although the narrator had a lovely and well modulated voice once she adopted a character’s voice I found it quite dramatic for bedtime listening – the scalpings in particular kept me awake.
That said, as a thriller, this is both original and intense. The women’s prison makes for a perfect setting; you just know it’s not going to be an easy ride for Bailey. There were many times that I just wished Bailey hadn’t been so strong-minded and stubborn, and that she had just got out of there when she had the chance. But Bailey is made of grittier stuff, and when she’s on a job she doesn’t back down for anyone.
And when things go wrong, they go wrong big style. I felt very on edge at times and concerned for her well-being. The author has created a cast of characters that are very believable and their environment is what you would – unfortunately – expect, with a way of life that inevitably includes drugs and violence. Accordingly, the inmates have a very different value system to the outside world. It’s rough, tough and scary but not without kindness and compassion: you just have to be very wary of “Greeks (not literally) bearing gifts.”
The ending is powerful, though I did work out who was involved early on, but the matter of how and why the killer chose the victims and then killed them made for compelling listening.
The narrator – Genevieve Swallow – did a fantastic job and made it easy to follow the story even when the subject matter grew brutally intense. I’m glad to have had the chance to learn more about Bailey, and now that I do, I can’t wait for more.
Having already read book 2 – Villain – I jumped at the chance to hear Bailey’s backstory. With hindsight I think I would have slightly preferred to have read this book for myself as although the narrator had a lovely and well modulated voice once she adopted a character’s voice I found it quite dramatic for bedtime listening – the scalpings in particular kept me awake.
That said, as a thriller, this is both original and intense. The women’s prison makes for a perfect setting; you just know it’s not going to be an easy ride for Bailey. There were many times that I just wished Bailey hadn’t been so strong-minded and stubborn, and that she had just got out of there when she had the chance. But Bailey is made of grittier stuff, and when she’s on a job she doesn’t back down for anyone.
And when things go wrong, they go wrong big style. I felt very on edge at times and concerned for her well-being. The author has created a cast of characters that are very believable and their environment is what you would – unfortunately – expect, with a way of life that inevitably includes drugs and violence. Accordingly, the inmates have a very different value system to the outside world. It’s rough, tough and scary but not without kindness and compassion: you just have to be very wary of “Greeks (not literally) bearing gifts.”
The ending is powerful, though I did work out who was involved early on, but the matter of how and why the killer chose the victims and then killed them made for compelling listening.
The narrator – Genevieve Swallow – did a fantastic job and made it easy to follow the story even when the subject matter grew brutally intense. I’m glad to have had the chance to learn more about Bailey, and now that I do, I can’t wait for more.
July 17, 2022
Heart racing thriller
Detective Constable Bailey Morgan agrees to go undercover into a women’s prison to discover how drugs are being smuggled in and, more importantly to Bailey, to find out who killed the last police officer working undercover in the same prison.
The everyday life of prisoners, the drugs and the boredom – at least as seen from Bailey’s perspective, and the constant fear that she would be found out, made this into a thriller that had my heart pumping and me shouting out to Bailey to get herself out of there fast.
This is definitely a thriller to get your heart racing, with scary characters, twists and turns and lots of action going on. There is violence from the first chapter, but it was pertinent to the story, and though some scenes were awful, they were not too detailed.
I listened to this fast moving thriller as an audiobook, and couldn’t wait to get back out exercising (when I listen to audiobooks) to see how Bailey was getting on. Genevieve Swallow does a great job of depicting the various characters in a natural and engaging way.
This is the first of a 3 book series (so far?) featuring Bailey Morgan, the fact that I have read all 3 completely out of order, testifies to the fact that though they are part of a series, they are also great “stand alone” reads.
Detective Constable Bailey Morgan agrees to go undercover into a women’s prison to discover how drugs are being smuggled in and, more importantly to Bailey, to find out who killed the last police officer working undercover in the same prison.
