Unusual Punishment Audiobook By Christopher Murray cover art

Unusual Punishment

Inside the Walla Walla Prison, 1970-1985

 Preview
LIMITED TIME OFFER

3 months free
Try for $0.00
Offer ends July 31, 2025 at 11:59PM PT.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 3 months. Cancel anytime.

Unusual Punishment

By: Christopher Murray
Narrated by: John N Gully
Try for $0.00

$0.00/mo. after 3 months. Offer ends July 31, 2025 at 11:59PM PT. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $24.95

Buy for $24.95

Confirm purchase
Pay using card ending in
Switch payment method
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use, License, and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.
Cancel

About this listen

Unusual Punishment details the explosive story of failed reform at one Washington State penitentiary as well as the complex, challenging, and painful path back from chaos.

The book is published by Washington State University Press.

©2016 Board of Regents of Washington State University (P)2016 Redwood Audiobooks Americas Criminology Penology Politics & Government Public Policy Social Social Policy Social Sciences United States Crime
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro805_stickypopup
All stars
Most relevant  

Would you listen to Unusual Punishment again? Why?

Yes I would. I would because I would learn something new every time I listened. The corruption.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I didn't have a favorite. I truly just enjoyed learning more about the judicial system and the corruption.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book made me think about how the internal workings of a prison system. It also gave me deep thinking of the politics involved. If you like research and learning this is a book to listen to.

Any additional comments?

This book was informative and educational. I walked away wondering if this is what happens in all prisons, The political connections was absolutely integral in this book. The treatment of the prisoners was especially interesting.

"This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review."

Factual, Interesting, Educational

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Would you consider the audio edition of Unusual Punishment to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version. I enjoyed listening to this and learned so much.

What other book might you compare Unusual Punishment to and why?

Being non-fiction it is difficult to compare this book with any other book.

Which scene was your favorite?

I enjoyed the scenes where the inmates were giving their version of the story or events that took place. But it was also interesting to hear from the guards. The sequence of events leading up to the bomb going off in an officers hand was very intense.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. This book was a lot to digest for me. First of all, I knew very little about the subject and was intrigued by the cover and subject matter. I enjoyed all of the story. Very Very detailed and obviously well researched.

Any additional comments?

I received this book from Audiobook Boom in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the book. I did have to listen to the narrator at a slightly higher speed but that is a personal preference for me.

Very informative

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
A fascinating look at America's prison system. Well written and informative.

The narrator did a great job. Very enjoyable.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Interesting

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
A detailed look history of Washington state penitentiary.
Fascinating and very detailed.
A great read for anyone who has a an interest in obscure history.

Interesting history

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Great Prison Story with excellent narration. It will keep you interested till the end.

Any additional comments?

"This review copy audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost."

Insightful and Interesting

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
This is a fantastic book by Christopher Murray and it's complimented perfectly by John N Gully's performance. A must-read (listen) for sure!

Well done!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
enjoyed this book very much I like prison stories anyways, John gully did a great job as narrator Christopher intrauterine a book that went in to great detail I received this book from the publisher, author and or narrator for a honest review and unbiased opinion via audio book boom dot com

great book from beginning to the end

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Christopher Murray has done a superb job investigating the history of the Washington State Penitentiary and the individuals involved. I felt the reporting was balanced and fair, making sure to get multiple accounts of events from incarcerated individuals, correctional officers, local administrators, and administrators/politicians in Olympia.

I do have to admit, I am the daughter of one of the individuals mentioned in this book. I was born only eight days after the death of Sgt. Cross. Although I have heard these stories many times, I was still riveted by Mr. Gully's narration and got lost in the telling of the Saturday Night Live riot. I forgot I knew how the story ends and my body tensed as I wondered if my dad was going to be okay.

I enjoyed John N Gully's narration. He annunciates his words with precision and I never had to rewind because I didn't understand. My only criticism is the way he pronounces the word, "superintendent." It's petty, I know. I just thought it was weird.

I absolutely recommend this book. I don't know why it hasn't been made into a movie yet.

I would recommend this book to anybody interested in prison reform, criminal justice, social justice, history, or politics.

Very Thorough and Accurate Account

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Where does Unusual Punishment rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the Nonfiction genre, the best or near the best I've listened to. I note that this title is not available (as of this writing) as a Kindle edition. If not mistaken, it should be. The subject should be available to a wider audience.

What did you like best about this story?

In my opinion, this work gives a very good overview of the issues of America's prison system, without being political. The American public needs to be aware of them from the many perspectives presented here.

Which character – as performed by John N Gully – was your favorite?

This is a non fiction work. Individuals are represented in quotes and description of actions. John N Gully did an admirable job with the work.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Appalled by the examples of abuse.

Any additional comments?

This work was well done. I will re listen soon. Very factually presentated.

Interesting, well written and well performed!

Thank you for the opportunity to review it!

This review copy audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost. I am happy to give my honest review of it.

I would be remiss if I fail to mention that I am reviewing it on a voluntary basis.

Eighth Amendment? Insights of Abuse

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.