Bodies in the Backyard: Canada's Frenzy Slayer Noel Michael Winters

by Brian O'Neill

Horror follows upon horror in what is the most grisly murder episode in New Brunswick's history. Noel Winters of Saint John was sentenced to life imprisonment in the brutal slayings of a man and his son. Their butchered remains were found in garbage bags at a dump in Brown's Flat. Then came a new shocking The RCMP had discovered two bodies, those of a man and a woman, buried in a shallow grave not far from the house where Winters had lived. No, the case is not yet closed on what has been an unbelievable horror story in our community, in our backyard.

Genres: True Crime

Mass Market Paperback

Published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Jay Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is famous around my little part of the world, covering the murders committed by Noel Winters of my hometown in Saint John New Brunswick. My mother had a copy and I finally got around to reading it. It was very interesting to learn of the crimes committed in my province and I would love to give this book 4 stars but unfortunately it suffers from lack of editing and bad formatting. I'm not sure if the newer edition published in 2015 is better. Still, a must read for Atlantic lovers of true crime and a treasure to own.

[Brenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so looking forward to this. Grew up more or less hearing about NMW and his infamous backyard. While the case and events are fascinating the writing leaves MUCH to be desired. The storyline is confusing, grammar is just not utilized, and names are regularly messed up/inconsistent. It was a painful read and I couldn’t rate it higher purely because of how much I just wanted it to end so I wouldn’t have to keep going. One thing I will say is it’s a concise 200 pages that make for a quick read (thank GOD).

[Michelle M · Rating 4 out of 5]

CW: rape

While the story itself is very interesting and in great detail, so much so that I felt sick to my stomach upon reading about the details of the murders and cried upon reading about the details of the rape, but the writing is awful and I found it to be very distracting. I could have done a better job writing this myself.

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this book as I’ve heard the stories and urban legends of Noel Winters for many years. But the editing makes this book hard to read - some chapters are two pages, some are over a dozen pages. Some phrases are repeated and the time jumps don’t feel natural. It would be a good book if it was given to a professional editor for a revamp. If you are from New Brunswick the history will intrigue you but the format of the book makes it hard to enjoy.

[Tammy Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been wanting to read this book for so long I just hope I can somehow or some way get to. Every place I have called or looked up every where it cost so much money. If anyone knows how I could get a chance to read this let me know I really would appreciate it. Thanks a lot

Tammy Ward
Fredericton nb

[Morgan M · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was sooo poorly written it was a frustrating & slow read (2/5 stars); nonetheless I am super excited that I not only read, but have my own hard copy of bodies in the backyard (thanks to Matt’s nan 👵)! The actual events that happen in these murders are disgusting and grusome! A true crime novel that happened only approx 15 minutes away from my home!

[Lisa Worden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could have used better editing, grammar and spelling checks, but overall, great read, very interesting, reading about things taking place in my own "backyard" so to speak, and hearing names of people I know\knew. Unbelievable.

[Gillian · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is fairly well known locally in Saint John so I have always wanted to read it and finally stumbled upon a copy. Unfortunately the poor writing and typos greatly detracted from the story. A better editor was needed.

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t have a fresh take on this book. It’s a very interesting story, there’s no denying that. The writing, structure, grammar, storyboard, etc., would’ve benefited from a few more rounds of editing.

[J.R. Boyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to read this Novel.

[Lynsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview of a sensational case. A little more description of the areas mentioned might be good for readers not familiar with the Saint John region.

[Mary Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting story because it happened in my hometown but the number of spelling/editing errors were distracting.

[Lucas Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fascinating local true crime, but just really poorly written. Could have used a few more passes from an editor.

[Grace Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

couldn’t put this down. a hard read for sure. highly recommend