Inside Wakefield Prison

by Jonathan Levi and Emma French
Inside Wakefield Prison cover
Good Books rating 4.42
True Crime
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 2755
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781789467543
  • Publisher: Kings Road Publishing
  • Published: 2024-06-20
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Inside Wakefield Prison offers a gripping and unflinching look into the infamous HMP Wakefield, known as 'Monster Mansion.' This book delves into the prison's long and intriguing history, from its establishment in 1594 to the present day. It features harrowing stories of notorious inmates like Levi Bellfield, Harold Shipman, and Charles Bronson, providing a chilling insight into their crimes and the prison's operations. The authors, Jonathan Levi and Emma French, draw on interviews with staff, experts, and even the prisoners themselves to create a comprehensive and shocking portrait of life behind bars./n/nThe book not only recounts the sinister tales that have emerged from the prison but also includes new, previously untold stories. With over 750 of the country's most dangerous offenders currently housed there, including 'Hannibal the Cannibal' Robert Maudsley and former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins, Inside Wakefield Prison promises to fascinate and horrify readers on every page. This is a no-holds-barred journey into the dark heart of one of Britain's most high-profile prisons.

Reviews
BookBlog · 2024-06-20
chilling 4.00

The book offers a deep dive into the lives of prisoners and staff at Wakefield Prison through extensive interviews. It provides a raw and unfiltered look at the harsh realities within the prison walls.

This book is a compelling read for anyone interested in true crime or the inner workings of the prison system. The authors have done an excellent job of compiling firsthand accounts from both inmates and staff, offering a unique perspective on life inside one of the UK's most notorious prisons. The interviews are gripping and provide a chilling insight into the darkest corners of Wakefield Prison. However, some readers might find the lack of a narrative structure challenging, as the book is more of a collection of testimonies rather than a cohesive story.

Quick quotes

    The book is a product almost entirely of interviews with people who have managed, one way or another, to get inside Wakefield prison.

    This is a no-holds-barred journey into the dark.

    The interviews are gripping and provide a chilling insight into the darkest corners of Wakefield Prison.

Goodreads · 2024-06-20
disturbing 4.50

The authors provide a chilling insight into the lives of some of the most notorious inmates. The book is a stark reminder of the brutal realities within the prison system.

Jonathan Levi and Emma French have crafted a book that is both informative and unsettling. Their use of firsthand accounts from prisoners and staff paints a vivid picture of the harsh conditions and the psychological toll of incarceration. The book is not for the faint-hearted, as it delves into some of the most disturbing aspects of prison life. However, it is a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the complexities of the criminal justice system. The authors' ability to convey the raw emotions and experiences of those involved makes this a standout read.

Quick quotes

    Jonathan Levi and Emma French are the perfect authors to give chilling insight into all the terrible men who have served time there.

    This is a stark reminder of the brutal realities within the prison system.

    The book is not for the faint-hearted, as it delves into some of the most disturbing aspects of prison life.

Foyles · 2024-06-20
unsettling 4.75

The book offers a no-holds-barred journey into the dark heart of Wakefield Prison. It is a powerful and unsettling exploration of the lives of those who have spent time there.

Told with the help of interviews with staff, experts, and even prisoners themselves, this book provides a comprehensive look at one of the UK's most infamous prisons. The authors have managed to capture the essence of the prison experience, highlighting the brutality and the resilience of those who live and work within its walls. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime or the criminal justice system. However, it is important to note that the content can be quite graphic and may not be suitable for all readers. The authors' commitment to presenting an unvarnished view of prison life is both commendable and unsettling.

Quick quotes

    Told with the help of interviews with staff, experts - and even in the words of the prisoners themselves - this is a no-holds-barred journey into the dark.

    The authors have managed to capture the essence of the prison experience, highlighting the brutality and the resilience of those who live and work within its walls.

    The book is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime or the criminal justice system.

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