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The Governor

My Life Inside Britain’s Most Notorious Prisons

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The Governor

By: Vanessa Frake
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About this listen

THE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLER

As seen on This Morning

Back in the day, I was Governor of Security and Operations for HMP Wormwood Scrubs. If you’re easily shocked or offended, you best look away now…

Having worked for 16 years in a high-security women’s prison dealing with the likes of Rosemary West and Myra Hindley, Vanessa Frake thought she’d seen it all. That was until she was transferred to the notorious Wormwood Scrubs.

Thrust into a ‘man’s world’, her no-nonsense approach and fearless attitude saw her swiftly rise through the ranks. From dealing with celebrity criminals and busting drug rings, to recruiting informers and being subject to violent attacks, this hard-hitting but often humorous memoir reveals all about life behind bars in unflinching detail.

Now, for one last time, The Gov opens the prison gates. Prepare for the madness and horror of daily life with the UK’s most ruthless criminals.

 Corruption & Misconduct Law Murder Politics & Government Social Sciences True Crime Women Crime Funny Inspiring Thought-Provoking Witty Scary
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My husband got this book and so I thought I’d give it a try. I was hooked straight away and finished it in 2 days. Just brilliant and really well narrated by Vanessa herself. A surprisingly emotional end too. Defo recommend!

Not my usual book but loved it

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Absolutely loved this book and sad when it ended . What an amazing story and amazing woman . I laughed and cried and just loved every minute of listening to it x fascinating 👏👏👏👏🌸

Brilliant 🤩

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we'll narrated Autobiography of life in the prison service most of us ignore and wouldn't even contemplate as a career. These people are heroes doing an unpleasant job. Vanessa shines some light on the darkness of penal institutions. To some extent she brushes over her PTSD and her life post prisons, but on reflection strikes the right balance. A recommended title for crime buffs!

Enjoyable!

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I found this story both fascinating and touching a very honest and enlightening insight into British prisons and the people that they house.
Highly recommend

Thoroughly interesting and touching story

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I really enjoyed Vanessa's book. Really interesting and eye-opening. I would not want her job!

Enlightening and fascinating

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