Fellside summary

Prison, Ghosts, and Redemption

In Fellside by M. R. Carey, we meet Jess Moulson, a heroin addict serving time in Fellside, a maximum-security prison. After a night of heavy drinking, Jess sets fire to her apartment in a haze of drugs and alcohol, resulting in the death of a young boy, Alex. Consumed by guilt and grief, Jess attempts suicide and ends up in a coma. Upon waking, she finds herself in Fellside, haunted by the ghost of Alex.

In Fellside, Jess's life is marked by a series of violent encounters with other inmates and prison staff. She is befriended by Dr. Salazar, a prison doctor who believes in her innocence and encourages her to participate in the prison's rehab program. Jess reluctantly agrees, not out of a desire to change, but to gain access to the prison's infirmary where she can steal drugs to suppress her guilt and Alex's haunting presence.

Uncovering the Truth

As Jess delves deeper into the prison's dark underbelly, she uncovers the truth behind Alex's death. She learns that Alex was the son of the prison's corrupt governor, Devlin, and was murdered by his father to protect his own political career. Jess's involvement in Alex's death was a result of her being manipulated by her abusive boyfriend, who was working for Devlin. Realizing that she was a pawn in a larger game, Jess resolves to seek justice for Alex.

With the help of her ghostly companion, Jess begins to piece together the events leading up to the fire. She forms an unlikely alliance with a fellow inmate, Harriet Grace, who is also a victim of Devlin's machinations. Harriet, a medium, can communicate with the dead and helps Jess to understand her connection with Alex and the true nature of her haunting.

The Supernatural and the Afterlife

As Jess and Harriet delve deeper into the supernatural aspects of the story, they uncover a world beyond the prison walls. They discover that the afterlife is a realm called 'Fellside', a place where the souls of the dead are trapped until they can find peace. Jess realizes that Alex is not haunting her out of vengeance, but because he is unable to move on due to the injustice of his death.

Driven by her newfound sense of purpose and her desire to help Alex, Jess orchestrates a daring plan to expose Devlin's crimes. She uses her position in the rehab program to get close to Devlin, gaining his trust and uncovering evidence of his corruption. With the help of her friends and the ghost of Alex, Jess manages to incriminate Devlin and bring him to justice.

Redemption and Moving On

In the end, Jess finds redemption and closure. She is exonerated of Alex's murder and released from prison, while Devlin is arrested for his crimes. Jess also manages to help Alex find peace, allowing his spirit to move on to the afterlife. As she leaves Fellside behind, Jess reflects on her journey of self-discovery and transformation, realizing that her time in prison helped her confront her past and find the strength to move forward.

In conclusion, Fellside is a gripping and haunting tale that seamlessly blends elements of the supernatural, crime, and redemption. It is a story of survival, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. M. R. Carey masterfully weaves together these themes, creating a compelling narrative that will keep readers engaged until the very end.