What do you think?
Rate this book
Заключенный 489
«А островок, что мог бы стать курортом...»
Не мог бы. Этот остров не мог стати ничем хорошим. Среди хмурых вод расположены два острова. На одном тюрьма для особо опасных преступников, а на втором кладбище куда привозят тела казненных.
Однажды на большом острове замигал свет, что говорит о том, что опять кого-то казнили, а потом на маленький привезли странный гроб. Да и гроб ли это…
Не мог бы. Этот остров не мог стати ничем хорошим. Среди хмурых вод расположены два острова. На одном тюрьма для особо опасных преступников, а на втором кладбище куда привозят тела казненных.
Однажды на большом острове замигал свет, что говорит о том, что опять кого-то казнили, а потом на маленький привезли странный гроб. Да и гроб ли это…
Audiobook
First published November 18, 2014
18 people are currently reading
659 people want to read
About the author
Joe R. Lansdale
822 books3,905 followersChampion Mojo Storyteller Joe R. Lansdale is the author of over forty novels and numerous short stories. His work has appeared in national anthologies, magazines, and collections, as well as numerous foreign publications. He has written for comics, television, film, newspapers, and Internet sites. His work has been collected in more than two dozen short-story collections, and he has edited or co-edited over a dozen anthologies. He has received the Edgar Award, eight Bram Stoker Awards, the Horror Writers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, the British Fantasy Award, the Grinzani Cavour Prize for Literature, the Herodotus Historical Fiction Award, the Inkpot Award for Contributions to Science Fiction and Fantasy, and many others. His novella Bubba Ho-Tep was adapted to film by Don Coscarelli, starring Bruce Campbell and Ossie Davis. His story "Incident On and Off a Mountain Road" was adapted to film for Showtime's "Masters of Horror," and he adapted his short story "Christmas with the Dead" to film hisownself. The film adaptation of his novel Cold in July was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, and the Sundance Channel has adapted his Hap & Leonard novels for television.
He is currently co-producing several films, among them The Bottoms, based on his Edgar Award-winning novel, with Bill Paxton and Brad Wyman, and The Drive-In, with Greg Nicotero. He is Writer In Residence at Stephen F. Austin State University, and is the founder of the martial arts system Shen Chuan: Martial Science and its affiliate, Shen Chuan Family System. He is a member of both the United States and International Martial Arts Halls of Fame. He lives in Nacogdoches, Texas with his wife, dog, and two cats.
He is currently co-producing several films, among them The Bottoms, based on his Edgar Award-winning novel, with Bill Paxton and Brad Wyman, and The Drive-In, with Greg Nicotero. He is Writer In Residence at Stephen F. Austin State University, and is the founder of the martial arts system Shen Chuan: Martial Science and its affiliate, Shen Chuan Family System. He is a member of both the United States and International Martial Arts Halls of Fame. He lives in Nacogdoches, Texas with his wife, dog, and two cats.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
November 24, 2014
Bernard, Wilson, and Toggle work at a prison graveyard on an island near an island prison. When Prisoner 489 is executed, they use the electric chair on him four times and put a plastic bag over his dead. But when he gets to the island for burial, he's not quite dead and in a foul mood...
I contributed money to the Kickstarter for this Dark Regions Novella by Joe Lansdale. I was not disappointed.
Prisoner 489 is the story of three men battling something that can't die. That's pretty much all I'm going to divulge of the plot. Imagine being trapped on an island with an unstoppable monster and you've got a pretty good idea of what sort of novel this is.
In just a few pages, Lansdale manages to establish the three workers who live on the island, Kettle, the man who brings them their supplies once a week, and Prisoner 489, who is more of a force of nature than a character.
Lansdale's writing is top notch but it took me a few pages to get into the story. Once the prisoner shows up, the story goes into high gear and the pages won't turn fast enough. As always, the story is told in Joe Lansdale's front porch style, making it an easy but compelling read.
The illustrations by Santiago Caruso add a lot to the story and I can't wait to see the finished product.
If you're looking for a horror novella to read this holiday season, Prisoner 489 will meet your needs, right up until he tears your leg off and beats you to death with it. 4 out of 5 stars.
I contributed money to the Kickstarter for this Dark Regions Novella by Joe Lansdale. I was not disappointed.
Prisoner 489 is the story of three men battling something that can't die. That's pretty much all I'm going to divulge of the plot. Imagine being trapped on an island with an unstoppable monster and you've got a pretty good idea of what sort of novel this is.
In just a few pages, Lansdale manages to establish the three workers who live on the island, Kettle, the man who brings them their supplies once a week, and Prisoner 489, who is more of a force of nature than a character.
Lansdale's writing is top notch but it took me a few pages to get into the story. Once the prisoner shows up, the story goes into high gear and the pages won't turn fast enough. As always, the story is told in Joe Lansdale's front porch style, making it an easy but compelling read.
The illustrations by Santiago Caruso add a lot to the story and I can't wait to see the finished product.
If you're looking for a horror novella to read this holiday season, Prisoner 489 will meet your needs, right up until he tears your leg off and beats you to death with it. 4 out of 5 stars.
November 19, 2014
Lansdale is the man! The dude can straight up tell a crazy engaging story. Prisoner 489 is no exception. I went into this one cold without reading any blurbs, reviews or the synopsis. The only clue I had to the story was the cover (and obviously the title).
