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No Memory for Murder: The Incredible Story of a Sadistic Murder in Halifax's Point Pleasant Park
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
No Memory for Murder was an interesting read, but not quite what I was expecting.
This is very much a true crime documentary-style book rather than a narrative-driven true crime story. Since the author is a journalist, that makes sense, but I found myself wishing for a little more storytelling and a little less courtroom transcript. At times, it felt more like reading a detailed account of the trial proceedings than a fully developed true crime book. That said, the case itself is absolutely horrifying. The murders are tragic, the failures within the justice and parole systems are frustrating, and the book does a good job highlighting how devastating those failures can be. If nothing else, it serves as a reminder of how badly things can go when warning signs are ignored. What really stuck with me was Jimmy Odo's claim that he couldn't remember committing the murders. Maybe it's just me, but I had a hard time accepting that explanation when he seemed perfectly capable of recalling so many other details surrounding the crimes. The selective memory loss felt incredibly convenient and only made the case more disturbing. The discussions of satanic cult involvement and Odo's claims about his past add another layer of intrigue, though the real horror here isn't the rumors or sensational elements … it's the very real actions of a deeply dangerous individual and the system that repeatedly failed to stop him.
Overall, while I wanted a more engaging narrative and found parts of the book a bit dry, the case itself was compelling enough to keep me reading. If you enjoy true crime that focuses heavily on the investigation, legal proceedings, and systemic failures rather than a fast-paced narrative, this is worth picking up.
This is very much a true crime documentary-style book rather than a narrative-driven true crime story. Since the author is a journalist, that makes sense, but I found myself wishing for a little more storytelling and a little less courtroom transcript. At times, it felt more like reading a detailed account of the trial proceedings than a fully developed true crime book. That said, the case itself is absolutely horrifying. The murders are tragic, the failures within the justice and parole systems are frustrating, and the book does a good job highlighting how devastating those failures can be. If nothing else, it serves as a reminder of how badly things can go when warning signs are ignored. What really stuck with me was Jimmy Odo's claim that he couldn't remember committing the murders. Maybe it's just me, but I had a hard time accepting that explanation when he seemed perfectly capable of recalling so many other details surrounding the crimes. The selective memory loss felt incredibly convenient and only made the case more disturbing. The discussions of satanic cult involvement and Odo's claims about his past add another layer of intrigue, though the real horror here isn't the rumors or sensational elements … it's the very real actions of a deeply dangerous individual and the system that repeatedly failed to stop him.
Overall, while I wanted a more engaging narrative and found parts of the book a bit dry, the case itself was compelling enough to keep me reading. If you enjoy true crime that focuses heavily on the investigation, legal proceedings, and systemic failures rather than a fast-paced narrative, this is worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In 1975, fourteen-year-old Tony Cluett left work at the end of his shift & was found dead - strung up crucifixion-style in Point Pleasant Park, Halifax. Tony had last been seen in the company of co-worker, Jimmy Odo, who was charged with the murder but found not guilty when he claimed to be a witness of the killing at the hands of two men who were by then conveniently dead.
Odo went on to commit further crimes including the 1981 murder of five-year-old, Darlene Davidson, the daughter of an ex-girlfriend with whom he had remained on good terms. Odo admitted to lying in his previous murder trial but claimed that he couldn't remember either killing & then spun a tale of being under the spell of a satanic cult.
This is an interesting account of the crimes of Jimmy Odo, & it seems to be well-researched with good use of witness statements & court records. For some reason, it reads as if the trials took place earlier than the 1970s/80s. Events are presented in a very factual manner & the jurys out for me as to whether Odo was mentally ill or just very manipulative. Well-written & factual, the subject matter makes it a difficult read at times.
SUMMARY:
Research: Excellent - Seems to be well-researched with good use of witness statements & court records.
Writing Style: Good - Presented in a very factual manner & the jurys out as to whether Odo was mentally ill or just very manipulative.
Enjoyment Level: Moderately High - Well-written & factual, the subject matter makes it a difficult read at times.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Dundurn Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
Odo went on to commit further crimes including the 1981 murder of five-year-old, Darlene Davidson, the daughter of an ex-girlfriend with whom he had remained on good terms. Odo admitted to lying in his previous murder trial but claimed that he couldn't remember either killing & then spun a tale of being under the spell of a satanic cult.
This is an interesting account of the crimes of Jimmy Odo, & it seems to be well-researched with good use of witness statements & court records. For some reason, it reads as if the trials took place earlier than the 1970s/80s. Events are presented in a very factual manner & the jurys out for me as to whether Odo was mentally ill or just very manipulative. Well-written & factual, the subject matter makes it a difficult read at times.
SUMMARY:
Research: Excellent - Seems to be well-researched with good use of witness statements & court records.
Writing Style: Good - Presented in a very factual manner & the jurys out as to whether Odo was mentally ill or just very manipulative.
Enjoyment Level: Moderately High - Well-written & factual, the subject matter makes it a difficult read at times.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Dundurn Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
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June 13, 2026I received a copy from Dundurn Press. Thank you!
I don’t rate non-fiction, but this book read like a true crime doc. It kept me engrossed and I could not put this book down.
I really enjoyed the author’s writing. This book shows that patterns of behaviour should not go unnoticed.
I don’t rate non-fiction, but this book read like a true crime doc. It kept me engrossed and I could not put this book down.
I really enjoyed the author’s writing. This book shows that patterns of behaviour should not go unnoticed.
June 16, 2026
I'm shocked that there isnt more public information about everything with Jimmy Odo
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews