The Warden

The Warden By: M.C. Cerny ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Review by Kristie K A scintillating taboo treat, The Warden definitely holds the key… M.C. Cerny delivers a quick and taboo novella centered within the twisted and dangerous prison underground. Nineteen year old Benedicta Cruz was convicted of a murder she didn’t commit, and sentenced to years in prison. Though life wasn’t always easy, Benedicta was forging her way in life…trying to make something of herself…until one stupid decision lands her in prison for manslaughter. A gentle soul, she keeps to herself, but she’s caught the eye of several people within the prison’s walls…one with sinful desire, the others with dangerous intent. Broken and determined to fly below the radar until her time is served, Benedicta avoids interaction and keeps her distance. Unfortunately, no one else gets the message and trouble follows her every move. When the warden pulls her into his office for a new inmate meeting, his interest in her goes from purely physical to so much more. Convinced that Benedicta has been wrongfully imprisoned, Warden Cohen Sheppard is determined to find out the truth behind her story. When he discovers that she may also be the key to information on the inside, they come to an agreement. She’ll get him information, and he will do everything he can to get her case reopened. The deeper they dig, the deeper they fall for one another, and the more dangerous her life behind bars becomes. I am new to M.C. Cerny’s work, and was very intrigued by the unique storyline The Warden offered. The execution of this unique storyline was well done, but may have been better served in a full length novel rather than a novella. As much as I enjoyed the story, so much of it seemed rushed, unfinished, or unresolved. I think that the storyline itself deserved more than the short length allowed. That said, I also think that it was well done for the length it is. The main characters were likable, and easily relatable. I just wish I got to know them more. The writing was excellent. Ms. Cerny is a talented storyteller, and I will definitely be checking out her other bodies of work. All in all, for a quick and dirty novella, The Warden was worth the read. Full of danger, mystery, and heart…The Warden is a nice way to spend an afternoon. Kristie K