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The Blood on My Hands: An Autobiography
Set in 1960s and '70s Australia, "The Blood on My Hands" is the dramatic tale of Shannon O'Leary's childhood years. O'Leary grew up under the shadow of horrific domestic violence, sexual and physical abuse, and serial murder. Her story is one of courageous resilience in the face of unimaginable horrors.
The responses of those whom O'Leary and her immediate family reach out to for help are almost as disturbing as the crimes of her violent father. Relatives are afraid to bring disgrace to the family's good name, nuns condemn the child's objections as disobedience and noncompliance, and laws at the time prevent the police from interfering unless someone is killed.
"The Blood on My Hands" is a heartbreaking-yet riveting-narrative of a childhood spent in pain and terror, betrayed by the people who are supposed to provide safety and understanding, and the strength and courage it takes, not just to survive and escape, but to flourish and thrive.
The responses of those whom O'Leary and her immediate family reach out to for help are almost as disturbing as the crimes of her violent father. Relatives are afraid to bring disgrace to the family's good name, nuns condemn the child's objections as disobedience and noncompliance, and laws at the time prevent the police from interfering unless someone is killed.
"The Blood on My Hands" is a heartbreaking-yet riveting-narrative of a childhood spent in pain and terror, betrayed by the people who are supposed to provide safety and understanding, and the strength and courage it takes, not just to survive and escape, but to flourish and thrive.
258 pages, Paperback
Published February 3, 2016
8 people are currently reading
773 people want to read
About the author
Shannon O'Leary
10 books36 followersShannon O’Leary is a prolific writer and performer. She is the author of several books of poetry and children’s stories, and she has won many awards for song-writing.
Shannon has acted and directed on the stage and on Australian national TV, and she runs her own production company.
She has numerous graduate and post-graduate degrees in education, music, and science. She is a teacher and academic, has five children with her deceased former husband, and lives with her longtime partner in Sydney, Australia.
Her memoir The Blood on My Hands was published in February 2016 and is available for sale on Amazon and Createspace.
Shannon has acted and directed on the stage and on Australian national TV, and she runs her own production company.
She has numerous graduate and post-graduate degrees in education, music, and science. She is a teacher and academic, has five children with her deceased former husband, and lives with her longtime partner in Sydney, Australia.
Her memoir The Blood on My Hands was published in February 2016 and is available for sale on Amazon and Createspace.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 9, 2019
This is quite a heart rending story, yet engrossing at the same time. I was drawn in right away with Shannon’s (a pseudonym) account, basically staying up and reading it cover to cover. It’s just so different and so shocking all at once, and you worry about what happens to her and her family. I read a book not long ago about BTK’s daughter, who also grew up as a serial killer’s daughter, but this is just so much worse than her story even. This man was abusing and mentally torturing his own family when his children were growing up in Australia. There was also domestic abuse, and that’s just for starters. There is much worse he does, but I won’t go into all of that. You can read the book and learn that on your own. It’s unlike any other true crime story I’ve read to say the least, and traumatizing to all involved.
I would more suggest this for the experienced true crime biography reader, as it is a serious story. It could be more challenging for those who are newer to the genre, being quite a heavy subject matter, but it’s up to your discretion. I liked the way the story was related, some parts are rather subtle, and you may not pick up on the true meaning until a bit later, then it becomes clear. My thanks for a copy from the author and publisher for review.
My BookZone blog:
https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
I would more suggest this for the experienced true crime biography reader, as it is a serious story. It could be more challenging for those who are newer to the genre, being quite a heavy subject matter, but it’s up to your discretion. I liked the way the story was related, some parts are rather subtle, and you may not pick up on the true meaning until a bit later, then it becomes clear. My thanks for a copy from the author and publisher for review.
My BookZone blog:
https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
April 28, 2016
I have no idea how to review this horrific tale of abuse – the stories author Shannon O’Leary tells are probably just the tip of a very large iceberg, but what she does tell has me blown away by the lack of help; from friends and family, from the nuns (who blamed the children for telling “lies”) and most of all from the police. The fact that the laws of the 1960s and 1970s forbade their “interference” unless the person making the complaint was killed is nothing short of astounding!
Aussie author Shannon O’Leary’s first recollection of contemplating suicide was at age four. Living with her mother, father and two brothers, Michael and Liam near Sydney, Australia, her life was filled with fear. Her father (as was discovered later) had multiple personalities – all the children suffered when the Game Man (or any of the many other personalities) took over. Their mother took her beatings stoically, hoping to spare her children. Shannon bore the rapes in silence, knowing to show fear only fueled his rage. But when he made her watch while he mutilated and killed her pets, then murdered and mutilated young women and people who happened to cross him – Shannon’s retreat into her mind, and the various hiding places around the property only saved her for a short while.
The Blood on my Hands was not a book I enjoyed; because of the content “enjoyment” is not a word that can be used – I contemplated not finishing a couple of times, but kept reading. The courage and resilience of Shannon, her mother and brothers is heartbreaking. The tragedy that was their lives; that it was caused by someone who was supposed to love, care and support his family – and the fact they were solely on their own in the midst of the unimaginable horrors just has me stunned.
Shannon O’Leary is now a successful woman in her own right. Thankfully the laws have changed and domestic violence (though still happening far too often) is in the spotlight. My best wishes for the future go to Shannon – may she continue to be happy and resilient. The Blood on my Hands won’t be for a lot of people – the content is horrific. But I’m glad I read it; it certainly makes you think. Recommended.
With thanks to Book Publicity Services and the author for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
Aussie author Shannon O’Leary’s first recollection of contemplating suicide was at age four. Living with her mother, father and two brothers, Michael and Liam near Sydney, Australia, her life was filled with fear. Her father (as was discovered later) had multiple personalities – all the children suffered when the Game Man (or any of the many other personalities) took over. Their mother took her beatings stoically, hoping to spare her children. Shannon bore the rapes in silence, knowing to show fear only fueled his rage. But when he made her watch while he mutilated and killed her pets, then murdered and mutilated young women and people who happened to cross him – Shannon’s retreat into her mind, and the various hiding places around the property only saved her for a short while.
The Blood on my Hands was not a book I enjoyed; because of the content “enjoyment” is not a word that can be used – I contemplated not finishing a couple of times, but kept reading. The courage and resilience of Shannon, her mother and brothers is heartbreaking. The tragedy that was their lives; that it was caused by someone who was supposed to love, care and support his family – and the fact they were solely on their own in the midst of the unimaginable horrors just has me stunned.
Shannon O’Leary is now a successful woman in her own right. Thankfully the laws have changed and domestic violence (though still happening far too often) is in the spotlight. My best wishes for the future go to Shannon – may she continue to be happy and resilient. The Blood on my Hands won’t be for a lot of people – the content is horrific. But I’m glad I read it; it certainly makes you think. Recommended.
