What are the elements that determine our fate? What are the influences that determine our destiny? Between the Bars piques your interest, as the reader, and takes you on a journey, suddenly detoured by the death of a young family member. The story's protagonist is tossed into the darkness of unthinkable pain-filled loss, physical abuse and addiction. Jennifer Tresh shares this tale with profound emotion and satirical humor. Although a novel, the author portrays many true-life events, many memories as well as personal nightmares, exposing certain truths about corruption and incompetence in government agencies and mental health treatment. Nonetheless, Jennifer accomplishes what she set out to do. She honors the memory of her daughter, Elena, who died shortly before her sixth birthday from the ravages of a cureless brain tumor. The story climaxes into a suspense-filled conclusion, leaving the reader intrigued with questions of "Who done it?" while at the same time creating a message of hope, courage and the confidence to make a difference in today's world.