February 2023 MBR The Criminology Shelf

The Criminology Shelf

Cranks in a Bucket: A Portrait of the British Prison System
Chris Howell
Michael Terence Publishing
https://www.mtp.agency
9781800944497, $11.99, 124pp

https://www.amazon.com/Cranks-Bucket-Portrait-British-Prison/dp/1800944497

Synopsis: Have you ever been curious about what really happens behind the prison walls? With the publication of "Cranks in a Bucket: A Portrait of the British Prison System", author Chris Howell takes his readers on a journey down the rabbit hole -- and they will never look at prisons and justice in the same way again.

It really is not what you think or imagine. The British Penal System is an artificial world packed to the brim with Cranks, gimps and the odd decent human being. -- What could possibly go wrong?

Critique: Chris Howell was born and raised in Birmingham England, where he picked up a knack for writing whilst serving a lengthy prison sentence. He was sentenced to 14 years to life, and his time began in 2007 and ended when he was released in 2022. In writing "Cranks in a Bucket: A Portrait of the British Prison System" he is trying to give back to the world after taking so much from it. Exceptionally well written and presented, "Cranks in a Bucket" provides thoughtful and thought-provoking insights into the underground, the underworld, the criminal, and the marginalized in society -- how they live and why they live like that. While also available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.80), "Cranks in a Bucket" is a welcome and unreservedly recommended addition to professional, community, and academic library Prison/Penology collections and supplemental Criminology curriculum studies syllabus.

Golden Tongue
Richard Roland Bailey Jr., author
Annette Marie Hoffman, author
Dorrance Publishing Company
585 Alpha Drive, Suite 103, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
www.dorrancepublishing.com
9798603906232, $18.95, PB, 219pp

https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Tongue-Heiress-innocent-forever/dp/B084B1HT7Q

Synopsis: On January 1, 1977, Richard Bailey's life changed forever. He experienced the enormity of emotional extremes ranging from spending New Year's Eve, dancing with the 'Lady of his Dreams', to a wonderful night of romance at the Waldoff Astoria, to her 'no-show' on February 19, 1977, in Florida, and finally, the devastation of her disappearance that 20 years later would find him being accused of the murder of Helen Voorhees Brach.

Brach was known as the "Candy Heiress", a woman who lived a life of Luxury and prestige. Her mansion in the northern suburbs of Chicago was staffed with butlers and housekeepers, but all of that couldn't compete with her love of horses.

Brach was the wealthiest woman to ever disappear, vanished without a trace in 1977. Her disappearance sparked national attention and her male suitor Richard Bailey was swept into the limelight of this enduring murder mystery.

There were several suspects, but never a conviction, at least until federal prosecutors came after Richard Bailey, a Chicago area stable owner. "Golden Tongue: Volume I" tells the story through the eyes of Dr. Annette Hoffman, a plastic surgeon who fell madly in love with a stranger, Richard Bailey.

Will Dr. Hoffman believe in Richard's innocence or guilt? Dr. Hoffman is slung into the drama and sensationalism of who killed the "Candy Heiress" Helen Brach. "Golden Tongue" is the story of a search for Truth involving love, lies, murder, the Mafia, a rogue prosecutor and a detective, and a justice system that isn't just!

"Golden Tongue" is also a story is being told by the man that has been sentenced to a death penalty by his age and his health -- a man that has proven the "facts" that should have released him.

Critique: "Golden Tongue" is a fascinating and compelling read that will be of profound interest to readers with an interest in true crime stories. While highly recommended as an addition to personal, professional, community, college, and university library Criminology collections, it should also be noted that "Golden Tongue" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.95).

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