With thanks to Book Publicity Services and the author for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
April 28, 2016
My View:
A particularly horrific and grim story of ongoing domestic violence and psychosis that is not addressed in the perpetrator’s lifetime – this is a uncomfortable book to read - imagine what it must have been like to endure? And endure Shannon O’Leary and her family did – the depravity here is unbelievable - if the author hadn’t qualified the read with “autobiography” you would think this was macabre crime fiction.
To enjoy or not to enjoy? No I can’t say I enjoyed this read – the wounds, physical and psychological were open, raw and bleed onto the pages – I could not enjoy. Compelling – yes. An incredible story of courage and survival – yes. Can we learn from the mistakes made here? I think this should be read by all in the agencies working in the field of domestic violence and community health; more education and resources are needed in these areas.
Shannon O’Leary - you must be one amazingly strong woman. Whenever I think life is tough for me, I will recall what you have endured.
A particularly horrific and grim story of ongoing domestic violence and psychosis that is not addressed in the perpetrator’s lifetime – this is a uncomfortable book to read - imagine what it must have been like to endure? And endure Shannon O’Leary and her family did – the depravity here is unbelievable - if the author hadn’t qualified the read with “autobiography” you would think this was macabre crime fiction.
To enjoy or not to enjoy? No I can’t say I enjoyed this read – the wounds, physical and psychological were open, raw and bleed onto the pages – I could not enjoy. Compelling – yes. An incredible story of courage and survival – yes. Can we learn from the mistakes made here? I think this should be read by all in the agencies working in the field of domestic violence and community health; more education and resources are needed in these areas.
Shannon O’Leary - you must be one amazingly strong woman. Whenever I think life is tough for me, I will recall what you have endured.
May 24, 2016
The Blood on My Hands is a true story about the abuse suffered by the author and her family.
Shannon's father seems to have multiple personalities which leads him to be violent and abusive, mainly to Shannon and her mum.
There are some parts that are quite horrific, mainly when her father is brutally getting rid of women's bodies that he has killed. Some parts certainly make for uncomfortable reading.
It is obvious that Shannon's father has a lot of mental health issues but unfortunately no matter how much Shannon's mother begs the police and doctors, no one is prepared to step in and help the family out.
It is really hard to rate a book that is non fiction, especially one to do with abuse. Even though the book held my interest and I found some parts shocking I just didn't feel the true horror of what Shannon and her family were going through. The story jumps quite quickly from when something happens to something else so that I just didn't get the full impact of the horror that had just happened. The ending also jumped from when Shannon is still a child to a two page Epilogue and left me feeling like there was a huge gap missing.
I feel bad not being able to give the book more than three stars as I do have every empathy for Shannon and her family and what they went through but it just didn't have the impact on me that I would expect from a book involving such a harrowing subject. I would still urge people to read the book as it is a story that should be told and heard.
My thanks to the author and Kelsey at Book Publicity Services for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Shannon's father seems to have multiple personalities which leads him to be violent and abusive, mainly to Shannon and her mum.
There are some parts that are quite horrific, mainly when her father is brutally getting rid of women's bodies that he has killed. Some parts certainly make for uncomfortable reading.
It is obvious that Shannon's father has a lot of mental health issues but unfortunately no matter how much Shannon's mother begs the police and doctors, no one is prepared to step in and help the family out.
It is really hard to rate a book that is non fiction, especially one to do with abuse. Even though the book held my interest and I found some parts shocking I just didn't feel the true horror of what Shannon and her family were going through. The story jumps quite quickly from when something happens to something else so that I just didn't get the full impact of the horror that had just happened. The ending also jumped from when Shannon is still a child to a two page Epilogue and left me feeling like there was a huge gap missing.
I feel bad not being able to give the book more than three stars as I do have every empathy for Shannon and her family and what they went through but it just didn't have the impact on me that I would expect from a book involving such a harrowing subject. I would still urge people to read the book as it is a story that should be told and heard.
My thanks to the author and Kelsey at Book Publicity Services for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2016
There are monsters all around us; this book is proof of that. The author did an amazing job in recounting the events, writing from her memories as a child who is lucky to be alive.
I will not go into detail about the content; too many others have done so and I hate spoilers.
I did not see any grammar or spelling errors, and the author added footnotes describing Australian slang, native species, and even descriptions of literature quoted or cited (i.e. "Heidi"). I found this all very helpful.
As a domestiv violence prevention educator of over 25 years, I appreciated how this book showed the reality of domestic violence and impact on victims, including the explanation of why women "put up with" abuse. Why don't they contact law enforcement? Why don't they leave? Why not tell a trusted person i.e. clergy, family, friends? Why not leave-run away, escap? When you read this book you are well aware.
This book was what TC books should new: interesting, informative, well-written. It is a shame the auther had to go through hell to write it, but I am hoping it will help so many others.
I will not go into detail about the content; too many others have done so and I hate spoilers.
I did not see any grammar or spelling errors, and the author added footnotes describing Australian slang, native species, and even descriptions of literature quoted or cited (i.e. "Heidi"). I found this all very helpful.
As a domestiv violence prevention educator of over 25 years, I appreciated how this book showed the reality of domestic violence and impact on victims, including the explanation of why women "put up with" abuse. Why don't they contact law enforcement? Why don't they leave? Why not tell a trusted person i.e. clergy, family, friends? Why not leave-run away, escap? When you read this book you are well aware.
This book was what TC books should new: interesting, informative, well-written. It is a shame the auther had to go through hell to write it, but I am hoping it will help so many others.
June 29, 2016
For fans of the serial killer genre, this shattering autobiography by the child of a real-life mass-murderer will be absolutely unforgettable. Set in Australia, the book begins with the author’s birth in 1959, and continues through her father’s death in 2009 as a free and unpunished man. Complete with research citations, and set within the context of Australian society throughout the decades, The Blood on My Hands is not for the squeamish. Every imaginable emotion is seemingly laid bare, as the author deals with abuse, guilt, grief and everything in between.
BestThrilers.com
BestThrilers.com
February 15, 2016
The book “The Blood on My Hands: An Autobiography” by Shannon O'Leary is a powerful, dark memoir. In her memoir O’Leary tells how she and her family suffered from an abusive father with a multiple personality disorder. O’Leary actually witnessed her father murder people and animals. No one, not even the authorities, would help O’Leary and her family. This is O’Leary’s story about how the eventually got away from her father but never truly escaped him or his heinous acts.
My first thought after reading “The Blood on My Hands: An Autobiography” was that O’Leary is an amazing, strong woman to have endured and witness everything her father put her through, and still be able to exceed at life. At times O’Leary’s account of what her father did to her seems a little vague, but the reader has to remember that they are reading what a 3 or 4 year-old child sees and feels. Other parts of the book are so graphic that you do not want to believe that the things actually happened. Parts like these made it hard for me to put the book down. I knew what was about to happen but I could not force myself to look away. My favorite part of the book was the dog food casserole. I was cheering that O’Leary and her mother finally pulled the wool over her father’s eyes. I liked that O'Leary did not sugar coat her abuse. People need to be aware of what actually happened. Even though I have never met O’Leary I want to apologize to her younger self because no one ever attempted to save her. This is a story that is going to remain in my mind for a long time.
This book may not be for everyone. This book does contain animal abuse, murder, domestic and sexual abuse. O'Leary suffered child abuse at the most extreme. If anything this book will raise the reader’s awareness to people who may be suffering from abuse. I know that it has raised my awareness. I wish O'Leary nothing but the best and I hope she continues to heal.
*I reviewed this book for Readers’ Favorite.
My first thought after reading “The Blood on My Hands: An Autobiography” was that O’Leary is an amazing, strong woman to have endured and witness everything her father put her through, and still be able to exceed at life. At times O’Leary’s account of what her father did to her seems a little vague, but the reader has to remember that they are reading what a 3 or 4 year-old child sees and feels. Other parts of the book are so graphic that you do not want to believe that the things actually happened. Parts like these made it hard for me to put the book down. I knew what was about to happen but I could not force myself to look away. My favorite part of the book was the dog food casserole. I was cheering that O’Leary and her mother finally pulled the wool over her father’s eyes. I liked that O'Leary did not sugar coat her abuse. People need to be aware of what actually happened. Even though I have never met O’Leary I want to apologize to her younger self because no one ever attempted to save her. This is a story that is going to remain in my mind for a long time.
This book may not be for everyone. This book does contain animal abuse, murder, domestic and sexual abuse. O'Leary suffered child abuse at the most extreme. If anything this book will raise the reader’s awareness to people who may be suffering from abuse. I know that it has raised my awareness. I wish O'Leary nothing but the best and I hope she continues to heal.
*I reviewed this book for Readers’ Favorite.
August 26, 2019
So, I initially wanted to save my full thoughts for a video review, because I think this book and its sequel really warrant it. But a lot of time has passed, and I frankly just don't want people to not know about this book. So here are some of my basic thoughts- please do look out for a video review in the near future, as I still have so much to say!
The Blood on My Hands is Shannon O'Leary's memoir of her childhood up to about age 15. Please do be warned that this is not for everyone as it's entirely about her experiences with her abusive father. There's animal abuse in here, psychological abuse, emotional abuse, rape, physical violence... It's not an easy read, but at the end of the day, I appreciate this book for its importance.
Shannon O'Leary writes beautifully and descriptively. I felt my eyes tearing up a couple of times, just contemplating how hard things must've been for Shannon, and how she struggled but ultimately found beauty in the good things in life.
If you liked books like The Glass Castle, this is not one to be missed. It's such a powerful account of the horrors that can happen when we as a society ignore the signs of domestic & child abuse. Again, I have so much more things to say, so please look out for a video review on my channel! This memoir deserves it!
A big thank you to Book Publicity Services for sending this book my way in exchange for a review.
The Blood on My Hands is Shannon O'Leary's memoir of her childhood up to about age 15. Please do be warned that this is not for everyone as it's entirely about her experiences with her abusive father. There's animal abuse in here, psychological abuse, emotional abuse, rape, physical violence... It's not an easy read, but at the end of the day, I appreciate this book for its importance.
Shannon O'Leary writes beautifully and descriptively. I felt my eyes tearing up a couple of times, just contemplating how hard things must've been for Shannon, and how she struggled but ultimately found beauty in the good things in life.
If you liked books like The Glass Castle, this is not one to be missed. It's such a powerful account of the horrors that can happen when we as a society ignore the signs of domestic & child abuse. Again, I have so much more things to say, so please look out for a video review on my channel! This memoir deserves it!
A big thank you to Book Publicity Services for sending this book my way in exchange for a review.
July 30, 2019
This is an autobiography based in the outbacks of Australia and tells the story of the life of Shannon O'Leary.
Shannon had a traumatic life living in poverty with a father who had a severe personality disorder she sees and suffers things that no child should. The main thing that stands out is Shannon's love for her mother and that is reciprocated in full. The females support each other through thick and thin.
I am not familiar with the Australian culture so in part I found some of the book very hard to accept. However, I think we have to consider the vastness of the Australian Outbacks. How can these things happen and continue to happen while nobody takes any action didn't sit well with me but this is a true story. A heart-breaking one.
What does come accross very successfully is a person's determination to survive. The constant hope that one day things will get better. Shannon's coping mechanisms make for very engaging reading it is eye opening how, even at a young age, she managed to find ways to focus her mind away from what was happening to her.
A very good read that opened my mind to the possibility that if this was going on in Australia 50-60 years ago then maybe it was happening here too - maybe it still is.
Thank you to Book Publicity Services and the author for the digital copy of this book. This is my unbiased review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Shannon had a traumatic life living in poverty with a father who had a severe personality disorder she sees and suffers things that no child should. The main thing that stands out is Shannon's love for her mother and that is reciprocated in full. The females support each other through thick and thin.
I am not familiar with the Australian culture so in part I found some of the book very hard to accept. However, I think we have to consider the vastness of the Australian Outbacks. How can these things happen and continue to happen while nobody takes any action didn't sit well with me but this is a true story. A heart-breaking one.
What does come accross very successfully is a person's determination to survive. The constant hope that one day things will get better. Shannon's coping mechanisms make for very engaging reading it is eye opening how, even at a young age, she managed to find ways to focus her mind away from what was happening to her.
A very good read that opened my mind to the possibility that if this was going on in Australia 50-60 years ago then maybe it was happening here too - maybe it still is.
Thank you to Book Publicity Services and the author for the digital copy of this book. This is my unbiased review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 3, 2017
“I have felt the cold steel of a gun in my mouth and against my temple.”
From the opening line of the prologue, I knew this was going to be a book that would evoke deep emotions of sadness and anger in me. To say I enjoyed this book somehow seems wrong, so what I will say is, I was deeply moved by O’Leary’s story.
I don’t often read autobiographies but I’m drawn to these books because no matter how many I read, I have to know how and why these events were able to occur with no one intervening. I despair at the systems in place, failing these young people they were meant to protect. O’Leary’s father clearly has some serious mental health problems, undiagnosed and untreated, he reigned down terror on his entire family. At times when I was reading about certain incidents, I was so outraged, I wanted to go back in time and shout ‘why isn’t anyone doing anything!’ The strength, courage and resilience Shannon and her mother displayed was inspiring, the strength and bond of this mother and daughter truly moved me. There were brief flecks of happiness in this book but they were few and far between, you need some emotional strength to read this book as some of the details are horrific and will make you wish this book was fictional.