This review does contain spoilers that I will hide. I would not read them if you have not already read the novella, but that's just me. You have been warned :)
I wasn’t sure where this one was going…until the coffin showed up. Then I knew it was going to get crazy. The history of the prison and the island was very well done in typical Lansdale style, revealing just enough back-story to be utterly satisfying without spending too many words to get the point across.
Overall, an excellent and very enjoyable novella from one of the all time masters. This one is fast paced and reads quickly. I blew through it too fast and I didn’t want this one to end. Solid 4.5 Stars and Highly Recommended!
SPOLIER ALERT
This review does contain spoilers that I will hide. I would not read them if you have not already read the novella, but that's just me. You have been warned :)
I wasn’t sure where this one was going…until the coffin showed up. Then I knew it was going to get crazy. The history of the prison and the island was very well done in typical Lansdale style, revealing just enough back-story to be utterly satisfying without spending too many words to get the point across.
Overall, an excellent and very enjoyable novella from one of the all time masters. This one is fast paced and reads quickly. I blew through it too fast and I didn’t want this one to end. Solid 4.5 Stars and Highly Recommended!
SPOLIER ALERT
May 7, 2015
This small book is essentially an American Folk Tale or perhaps a Tall Tale in the manor of Paul Bunion or Pecos Bill. Perhaps not one of Mr. Lansdales best works, regardless it's always fun to read him and he sure keeps his humor rolling in this adventure.
A word about the illustrations. Illustrated by Santiago Caruso with 9+ Color Interior Illustrations, I am wondering if Mr. Caruso even read the book. The guy on the cover and the interior illustrations is described multiple times as being seven feet tall and five feet wide. I enjoy Mr. Caruso's work and think the cover to this book is striking, but the pictures don't enhance the story.
This book is printed in a number of editions from Dark Regions Press. An E-book, A paperback, a signed paperback, Cowhide-Bound Ultra Deluxe 3x Signed 13 Hardcover w/ Bonus Illustration Housed in Black Labyrinth Traycase, Leather-Bound Deluxe 2x Signed 52 Hardcover Housed in Black Labyrinth Slipcase, Signed and Numbered, 400 Hardcover Front Cover Stamped with Black Labyrinth Logo.
Buy whatever version fits your needs, however let me say, even the hardcover at Fifty Bucks is about a dollar a page. And the type is not small.
Just sayin.
A word about the illustrations. Illustrated by Santiago Caruso with 9+ Color Interior Illustrations, I am wondering if Mr. Caruso even read the book. The guy on the cover and the interior illustrations is described multiple times as being seven feet tall and five feet wide. I enjoy Mr. Caruso's work and think the cover to this book is striking, but the pictures don't enhance the story.
This book is printed in a number of editions from Dark Regions Press. An E-book, A paperback, a signed paperback, Cowhide-Bound Ultra Deluxe 3x Signed 13 Hardcover w/ Bonus Illustration Housed in Black Labyrinth Traycase, Leather-Bound Deluxe 2x Signed 52 Hardcover Housed in Black Labyrinth Slipcase, Signed and Numbered, 400 Hardcover Front Cover Stamped with Black Labyrinth Logo.
Buy whatever version fits your needs, however let me say, even the hardcover at Fifty Bucks is about a dollar a page. And the type is not small.
Just sayin.
December 14, 2014
Two islands, one a prison containing the worst of the worst, those never to be released, each known only by number. A place where the electric chair practically sings with use. The second, a giant cemetery amongst other things where every grave is marked with just a number.
I was definitely intrigued, three men inhabit this giant grave yard island, digging the graves, tending vegetable patches and a bit of general maintenance. Their slow sedentary lives are about to change however and the shit’s seriously about to hit the fan with the arrival of the corpse of Prisoner 489.
Okay I'm liking it up to that point, then the story takes a decided turn for the worst and rapidly cartwheels downhill. The author decides to give the game away early on with an explanation of the horror about to encompass the island, given away by one guy and his trusty encyclopaedia and even how to remedy the horror’s about to descend on them. Pretty cheap if you ask me, ruined the story and gave the game away early on with an almost casual reveal, no element of surprise and it was only ever going to end one way. Disappointing.
There is the occasional glimpse of the Lansdale humour but it couldn't rescue a tale that didn't even attempt to hide the path it was going to take.
Also posted at http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
I was definitely intrigued, three men inhabit this giant grave yard island, digging the graves, tending vegetable patches and a bit of general maintenance. Their slow sedentary lives are about to change however and the shit’s seriously about to hit the fan with the arrival of the corpse of Prisoner 489.
Okay I'm liking it up to that point, then the story takes a decided turn for the worst and rapidly cartwheels downhill. The author decides to give the game away early on with an explanation of the horror about to encompass the island, given away by one guy and his trusty encyclopaedia and even how to remedy the horror’s about to descend on them. Pretty cheap if you ask me, ruined the story and gave the game away early on with an almost casual reveal, no element of surprise and it was only ever going to end one way. Disappointing.
There is the occasional glimpse of the Lansdale humour but it couldn't rescue a tale that didn't even attempt to hide the path it was going to take.
Also posted at http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
November 25, 2014
It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I started getting to know the personalities of the key characters and the purpose that the islands served, I was hooked. The atmosphere was set perfectly, and I really felt that I understood the deep-rooted melancholy that the "main" character, Bernard, was afflicted with.
