The Hard Reality of Prison and What It Takes To Survive
A chilling look into the brutality of life behind bars and what it's like to be locked away with some of the world's most dangerous criminals.

As heard in Linda's new BBC podcast series Gangster: The Story of the Black Widow.

"A gripping and powerful account of what prison is like and what it takes to make it through. Make sure you read it." Kimberley Chambers

Widely known in the criminal underworld as the 'Black Widow', Linda Calvey spent the first half of her life in league with the UK's top gangsters, robbing banks and rubbing shoulders with the Kray twins. That is, until her lover Ronnie crook was murdered at point-blank, and she was falsely convicted for murder.

Having spent decades behind bar, Linda is now Britain's longest serving female prisoner. Detailing the systems, characters and rules of prison life, as well as her run ins with notorious criminals Charles Bronson, Myra Hindley and Rose West, this is her story of life inside, and how she learnt to survive.

Featuring stories of fights, dodgy dealings and what happens when a screw gets taken hostage, this is a gritty and eye-opening look at prison life from a woman who has seen it all.


"It will change your perception of life inside and the courage it takes to survive it. A must-read book." Bobby Cummines, OBE