Review by Vin Doobs -- Shackles and More Gripping Tales

[Vin Doobs]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Shackles and More Gripping Tales" by James Hanna.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Stories about convicts and lawbreakers continue to become a popular staple in mainstream reading fare. James Hanna wrote an anthology of short fiction that might well affirm the ever-growing popularity of this theme.

Shackles and More Gripping Tales showcases an anthology of gritty yet witty stories about convicts, felons, prison guards, and the justice system. Most of these stories reflect Mr. Hanna’s observations gleamed from his experience in criminal justice. As a former counselor and a probation officer, the collection in this book is brimming with unabashed realism. With that being said, Mr. Hanna has earned awards of excellence for his tales and novels, with his unique gift for injecting humor with such gamut in a theme more often projected with sinister or grim undertones.

Every tale in this anthology is unequivocally mesmerizing in its straightforward storytelling. Different plots and twists take us in thought-provoking situations ranging from the idiosyncratic to the tragic. Mr. Hanna succeeds in making us sympathize with rogues and cynics. The first story, Tower Duty, describes the life of Loretta, a no-nonsense female tower guard who may look like an easy-picking from the outside, yet her grit is tested when an inmate attempts to flee. The Hangings is about a man inviting his wife to watch a regular execution of hangings in their town, feeling for his own mortality as he himself is about to be hanged soon. I’m Going to Kick Some Ass tells about the unusual relationship developing between a woman charged with domestic battery and her probation officer. Shackles tells the story of a federal penitentiary called Terminal Island and the three convicted men en route to do time there.

Character and dialogue often push these stories forward. Trade of insults, expressions of sentiments, and revelation of inner thoughts help to bridge how we relate to characters. It seemingly reminds us that we do not always have to be in our best behavior—and that is normal.

Twenty-one notable stories make up this collection; each has previously appeared in literary magazines and anthology. This book gives an opportunity for readers to peruse Mr. Hanna’s short fiction to see what he has to offer. Even if you are not into prison or crime-themed stories, this book will likely change your mind.

Well-edited and with reasonable use of profane language, Shackles and More Gripping Tales is an entertaining read that will change the way we look at prison life and the criminal justice system. This book merits 4 out of 4 stars for its innovative and original take on its theme. Take time to read one of the stories in this book, and see yourself get hooked.

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Shackles and More Gripping Tales
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