In The Forever Young Prisoner, author Marcus Lessard transports readers into the harsh and irreverent world of Providence State Penitentiary, where inmate Tommy McConnell is serving his time the best way he knows how – with carefree humor. Despite landing himself in prison as a result of violence, Tommy means well but often does the opposite. When he hears of P-pen’s local legend, the Forever Young Prisoner, Tommy jumps at the opportunity to investigate rather than simply ride out his sentence. As Tommy immerses himself in his investigation, he encounters a diverse group of inmates who quickly dub him “Sherlock.” However, he soon realizes that his discoveries threaten not only his release from prison but also his life. With help from his friends both inside and outside of the prison, Tommy must decide how much he is willing to sacrifice for the truth.

The premise of this story is compelling, immersing readers in the world of prison intrigue and mystery. While there may be moments where the pacing could be more consistent, Tommy’s journey is filled with excitement, and he remains an engaging and empathetic character. His captivating nature may be enough to keep readers hooked on his journey, even when some elements of the plot might not fully engross them.

Certain aspects of the plot, such as the prison officials, often referred to as the black hats, could be further developed to enhance the story’s depth and showcase the high stakes of Tommy’s actions. Nevertheless, the story is enriched by the use of authentic prison slang, which adds an air of realism and could be a major draw for some readers. Although a few instances of slang may seem forced, they don’t detract from the overall quality of the book, which remains an enjoyable and thrilling read.

Lessard has created an immersive prison environment that captures the daily operations of the facility, Tommy’s experiences with other inmates, and the dialogues that take place. Moreover, he offers a satisfying resolution to Tommy’s efforts toward freedom for himself. Overall, The Forever Young Prisoner is a captivating read that offers a thrilling look into the world of prison intrigue and suspense.

Pages: 354 | ASIN: B0BZQWJ31D

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/12/the-forever-young-prisoner/