The everyday life of prisoners, the drugs and the boredom – at least as seen from Bailey’s perspective, and the constant fear that she would be found out, made this into a thriller that had my heart pumping and me shouting out to Bailey to get herself out of there fast.
This is definitely a thriller to get your heart racing, with scary characters, twists and turns and lots of action going on. There is violence from the first chapter, but it was pertinent to the story, and though some scenes were awful, they were not too detailed.
I listened to this fast moving thriller as an audiobook, and couldn’t wait to get back out exercising (when I listen to audiobooks) to see how Bailey was getting on. Genevieve Swallow does a great job of depicting the various characters in a natural and engaging way.
This is the first of a 3 book series (so far?) featuring Bailey Morgan, the fact that I have read all 3 completely out of order, testifies to the fact that though they are part of a series, they are also great “stand alone” reads.
September 18, 2019
When undercover police officer Alice is found dead at Foxbrook women's prison. Her friend Bailey is contacted by her old boss Frank head of the undercover section asking her to take on the case, she only agrees because she is upset by her death and wants to find out the person responsible. Bailey wanted to be away from this type of work as the last job she did left her traumatised with scars on her body and face when it went badly wrong.
Bailey soon finds out that inside the prison there have been a spate of murders with awful injury to the victims.
She soon discovers the prison is running rife with corruption, drugs and drug gangs. She involves herself with the ABC (The Ace Blade Crew) gang to get involved and hide behind whilst she carries on with her work. She and Frank have a secret way she can contact him which is to phone his number, when her numbers come up from inside the prison his "secretary" answers " Hello Sullivan Knight solicitors" to keep up the authenticity. Which is tested when the gang suspect she is an undercover police officer always making phone calls.
A kindly prison guard called Amber befriends Bailey and often chats to her.
The governor is a bit of a wet blanket who's dream is to retire, buy himself a yacht and counts himself good friends with the home secretary.
Such a good insight into life in a women's prison. A great story with some interesting characters.
I recommend this book and think you will enjoy it. The way it comes together at the end is surprising.
Bailey soon finds out that inside the prison there have been a spate of murders with awful injury to the victims.
She soon discovers the prison is running rife with corruption, drugs and drug gangs. She involves herself with the ABC (The Ace Blade Crew) gang to get involved and hide behind whilst she carries on with her work. She and Frank have a secret way she can contact him which is to phone his number, when her numbers come up from inside the prison his "secretary" answers " Hello Sullivan Knight solicitors" to keep up the authenticity. Which is tested when the gang suspect she is an undercover police officer always making phone calls.
A kindly prison guard called Amber befriends Bailey and often chats to her.
The governor is a bit of a wet blanket who's dream is to retire, buy himself a yacht and counts himself good friends with the home secretary.
Such a good insight into life in a women's prison. A great story with some interesting characters.
I recommend this book and think you will enjoy it. The way it comes together at the end is surprising.
January 27, 2021
I listened to this one, the narrator was good and did several accents and voices.
The story was quite tense in places.
The protagonist was a surprise.
All in all a good thriller based in a women's prison.
The story was quite tense in places.
The protagonist was a surprise.
All in all a good thriller based in a women's prison.
March 2, 2021
If you enjoy prison drama, suspense and menace, Jailbird is an exciting new story to explore.
It contains everything you would expect in a novel of this type, a courageous, challenged protagonist, who is only there to finish a job, her friend was unable to, after her violent death. A corrupt prison ethos, where it is debatable who is in charge, and a culture of abuse, drugs and violence.
This story contains well-written, but graphic descriptions of the violence, and so this is for a mature adult audience. There is a varied cast of characters, most are complex and realistically flawed. A setting like a prison demands that the characters are exceptional, and for the most part they are. The plot has twists, that keep you guessing, and the build-up of suspense is well done.
Gritty, graphic and powerful, this is a story that makes you think.
