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Australia's Most Murderous Prison: Behind the Walls of Goulburn Jail
An unprecedented spate of murders in the 1990s - seven in just three years - earned Goulburn Jail the ominous name of 'The Killing Fields'. Inmates who were sentenced or transferred to the 130 - year - old towering sandstone menace declared they had been given a death sentence. Gang alliances, power plays, contracted hits, the ice trade, the colour of your skin - even mistaken identity - any number of things could seal your fate. The worst race war in the history of Australian prisons saw several groups - Aboriginal, Lebanese, Asian, Islander and Anglo - wage a vicious and uncontrollable battle for power. Every day there were stabbings. Every day there were bashings. And then there was murder. A controversial policy known as 'racial clustering' might have put an end to the Killing Fields, but soon something far scarier would arise, something called Supermax . . . Within the stark white walls, clinical halls and solitary confinement, it is where Australia's most evil men are locked away. It is home to serial killer Ivan Milat; the 'Terror Five', militants who plotted attacks across Sydney in 2005; Brothers 4 Life founder Bassam Hamzy and gang rapist Bilal Skaf, to name a few. Murderers, terrorists, serial killers, gangsters and rapists - soon you will meet them all inside Australia's most murderous prison.
284 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
35 people are currently reading
504 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 - 30 of 57 reviews
October 16, 2015
Supermax prison was built within the walls of the Goulburn Jail to house the most evil and depraved of human criminals – the then Premier of NSW, Bob Carr opened it to much controversy. But the murders which occurred across Goulburn Jail in the 1990s meant something quite obviously needed to be done.
Racial problems within the prison between the Aboriginals, Lebanese and Muslims to name a few were the cause of the intense hatred – the shower blocks were where the majority of the murders occurred. Poorly guarded, all that was needed was a distraction by a prisoner – a bar of soap needed for example – and by the time the guard returned there was a dead body on the floor, surrounded by rivers of blood. The murders were brutal and fast (their time was restricted) – the shivs the prisoners made were deadly. Goulburn Jail earned the name of The Killing Fields; prisoners who were sentenced to go there were often terrified, knowing their lives were quite probably to be shortened…
After the segregation of the races in a plan called “racial clustering” put an end to the continuing murders, though not completely, plans for Supermax came into being. And now, Supermax houses Australia’s most shocking criminals – we all know of serial killer Ivan Milat. He is one of many of the murderers, terrorists, serial killers, gangsters and rapists who call Supermax home.
Australia’s Most Murderous Prison by Aussie author James Phelps is not a difficult read – but it is most definitely an eye-opening one. It was interesting to read about the lives of the people who worked within the walls over a period of years – most not working there for long, but all having remarkable tales to tell. The husband and wife team who both worked in different capacities and what happened to them. One particular person who was the backbone of Phelps’ research was Al Chisholm but there were many more. I highly recommend this book – it reads like fiction, but horrifyingly it’s all true!
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
Racial problems within the prison between the Aboriginals, Lebanese and Muslims to name a few were the cause of the intense hatred – the shower blocks were where the majority of the murders occurred. Poorly guarded, all that was needed was a distraction by a prisoner – a bar of soap needed for example – and by the time the guard returned there was a dead body on the floor, surrounded by rivers of blood. The murders were brutal and fast (their time was restricted) – the shivs the prisoners made were deadly. Goulburn Jail earned the name of The Killing Fields; prisoners who were sentenced to go there were often terrified, knowing their lives were quite probably to be shortened…
After the segregation of the races in a plan called “racial clustering” put an end to the continuing murders, though not completely, plans for Supermax came into being. And now, Supermax houses Australia’s most shocking criminals – we all know of serial killer Ivan Milat. He is one of many of the murderers, terrorists, serial killers, gangsters and rapists who call Supermax home.
Australia’s Most Murderous Prison by Aussie author James Phelps is not a difficult read – but it is most definitely an eye-opening one. It was interesting to read about the lives of the people who worked within the walls over a period of years – most not working there for long, but all having remarkable tales to tell. The husband and wife team who both worked in different capacities and what happened to them. One particular person who was the backbone of Phelps’ research was Al Chisholm but there were many more. I highly recommend this book – it reads like fiction, but horrifyingly it’s all true!
