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Australia's Hardest Prison: Inside the Walls of Long Bay Jail
Welcome to Long Bay, Australia's hardest prison. For the first time, guards and inmates of the notorious South Sydney facility reveal what really goes on behind its towering concrete walls. Opened in 1909, Long Bay Jail, originally a women's reformatory, has a dark and extraordinary history. From ghosts to legendary prisoners, there has been an infamous collection of Long Bay "guests," including the formidable Neddy Smith, convicted rapists the Skaf brothers, and shamed entrepreneur Rene Rivkin. Former inmates Rodney Adler, Graham "Abo" Henry, Tom Domican, John Elias, and others tell all about the brutal reality of life behind bars. And "Mr Big" Ian Hall Saxon finally comes clean about his prison escape, which baffled the nation. Delve into the personal accounts of the prison guards, Long Bay's unsung heroes, as they open up about their experiences dealing with some of the most dangerous men in the country.
336 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2014
36 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
James Phelps
36 books59 followersJames Phelps is an award-winning senior reporter for the Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph in Sydney.
He began as on overnight police rounds reporter before moving into sport, where he became one of Australia's best news-breaking rugby league reporters.
James became News Corp Australia's Chief National Motorsports Writer and travelled the world, chasing F1 stories as well as becoming Australia's number one V8 Supercar reporter. James is also a senior feature writer for the Sunday Telegraph.
Following the bestselling Dick Johnson: The Autobiography of a True-Blue Aussie Sporting Legend, James returned to his roots to delve into the criminal underworld with a series of crime books: Australia's Hardest Prison: Inside the Walls of Long Bay Jail; Australia's Most Murderous Prison; and Australia's Toughest Prisons: Inmates. James is a twice V8 Supercar media award winner and a former News Awards 'Young Journalist of the Year' and 'Sport Reporter of the Year'.
He began as on overnight police rounds reporter before moving into sport, where he became one of Australia's best news-breaking rugby league reporters.
James became News Corp Australia's Chief National Motorsports Writer and travelled the world, chasing F1 stories as well as becoming Australia's number one V8 Supercar reporter. James is also a senior feature writer for the Sunday Telegraph.
Following the bestselling Dick Johnson: The Autobiography of a True-Blue Aussie Sporting Legend, James returned to his roots to delve into the criminal underworld with a series of crime books: Australia's Hardest Prison: Inside the Walls of Long Bay Jail; Australia's Most Murderous Prison; and Australia's Toughest Prisons: Inmates. James is a twice V8 Supercar media award winner and a former News Awards 'Young Journalist of the Year' and 'Sport Reporter of the Year'.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 27, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. The author has obviously done extensive research to compile all these interesting accounts. It was told in a really gripping way unlike some other true crime books. Like another review said, some more pictures would have been great- especially of the prisoners. Highly recommended.
August 16, 2014
This was a good book, very easily read. I would have liked some stories of old prisoners, many were mentioned but that's about it. I have friends who nursed there and knew many of those mentioned in the book. A few photos would also have made it 5 stars for me. A quick enjoyable read, we'll worth trying
August 14, 2014
I enjoyed every page of this fascinating insight into Australia's most dangerous prison. I think what made it a truly amazing read was that so many perspectives were presented. From inmates to guards. It was clearly extremely well researched and told in a gripping manner. Never a dull moment! I only wish it had have been longer!!
January 18, 2020
3.5 stars:
A fairly quick read considering the content. There are some interesting (and sometimes awful and/or distgusting) stories in here, but I found reading the ones told by former prison officers the most interesting. Some chapters that really stood out for me were: Haunting, Arriving, Surviving, Mudering and Gaurding, but I found each chapter or topic in the book had at least one or two interesting (and sometimes horrifying) stories.
One thing that could really benefit this book is more pictures! There are a few included, but the ones I was most interested in weren't very clear. Having said that, I assume that most of the pictures taken in or of the prison were actually given to the author by former prison officers - so I suppose you take what you can get in that regard (and they are certainly better than nothing).
I had to use my trusty old friend google a little bit while reading this book - some of the criminals in here are instantly recognisable but others not so much, so google really helped to put a name to a face and a crime.
Also on a personal point of interest: I saw the name of a doctor I work with in here (just to clarify - not as an inmate!!) which is kind of cool because I wasn't expecting it but I probably should have - he's done everything & been everywhere!
