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Life in the Max
Life in the Max is drawn from over 32 years as a prison officer. Serving at one of only six category A, maximum security prisons in England.
January 1988, a new recruit in Her Majesty’s Prison Service. The highs and lows of a career that many will find funny, shocking, sad, eye opening and thought provoking. Terrorism to tea making. Quoting real life events to illustrate a point. My relationships with both staff and prisoners are openly explored over the pages, some appear regularly as the story progresses. I have had good and bad dealings with many infamous prisoners in high security, they are all laid to bare here. No names have been changed, nothing is invented or dramatized. These events all happened during my time in the ‘Big House’.
January 1988, a new recruit in Her Majesty’s Prison Service. The highs and lows of a career that many will find funny, shocking, sad, eye opening and thought provoking. Terrorism to tea making. Quoting real life events to illustrate a point. My relationships with both staff and prisoners are openly explored over the pages, some appear regularly as the story progresses. I have had good and bad dealings with many infamous prisoners in high security, they are all laid to bare here. No names have been changed, nothing is invented or dramatized. These events all happened during my time in the ‘Big House’.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 3, 2023
An enjoyable quick read featuring life inside some of the more notorious men’s prisons in the UK. Speaking from a true frontline perspective (no suits here!) the author reflects on his long and often difficult journey.
There are enough encounters with prisoners to fuel reader interest, along with stories of the day to day running of the prison wing. The author includes interactions with several infamous prisoners which I found exciting.
As imagined, this job involves copious amounts of tea with a side of dark humour.
I liked that the author included a short essay from several of his colleagues at the end, it’s always interesting to hear from multiple voices in this kind of environment.
There are enough encounters with prisoners to fuel reader interest, along with stories of the day to day running of the prison wing. The author includes interactions with several infamous prisoners which I found exciting.
As imagined, this job involves copious amounts of tea with a side of dark humour.
I liked that the author included a short essay from several of his colleagues at the end, it’s always interesting to hear from multiple voices in this kind of environment.
August 5, 2023
A fascinating, and at times moving read.
Long Lartin is a whole new world. This book was fascinating, giving insight to not only the dangers prison officers face but also the relationships they build with some very dangerous people. This book also highlighted the massive problems in the service now and the outrageous way loyal staff are at times treated. Enjoy your retirement Tom. It’s well deserved
Long Lartin is a whole new world. This book was fascinating, giving insight to not only the dangers prison officers face but also the relationships they build with some very dangerous people. This book also highlighted the massive problems in the service now and the outrageous way loyal staff are at times treated. Enjoy your retirement Tom. It’s well deserved
November 12, 2023
Amazing
Absolutely loved this book from starr to finish you don't want to put it down once you started reading HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ❤️
Absolutely loved this book from starr to finish you don't want to put it down once you started reading HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ❤️
March 26, 2023
great
Probably one of the best real life prison books I’ve read including covering the early years when crime was punished. Highly recommended.
Probably one of the best real life prison books I’ve read including covering the early years when crime was punished. Highly recommended.
December 7, 2023
I wrote 'Life in the Max', I know I am biased, however it is an excellent read, it isn't just me saying so! Reviews talk about 'a great page turner, with a progressive story and timeline.'
The book demonstrates how my colleagues and I dealt with some of the most dangerous men in this country as best we could in an underfunded, overlooked and forgotten service.
It isn't simply a catalogue of violence, there is humour, compassion and the unique relationships between staff and prisoners are openly explored.
Grab your copy and see what really goes on in the big house!
The book demonstrates how my colleagues and I dealt with some of the most dangerous men in this country as best we could in an underfunded, overlooked and forgotten service.
It isn't simply a catalogue of violence, there is humour, compassion and the unique relationships between staff and prisoners are openly explored.
Grab your copy and see what really goes on in the big house!
October 19, 2023
Read this book from start to finish in one go. Great insight into prison life from the officers point of view. A must read if you want the true facts of what goes oñ inside prison walls.
October 3, 2026
It was not a book I can remember being told about, so I’m not how I came to own it. Saying that it was very funny in parts, very sad in others, but always realistic.
February 5, 2026
Can’t recommend this book
Ok reading at first then it just drawled on and I lost interest in the book halfway through . Not captivating enough to keep me interested
Ok reading at first then it just drawled on and I lost interest in the book halfway through . Not captivating enough to keep me interested
June 13, 2022
How interesting to look behind the scenes of one of Englands HMP maximum security jails. Following the 32 year career of Tom is fascinating, it doesn’t all go well for him! Highly recommend, it’s an easy, can’t put down read, very enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews