Serving Time

Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson was a wild ride. I would not recommend it for sensitive readers but I really enjoyed it.

Mary Addison was accused of killing a three month old baby, Alyssa, when she was only nine years old. There is detail surrounding the baby’s death (and other scenes of violence) that could be upsetting to some.

She was sentenced to “baby jail” and spent years locked up. It seems as though her mother may have forced her into this horrible situation in order to save herself since she was babysitting at the time.

Now Mary is sixteen and living in a group home with other female criminals. She becomes pregnant and decides she wants to keep her baby and further her education. The only way to do this is by fighting her conviction while trying to survive among girls who are out to get her.

Her mother still visits every couple weeks which adds to her psychological load. Mary’s dysfunctional upbringing is slowly revealed along with snippets from various reports and books about her.

The book’s subplot includes the potential flaws within the justice system when it comes to children and their safety. Mary has been abused emotionally or physically by most of the adults in her life.

This was a page turner because of nonstop episodes of suspense and surprises throughout the book.