A fairly quick read considering the content. There are some interesting (and sometimes awful and/or distgusting) stories in here, but I found reading the ones told by former prison officers the most interesting. Some chapters that really stood out for me were: Haunting, Arriving, Surviving, Mudering and Gaurding, but I found each chapter or topic in the book had at least one or two interesting (and sometimes horrifying) stories.
One thing that could really benefit this book is more pictures! There are a few included, but the ones I was most interested in weren't very clear. Having said that, I assume that most of the pictures taken in or of the prison were actually given to the author by former prison officers - so I suppose you take what you can get in that regard (and they are certainly better than nothing).
I had to use my trusty old friend google a little bit while reading this book - some of the criminals in here are instantly recognisable but others not so much, so google really helped to put a name to a face and a crime.
Also on a personal point of interest: I saw the name of a doctor I work with in here (just to clarify - not as an inmate!!) which is kind of cool because I wasn't expecting it but I probably should have - he's done everything & been everywhere!
September 17, 2014
Fascinating and compelling.
Some things could've done with more detail, and others less, but it is an intriguing insight in to the realities of prison life in Australia.
Some things could've done with more detail, and others less, but it is an intriguing insight in to the realities of prison life in Australia.
January 2, 2024
"Australia's Hardest Prison: Inside the Walls of Long Bay Jail" by James Phelps is a detailed exploration of one of Australia's notorious prisons, providing readers with an insider's perspective on the challenges and dynamics within Long Bay Jail. While Phelps' investigative work sheds light on the harsh realities of prison life, the book falls into some common tropes of the true crime genre, making it an average read for enthusiasts of prison narratives.
Phelps demonstrates a thorough understanding of the subject matter, combining historical context with firsthand accounts and interviews to create a comprehensive overview of Long Bay Jail. The book succeeds in detailing the notorious incidents, key personalities, and the evolving nature of the prison system over the years.
However, the narrative occasionally struggles to maintain a cohesive structure, jumping between different periods and events in a way that may be confusing for readers unfamiliar with the Australian prison system. The lack of a clear chronological or thematic flow could make the book less accessible to those looking for a more structured and engaging storytelling approach.
Phelps' writing style is straightforward and accessible, making the book easy to follow. The inclusion of personal stories and anecdotes from both inmates and staff adds a human element to the narrative, allowing readers to connect with the individuals behind the prison walls.
On the downside, the book occasionally veers into sensationalism, emphasizing the more dramatic and extreme aspects of prison life. While this approach may captivate certain readers, it may also perpetuate stereotypes and limit a more nuanced understanding of the complexities within the criminal justice system.
In conclusion, "Australia's Hardest Prison" serves as a reasonably informative account of Long Bay Jail, with James Phelps providing valuable insights into the challenges faced by inmates and staff. However, the book's occasionally disjointed narrative and reliance on sensational elements may detract from its potential impact as a comprehensive exploration of the subject. It remains a solid choice for readers interested in true crime and prison narratives but might not stand out amidst a crowded genre.
Phelps demonstrates a thorough understanding of the subject matter, combining historical context with firsthand accounts and interviews to create a comprehensive overview of Long Bay Jail. The book succeeds in detailing the notorious incidents, key personalities, and the evolving nature of the prison system over the years.
However, the narrative occasionally struggles to maintain a cohesive structure, jumping between different periods and events in a way that may be confusing for readers unfamiliar with the Australian prison system. The lack of a clear chronological or thematic flow could make the book less accessible to those looking for a more structured and engaging storytelling approach.
Phelps' writing style is straightforward and accessible, making the book easy to follow. The inclusion of personal stories and anecdotes from both inmates and staff adds a human element to the narrative, allowing readers to connect with the individuals behind the prison walls.
On the downside, the book occasionally veers into sensationalism, emphasizing the more dramatic and extreme aspects of prison life. While this approach may captivate certain readers, it may also perpetuate stereotypes and limit a more nuanced understanding of the complexities within the criminal justice system.