I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
It contains everything you would expect in a novel of this type, a courageous, challenged protagonist, who is only there to finish a job, her friend was unable to, after her violent death. A corrupt prison ethos, where it is debatable who is in charge, and a culture of abuse, drugs and violence.
This story contains well-written, but graphic descriptions of the violence, and so this is for a mature adult audience. There is a varied cast of characters, most are complex and realistically flawed. A setting like a prison demands that the characters are exceptional, and for the most part they are. The plot has twists, that keep you guessing, and the build-up of suspense is well done.
Gritty, graphic and powerful, this is a story that makes you think.
I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
October 15, 2019
Well written, captivating, good pace, well developed storyline with many twists. Interesting characters especially the lead female cop Bailey.
I really loved it. I love undercover stories and don't get to read many.
This one about a female cop going undercover in jail to uncover the truth about what happened to another undercover cop murdered in there... A real page turner! Hooked from page one!
Really nice cover.
I hope to read more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of this book. This is my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I really loved it. I love undercover stories and don't get to read many.
This one about a female cop going undercover in jail to uncover the truth about what happened to another undercover cop murdered in there... A real page turner! Hooked from page one!
Really nice cover.
I hope to read more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of this book. This is my honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 23, 2019
Great read, great story, great character's..
This is not my normal choice of genre or book..
But, I came across it and decided to try something different.
I'm so glad I did! There wasn't one part I didn't like, all the characters are interesting, it had little substories about the main character that were both relatable to the main story and also standalone .
It was fast paced but, you got to know just enough about the inmates to keep you interested and either love or hate them
The murders had just the amount of chill and gore without dragging them out.
Brilliantly written with great little twists!
This is not my normal choice of genre or book..
But, I came across it and decided to try something different.
I'm so glad I did! There wasn't one part I didn't like, all the characters are interesting, it had little substories about the main character that were both relatable to the main story and also standalone .
It was fast paced but, you got to know just enough about the inmates to keep you interested and either love or hate them
The murders had just the amount of chill and gore without dragging them out.
Brilliantly written with great little twists!
September 1, 2019
Got into this book straight away, it reminded me of the TV show Bad Girls which I was always a fan of.
policewoman, Bailey is sent undercover in a women's jail after a previous undercover policewoman was murdered in jail. This women also happened to be her friend.
Bailey is sent to uncover a drugs ring, but she believes the drugs played a role in the murder, so if she can crack the source of the drugs, she thinks she will find the killer.
Lots of twists and turns in this book, Trust no one!
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book, this is my honest opinion.
policewoman, Bailey is sent undercover in a women's jail after a previous undercover policewoman was murdered in jail. This women also happened to be her friend.
Bailey is sent to uncover a drugs ring, but she believes the drugs played a role in the murder, so if she can crack the source of the drugs, she thinks she will find the killer.
Lots of twists and turns in this book, Trust no one!
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book, this is my honest opinion.
February 28, 2025
I u ovoj knjizi radnja kreće od samog početka što mi se baš svidja. Likovi su dobro osmišljeni i svako igra neku ključnu ulogu. Radnja knjige zanimljiva ali za moj ukus mogla je biti malo kraće napisana. Dosta opisa su nebitni za tu priču i negde na sredini sam htela da odustanem jer mi je knjiga postala dosadna. Nastavila sam da citam i rasplet dogadjaja moram da priznam nisam tako zamišljala. Kraj je bio presudan kada je upitanju ova knjiga gde je i on mogao biti još lepše i bogatije napisan. 3⭐
September 15, 2019
thank you so much for my copy a new author for me and so enjoyed . bailey is a police officer you used to go undercover .but something happened . so she took a desk job . her friend gets murdered undercover so she replaces her in prison as an inmate . baily has her own demons to fight to .she has to get in with the drug gang and will do anything to get in wont say no more but its a must read very gripping so cant wait for more of this author
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