The three caretakers, Bernard, Toggle, and Wilson, are on the smaller of two islands: their tasks are trivial, with the exception of when a prisoner is executed on the main island, and brought over by boat for burial there. Immediately it's made clear that there is something "different" about the type of inmates housed in the prison. There was enough said to satisfactorily set the tone for the novella, but I feel that Lansdale could easily expand on this idea, creating a novel-length work based on that alone.
The story begins to pick up speed at a fantastic pace when "Prisoner 489" is brought over for burial. Aside from the extra precautions taken to secure his coffin, the immense size of this prisoner and circumstances surrounding his execution cause quite a bit of unease--even before the main catastrophe strikes! By the time the caretakers realize that Prisoner 489 was not as "dead" as they thought he was, there isn't a moment where the action lets up. The enigma surrounding 489 is one that I was previously familiar with, and while I wished Lansdale had gone into more depth with this, as a novella-length, I can only say that enough was put in to get the main points across to the reader.
Other than a couple of inconsistencies, and a desire to know more about the main prison, itself, I enjoyed this dark tale and its illustrations--which I can't wait to see in a h/c version.
Recommended!
The three caretakers, Bernard, Toggle, and Wilson, are on the smaller of two islands: their tasks are trivial, with the exception of when a prisoner is executed on the main island, and brought over by boat for burial there. Immediately it's made clear that there is something "different" about the type of inmates housed in the prison. There was enough said to satisfactorily set the tone for the novella, but I feel that Lansdale could easily expand on this idea, creating a novel-length work based on that alone.
The story begins to pick up speed at a fantastic pace when "Prisoner 489" is brought over for burial. Aside from the extra precautions taken to secure his coffin, the immense size of this prisoner and circumstances surrounding his execution cause quite a bit of unease--even before the main catastrophe strikes! By the time the caretakers realize that Prisoner 489 was not as "dead" as they thought he was, there isn't a moment where the action lets up. The enigma surrounding 489 is one that I was previously familiar with, and while I wished Lansdale had gone into more depth with this, as a novella-length, I can only say that enough was put in to get the main points across to the reader.
Other than a couple of inconsistencies, and a desire to know more about the main prison, itself, I enjoyed this dark tale and its illustrations--which I can't wait to see in a h/c version.
Recommended!
November 21, 2016
2.5 stars
When I read the summary of this one on Dark Region's website, I got excited because it sounded great! As soon as I got the ebook from them, I dug in for what I expected to be a great time.
Unfortunately, no. The book started out slowly, fleshing out the few main characters it contains before moving the antagonist into the picture. Once it appeared, things picked up a little but the conversation between the characters was very flat, especially for people that are supposed to be terrified and nearly dying every few pages. Given the total lack of emotion from them, they could have been discussing the weather, politics or what they had for supper. I certainly felt NONE of the terror and tension that they should have been experiencing.
There were some beautiful illustrations in this advance copy but instead of adding to the story, they retracted from it. Comparing the illustrations to the story, there were several inconsistencies such as size of the creature, articles of clothing and placement of restraints. I loved the illustrations but I feel that the text should have matched them.
Lastly, there were several mistakes in punctuation and one case of sloppy editing where a piece of equipment that was gone from the story magically reappeared. Maybe it's just me but that sort of thing yanks me right out of a story.
All in all, I was very disappointed in this book and felt that it could have been so much better with better dialogue and another pass at editing.
When I read the summary of this one on Dark Region's website, I got excited because it sounded great! As soon as I got the ebook from them, I dug in for what I expected to be a great time.
Unfortunately, no. The book started out slowly, fleshing out the few main characters it contains before moving the antagonist into the picture. Once it appeared, things picked up a little but the conversation between the characters was very flat, especially for people that are supposed to be terrified and nearly dying every few pages. Given the total lack of emotion from them, they could have been discussing the weather, politics or what they had for supper. I certainly felt NONE of the terror and tension that they should have been experiencing.
There were some beautiful illustrations in this advance copy but instead of adding to the story, they retracted from it. Comparing the illustrations to the story, there were several inconsistencies such as size of the creature, articles of clothing and placement of restraints. I loved the illustrations but I feel that the text should have matched them.
Lastly, there were several mistakes in punctuation and one case of sloppy editing where a piece of equipment that was gone from the story magically reappeared. Maybe it's just me but that sort of thing yanks me right out of a story.
All in all, I was very disappointed in this book and felt that it could have been so much better with better dialogue and another pass at editing.
September 2, 2015
Everybody has secrets they don't want others to know. But screw it, here's one of mine. I'm going to put it out there and then just let it be:
This was my first ever Joe R. Lansdale read.
There. Now that shameful secret has been acknowledged, I can move on to say this was an enjoyable novella. Not flat out amazing, but a quality, atmospheric read that had me engaged from the moment the island on which the events take place was established.
As most seem to acknowledge, Lansdale writes with an economy of expression that is enviable. There is little superfluous or unneeded (unlike this sentence) about his writing in Prisoner 489. But it drew me in effectively and really had me wanting to know more about the prison which is an adjunct to most of action in this tale.
As it stands, we follow Bernard and his team of two underlings who are caretakers for the burial ground of a prison on a nearby island. When the latest inmate from that prison is "put down", things immediately seem weird to Bernard and it isn't long before he and his team are battling for their lives...