In conclusion, "Australia's Hardest Prison" serves as a reasonably informative account of Long Bay Jail, with James Phelps providing valuable insights into the challenges faced by inmates and staff. However, the book's occasionally disjointed narrative and reliance on sensational elements may detract from its potential impact as a comprehensive exploration of the subject. It remains a solid choice for readers interested in true crime and prison narratives but might not stand out amidst a crowded genre.
August 8, 2022
Certainly I knew of some of the things that went on inside the prisons. I'm a criminology student and I've read a lot of things but I must there were still a number of things within this book that surprised me. And that in of itself did surprise me as I thought I knew quite a bit.
Some of the discussions and opinions felt a bit detached at times from my own but that's too be expected really. You're not always going to have non-fiction books that parallel your own beliefs. In fact that can be quite difficult to find just because of the nature of the genre. I did enjoy most of it though. Particularly the last few chapters were well written and thought out. Highlighting dangers and lives that many may not have known.
I will say towards the end i did struggle to finish it. I felt it started to become a bit repetitive at times. I also believe that because I took so long to read it that I began to lose some interest in it as well. Either way it was a decent and fairly fascinating read.
Something to note:
The section on Madison felt like it had too much of a focus on the fact that she was a trans woman instead of her crimes. By honing in on her trans identity it almost vilifies the whole community. So didn't appreciate some of the commentary there. It could also be a case of me misreading the authors writing/intentions as well.
Rating: 3/5
Some of the discussions and opinions felt a bit detached at times from my own but that's too be expected really. You're not always going to have non-fiction books that parallel your own beliefs. In fact that can be quite difficult to find just because of the nature of the genre. I did enjoy most of it though. Particularly the last few chapters were well written and thought out. Highlighting dangers and lives that many may not have known.
I will say towards the end i did struggle to finish it. I felt it started to become a bit repetitive at times. I also believe that because I took so long to read it that I began to lose some interest in it as well. Either way it was a decent and fairly fascinating read.
Something to note:
The section on Madison felt like it had too much of a focus on the fact that she was a trans woman instead of her crimes. By honing in on her trans identity it almost vilifies the whole community. So didn't appreciate some of the commentary there. It could also be a case of me misreading the authors writing/intentions as well.
Rating: 3/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2024
This is an eye-opener in some ways and confirms other assumptions I've made about inmates and their behaviour. There were some extremes of behaviour which I would never have imagined in my wildest imagination. Some people are just too dangerous to be released.
And also, it was enlightening what the 'rules' are as made and lived by the inmates.
It's a factual account, rather than the dramatisation that you most often hear even in the news. I found it interesting, educational and great research for my writing.
And also, it was enlightening what the 'rules' are as made and lived by the inmates.
It's a factual account, rather than the dramatisation that you most often hear even in the news. I found it interesting, educational and great research for my writing.
February 21, 2019
A bit of a nonsense book with chapters reading like click bait on the internet. For example chapters entitled "Raping" "Rooting " and "Drinking and Gaming". Had the book been released in the 1970's, where most of the stories and anecdotes come from, it may have been a best seller. 40 years later however, most of the stories told have been in the papers and have become a little humdrum. Not a great read.
December 3, 2024
I don’t know what it is about James Phelps’ books, but I find them so fascinating. I find the stories from inside jail fascinating, even though they also make me cringe too, with the detail he goes into. I believe this one might have been the last in the series that I hadn’t read too so worth the read if you also find true crime and that type of thing fascinating too.
August 12, 2019
Meh. Very average. Every page is dripping in onomatopoeia which quickly becomes tiresome. I don't recommend this book.
December 6, 2019
Not as good as his other works.
December 14, 2020
Books like this are candy to my mind.
January 5, 2021
Interesting book
August 3, 2021
Very confronting and an eye opener to the violence that is a normal part of jail life.
January 29, 2022
An interesting insight into the harsh world of the Australian prison system.
August 1, 2022
An eye-opening read.
January 3, 2024
Even though this book is a littlw older it was still very interesting, especially from an Australian perspective
January 4, 2015
I bought this book for my husband as he loves the True Crime genre. As I'm intrigued by stories about the gritty side of life, I was also curious to give this a go.
Well. I've never read anything like this in my life and I couldn't put it down, finishing it within two days. The content is VERY hard to digest at times given the graphic and confronting imagery, but it's an extremely fascinating insight into the psyche of some of Australia's hardest men and the daily conditions they endure in one of the country's toughest environments.
The crimes and events depicted in this book are so odious that I was left wondering at times why on earth I'd started reading it. 'Australia's Hardest Prison: Inside the Walls of Long Bay Jail' is an absorbing revelation about the dark side of human nature that both engrosses and repels you. As much as I was weirdly fascinated by the personal accounts of the prison guards, I was particularly careful not to read it too close to bedtime because it really is the stuff of nightmares.
The writing is colloquial and 'Daily Telegraph'-esque (i.e. easy for a 10-year-old to read) leaving the abhorrent details of the jail and its residents to be the star of the show instead. At times, the prose is painfully trite and oversimplified; add to that a description about an event so absurdly graphic it'll literally leave you gasping in horror and there you will have yourself a metaphorical car accident - you really want to look away but you can't.
Those with delicate stomachs, a partiality towards girly rom-coms and/or no desire in being tainted by the darker side of the human condition should steer clear of this text at all costs.
Well. I've never read anything like this in my life and I couldn't put it down, finishing it within two days. The content is VERY hard to digest at times given the graphic and confronting imagery, but it's an extremely fascinating insight into the psyche of some of Australia's hardest men and the daily conditions they endure in one of the country's toughest environments.
The crimes and events depicted in this book are so odious that I was left wondering at times why on earth I'd started reading it. 'Australia's Hardest Prison: Inside the Walls of Long Bay Jail' is an absorbing revelation about the dark side of human nature that both engrosses and repels you. As much as I was weirdly fascinated by the personal accounts of the prison guards, I was particularly careful not to read it too close to bedtime because it really is the stuff of nightmares.
The writing is colloquial and 'Daily Telegraph'-esque (i.e. easy for a 10-year-old to read) leaving the abhorrent details of the jail and its residents to be the star of the show instead. At times, the prose is painfully trite and oversimplified; add to that a description about an event so absurdly graphic it'll literally leave you gasping in horror and there you will have yourself a metaphorical car accident - you really want to look away but you can't.
Those with delicate stomachs, a partiality towards girly rom-coms and/or no desire in being tainted by the darker side of the human condition should steer clear of this text at all costs.
February 15, 2020
- 'Australia's Hardest Prison, Inside the Walls of Long Bay Jail' is such a well written, eye opening, incredibly explicit and surprisingly heartfelt book. This novel really opened my eyes to the underworld of criminal activity.
Written by the author James Phelps, the chapters focus on the issues and crimes committed within the walls of Long Bay Jail, and the myths that have followed the guards into the current decade. A great non fiction read that stars the stories of real life criminals who served their time in Long Bay, as well as the guards and police officers who spent their lives manning the insides of Australia's most notorious jail.
*
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars for this remarkable read. Now onto more of James Phelps' books
Written by the author James Phelps, the chapters focus on the issues and crimes committed within the walls of Long Bay Jail, and the myths that have followed the guards into the current decade. A great non fiction read that stars the stories of real life criminals who served their time in Long Bay, as well as the guards and police officers who spent their lives manning the insides of Australia's most notorious jail.
*
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars for this remarkable read. Now onto more of James Phelps' books
January 14, 2015
a very interesting read. there was enough information given to be able to picture a lot of things while you read but not too much information that you had to read through a lot of unwanted stuff. definitely recommend this book to anyone that loves prison stories
December 13, 2015
It was a good read, but SO many things made me angry! Disgusted how some of these people are allowed out after the things they have done
June 6, 2015
Awesome book, well written and the author doesn't hold back on detail. A must read for people into this type of book.
December 17, 2015
This book was just OK, no where near as good as the Goulburn jail book. I still enjoyed it though, it will be interesting to see if he writes about an other Australian jails.
March 25, 2019
Ready to read the next one now... It's released next month!!!
February 4, 2015
Traumatic but interesting!
July 13, 2017
Hooked from page two! Some great stories about truly vile men and women in Long Bay Jail. Highly recommended.
January 29, 2019
Lots of stories that have been told in other books, eg; Green is the New Black. I was re-reading information I'd received in other books.
Lots of spelling and grammar errors that at times made it difficult to understand.
All over, a good read, but not one of my favourites.
Lots of spelling and grammar errors that at times made it difficult to understand.
All over, a good read, but not one of my favourites.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews