Predator: the life and crimes of clifford olson

by Peter Worthington

The first ever account of crimes that continue to haunt Canada's conscience.

Nearly 30 years after Clifford Olson's horrific crimes and the controversial deal he made with authorities ($100,000 for showing the RCMP where the bodies of his 11 victims were buried) this is the first ever account of Olson's heinous crimes and an extensive account of his childhood life in and outside prison.

Based on Peter Worthington's extensive interviews with Olson when he was alive, as well as sealed documents which Worthington was granted permission to from Olson's lawyer, Robert D. Shantz, this book includes shocking and horrific descriptions that illustrate crimes Olson never showed remorse for and which gave rise to the victims of violence movement, led to an amendment of the Criminal Code barring multiple murders from applying for early parole under the faint-hope clause and the passage of Bill C-31 denying such payments to prisoners while they are incarcerated.

A large portion of the proceeds from the sale of this eBook will go to Childfind Canada, a charitable organization for missing children

Genres: True Crime, Crime

Unknown Binding

First published October 17, 2012

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I knew this one was a pig, but that's an insult to pigs. From his early days as a thief to the rape and torture of his victims, this is a book that parents will finish and go hold their children close. Sick bastard!

[Rob Tripp · Rating 2 out of 5]

Provides many details of Olson's crimes not previously described publicly. Some useful insight into seemingly random predatory pattern of a serial killer but, at times, it felt prurient, like a simple catalogue of abuses.

[Laura Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Detailed and fascinating, but could have used some proof reading. A few inconsistencies and grammatical errors. Overall, interesting insight into Olson's world.

[Jack Heath]

Synopsis: the first-ever account of Olson's heinous crimes, mostly against children in Greater Vancouver. With an extensive account of his life.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a hard read because this guy is just SUCH a piece of shit, the ultimate user and abuser of anyone who had the unfortunate luck to cross his path, and he was enabled by too many people (his wife and parents come to mind, they knew exactly what he was like, I don't care how "unworldly" his wife was.)

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Canadian Crime

Well written and researched. A chilling insight into one of Canadas most notorious and repugnant child killers.
Bungled investigations and lack of interdepartmental sharing led to more victims.

[Treena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book rattled me—and that’s saying something. Olson wasn’t just evil; he was manipulative, chillingly articulate, and disturbingly at ease discussing the horrors he committed. Worthington had direct access to Olson, and it shows. The insight into his mind is fascinating but deeply unsettling.

What stayed with me was the moral dilemma—Olson negotiating payment for the return of his victims’ bodies. It’s grotesque, and the fact that this actually happened still blows my mind. This isn’t a sensationalist retelling—it’s sharp, well-researched, and grounded in the reality of how justice failed these families again and again.

It’s not an easy read, but it’s an important one—especially for true crime readers who want more than just gore and headlines. This is systemic failure on display, told with journalistic precision.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soooo many typos!!!

[terri Schwartzkopf · Rating 2 out of 5]

It teaches you how to get away with murder

giving the bad guy money for his crimes you go Canada you are lucky he died and not got sent to the U.S.A.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very very graphic - probably one of the most graphics books I have read. I am sure the author took some allowances in describing all the horrific crimes committed by this monster. However, each murder is described in detail which really emphasized the brutality of each kill. I 'enjoyed' this book as much as you can truly 'enjoy' a true crime story. I have rated this a 3 star because of the HORRIFIC editing and blatant mistakes in the book. It really took away from the writing. As someone that grew up in the area it was surreal to read about a serial killer in my own backyard. Clifford Olson was someone that has come up multiple times but this book really tells the true story of his killing rampage.