The authors describe the journey from applying to join the Texas Department of Correction and the initial training to arriving at her assigned prison The Mitchell Unit for the first time.

Ms Stanley and her new fellow new recruits witness an appalling scene of violence during their first week at the prison. Many of her fellow recruits decide the job is not for them but Ms Stanley decides to stay and take up her posting to the unit's kitchen on the night shift.

In this fascinating and often horrifying book she describes working day to day surrounded by some of America's most violent prisoners.