The Governor cover art

The Governor

My Life Inside Britain’s Most Notorious Prisons

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The Governor

By: Vanessa Frake
Narrated by: Vanessa Frake
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About this listen

The Sunday Times top 10 best seller.

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.

©2021 Vanessa Frake (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Murder Social Sciences True Crime Women Crime Funny Inspiring Thought-Provoking Witty Scary

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All stars
Most relevant  
Vanessa Frake tells her fascinating story very well. I have recommended it to a few people.

Enlightening

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Really enjoyed listening to this. I really admire strong women and like to think I'm a tough cookie myself but, by God, Vanessa Frake scares the bejesus out of me! Great book.

Extremely interesting, addictive listening

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It's was great to hear the story of a woman excell in the prison service. The stories are fascinating and although you think you have a rough idea what goes on in a prison its still an eye opener. Vanessa Frake comes over as a real genuine person with a heart of gold

Really Intresting

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I have read many prison books over the years this is by far the best I worked with Vanessa back in her Holloway days what a great person and to go on to the scrubs to achieve so much well done.

Fabulous book

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I purchased this to hear the stories about a prison and the day to goings on. This is so much more within a couple of chapters I was enjoying Vanessa's personal story as much if not more than the prison side. highly recommended. thank you.

A real curve ball

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Absolutely loved this book. Vanessa engrossed me from start to finish and I only wish there had been more.

Loved it

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Absolutely brilliant!
would love to see this develop into a film.
Hope to see and listen to more from the guv!
well done and a great listen 👍

Have they made a film? If not, why not?!

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Very interesting, well written and easy to listen to. I would love to hear more



Brilliant

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The stories this lady tells are unreal.
People in Britain know prisons aren’t the best here and they’re certainly not for some criminals, especially those with mental health issues, but Vanessa is empathetic and you can tell she is incredibly passionate about making a difference.
The only downside is the way some of the chapters are read. It seems as if sometimes it’s the very first time she’s read it.

Brilliant.

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Great book so easy to listen to, you never think what a day looking after the prisoners is like the danger the warders put themselves through receiving no thanks from some of the inmates. she was a brave woman

The governor

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