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
November 30, 2015
Riveting and insightful, this book is a real eye opener into what actually goes on in a real [Australian] prison...it is dangerous.
Lots of historical references as well as current affairs, this is a really fascinating and often unsettling look inside of one of Australia's most dangerous prisons, as well as referencing some of Australia's most dangerous prisoners, past and present.
Highly recommended 5★s
With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy to read and review.
Lots of historical references as well as current affairs, this is a really fascinating and often unsettling look inside of one of Australia's most dangerous prisons, as well as referencing some of Australia's most dangerous prisoners, past and present.
Highly recommended 5★s
With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy to read and review.
April 10, 2019
James takes us behind the scenes at Goulburn. It was interesting to hear from folks who work there, and what they have to endure. Also, some tidbits about some of the more well-known inmates.
I wasn't as shocked by the conditions inside the jail, or the behaviour of the inmates, as some reviewers seem to be. Maybe I've just read too many true crime books, and have read accounts of other jails that are similar to Goulburn.
Of course, Supermax (high security section inside Goulburn) holds several of Australia's worst monsters, like Ivan Milat, and Bilal Skaf.
3 Stars = It was okay. I'm glad I read it.
I wasn't as shocked by the conditions inside the jail, or the behaviour of the inmates, as some reviewers seem to be. Maybe I've just read too many true crime books, and have read accounts of other jails that are similar to Goulburn.
Of course, Supermax (high security section inside Goulburn) holds several of Australia's worst monsters, like Ivan Milat, and Bilal Skaf.
3 Stars = It was okay. I'm glad I read it.
May 20, 2020
Nothing happens here that doesn’t happen in US prisons. We’ve all heard the horror stories.
August 12, 2015
A book where the title is utterly unambiguous, AUSTRALIA'S MOST MURDEROUS PRISON is about Goulburn Jail. It refers to events in the jail as much as many of it's inmates crimes. It is also provides a brief history of the construction, background and management of the jail, where the worst of NSW inmates invariably end up.
Written in a light style that initially might seem almost irreverent, it works incredibly well when it comes to relating many of the events that occur within the jail, and in particular when discussing the "activities" of some of the more notorious prisoners held within.
At no stage does Phelps attempt to justify many of the extreme measures taken within the jail, rather he draws a series of quite graphic pictures of the worst of events - the race wars, the inmate on inmate violence (physical and sexual) and the consequences of riots from prisoner conditions through to the careers of jail wardens. This allows the reader to draw their own conclusions about the racial clustering and the construction and running of the notorious Supermax area.
Many true crime books tend to concentrate on a particular case, or connected cases and the events leading up to trial / verdict, but AUSTRALIA'S MOST MURDEROUS PRISON is looking mostly at the incarceration of offenders, particularly those that end up in the end of the line jail at Goulburn. The concentration on particular offenders is not so much about what they have done, but rather what jail time is doing to them, how they ended up in Goulburn and how they cope with it.
Because this is a book about a jail it jumps around from offenders, to in jail offence, from riot to warden's viewpoint, from anecdotes to analysis. AUSTRALIA'S MOST MURDEROUS PRISON is a fascinating book, written in a very readable style.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
Written in a light style that initially might seem almost irreverent, it works incredibly well when it comes to relating many of the events that occur within the jail, and in particular when discussing the "activities" of some of the more notorious prisoners held within.
At no stage does Phelps attempt to justify many of the extreme measures taken within the jail, rather he draws a series of quite graphic pictures of the worst of events - the race wars, the inmate on inmate violence (physical and sexual) and the consequences of riots from prisoner conditions through to the careers of jail wardens. This allows the reader to draw their own conclusions about the racial clustering and the construction and running of the notorious Supermax area.
Many true crime books tend to concentrate on a particular case, or connected cases and the events leading up to trial / verdict, but AUSTRALIA'S MOST MURDEROUS PRISON is looking mostly at the incarceration of offenders, particularly those that end up in the end of the line jail at Goulburn. The concentration on particular offenders is not so much about what they have done, but rather what jail time is doing to them, how they ended up in Goulburn and how they cope with it.
Because this is a book about a jail it jumps around from offenders, to in jail offence, from riot to warden's viewpoint, from anecdotes to analysis. AUSTRALIA'S MOST MURDEROUS PRISON is a fascinating book, written in a very readable style.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
September 20, 2018
3.5 stars
It would have been 4 stars if it was well-written.
It’s an interesting and well-researched book on a topic most of us know little about, but I just don’t like the way this author structures books. He tells a bit of a story then goes back, and then back over the story again - it’s annoying. And the sound effects! James Phelps, if you are reading - they do NOT contribute anything to this book. You are not writing for 10 year olds.
I listened to the audio version and although I got used to the narrator, a well-spoken English man doesn’t seem the right fit for speaking like uneducated, thuggish, ocker Australians.
Overall, a riveting book due to the subject matter.
It would have been 4 stars if it was well-written.
It’s an interesting and well-researched book on a topic most of us know little about, but I just don’t like the way this author structures books. He tells a bit of a story then goes back, and then back over the story again - it’s annoying. And the sound effects! James Phelps, if you are reading - they do NOT contribute anything to this book. You are not writing for 10 year olds.
I listened to the audio version and although I got used to the narrator, a well-spoken English man doesn’t seem the right fit for speaking like uneducated, thuggish, ocker Australians.
Overall, a riveting book due to the subject matter.
March 19, 2021
Trigger warnings:
Although I haven't read a great deal of true crime non-fiction, I do love it. And from my experience so far, all the good stuff has been from the UK or the US. So when I started this Australian gem I was so so happy. And Mr James Phelps has now added a number of crime books to my TBR.
This book is not for the faint-hearted. There is a lot of swearing (note, however, that a large majority of this is through quotes from both prison guards and convicts. There is also a lot of graphic content as Phelps details various physical and sexual assaults that occur with Goulburn.
While this may be something that leads to many people reviewing this book as 'sensationalist', I appreciated the fact that Phelps did not attempt to shy away from these details, nor did he edit quotes from those working and residing within the prison to make the book more 'comfortable' for the reader. This is a book about one of Australia's most infamous prison's and Phelps makes it obvious why this is.
Despite all the graphic content, I thought this book was really well researched. Not in the way that many different resources, such as archives and police reports, have been used (although, they do play a part in some of the crimes and incidents mentioned). But in the way that it is full of first-hand recounts. Absolutely chockers. Which gives it a unique close up, every-day type view of what it is to be involved in such a prison.
I did find some of the writing style... odd? Phelps utilizes a lot of sound effects (such as blood splurts and assault blows) which I think may have come across slightly better listening to this as an audio but still seemed out of place in a book discussing such serious topics. It did make the book interesting but seemed on the verge of some uncomfortable, macabre humour. Also, I felt that some of the language and style that was evident in guard and governor dialogue, such as the constant use of "shit", carried over too much into the narrators writing. There were definitely times when I wanted the narrator's writing style to be more on the impartial and professional side.
All in all though, this is the best Australian true crime book that I have read so far. It touched on so many well researched and discussed issues, from racial segregation, to the treatment of rapists. In addition, the number of specific incidents and stories that are told throughout the book doesn't leave you wanting to know more. I will most definitely be visiting some of Phelp's other true crime books.
Although I haven't read a great deal of true crime non-fiction, I do love it. And from my experience so far, all the good stuff has been from the UK or the US. So when I started this Australian gem I was so so happy. And Mr James Phelps has now added a number of crime books to my TBR.
This book is not for the faint-hearted. There is a lot of swearing (note, however, that a large majority of this is through quotes from both prison guards and convicts. There is also a lot of graphic content as Phelps details various physical and sexual assaults that occur with Goulburn.
While this may be something that leads to many people reviewing this book as 'sensationalist', I appreciated the fact that Phelps did not attempt to shy away from these details, nor did he edit quotes from those working and residing within the prison to make the book more 'comfortable' for the reader. This is a book about one of Australia's most infamous prison's and Phelps makes it obvious why this is.
Despite all the graphic content, I thought this book was really well researched. Not in the way that many different resources, such as archives and police reports, have been used (although, they do play a part in some of the crimes and incidents mentioned). But in the way that it is full of first-hand recounts. Absolutely chockers. Which gives it a unique close up, every-day type view of what it is to be involved in such a prison.
I did find some of the writing style... odd? Phelps utilizes a lot of sound effects (such as blood splurts and assault blows) which I think may have come across slightly better listening to this as an audio but still seemed out of place in a book discussing such serious topics. It did make the book interesting but seemed on the verge of some uncomfortable, macabre humour. Also, I felt that some of the language and style that was evident in guard and governor dialogue, such as the constant use of "shit", carried over too much into the narrators writing. There were definitely times when I wanted the narrator's writing style to be more on the impartial and professional side.
All in all though, this is the best Australian true crime book that I have read so far. It touched on so many well researched and discussed issues, from racial segregation, to the treatment of rapists. In addition, the number of specific incidents and stories that are told throughout the book doesn't leave you wanting to know more. I will most definitely be visiting some of Phelp's other true crime books.
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Happy reading! ❤
December 29, 2015
Goulburn Jail is the toughest jail in Australia and Australian journalist and author James Phelps did a thorough job of convincing this reader that it's a hell on earth in Australia's Most Murderous Prison - Behind the Walls of Goulburn Jail.
Gaining unprecedented access to prison staff (some of whom asked to remain anonymous), Phelps has lifted the lid on racial clustering, murder, rape, the rampant drug trade and despicable behaviour that goes on inside the country's toughest prison.
I was surprised by the lengths some visitors and guards will go to in order to smuggle contraband into the prison, and that efforts to stop them are largely thwarted by the fierce determination of the prisoners to get what they want. Despite being a little 'grossed out' at times, I was equally fascinated to learn the gory details and in doing so, now understand just what the prison system is up against. It really does seem like a losing battle in some regards.
Phelps sometimes employed a storytelling narrative to make the facts come alive - in a writing style known as narrative nonfiction - but there didn't seem to be a pattern to this and so it felt a little jarring to me at times.
Having said that, I have a new found respect for some of the guards that keep us safe from these criminals and recommend Australia's Most Murderous Prison - Behind the Walls of Goulburn Jail for readers of true crime or those with an interest in Australian crime and the justice system.
Gaining unprecedented access to prison staff (some of whom asked to remain anonymous), Phelps has lifted the lid on racial clustering, murder, rape, the rampant drug trade and despicable behaviour that goes on inside the country's toughest prison.
I was surprised by the lengths some visitors and guards will go to in order to smuggle contraband into the prison, and that efforts to stop them are largely thwarted by the fierce determination of the prisoners to get what they want. Despite being a little 'grossed out' at times, I was equally fascinated to learn the gory details and in doing so, now understand just what the prison system is up against. It really does seem like a losing battle in some regards.
Phelps sometimes employed a storytelling narrative to make the facts come alive - in a writing style known as narrative nonfiction - but there didn't seem to be a pattern to this and so it felt a little jarring to me at times.
Having said that, I have a new found respect for some of the guards that keep us safe from these criminals and recommend Australia's Most Murderous Prison - Behind the Walls of Goulburn Jail for readers of true crime or those with an interest in Australian crime and the justice system.
August 30, 2015
I didnt know that much about Goulbour Jail so thanks to the Author for a great story.
This was an easy to read book and I am so glad the people like that are locked away.
The story tells us about not only the prisoners but also the inmate violence that happens, the wardens and the running of the jail.
This book is not my normal kind of book to read but i enjoyed it alot.
Thank you netgalley and the Author for a chance to read this book if not i might of missed it.
This was an easy to read book and I am so glad the people like that are locked away.
The story tells us about not only the prisoners but also the inmate violence that happens, the wardens and the running of the jail.
This book is not my normal kind of book to read but i enjoyed it alot.
Thank you netgalley and the Author for a chance to read this book if not i might of missed it.
Read
April 30, 2024Golly, not for the faint-hearted! The reality of a super maximum prison is both saddeningly believable and genuinely disturbing.
March 17, 2025
I learnt a lot about why I never want to go to Jail
July 22, 2017
3.5
Very sensationalist. Phelps' personal opinions cone through quite strongly. But still a quick, entertaining read.
Very sensationalist. Phelps' personal opinions cone through quite strongly. But still a quick, entertaining read.
February 1, 2025
I found the author condescending and biased. He shared his judgments on the prisoners instead of just sticking to the facts.
January 25, 2024
Great book. Very interesting read. Couldn't put it down once started.
September 30, 2015
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
An unprecedented spate of murders in the 1990s - seven in just three years - earned Goulburn Jail the ominous name of 'The Killing Fields'. Inmates who were sentenced or transferred to the 130-year-old towering sandstone menace declared they had been given a death sentence.
Gang alliances, power plays, contracted hits, the ice trade, the colour of your skin - even mistaken identity - any number of things could seal your fate.
The worst race war in the history of Australian prisons saw several groups - Aboriginal, Lebanese, Asian, Islander and Anglo - wage a vicious and uncontrollable battle for power. Every day there were stabbings. Every day there were bashings. And then there was murder
A controversial policy known as 'racial clustering' might have put an end to the Killing Fields, but soon something far scarier would arise, something called Supermax . . . Within the stark white walls, clinical halls and solitary confinement, it is where Australia's most evil men are locked away. It is home to serial killer Ivan Milat; the 'Terror Five', militants who plotted attacks across Sydney in 2005; Brothers 4 Life founder Bassam Hamzy and gang rapist Bilal Skaf, to name a few.
Murderers, terrorists, serial killers, gangsters and rapists - soon you will meet them all inside Australia's most murderous prison.
Goulburn Jail - a name well known to many Australian's as probably the toughest (and roughest) jails in the history of this country. And this book lays bare the history of this place in, at some times, gruesome detail.
I like true crime books - I like to read about the crimes, the people who commit them, and they way they are tracked down and brought to justice. Rarely do we get a book where all of that has already occurred and we are left with prisoners. The worst of the worst, some would say. Murderers, rapists, gangsters and the like, all together in one massive melting pot. And the results were terrifying.
The writing was done in such a way that it was easy to read, informative and interesting. The history of the jail itself is fascinating but I would have liked just a little more detail there. The early chapters were a bit sketchy, flow-wise, but I think filling it out some would have helped with that.
Overall, if you are interested in the history of crime in this country, the types of people who are in jail and the people who have to deal with them on a daily basis, then this book is for you.
Paul
ARH
An unprecedented spate of murders in the 1990s - seven in just three years - earned Goulburn Jail the ominous name of 'The Killing Fields'. Inmates who were sentenced or transferred to the 130-year-old towering sandstone menace declared they had been given a death sentence.
Gang alliances, power plays, contracted hits, the ice trade, the colour of your skin - even mistaken identity - any number of things could seal your fate.
The worst race war in the history of Australian prisons saw several groups - Aboriginal, Lebanese, Asian, Islander and Anglo - wage a vicious and uncontrollable battle for power. Every day there were stabbings. Every day there were bashings. And then there was murder
A controversial policy known as 'racial clustering' might have put an end to the Killing Fields, but soon something far scarier would arise, something called Supermax . . . Within the stark white walls, clinical halls and solitary confinement, it is where Australia's most evil men are locked away. It is home to serial killer Ivan Milat; the 'Terror Five', militants who plotted attacks across Sydney in 2005; Brothers 4 Life founder Bassam Hamzy and gang rapist Bilal Skaf, to name a few.
Murderers, terrorists, serial killers, gangsters and rapists - soon you will meet them all inside Australia's most murderous prison.
Goulburn Jail - a name well known to many Australian's as probably the toughest (and roughest) jails in the history of this country. And this book lays bare the history of this place in, at some times, gruesome detail.
I like true crime books - I like to read about the crimes, the people who commit them, and they way they are tracked down and brought to justice. Rarely do we get a book where all of that has already occurred and we are left with prisoners. The worst of the worst, some would say. Murderers, rapists, gangsters and the like, all together in one massive melting pot. And the results were terrifying.
The writing was done in such a way that it was easy to read, informative and interesting. The history of the jail itself is fascinating but I would have liked just a little more detail there. The early chapters were a bit sketchy, flow-wise, but I think filling it out some would have helped with that.
Overall, if you are interested in the history of crime in this country, the types of people who are in jail and the people who have to deal with them on a daily basis, then this book is for you.
Paul
ARH
February 15, 2020
'Australia's Most Murderous Prison: Behind the Walls of Goulburn Jail' is a compelling non fiction read that focuses on the prisoners and correction officers within this jail. I liked how many common criminals were mentioned such as Ivan Milat, ones that the public know about.
I do feel like you need a break between these jail' books as they are such heavy, dark and sometimes sad books. I feel like I need a fluffy happy romance in between to give me some faith in the world. 😂 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars.
I do feel like you need a break between these jail' books as they are such heavy, dark and sometimes sad books. I feel like I need a fluffy happy romance in between to give me some faith in the world. 😂 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars.
August 28, 2015
Australia's Most Murderous Prison is a compelling story surrounding the history of Australia's Goulburn Jail. I wasn't sure how I would like this book as I easily get nightmares from true crime stories, and with this based in Australia makes it really creepy. But the way James narrates isn't terrifying it is more the insight into monsters lives after they have been caught which is more pathetic and sad than scary.
The narration by James is spot on he describes the life of inmates in wonderful detail and at times he is extremely humorous.
The History of Goulburn Jail is an amazing one from racial segregation, the killing fields where the most murders happened, to how Australia's most evil men such as Ivan Milat live now craving attention in the Supermax prison.
This is a great book looking into the history of Australian prisons and I would love more books on others around Australia, I highly recommend this book for any history and true crime buffs but as well anyone who would like an insight into the lifestyles of Australian criminals after they have been caught.
The narration by James is spot on he describes the life of inmates in wonderful detail and at times he is extremely humorous.
The History of Goulburn Jail is an amazing one from racial segregation, the killing fields where the most murders happened, to how Australia's most evil men such as Ivan Milat live now craving attention in the Supermax prison.
This is a great book looking into the history of Australian prisons and I would love more books on others around Australia, I highly recommend this book for any history and true crime buffs but as well anyone who would like an insight into the lifestyles of Australian criminals after they have been caught.
December 26, 2016
Gruesome? Oh yes. Give up any preconceptions around what you think goes on inside the walls of a gaol, because the reality is far more brutal. Admittedly this particular gaol houses some of our most sociopathic criminals; the kind where you learn about them and what they've done, then breathe a sigh of relief that they're incarcerated.
The book also gave me a renewed respect for the people whose job it is to keep these criminals behind the bars as well as help prevent them from killing each other. Which puts them in danger, as you'll learn when you read of the experience of one of the gaolers when the prisoners rioted.
The book also gave me a renewed respect for the people whose job it is to keep these criminals behind the bars as well as help prevent them from killing each other. Which puts them in danger, as you'll learn when you read of the experience of one of the gaolers when the prisoners rioted.
April 2, 2016
Not written well.
There were so many awkward parts to read in this. So many. One really annoying bit; the author uses the phrase "Let's meet them now..." A few too many times at the end of chapters, like its being read to us by Noni Hazelhurst.
And then it just ends, abruptly like a newspaper article, and they ran out of information.
That said, I do now have great intell on the gaol (the spelling the author didn't use) layout, how to launder money and get drugs and porn into there if I so wish.
There were so many awkward parts to read in this. So many. One really annoying bit; the author uses the phrase "Let's meet them now..." A few too many times at the end of chapters, like its being read to us by Noni Hazelhurst.
And then it just ends, abruptly like a newspaper article, and they ran out of information.
That said, I do now have great intell on the gaol (the spelling the author didn't use) layout, how to launder money and get drugs and porn into there if I so wish.
June 18, 2022
While I did learn a bit from this book, I found it to be quite biased and often described things from the prison guards POV. It made the prisoners seem inhumane and dehumanised them a lot. I wish he talked more about the treatment of prisoners and why they act in such ways.
There were also times where I found the book to be a bit slow and couldn’t absorb much information because I was bored.
There were also times where I found the book to be a bit slow and couldn’t absorb much information because I was bored.
February 27, 2017
Some interesting facts, but the author is quite condescending at times which was off putting. There was lots of this bits, but not enough detail on some interesting elements. If you like true crime it's worth a look.
December 13, 2015
I really enjoyed reading all about Goulburn Jail, I can't wait to read the one about Long Bay Jail next
June 11, 2017
Review originally published at Book of Bogan.
Few of us have a particularly good idea about what goes on behind the walls of the average prison - and most of us would like to keep it that way. In Australia's Most Murderous Prison, James Phelps takes the reader behind the walls of Goulburn Jail, through the eyes of the officers who stand guard over some of the most dangerous and notorious criminals.
To the average reader, particularly those outside New South Wales, the name Goulburn Jail might not mean much, and there is always the danger that using hyperbolic terms in book titles could backfire. Once you dig into the meat of this book however, you will discover the names - and personalities - of some of the criminals who have littered the headlines of Australian newspapers for the last 30 years. From Ivan Milat to Bilal Skaf, and Australia's very own homegrown terrorists, many of them are locked up in the Supermax unit of Goulburn Jail.
Phelps doesn't shy away from telling the gritty and disgusting stories of the things that go on behind prison walls. On occasion he gives warnings of extreme content ahead, but after reading everything that has gone before, one tends to get a little numb to some of the worst things inside. There are plenty of examples of nasty people meeting bloody, nasty ends inside, and while it is difficult to feel sorry for many of the inmates, there are definitely some tragic cases. The author definitely takes a sympathetic stance towards the subjects of the book, which surprisingly enough are the guards, rather than prisoners themselves. But one can hardly blame him for not wanting to glorifying the indefensible.
I think this will definitely appeal to fans of true crime, and learning more about some of the escapades, escapes and capers that go on behind the razor wire of prison. It is not for the faint of heart, however, but I think it has an honesty about it that makes it eminently readable.
Few of us have a particularly good idea about what goes on behind the walls of the average prison - and most of us would like to keep it that way. In Australia's Most Murderous Prison, James Phelps takes the reader behind the walls of Goulburn Jail, through the eyes of the officers who stand guard over some of the most dangerous and notorious criminals.
To the average reader, particularly those outside New South Wales, the name Goulburn Jail might not mean much, and there is always the danger that using hyperbolic terms in book titles could backfire. Once you dig into the meat of this book however, you will discover the names - and personalities - of some of the criminals who have littered the headlines of Australian newspapers for the last 30 years. From Ivan Milat to Bilal Skaf, and Australia's very own homegrown terrorists, many of them are locked up in the Supermax unit of Goulburn Jail.
Phelps doesn't shy away from telling the gritty and disgusting stories of the things that go on behind prison walls. On occasion he gives warnings of extreme content ahead, but after reading everything that has gone before, one tends to get a little numb to some of the worst things inside. There are plenty of examples of nasty people meeting bloody, nasty ends inside, and while it is difficult to feel sorry for many of the inmates, there are definitely some tragic cases. The author definitely takes a sympathetic stance towards the subjects of the book, which surprisingly enough are the guards, rather than prisoners themselves. But one can hardly blame him for not wanting to glorifying the indefensible.
I think this will definitely appeal to fans of true crime, and learning more about some of the escapades, escapes and capers that go on behind the razor wire of prison. It is not for the faint of heart, however, but I think it has an honesty about it that makes it eminently readable.
January 4, 2018
The book was betty insightful. To look into the lives of officers who risk their lives everyday protecting us from the horrible people that live in Goulburn Jail. And then there is learning about the inmates, and it makes me feel safe knowing that they are locked up away from the community. Reading what what some of the supermax inmates and the privileges they are getting, they shouldn't even be entitled to any of those privileges, they made their choice. And it was heart breaking to read about that one particular officer who got severely injured in the riot, that he now suffers from post traumatic epilepsy and memory loss.
Hands down, I enjoyed reading the book, and while reading it I've been recommending it to everyone to read, because it really is interesting to read about. Good job to the author Jamesl Phelps, after reading it, can only imagine what he had to go through to write this.
Hands down, I enjoyed reading the book, and while reading it I've been recommending it to everyone to read, because it really is interesting to read about. Good job to the author Jamesl Phelps, after reading it, can only imagine what he had to go through to write this.
June 19, 2017
A very intriguing book that allowed me to feel like I was a fly on the wall of Australia's most murderous prison. It's not filled with generalised facts and opinions but in-depth stories and experiences, many told verbatim. The book also serves as a worthy asset for anyone researching true crime in Australia, partially because it involves notable criminals such as Ivan Milat and Bilal Skaf. It was a voyeuristic perspective of a place I intend to never see.
The one issue I have with this book though is the unnecessary sarcasm, interjections, and failed attempts at gripping suspense made by the author. The issue with the author's commentary makes the book read as biased and draws question to the legitimacy of information being presented. The author needs to be reminded that the book is about telling stories from inside Goulburn Jail and not about his commentary.
The one issue I have with this book though is the unnecessary sarcasm, interjections, and failed attempts at gripping suspense made by the author. The issue with the author's commentary makes the book read as biased and draws question to the legitimacy of information being presented. The author needs to be reminded that the book is about telling stories from inside Goulburn Jail and not about his commentary.
February 5, 2018
A lot of the time, once the publicity of the trial and sentencing fade from memory we never give another thought to the newly convicted prisoner. However James Phelps' book reveals in sometimes bold and graphic detail what prison life is like - for the inmates and the men and women who guard them.
There are some tales that are horrifying, some amusing, some grotesque. There are anecdotes that made me laugh, made me shudder, and some that made me inwardly cheer (hint: reference to 'I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!').
I have another book by this author in my TBR, and am looking forward to reading it.
There are some tales that are horrifying, some amusing, some grotesque. There are anecdotes that made me laugh, made me shudder, and some that made me inwardly cheer (hint: reference to 'I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!').
I have another book by this author in my TBR, and am looking forward to reading it.
January 7, 2021
James writes such an interesting account of what goes on behind the walls of Goulburn Jail. Sometimes it is scary, sometimes you feel frustrated. They have their own way of maintaining order inside. As someone who has loved in Sydney most of my life, I followed these criminals on the news when the investigations/court proceedings were happening and it was very interesting to read about how they've reacted to being locked away.
I loved reading this book, from start to finish. Wish there were a lot more books out there like it, especially if written by James. So easy to read.
I loved reading this book, from start to finish. Wish there were a lot more books out there like it, especially if written by James. So easy to read.
January 2, 2021
I enjoyed hearing the stories told from both sides of the prison system - guards and inmates. I was interested in reading this given some of Goulburn's notorious prisoners such as; Ivan Milat, Robert Hughes, Bilal Skaf and Leslie Camilleri.
The book is well written and definitely gives an insight into the prison system.
The book is well written and definitely gives an insight into the prison system.
August 19, 2021
You can tell the author is a journalist from the Telegraph. It was written as a sensationalised piece with lots of unnecessary sound effects and comments like “let’s meet them now”, similar to a Demtel ad. The information was interesting but it was badly written with the author jumping from time lines, to different inmates and to different prison guards.
June 30, 2019
An insightful view into the happenings of one of Australia’s most dangerous prisons.
James did a brilliant job at highlighting the vulgar crimes and personalities of the inmates in an easy to read format.
I loved every second and got through the book in a day.
James did a brilliant job at highlighting the vulgar crimes and personalities of the inmates in an easy to read format.
I loved every second and got through the book in a day.
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