No Memory for Murder: The Incredible Story of a Sadistic Murder in Halifax's Point Pleasant Park

by Blain Henshaw

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

216 pages, Paperback

Published June 9, 2026

Reviews

[Terri Durling]

I remember this bizarre story of a sadistic murder of a 14 year old boy, Tony Cluett in Point Pleasant Park, Halifax, NS, where I have lived since 1969. Blain Henshaw has done an incredible job of telling the story of not only this murder, but the murder of five year old Darlene Davidson, seven years later, by the same man - Jimmy Odo. It is hard to believe that he actually was acquitted of the first murder of Tony Cluett but circumstances were such that two other men, one Tony’s uncle and who was dead at the time of the trial, and another man were implicated by Jimmy and he, unfortunately, got off. The other man committed suicide not long after which led people to believe he felt guilty and that the jury was correct in their decision to find Jimmy not guilty. He went on to rape a 9 year old girl a few years later, served some time, and then was paroled. It was obvious to many that Jimmy had mental health problems but no one seemed to be able to make sure he did not commit any more crimes. A 5 year old girl was his next victim but this time, he was caught as he was the last person seen with her and the evidence pointed to him. In addition, he confessed. He was a very complex and strange man and almost seemed to want to be imprisoned as he knew he would probably find more victims if he was allowed to go free as he had after the murder of his first victim, Tony Cluett. Henshaw gave the book this title”No Memory for Murder” as Odo seemed to forget what he had done. He lied compulsively and it was hard to believe anything he said even when he confessed to the murders. This is not an easy book to read. It is detailed and graphic in nature and extremely upsetting to read. I have always been intrigued by what makes people commit such horrific crimes which is why I chose to read it.

[Susan Belman]

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.

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf)]

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.

[Lacey]

I 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.

[Meaghan O'Connor]

I'm shocked that there isnt more public information about everything with Jimmy Odo

[Paul Mastrodonato]

Audiobook

[Nisha]

No Memory for Murder by Blain Henshaw is a compelling and seemingly well-researched true crime account that never lets you forget there are real people behind the events being described. Henshaw presents the case with enough detail to draw you in while also bringing out its emotional weight. At times, I found the book genuinely difficult to read—not because of the writing, but because the reality of the crime makes certain details particularly disturbing. That discomfort, however, is also part of what makes the book effective. It provokes anger, sadness, and disbelief without turning the tragedy into mere entertainment. A gripping, sobering read for true-crime readers.