The evil in this one is well-described, helped by the illustrations of Santiago Caruso. I'm not sure I'd want illustrations in every book I pick up, but as something out of the ordinary, I enjoyed these ones. The characters are well-established, the action easy to follow, and if the early atmosphere is somewhat diminished once the threat is identified, well, one can't have everything one wants.
Wholly satisfying, and strong enough to have me anticipating which Lansdale book I should next pick up, Prisoner 489 won't set any records for originality, but it's a great read recommended for a stormy, winter's night.
4 Unstoppable Forces Meeting Immovable Objects for Prisoner 489.
This was my first ever Joe R. Lansdale read.
There. Now that shameful secret has been acknowledged, I can move on to say this was an enjoyable novella. Not flat out amazing, but a quality, atmospheric read that had me engaged from the moment the island on which the events take place was established.
As most seem to acknowledge, Lansdale writes with an economy of expression that is enviable. There is little superfluous or unneeded (unlike this sentence) about his writing in Prisoner 489. But it drew me in effectively and really had me wanting to know more about the prison which is an adjunct to most of action in this tale.
As it stands, we follow Bernard and his team of two underlings who are caretakers for the burial ground of a prison on a nearby island. When the latest inmate from that prison is "put down", things immediately seem weird to Bernard and it isn't long before he and his team are battling for their lives...
The evil in this one is well-described, helped by the illustrations of Santiago Caruso. I'm not sure I'd want illustrations in every book I pick up, but as something out of the ordinary, I enjoyed these ones. The characters are well-established, the action easy to follow, and if the early atmosphere is somewhat diminished once the threat is identified, well, one can't have everything one wants.
Wholly satisfying, and strong enough to have me anticipating which Lansdale book I should next pick up, Prisoner 489 won't set any records for originality, but it's a great read recommended for a stormy, winter's night.
4 Unstoppable Forces Meeting Immovable Objects for Prisoner 489.
December 14, 2014
Two islands, one a prison containing the worst of the worst, those never to be released, each known only by number. A place where the electric chair practically sings with use. The second, a giant cemetery amongst other things where every grave is marked with just a number.
I was definitely intrigued, three men inhabit this giant grave yard island, digging the graves, tending vegetable patches and a bit of general maintenance. Their slow sedentary lives are about to change however and the shit’s seriously about to hit the fan with the arrival of the corpse of Prisoner 489.
Okay I'm liking it up to that point, then the story takes a decided turn for the worst and rapidly cartwheels downhill. The author decides to give the game away early on with an explanation of the horror about to encompass the island, given away by one guy and his trusty encyclopaedia and even how to remedy the horror’s about to descend on them. Pretty cheap if you ask me, ruined the story and gave the game away early on with an almost casual reveal, no element of surprise and it was only ever going to end one way. Disappointing.
There is the occasional glimpse of the Lansdale humour but it couldn't rescue a tale that didn't even attempt to hide the path it was going to take.
Also posted at http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
I was definitely intrigued, three men inhabit this giant grave yard island, digging the graves, tending vegetable patches and a bit of general maintenance. Their slow sedentary lives are about to change however and the shit’s seriously about to hit the fan with the arrival of the corpse of Prisoner 489.
Okay I'm liking it up to that point, then the story takes a decided turn for the worst and rapidly cartwheels downhill. The author decides to give the game away early on with an explanation of the horror about to encompass the island, given away by one guy and his trusty encyclopaedia and even how to remedy the horror’s about to descend on them. Pretty cheap if you ask me, ruined the story and gave the game away early on with an almost casual reveal, no element of surprise and it was only ever going to end one way. Disappointing.
There is the occasional glimpse of the Lansdale humour but it couldn't rescue a tale that didn't even attempt to hide the path it was going to take.
Also posted at http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
February 6, 2023
Joe Lansdale is one of my favorite authors. I have read all of his Hap and Leonard novels as well as many of his stand-alones and short story collections. I have enjoyed them all and have not been disappointed in any of them. PRISONER 489 is a short horror novella that takes place on an island that services a prison on a nearby larger island. The prison houses the worst of the worst and apparently it is an international location run by the UN. The smaller island also contains the graveyard for the prison where the bodies are buried after execution by electric chair. Bernard, Wilson, and Toggle work there and when Prisoner 489 was executed it took four charges of electricity and then a plastic bag put over his head. But did this really kill him? The body is delivered by boat to the small island and it is contained in a metal coffin wrapped in padlocked chains instead of the normal biodegradable wood/cardboard box. The coffin is very heavy and Kettle, who delivers the body, tells a strange tale about the prisoner including that he never ate. So who or what is this person? Well, after the body is buried, the grave is unearthed and the body is gone. So what is it and how could it still be alive? The caretakers on the island really don't want to know...
This was a really good little horror story from Lansdale that kept me reading. Although short at only 57 pages, the story packed a punch and I enjoyed it a lot. Another winner from Lansdale.
This was a really good little horror story from Lansdale that kept me reading. Although short at only 57 pages, the story packed a punch and I enjoyed it a lot. Another winner from Lansdale.
December 2, 2014
PRISONER 489 is one of these books that would've benefited a half-point ranking because it would deserve 4.5. The only real issue I've got with this novella is that it's a little slow and contemplative at the start but it's kind of a necessary evil when you're writing a gothic story.
It's not REALLY a gothic story though, not in the classic sense of the term. PRISONER 489 is still very Lansdalesque, which can quality itself through vivid imagery, powerful dialogue,smartassery and ridiculously good comprehension of narrative structures. Well beyond mine, really hence why I always feel like a 12 year old at the movies when I read his novels.
PRISONER 489 is a gothic/horror/adventure/Lansdalesque novella that adds itself to a long resume of killer pulp stories. Now if you'll excuse me, I just rated a Joe Lansdale book under 5 stars, I need to go take a shower.
It's not REALLY a gothic story though, not in the classic sense of the term. PRISONER 489 is still very Lansdalesque, which can quality itself through vivid imagery, powerful dialogue,smartassery and ridiculously good comprehension of narrative structures. Well beyond mine, really hence why I always feel like a 12 year old at the movies when I read his novels.
PRISONER 489 is a gothic/horror/adventure/Lansdalesque novella that adds itself to a long resume of killer pulp stories. Now if you'll excuse me, I just rated a Joe Lansdale book under 5 stars, I need to go take a shower.
November 18, 2014
Originally published at Risingshadow.
Joe R. Lansdale needs no introduction to horror and thriller readers, because he's a well-known author and a good storyteller who has written excellent novels and stories. His latest novella, Prisoner 489, is proof of his writing skills, because it's an atmospheric and well written horror story about men who have to find a way to kill an extremely dangerous being or be killed themselves.
In my opinion Prisoner 489 is one of the best horror novellas of the year. It's a perfect example of a modern yet classic supernatural horror story that features a remote place and men who have no where to run. It contains all the necessary elements to thrill a horror reader who expects to read a good story.
Here's a bit of information about the story:
The events take place on two islands that are cut off from the rest of the world. There's a prison on the larger island and it has been designed to hold dangerous and different kind of prisoners that can't be held safely anywhere else. Bernard, Wilson and Toggle live on the smaller island. Wilson tends to the garden and Toggle takes care of fixing things. Bernard is their foreman and has taught them all that they know about their jobs. There's a graveyard on the island where executed prisoners are buried. Their graves are marked only with numbered thin white slats. The latest executed prisoner, prisoner 489, arrives to the smaller island in a bit different way than the previous bodies, because his body is in a metal coffin that's wrapped in chains (the staff had to do certain things to ensure his death, because executing him was extremely difficult). When he's buried to the graveyard, he rises from his grave during a rough and violent storm...
Bernard is an interesting character, because he has lived a long time on the island and has had a bit different kind of a life. Joe R. Lansdale focuses on him and writes fluently about his feelings about the island and the other men. I think it's good that the author spends enough time describing what Bernard feels about different things and the conditions on the island, because it adds depth and psychological credibility to the story.
The fight against the prisoner 489 is handled well. The author shows how desperate the situation is for Bernard, because there's no way to run on the island. The whole island has been totally cut off from the mainland. Bernard has to think how to kill the prisoner or he will soon end up dead.
The descriptions of the prison and its walls are fascinatingly macabre and atmospheric. The descriptions of the executions and all things related to them are fantastically sinister and vivid. I think that these decriptions will please hardcore horror fans, because the author doesn't sugarcoat the happenings, but writes boldly about what happens to the prisoners. The author also writes thrillingly about the fates of the staff members when they've spent too much time in the prison.
Reading about what kind of rumours were told about the executed prisoner 489 was fascinating for me. He supposedly spent three years in perfect isolation and didn't eat or drink anything, but managed to survive without any kind of nourishment. I enjoyed reading about what was revealed about him (it was especially interesting to read about what kind of a being he really was and why it was difficult to kill him).
Joe R. Lansdale gradually builds up tension and tightens the atmosphere in a good way. He knows how to write a creepy and entertaining horror story that contains brutality and surprises. I think it's good to mention that because there are a few graphic descriptions of violence and references to sexual activities in this novella, it's not a novella for the squeamish.
This novella offers supernatural horror and - of course - blood and intestines in an entertaining and fluently written format to horror fans. It will delight both hardcore fans and newcomers, who have seldom read horror stories, because it's a well written and entertaining story. I think that Joe R. Lansdale's fans will be pleased with this story.
The artwork by Santiago Caruso looks beautiful. You can see examples of his artwork on the Dark Regions Press website. Please, check them out, because they look great.
Joe R. Lansdale's Prisoner 489 is a thoroughbred horror novella that should to be read by all horror fans who enjoy reading supernatural horror stories, because it's good horror entertainment. It's the best kind of creepy and entertaining supernatural horror available for horror readers.
Excellent and atmospheric horror novella!
Joe R. Lansdale needs no introduction to horror and thriller readers, because he's a well-known author and a good storyteller who has written excellent novels and stories. His latest novella, Prisoner 489, is proof of his writing skills, because it's an atmospheric and well written horror story about men who have to find a way to kill an extremely dangerous being or be killed themselves.
In my opinion Prisoner 489 is one of the best horror novellas of the year. It's a perfect example of a modern yet classic supernatural horror story that features a remote place and men who have no where to run. It contains all the necessary elements to thrill a horror reader who expects to read a good story.
Here's a bit of information about the story:
The events take place on two islands that are cut off from the rest of the world. There's a prison on the larger island and it has been designed to hold dangerous and different kind of prisoners that can't be held safely anywhere else. Bernard, Wilson and Toggle live on the smaller island. Wilson tends to the garden and Toggle takes care of fixing things. Bernard is their foreman and has taught them all that they know about their jobs. There's a graveyard on the island where executed prisoners are buried. Their graves are marked only with numbered thin white slats. The latest executed prisoner, prisoner 489, arrives to the smaller island in a bit different way than the previous bodies, because his body is in a metal coffin that's wrapped in chains (the staff had to do certain things to ensure his death, because executing him was extremely difficult). When he's buried to the graveyard, he rises from his grave during a rough and violent storm...
Bernard is an interesting character, because he has lived a long time on the island and has had a bit different kind of a life. Joe R. Lansdale focuses on him and writes fluently about his feelings about the island and the other men. I think it's good that the author spends enough time describing what Bernard feels about different things and the conditions on the island, because it adds depth and psychological credibility to the story.
The fight against the prisoner 489 is handled well. The author shows how desperate the situation is for Bernard, because there's no way to run on the island. The whole island has been totally cut off from the mainland. Bernard has to think how to kill the prisoner or he will soon end up dead.
The descriptions of the prison and its walls are fascinatingly macabre and atmospheric. The descriptions of the executions and all things related to them are fantastically sinister and vivid. I think that these decriptions will please hardcore horror fans, because the author doesn't sugarcoat the happenings, but writes boldly about what happens to the prisoners. The author also writes thrillingly about the fates of the staff members when they've spent too much time in the prison.
Reading about what kind of rumours were told about the executed prisoner 489 was fascinating for me. He supposedly spent three years in perfect isolation and didn't eat or drink anything, but managed to survive without any kind of nourishment. I enjoyed reading about what was revealed about him (it was especially interesting to read about what kind of a being he really was and why it was difficult to kill him).
Joe R. Lansdale gradually builds up tension and tightens the atmosphere in a good way. He knows how to write a creepy and entertaining horror story that contains brutality and surprises. I think it's good to mention that because there are a few graphic descriptions of violence and references to sexual activities in this novella, it's not a novella for the squeamish.
This novella offers supernatural horror and - of course - blood and intestines in an entertaining and fluently written format to horror fans. It will delight both hardcore fans and newcomers, who have seldom read horror stories, because it's a well written and entertaining story. I think that Joe R. Lansdale's fans will be pleased with this story.
The artwork by Santiago Caruso looks beautiful. You can see examples of his artwork on the Dark Regions Press website. Please, check them out, because they look great.
Joe R. Lansdale's Prisoner 489 is a thoroughbred horror novella that should to be read by all horror fans who enjoy reading supernatural horror stories, because it's good horror entertainment. It's the best kind of creepy and entertaining supernatural horror available for horror readers.
Excellent and atmospheric horror novella!
January 5, 2015
Joe R. Lansdale has long been one of my favorite writers. He is also an author who writes in a number of genres. Lately he seems to be releasing a lot of mysteries and westerns. So I was especially happy to see this 60 page piece of original horror fiction show up at the end of the year. The fact that it is nicely bound by the high quality publisher Dark Regions Press and has great illustrations by Santiago Caruso is icing on the cake. You see, it was his horror fiction back in the so called "splatter-punk" days of the 80s that first attracted me to his works. So this is sort of a literary reunion for me.
Prisoner 489 is short. But it is quality writing on every page. The basic plot centers around workers on a small island that is used as a prison graveyard. As usual, Lansdale sets up the stage and players expertly. One of the things you can rely on with a Lansdale story is dialogue that is clever and witty but realistic to the characters. His stories tend to be on the macho side and this one is no exception. I will not reveal the horror aspects of the story except to say the author gives us a legendary creature and places him in an unusual environment. Creativity and taut action writing is what makes this piece of short fiction work. Prisoner 489 is a nice return to the type of horror that made Lansdale a name in the field. I love his mysteries and westerns too but this is the type of writing that a fan of weird fiction yearns for. Four and a half stars.
Prisoner 489 is short. But it is quality writing on every page. The basic plot centers around workers on a small island that is used as a prison graveyard. As usual, Lansdale sets up the stage and players expertly. One of the things you can rely on with a Lansdale story is dialogue that is clever and witty but realistic to the characters. His stories tend to be on the macho side and this one is no exception. I will not reveal the horror aspects of the story except to say the author gives us a legendary creature and places him in an unusual environment. Creativity and taut action writing is what makes this piece of short fiction work. Prisoner 489 is a nice return to the type of horror that made Lansdale a name in the field. I love his mysteries and westerns too but this is the type of writing that a fan of weird fiction yearns for. Four and a half stars.
August 29, 2017
I'd recommend this for a quick Halloween time read. The story is engaging enough, if somewhat predictable. The prose quality varies from 'good', for much of the story, to 'lame' for a smaller amount of time. I've not read a great deal of the authors work but I'm absolutely certain that he has written many superior works than this. I don't think this is quite a 3 star book but it's better than 2 stars. Enjoyable enough and good for a dark windy and rainy Halloween night.
December 7, 2014
Joe R Lansdale, need I say more? The long awaited novella is a well written and beautifully illustrated book. Santiago Caruso has created a stunning set of illustrations to accompany Prisoner 489 and you are most definitely going to want a hard copy.
Bernard lives on a small island along with two other men, Toggle and Wilson. The three of them prisoners of sort, one step from freedom. Overshadowing their little island is a larger island, an ugly, dismal island, home to an imposing prison that houses the worse of the worse. When a prisoner dies he is ferried over to the smaller island for burial. Plots are marked by number, no names needed.
The time comes when Prisoner 489 is slated for execution. 489 is one that exudes evil. It takes four attempts to electrocute him, before ferrying him over to the small island. Taking no chances with one that was so hard to execute, 489 is placed in a steel coffin, wrapped in chains.
A storm is brewing and there is an uneasy feeling in the air. Bernard, worried about Toggle goes in search of him. What he finds is beyond belief, an evil so horrific has been unleashed and the battle-lines are drawn.
I don’t know about you, but when I read a book by Joe, I feel like he’s there before me telling the story. He has a magical way with words, that allows for an uninterrupted flow. This was so worth the wait!
Bernard lives on a small island along with two other men, Toggle and Wilson. The three of them prisoners of sort, one step from freedom. Overshadowing their little island is a larger island, an ugly, dismal island, home to an imposing prison that houses the worse of the worse. When a prisoner dies he is ferried over to the smaller island for burial. Plots are marked by number, no names needed.
The time comes when Prisoner 489 is slated for execution. 489 is one that exudes evil. It takes four attempts to electrocute him, before ferrying him over to the small island. Taking no chances with one that was so hard to execute, 489 is placed in a steel coffin, wrapped in chains.
A storm is brewing and there is an uneasy feeling in the air. Bernard, worried about Toggle goes in search of him. What he finds is beyond belief, an evil so horrific has been unleashed and the battle-lines are drawn.
I don’t know about you, but when I read a book by Joe, I feel like he’s there before me telling the story. He has a magical way with words, that allows for an uninterrupted flow. This was so worth the wait!
December 23, 2018
Not what I expected. Bit disappointed.
March 11, 2019
O qədər dəxlisiz kitab idi ki, şərh yazmağı unutmuşam. Bundan absurd süjet ola bilməzdi. Ümumi mifologiyanın ən popular olmayan personajını bizim dünyaya bağlamaq və bütün süjetin yanlız onun tutulmasına həsr edilməsi qədər bərbad heç nə ola bilməzdi.
October 10, 2016
Great art, a decent story but not one I think will be particularly memorable. It's got that great Lansdale humor and a couple of good bits but the story was a little meh. I felt guilty because I kept starting it and stopping it so even though it was 90 some odd pages, it took me two months to read. Lansdale's got much better stuff out there.
October 21, 2021
This was my first Joe Landsdale book and I enjoyed it. This was a bit different than what I was expecting. It was a fast-paced read with just the right amount of blood and gore. This one is short so I don't want to give too much away. If you like horror novellas, give this one a shot!
January 31, 2015
Prisoner 489 by Joe R. Lansdale (with illustrations by Santiago Caruso) – Three prisoners live and work on a very small island near a larger prison island for the most ruthless criminals. The men on the smaller island handle burials and tend the cemetery for executed prisoners, which is a fairly easy and routine life for them. However, the execution of a prisoner who endured several maximum charges in the electric chair before he succumbed, brought them a nightmare. The burial went fine, but later that night something killed one of the cemetery men and the other two were faced with a terrifying and brutal struggle for their lives. This thrilling horror novella and its illustrations are terrific.
January 11, 2015
This should get the 2015 Bram Stoker Award! One of Joe Lansdale's best offerings in the horror genre.
Joe R Lansdale writes in a variety of genres and, while horror is probably my least favorite, he absolutely excels at it. This is a short novella, only around 90 pages, but he builds a world that feels complete: an eerie atmosphere, characters full of quiet desperation, and hints of a larger mythology lurking behind the shadows. Prisoner 489 blends a slightly surreal camp-fire ghost story with believable action sequences, tinged throughout by the moral ambiguities of a prison system where criminals are held without trial and executed without compassion.
The accompanying artwork by Santiage Caruso capture the feel and mood of the story perfectly.
Joe R Lansdale writes in a variety of genres and, while horror is probably my least favorite, he absolutely excels at it. This is a short novella, only around 90 pages, but he builds a world that feels complete: an eerie atmosphere, characters full of quiet desperation, and hints of a larger mythology lurking behind the shadows. Prisoner 489 blends a slightly surreal camp-fire ghost story with believable action sequences, tinged throughout by the moral ambiguities of a prison system where criminals are held without trial and executed without compassion.
The accompanying artwork by Santiage Caruso capture the feel and mood of the story perfectly.
June 16, 2016
I am a big fan of Joe Lansdale's work so of course I had to read this novella by him. It's basically a modern telling of a folk tale but Lansdale puts his spin on it, storyteller that he is, and makes it a fun read.
Two islands - one a prison island with the worst of the worst incarcerated there and the other smaller island the home to three prisoners or past prisoners who now take care of the prison cemetery - Bernard, Wilson, and Toggle.
Lansdale brings his characters alive word by glorious word and I especially enjoyed the illustrations in this story done by Santiago Caruso.
Two islands - one a prison island with the worst of the worst incarcerated there and the other smaller island the home to three prisoners or past prisoners who now take care of the prison cemetery - Bernard, Wilson, and Toggle.
Lansdale brings his characters alive word by glorious word and I especially enjoyed the illustrations in this story done by Santiago Caruso.
October 18, 2015
In the tradition of a 'Joe' story it's packed full of story arcs and information in as few words as possible! In other words, it keeps you turning the page. By taking the an old story and inserting it in a different time and place the reader experiences a 'fight for your life' through characters who you quickly get to know. Trying to avoid spoilers here and it's getting pretty difficult so I'm going to cut this short. If you like a play on old myths then pick this one up.
January 20, 2015
Another Joe R. Lansdale story that hooks the reader in and delivers a fantastic tale. This involves living on a prison island where the worst of the worst are serving their prison sentence including Prisoner 489, who is not what you think.
January 15, 2017
Fun and quick monster story.
March 5, 2018
From Casual Debris.
As the second installment of Dark Regions Press's series of novallas by established genre authors, Dark Labyrinth, Prisoner 489 welcomed Lansdale back to folds of traditional horror. The novella takes place on a small burial island near a maximum security prison, where the executed are laid to rest. Doing time for their own misdeeds, three men live and work the island, and are faced with an unusual situation when the corpse of the latest prisoner, labeled 489, is brought to the island for burial.
The novella can be broken down into three distinct sections: the premise, the tale of Prisoner 489, and the final ensuing island chase. The strongest third of the book is the first, where we learn of the burial island and its three inhabitants. The island setting and the repetitive routine of the three occupants is so interesting that the book, what is essentially a stretched out short story, could have been further stretched out to novel-length. For the state to invest so much in the burial of executed prisoners is a fascinating detail in itself, indicating that these prisoners are unique, a fact confirmed by the unnamed 489.
While Lansdale does well in serving up an excellent premise and landscape, the characters who inhabit this little island are a little too generic. While being serviceable, the climactic chase scene manages to somehow diminish them a little, rather than allow them to blend into the drama. The attempt at humour during the tense moments unfortunately does not help. Despite this aside the book is a good read, and gorgeously presented in layout, and particularly with the inclusion of the excellent artwork by Santiago Caruso. Generous in number, each illustration is worth its page. In fact, the little book's entire design is sleek and attractive, adding to the reading experience. For me the physical book itself can be as valued as its contents, and in this case it even enhances the experience of reading.
As the second installment of Dark Regions Press's series of novallas by established genre authors, Dark Labyrinth, Prisoner 489 welcomed Lansdale back to folds of traditional horror. The novella takes place on a small burial island near a maximum security prison, where the executed are laid to rest. Doing time for their own misdeeds, three men live and work the island, and are faced with an unusual situation when the corpse of the latest prisoner, labeled 489, is brought to the island for burial.
The novella can be broken down into three distinct sections: the premise, the tale of Prisoner 489, and the final ensuing island chase. The strongest third of the book is the first, where we learn of the burial island and its three inhabitants. The island setting and the repetitive routine of the three occupants is so interesting that the book, what is essentially a stretched out short story, could have been further stretched out to novel-length. For the state to invest so much in the burial of executed prisoners is a fascinating detail in itself, indicating that these prisoners are unique, a fact confirmed by the unnamed 489.
While Lansdale does well in serving up an excellent premise and landscape, the characters who inhabit this little island are a little too generic. While being serviceable, the climactic chase scene manages to somehow diminish them a little, rather than allow them to blend into the drama. The attempt at humour during the tense moments unfortunately does not help. Despite this aside the book is a good read, and gorgeously presented in layout, and particularly with the inclusion of the excellent artwork by Santiago Caruso. Generous in number, each illustration is worth its page. In fact, the little book's entire design is sleek and attractive, adding to the reading experience. For me the physical book itself can be as valued as its contents, and in this case it even enhances the experience of reading.
March 12, 2023
This is a short story that takes place on an island where convicts are sent to be executed. The execution by electric chair of one such convict doesn’t quite go as planned and Bernard and his burial crew pals are faced with an unimaginable nightmare.
Another entertaining yarn full of Mr Lansdale’s trademark wisecracks and over the top situations. It had me gripped from start to finish with some genuine laugh out loud moments. Highly recommended.
Another entertaining yarn full of Mr Lansdale’s trademark wisecracks and over the top situations. It had me gripped from start to finish with some genuine laugh out loud moments. Highly recommended.
May 19, 2017
A wonderful, short Lansdale. Three former convicts live on island that serves as a cemetery for the executed inmates from a prison island across the water from them. Their lives are full of bordeom but that doesn't mean they wanted the chaos brought by a new resident of one of their graves. Like Lansdale? Like fucked up monster stories? Well, here you go!
December 10, 2020
Joe R. Lansdale rarely disappoints, and this novella is no exception. A great, gritty little tale about a secret prison, an island graveyard, and an executed prisoner that turns out to be far more trouble than expected. Lansdale has a knack for blending crime noir and fantasy horror with masterful attention to realism, with characters that ring true and stick with you. Highly recommended.
May 18, 2022
Read in the collection "Fishing for Dinosaurs" (which if you do as well, I would advise skipping the introduction until after you have read the story, as it takes the wind out of the sails of a reveal. Nothing earth-shattering, but worth noting).
A dark, moody tale with some fun dialogue and an ominous, foreboding presence that kept me unnerved until the denouement.
A dark, moody tale with some fun dialogue and an ominous, foreboding presence that kept me unnerved until the denouement.
August 4, 2017
Went in blind based on the author's reputation and well worth it. The story itself is atmospheric and tense, with an air of mystery around the central character that isn't revealed so early as to take the drive out of the plot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews