Synopsis/blurb....
"Does my present world suck? Like a gaping chest wound. But it's all part of the ride. There's no sense in crying about it; nobody likes a whiny bank robber. If you like what you read, please buy my books. If I get any poorer I'll be down eating sparrows with The Chinaman." [Jeffrey Frye, "Bank Blogger"] In 2012, Murder Slim Press received an unsolicited submission called "Prison Prose" from a notorious bank robber named Jeffrey Frye. What has followed is a long standing correspondance with Frye. . . and then MurderSlim.com's Bloggie-nominated Bank Robber's Blog. Bank Blogger is the first of numerous books that will collect stories unavailable on the Bank Robber's Blog, and provide you with the ultimate introduction to everyone's favourite felon. "Bank Blogger" is a limited edition chapbook of only 200 copies. You snooze, you lose. It's also packed with photos from Jeff's life inside and outside prison, and the various people that have an impact on his world.
A small chapbook, 80 pages long from Jeffrey Frye and Murder Slim Press.
Anecdotal, confessional, observational. Frye is doing time for bank robbery and he shares a bit about his deeds - some of the jobs he pulled and his capture, as well as his current time in clink and some of the associates he meets in there, both inmates and staff.
Humorous in places, though perhaps he's not as funny as he thinks he is. I suppose what's admirable is that he owns the crime and he is doing the time more or less without complaint. I enjoyed the recounting of his successful heist and couldn't help but admire his chutzpah.
I have another of his books on the pile - One Crazy Day, which recounts one of the seven or eight bank robberies he committed in a period of about a month.
There's a decent set of photos at the back of the book, featuring some of Jeffrey's friends, family and acquaintances. I enjoyed his economic analysis of the medicare he receives inside and what it costs him, compared to what would have been available and affordable to him outside. The Federal authorities certainly look after their charges. There's also a bit about his drug use and the impact it has on his mental health and decision making. No in depth naval gazing, more quick brush strokes really.
I liked it, but perhaps felt a bit cheated by the length of the book. Double the page count and double the tales and I might have felt it was a reasonable return for the investment in the book.
3 from 5
Read - September, 2020
Published - 2013
Page count - 80
Source - purchased copy
Format - paperback
Sounds like a very interesting perspective, Col - an inside look at a life of crime. I'll bet he's got some really interesting tales to tell, too. Still, I know what you mean about feeling a bit cheated by the length. Sounds as though there could've been much more there...
ReplyDeleteMargot, he's probably saving it all for his next book. I do have something else from him on the ile. I did enjoy what was there though.
DeleteHe still owes me for a laptop modem he stole and pawned back in 1995(ish). It was fairly expensive back in the day. Jeff was a charmer. He was a very affable guy and was my co-worker and roommate for a short time. When I first met him he was selling sandwiches and bagels in various Charleston law firms. I have no interest in reading his book. He told me all about his first adventure with the law in the early 90s. Based on that I have no doubt he can spin a yarn.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and commenting and sharing that anecdote.
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