It’s hard to talk about the flow and pace of this book because Shannon didn’t get to choose the pace and flow of her life. My only criticism, if you can call it that, is the ending, for the simple fact, that I would have liked Shannon to expand a bit more on life after escaping her father, for selfish reasons, I wanted to read more about Shannon’s happier adult life, if only to erase the trauma of her childhood from my mind. The book does jump from event to event, with gaps missing but again who am I to criticise, I’m hoping these time-gaps were filled with happy times and they were so few and far between that Shannon wanted to keep them all to herself but I fear that wasn’t the case.
Overall, this is a deeply moving book, one I highly recommend. It will open your eyes to the cruelties that exist behind closed doors and shock you that even sometimes when the door opens, no help arrives. Domestic violence is as real today as it was back then and although laws are changing, and people are becoming more aware, there are still thousands of children suffering in silence. Thank you, Shannon, for your bravery in sharing your story with us.
*My thanks to Kelsey at Book Publicity Services for providing me with a copy of this book*
From the opening line of the prologue, I knew this was going to be a book that would evoke deep emotions of sadness and anger in me. To say I enjoyed this book somehow seems wrong, so what I will say is, I was deeply moved by O’Leary’s story.
I don’t often read autobiographies but I’m drawn to these books because no matter how many I read, I have to know how and why these events were able to occur with no one intervening. I despair at the systems in place, failing these young people they were meant to protect. O’Leary’s father clearly has some serious mental health problems, undiagnosed and untreated, he reigned down terror on his entire family. At times when I was reading about certain incidents, I was so outraged, I wanted to go back in time and shout ‘why isn’t anyone doing anything!’ The strength, courage and resilience Shannon and her mother displayed was inspiring, the strength and bond of this mother and daughter truly moved me. There were brief flecks of happiness in this book but they were few and far between, you need some emotional strength to read this book as some of the details are horrific and will make you wish this book was fictional.
It’s hard to talk about the flow and pace of this book because Shannon didn’t get to choose the pace and flow of her life. My only criticism, if you can call it that, is the ending, for the simple fact, that I would have liked Shannon to expand a bit more on life after escaping her father, for selfish reasons, I wanted to read more about Shannon’s happier adult life, if only to erase the trauma of her childhood from my mind. The book does jump from event to event, with gaps missing but again who am I to criticise, I’m hoping these time-gaps were filled with happy times and they were so few and far between that Shannon wanted to keep them all to herself but I fear that wasn’t the case.
Overall, this is a deeply moving book, one I highly recommend. It will open your eyes to the cruelties that exist behind closed doors and shock you that even sometimes when the door opens, no help arrives. Domestic violence is as real today as it was back then and although laws are changing, and people are becoming more aware, there are still thousands of children suffering in silence. Thank you, Shannon, for your bravery in sharing your story with us.
*My thanks to Kelsey at Book Publicity Services for providing me with a copy of this book*
March 8, 2016
5 stars
Huge thanks to Shannon O'Leary, Book Publicity Services and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Once I picked this up I could not put it down, I needed to see how they got away from the monster who called himself their father, who called himself a husband.
The horrific mental, physical and sexual abuse he committed on his wife and the author over their time with him is abhorrent. Her brothers didn't fair much better and I wish I could've taken them all away from it.
The slight glimmers of a childhood they could never hope to have when they played with the animals and explored the land around them, knowing they'd have to go back and be prepared for whatever cruelty he had devised for that day.
Knowing that they all survived this and became stronger people, became loving parents when they could've so easily followed a path of destruction, shows that you can get through anything if you have a strength of character and the love of the rest of your family.
Excellent book but does have descriptions of animal abuse, murder, violence and sexual abuse.
Huge thanks to Shannon O'Leary, Book Publicity Services and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Once I picked this up I could not put it down, I needed to see how they got away from the monster who called himself their father, who called himself a husband.
The horrific mental, physical and sexual abuse he committed on his wife and the author over their time with him is abhorrent. Her brothers didn't fair much better and I wish I could've taken them all away from it.
The slight glimmers of a childhood they could never hope to have when they played with the animals and explored the land around them, knowing they'd have to go back and be prepared for whatever cruelty he had devised for that day.
Knowing that they all survived this and became stronger people, became loving parents when they could've so easily followed a path of destruction, shows that you can get through anything if you have a strength of character and the love of the rest of your family.
Excellent book but does have descriptions of animal abuse, murder, violence and sexual abuse.
June 24, 2017
I'll choose my words carefully. This is clearly written by someone who suffered unimaginably as a child and I think to put it on paper took courage and was certainly therapeutic. This isn't the sort of feel-good emotional horror memoirs in the vein of A Child Called It - this is horrific in a gut-wrenching, often unbelievable way. I don't recommend reading this but recognize that someone took the time to write a book that reminds us of the fact that abuse isn't an inspirational fable.
December 16, 2019
Shannon O’Leary’s story is one that is engrossing, terrifying, and heart wrenching. It’s almost hard to believe this is a true story as it contains descriptions of horrific events that no person, much less a child, should ever have to witness or endure. I was so angry the police did absolutely nothing to help (or “couldn’t” I guess). It’s insane to think that her father was never even punished or convicted in any way for his heinous crimes. I will say this is not for the faint hearted and it will stay with you for a long while after you finish reading. I think the most interesting part of this book was from a psychological perspective looking at different actions of her father and different personalities he seemed to have. Thank you to the author and Book Publicity Services for the free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Warning: this book is very graphic and leaves nothing to be imagined. There are extensive descriptions of violent events including animal abuse, domestic abuse, rape, and murder.
Warning: this book is very graphic and leaves nothing to be imagined. There are extensive descriptions of violent events including animal abuse, domestic abuse, rape, and murder.
May 26, 2016
THE BLOOD ON MY HANDS is a very personal story, told by Shannon O'Leary, recounting a childhood that truly could be said was hellish. A violent, mentally ill father, an extended family wrapped up in concern about their "good name", vicious or uncaring authorities, and police neglect that is positively staggering, combine in this tale to create a story that's incredibly difficult to read.
When reviewing this book it's really important to stress that the review is not of the life, or the story itself. This is somebody's truth, a woman's life and what happened is utterly horrific.
This is a story which must have taken guts to tell as it attempts to cast light on domestic violence. A scourge that continues to plague our communities and will have done much earlier than the 1960s and 1970s that this book covers. If, for a moment, any reader has any doubts whatsoever of the depths to which some perpetrators can sink, and the damage and outcomes that victims carry with them for the rest of their lives then read THE BLOOD ON MY HANDS.
Given how incredibly difficult the subject matter is in this story - and O'Leary doesn't pull many punches about what happened - the style of writing makes it very approachable. Even when the reader is physically repulsed, or fighting off a raging anger at the neglect and dismissiveness of people who knew - it's a difficult story to put down. Which makes for a decidedly confronting experience - something that's incredibly difficult to read, whilst being something incredibly difficult to put down.
It's important that we understand the outcomes of domestic and family violence. It's important that we are reminded of causes as well as outcomes. It's important that we remember there's a reason for the increased focus and concentration on support and providing victims with options now. It's equally important that we tackle the multiple questions around perpetrator motivation. A searing book, THE BLOOD ON MY HANDS is not a book that you can possibly say you're going to enjoy, but it's one that's guaranteed to stay with you.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
When reviewing this book it's really important to stress that the review is not of the life, or the story itself. This is somebody's truth, a woman's life and what happened is utterly horrific.
This is a story which must have taken guts to tell as it attempts to cast light on domestic violence. A scourge that continues to plague our communities and will have done much earlier than the 1960s and 1970s that this book covers. If, for a moment, any reader has any doubts whatsoever of the depths to which some perpetrators can sink, and the damage and outcomes that victims carry with them for the rest of their lives then read THE BLOOD ON MY HANDS.
Given how incredibly difficult the subject matter is in this story - and O'Leary doesn't pull many punches about what happened - the style of writing makes it very approachable. Even when the reader is physically repulsed, or fighting off a raging anger at the neglect and dismissiveness of people who knew - it's a difficult story to put down. Which makes for a decidedly confronting experience - something that's incredibly difficult to read, whilst being something incredibly difficult to put down.
It's important that we understand the outcomes of domestic and family violence. It's important that we are reminded of causes as well as outcomes. It's important that we remember there's a reason for the increased focus and concentration on support and providing victims with options now. It's equally important that we tackle the multiple questions around perpetrator motivation. A searing book, THE BLOOD ON MY HANDS is not a book that you can possibly say you're going to enjoy, but it's one that's guaranteed to stay with you.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
March 14, 2016
A chilling memoir of one young girl's experiences at the hands of her abusive, psychotic father, "The Blood on My Hands" is an effectively horrifying tale. Shannon O'Leary offers vivid descriptions of a family under siege in the isolated Australian bush, and her detailed account is convincing. However, an editor's note confirms that there is little evidence to corroborate this "true" story, which may leave the reader feeling dissatisfied.
Read
December 29, 2016This was a hard book to read, but so worth the time. By hard I mean reading of the abuse suffered by the author at the hands of he who should have been the one to protect her. I do hope that writing about her horrific experiences was therapeutic for her. The book is well-written and hard to stop reading. I kept wanting him to pay for what he did to her and his other victims, but it did not happen in this life. I do recommend this book. It really is a good book.
July 12, 2017
A difficult read, not only for the harrowing subject matter.
November 29, 2016
Take a box and make sure that it has a secure lid on it and that the outside is fortified so that no one can ever break it. Make sure that this box is made of a heavy steal and that only you can open it from the inside to let yourself out. Living in fear and never having a proper childhood, Shannon O’Leary lived a life of abuse from the day she was born. Hoping to escape the hand of a father who was demented, sadistic and sick she should have placed herself and her brothers inside this heavy metal box along with her mother to protect them of years of torment, abuse and hate. The time period is the 1960’a and 70’s and the place a backwater bush country area in Australia. When Emma met Patrick she thought it was love at first sight and although her parents were against her marrying him she did anyway only to learn too late that she was no longer an independent thinker or someone with rights of her own. She was now his slave and his property. How do you fight when the world is deaf and no one listens to your cries for help? When the author was just four years of age her father played what some might call a came of tossing her in the air not as a father hoping to bring a smile to his child’s face but one that would turn out harmful, scary and almost deadly as he threw her up into the air and did not catch her but let her fall down hitting her head really hard and not caring if she was alive or dead. At times she was drugged, other times tied up and even abused. But, when the author describes how this man killed someone in cold blood for no reason and kept killing more and more you wonder where the heads and minds of the police were when they were made aware of this by Emma herself. How could they turn a blind eye and say they do not deal with domestic cases. What happened to the rights of humans?
Grandma O’Leary was austere and wicked and often treated Shannon to her own private insults and discord. But, when she went to visit her what she witnessed would remain with her until this day. A bizarre dark outline of a person in black boots and wearing a wig with pink lipstick, almost an illusion or specter who later would turn out to be his father dressed as his mother who threatened her with bodily harm if she moved and would kill her brothers and mother too. This was just the beginning as he would often drug her and her mother and sexually abuse her and beat her mother so badly she would hardly move and function. Her pet cat never had a chance and her other animals were killed and anything that she had to play with disappeared. The graphic descriptions are quite compelling and haunting as you can picture the end result of his acts of violence. When Emma begged his father for help they turned her away and said you married him you are now his property. But, when his brother Jack’s wife left and warned her to do the same she could not since her car, phone and her freedom along with any money were denied her. How could she leave four children to the care of this monster? How do you live in fear of your life? Why would he threaten to kill them all? Even in school when asked what her father did for a living she said,” He kills people,” and she got the wrath of the sister in charge. Living in this dark world, drugging her and feeling like she lived in that metal box and in a prison she might never escape it’s a wonder that she and her mother did not try and take his life for the benefit of others. Life was hard yet I wonder why no one heard their cries as the author discloses more of what her father made them endure. As her brother Michael suffered from poisoning that took quite some time to figure out the source, then regressing into his own shell and the author developing a stutter, even with the school aware that something was wrong they chalked it up to shy and young for her and poor Michael shell shocked you might say. But, her father killed many, destroyed their family love and unity and although he acted as if he had a demon inside of him and split personalities, no one realized at the time that he was mentally unstable. Rape was not uncommon, child abuse frequent and the laws to protect women not yet on the books. The deaths within the concentration camps were horrific and living with this man was like living in the same type of cells as the Holocaust victims.
How do you come back or live after seeing your father hack off someone’s head and roll if over a cliff? It that is not horrific enough the author watches as her father takes a young girl to a deserted spot and kills her in full view of the author by placing a guitar string around her neck and then taking a rail spike and driving it through her mouth.
Her own family and others would turn a blind eye to what her father was doing. The police would not interfere and the humiliation of having her family disgraced stopped them from ever helping her and her family nor would the nuns who stated her she was disobedient and did not comply to their rules rather then seeing what was really in front of them all the time. Even the police acted as if their hands were tied knowing that her father might be a killer and would not stop until maybe after his death. It was like they were living a life to illuminate his father’s hate, revenge and mental breakdown and sickness as he lived a make believe life of his own creation in his own mind. How can this not affect her even today?
When the nuns questioned her she held her mouth shut like a metal clamp was over it and each time her father wanted to torture and kill an animals she was tied up, gagged and made to watch. But, the one time she became deathly ill and in the hospital should have alerted authorities that she lived in a world that she needed to be protected from. With a mother that was helpless and the world around her so dark it is amazing that she loved girl scouts and dancing class and did not use them to escape her world and find herself somewhere where she can be accepted for her and not what her father wanted her to be. He did not only torture her but her mother too threatening to kill her if she told on him. How could she keep silent for so long? Why didn’t anyone realize what was happening and why did his own family turn a blind eye even after Ethel the grandmother died and even when he tried to pretend to be her at times. Shannon loved the fact that she was going to earn her first communion but the sadist in her father would ruin that too. Told in the first person you hear and see the events through her eyes in a graphic and definitely harsh way.
The scenes with the snakes and what he did to her with them might give anyone nightmares as it did the author maybe even now. The things she endured would have driven a child to insanity and yet she kept her mind but at times you wonder just how. In a house without any modern conveniences with a place that seemed as if it might come apart, imagine living deep inside a place that was barren, had long grass and poisonous snakes. In order to Patrick to do his dastardly deeds he would have to live and place his family in a place that was all by itself with no way to communicate with others. Even when Emma did have the car you never knew what he would do when she would return. It’s strange that she never just got them in the car and kept going. Why would she return?
Each incident described is even more telling than the one before it and the fact that the author relates that she did not use real names but in order to protect her family and even herself makes you wonder what would have happened if her father lived to read her words and if law enforcement would have ever finally taken action against him. Just how many did he really kill and how many if they could cry out would help lay blame for his murders. I wonder even now if when she closes her eyes to sleep if she does not relive what her father did to her.
The more you read this memoir the more you wonder just why she never expressed herself louder but fearing the wrath of her father on her mother and brothers and the fact that the doctor realized he was insane and only recommended counseling is quite thought provoking and the death of her grandfather made it even worse as he was the one person her father feared. Trying out for a television show, singing and hoping to distance herself from his nightly visits and often hiding in the cupboard or buried down deep with a metal door covering her and keeping her filled with bugs and even snakes you wonder how she managed to stay sane at all.
As the memoir draws to a close you find Shannon and her family moving to a new place and opening up a boatshed and a shop. But, her father is relentless and finds them but somehow they manage to protect themselves but he’s not the only one that they need to hide from as her mother’s new boyfriend Bill begins to show his colors too and fortunately he would eventually leave. This story is told in one voice yet at times you hear others too as Patrick justifies his murder and his actions in his own mind and Emma finally learns to fight back. Freedom comes to us in many ways in Shannon’s case it came on May 16, 2009. Her only regret till this day is that his victims were not all identified and no one would pay for their deaths and he never paid for his crimes. Child abuse laws are in effect today as well as laws against spousal abuse. But, even today schools, agencies that deal with this issue often discount some of what is reported and the victim does not always get justice. Teachers, counselors, parents, family members and the police need to still be more vigilant. This memoir is compelling and reminds us what happens when one young girl as she states often in this book is plagued with, “BLOOD ON MY HANDS.”
Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ magazine
Grandma O’Leary was austere and wicked and often treated Shannon to her own private insults and discord. But, when she went to visit her what she witnessed would remain with her until this day. A bizarre dark outline of a person in black boots and wearing a wig with pink lipstick, almost an illusion or specter who later would turn out to be his father dressed as his mother who threatened her with bodily harm if she moved and would kill her brothers and mother too. This was just the beginning as he would often drug her and her mother and sexually abuse her and beat her mother so badly she would hardly move and function. Her pet cat never had a chance and her other animals were killed and anything that she had to play with disappeared. The graphic descriptions are quite compelling and haunting as you can picture the end result of his acts of violence. When Emma begged his father for help they turned her away and said you married him you are now his property. But, when his brother Jack’s wife left and warned her to do the same she could not since her car, phone and her freedom along with any money were denied her. How could she leave four children to the care of this monster? How do you live in fear of your life? Why would he threaten to kill them all? Even in school when asked what her father did for a living she said,” He kills people,” and she got the wrath of the sister in charge. Living in this dark world, drugging her and feeling like she lived in that metal box and in a prison she might never escape it’s a wonder that she and her mother did not try and take his life for the benefit of others. Life was hard yet I wonder why no one heard their cries as the author discloses more of what her father made them endure. As her brother Michael suffered from poisoning that took quite some time to figure out the source, then regressing into his own shell and the author developing a stutter, even with the school aware that something was wrong they chalked it up to shy and young for her and poor Michael shell shocked you might say. But, her father killed many, destroyed their family love and unity and although he acted as if he had a demon inside of him and split personalities, no one realized at the time that he was mentally unstable. Rape was not uncommon, child abuse frequent and the laws to protect women not yet on the books. The deaths within the concentration camps were horrific and living with this man was like living in the same type of cells as the Holocaust victims.
How do you come back or live after seeing your father hack off someone’s head and roll if over a cliff? It that is not horrific enough the author watches as her father takes a young girl to a deserted spot and kills her in full view of the author by placing a guitar string around her neck and then taking a rail spike and driving it through her mouth.
Her own family and others would turn a blind eye to what her father was doing. The police would not interfere and the humiliation of having her family disgraced stopped them from ever helping her and her family nor would the nuns who stated her she was disobedient and did not comply to their rules rather then seeing what was really in front of them all the time. Even the police acted as if their hands were tied knowing that her father might be a killer and would not stop until maybe after his death. It was like they were living a life to illuminate his father’s hate, revenge and mental breakdown and sickness as he lived a make believe life of his own creation in his own mind. How can this not affect her even today?
When the nuns questioned her she held her mouth shut like a metal clamp was over it and each time her father wanted to torture and kill an animals she was tied up, gagged and made to watch. But, the one time she became deathly ill and in the hospital should have alerted authorities that she lived in a world that she needed to be protected from. With a mother that was helpless and the world around her so dark it is amazing that she loved girl scouts and dancing class and did not use them to escape her world and find herself somewhere where she can be accepted for her and not what her father wanted her to be. He did not only torture her but her mother too threatening to kill her if she told on him. How could she keep silent for so long? Why didn’t anyone realize what was happening and why did his own family turn a blind eye even after Ethel the grandmother died and even when he tried to pretend to be her at times. Shannon loved the fact that she was going to earn her first communion but the sadist in her father would ruin that too. Told in the first person you hear and see the events through her eyes in a graphic and definitely harsh way.
The scenes with the snakes and what he did to her with them might give anyone nightmares as it did the author maybe even now. The things she endured would have driven a child to insanity and yet she kept her mind but at times you wonder just how. In a house without any modern conveniences with a place that seemed as if it might come apart, imagine living deep inside a place that was barren, had long grass and poisonous snakes. In order to Patrick to do his dastardly deeds he would have to live and place his family in a place that was all by itself with no way to communicate with others. Even when Emma did have the car you never knew what he would do when she would return. It’s strange that she never just got them in the car and kept going. Why would she return?
Each incident described is even more telling than the one before it and the fact that the author relates that she did not use real names but in order to protect her family and even herself makes you wonder what would have happened if her father lived to read her words and if law enforcement would have ever finally taken action against him. Just how many did he really kill and how many if they could cry out would help lay blame for his murders. I wonder even now if when she closes her eyes to sleep if she does not relive what her father did to her.
The more you read this memoir the more you wonder just why she never expressed herself louder but fearing the wrath of her father on her mother and brothers and the fact that the doctor realized he was insane and only recommended counseling is quite thought provoking and the death of her grandfather made it even worse as he was the one person her father feared. Trying out for a television show, singing and hoping to distance herself from his nightly visits and often hiding in the cupboard or buried down deep with a metal door covering her and keeping her filled with bugs and even snakes you wonder how she managed to stay sane at all.
As the memoir draws to a close you find Shannon and her family moving to a new place and opening up a boatshed and a shop. But, her father is relentless and finds them but somehow they manage to protect themselves but he’s not the only one that they need to hide from as her mother’s new boyfriend Bill begins to show his colors too and fortunately he would eventually leave. This story is told in one voice yet at times you hear others too as Patrick justifies his murder and his actions in his own mind and Emma finally learns to fight back. Freedom comes to us in many ways in Shannon’s case it came on May 16, 2009. Her only regret till this day is that his victims were not all identified and no one would pay for their deaths and he never paid for his crimes. Child abuse laws are in effect today as well as laws against spousal abuse. But, even today schools, agencies that deal with this issue often discount some of what is reported and the victim does not always get justice. Teachers, counselors, parents, family members and the police need to still be more vigilant. This memoir is compelling and reminds us what happens when one young girl as she states often in this book is plagued with, “BLOOD ON MY HANDS.”
Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ magazine
October 23, 2019
The blood on my hands is a heart-wrenching, disturbing autobiography written in first person by Shannon O'Leary, describing her childhood and family life from a young age in Rural Australia. The entire book has you on the edge of your seat as you worry and stress about the safety of Shannon and her family from her multiple-personality, violent and murderous father. Throughout the novel, Shannon refers to her father as "The Devil" which is incredibly distressing and sad that he is perceived as inhuman and horrifying even to his own children. It is unbelievable what he was capable of and the monstrosities that the children and their mother were put through. The book is very well-written and her memory is quite remarkable in that every detail of her childhood is documented. There were times when I couldn't read any further and had to take a break because it was so raw and described the abuse and torment inflicted by her father in great detail on the family and other people he came across. Particularly horrifying was the murder and torture of random people that he forced Shannon and other family members to watch, and the times they had to run for their lives and hope that he wouldn't kill them as well. However, there were many times where I couldn't put the book down because I needed to know how they were going to overcome their situation and what was going to happen next.
There are so many emotions while reading this book, fear and great sadness for Shannon, her mother and her brothers, and anger at authorities for doing nothing to step in and help, as well as Shannon's teachers who turned a blind eye to the family and treating Shannon as a liar and attention-seeker instead of an abused girl who desperately needed help.
Overall this book is well-written and Shannon tells her story in a very personal and brave manner, and you feel a sense of relief when they finally get out of there. Although it is very discouraging and appalling that her father is never caught and prosecuted for his crimes and essentially lives out his long life terrorizing others until his fateful death.
There are so many emotions while reading this book, fear and great sadness for Shannon, her mother and her brothers, and anger at authorities for doing nothing to step in and help, as well as Shannon's teachers who turned a blind eye to the family and treating Shannon as a liar and attention-seeker instead of an abused girl who desperately needed help.
Overall this book is well-written and Shannon tells her story in a very personal and brave manner, and you feel a sense of relief when they finally get out of there. Although it is very discouraging and appalling that her father is never caught and prosecuted for his crimes and essentially lives out his long life terrorizing others until his fateful death.
March 29, 2020
Trigger warning: child abuse, spousal abuse, animal abuse, mental conditions, rape, murder, disturbing scenes.
The triggers don’t even begin to cover the topics in this book. But, I recommend it to anyone who can read through triggers because this book is something that will stay with me forever and it will move all its readers.
This memoir, the only memoir I’ve ever read, is about Shannon’s childhood. The struggles she went through growing up poor in Australia. But, not only that... she had a father with a mixed personality disorder. And his personalities were not friendly.
Her story is how she survived the torments of abuse on every level that her father put her through and subjected her to watch that he put other people through. The subject matter is disturbing and earth shattering.
I can not recommend this book enough. I’m all jumbled up when I think about this book, I just... wow. Please read it.
The triggers don’t even begin to cover the topics in this book. But, I recommend it to anyone who can read through triggers because this book is something that will stay with me forever and it will move all its readers.
This memoir, the only memoir I’ve ever read, is about Shannon’s childhood. The struggles she went through growing up poor in Australia. But, not only that... she had a father with a mixed personality disorder. And his personalities were not friendly.
Her story is how she survived the torments of abuse on every level that her father put her through and subjected her to watch that he put other people through. The subject matter is disturbing and earth shattering.
I can not recommend this book enough. I’m all jumbled up when I think about this book, I just... wow. Please read it.
March 20, 2021
Shannon O'Leary grew up in an unfathomable life of poverty and abuse at the hands of her father. His bouts of violence would come as a result of his multiple personality disorder. To make matters worse, the laws in Australia during that time were very limiting of how authorities could handle domestic violence and child abuse.
This book was very difficult to read from the very early pages. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to continue on at some stages of this autobiography because of how gruesome the details of the father's violence were. It is an absolute miracle that Shannon O'Leary survived all she had to endure and her story will remain in my memory for a long time to come.
Thank you to Book Publicity Services for the gifted copy!
This book was very difficult to read from the very early pages. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to continue on at some stages of this autobiography because of how gruesome the details of the father's violence were. It is an absolute miracle that Shannon O'Leary survived all she had to endure and her story will remain in my memory for a long time to come.
Thank you to Book Publicity Services for the gifted copy!
October 16, 2019
When I first started reading this book it was a little bit hard to read, the book has content of animal abuse, sexual abuse, murder and violence. It was horrible & heartbreaking reading some of it (about the abuse etc. but a really good read) but I think she's brave to have her story out there for others to read even if it was difficult to read. I highly recommend this to anyone to read.
Thank you to Book Publicity Services for the courtesy copy for an honest review.
Thank you to Book Publicity Services for the courtesy copy for an honest review.
September 19, 2016
The Blood on My Hands is the autobiography of Shannon O’Leary (the author has used pseudonyms in the book order to protect her family) about the horrific childhood she endured where the authorities of the time did nothing and the abuse didn’t stop for 49 years.
Shannon O’Leary grew up in 1960’s and 70’s Australia in a Catholic family and was subjected to horrific brutal psychical and sexual abuse, psychological abuse and witnessing domestic abuse and serial murder. This book tells her true story.
The book starts with the line “I have felt the cold steel of a gun in my mouth and against my temple” which lets you know from the start just a very small snippet of the childhood endured by the author and grabs your attention straight away and despite the harrowing subject matter I couldn’t put it down.
Before being asked to read this book I had never heard of Shannon O’Leary, but after reading this book it is a name I shall never forget. Although the book is her memoirs of the abuse she, and her family, suffered at the hands of the man who should have been there for her and loved her the most; her father, it is also a story of courage, resilience and survival.
The Blood on My Hands covers the early childhood life of the author. Her father, who had an undiagnosed split personality disorder, took great pleasure in physically and mentally tormenting his family. He was a violent, brutal sadist and serial murderer! On many occasions Shannon was forced to watch him brutally murder pets and people, including the murder and beheading of a young woman. At the age of 4 she first contemplated suicide.
Despite reports to police and doctors and the school nuns having an idea of abuse at home nobody did anything as deemed a domestic matter (thankfully things have changed for the better these days). Her father was never charged with any crime!
Despite her traumatic childhood she managed to grow up into a successful and functioning adult; she has been a teacher and is a prolific writer and performer, singer/songwriter, children’s book author, producer and poet.
Overall, The Blood on My Hands is a traumatic autobiography about a child and her family suffering horrendous physical, mental and sexual abuse. How this little girl survived it to become successful and functioning adult raising a family of her own is a testament to the mental strength of this child. She endured a torture that adults wouldn’t cope with, never mind a child. Her father ruled her life with barbaric cruelty.
This book was a heart-breaking read but a riveting one, I read the book in a day. It is extremely well-written and despite the subject matter it is an engaging read and a true story. It is intense and doesn’t pull any punches.
A very powerful book and extremely interesting read. You will be moved by this story. It is impossible for me to convey the true horror that this child and her family went through, you will have to read the book for yourself.
Shannon O’Leary grew up in 1960’s and 70’s Australia in a Catholic family and was subjected to horrific brutal psychical and sexual abuse, psychological abuse and witnessing domestic abuse and serial murder. This book tells her true story.
The book starts with the line “I have felt the cold steel of a gun in my mouth and against my temple” which lets you know from the start just a very small snippet of the childhood endured by the author and grabs your attention straight away and despite the harrowing subject matter I couldn’t put it down.
Before being asked to read this book I had never heard of Shannon O’Leary, but after reading this book it is a name I shall never forget. Although the book is her memoirs of the abuse she, and her family, suffered at the hands of the man who should have been there for her and loved her the most; her father, it is also a story of courage, resilience and survival.
The Blood on My Hands covers the early childhood life of the author. Her father, who had an undiagnosed split personality disorder, took great pleasure in physically and mentally tormenting his family. He was a violent, brutal sadist and serial murderer! On many occasions Shannon was forced to watch him brutally murder pets and people, including the murder and beheading of a young woman. At the age of 4 she first contemplated suicide.
Despite reports to police and doctors and the school nuns having an idea of abuse at home nobody did anything as deemed a domestic matter (thankfully things have changed for the better these days). Her father was never charged with any crime!
Despite her traumatic childhood she managed to grow up into a successful and functioning adult; she has been a teacher and is a prolific writer and performer, singer/songwriter, children’s book author, producer and poet.
Overall, The Blood on My Hands is a traumatic autobiography about a child and her family suffering horrendous physical, mental and sexual abuse. How this little girl survived it to become successful and functioning adult raising a family of her own is a testament to the mental strength of this child. She endured a torture that adults wouldn’t cope with, never mind a child. Her father ruled her life with barbaric cruelty.
This book was a heart-breaking read but a riveting one, I read the book in a day. It is extremely well-written and despite the subject matter it is an engaging read and a true story. It is intense and doesn’t pull any punches.
A very powerful book and extremely interesting read. You will be moved by this story. It is impossible for me to convey the true horror that this child and her family went through, you will have to read the book for yourself.
December 4, 2019
This book... I am horrified at what the author went through from a very young age. Shannon's father was unbelievably abusive (mentally, emotionally and sexually) and your average serial killer... wait...what? I had to race through the book to ensure that she was okay at the end. I really have no words... my heart breaks
August 15, 2016
This book was sent to me free in exchange for an honest review. I struggled to finish it, I wrestled with writing a review, I gave this book 2 stars on Goodreads and made the comment I was so bored with this book.
There are a few reasons it has taken me so long to write this review. 1) I didn’t really want to write it. I got the book free and so I wanted to like the book and write a nice review. Unfortunately I didn’t like the book. 2) Shannon O’Leary suffered a horrific childhood and from things I have read online still suffers from the abuse she experienced as a child. I worry that a bad review will add to her pain. 3) Shannon’s father was possibly mentally ill in addition to being a serial murderer, serial rapist, serial child abuser, and wife beater. However he was never taken to account for his crimes and the families of his victims will never know what happened to their loved ones. I am not blaming Shannon or her mother for this, they were all victims also. This fact just irks me. 4) There are things written in first person view that Shannon could not have possible remembered, obviously she relied on accounts from others. The fact that she does not acknowledge this irks me a little. 5) I read that Shannon write this from “the viewpoint of a child”, and I wonder why? This is certainly not a book one would encourage a child to read. I also believe that Shannon writes children’s books and poetry, maybe this format is comfortable to use.
Autobiography best sums up this book, there is great detail on what is was like growing up in New South Wales, how her parents met, the poor conditions they lived under, their life in general. She talks about the different ‘men’ her father would become, his abuse of her and the efforts her mother made to get away from him. Much of the abuse is written with how it felt to her, “attempted to fend off the sticky stuff that covered my face” … “Then sticky stuff, all over my nightdress.” …
While I didn’t like this book, as you can see from the reviews many did. I am not going to recommend for or against reading it, I am leaving it at this. I hope my review gives you an idea of whether or not you will like it.
There are a few reasons it has taken me so long to write this review. 1) I didn’t really want to write it. I got the book free and so I wanted to like the book and write a nice review. Unfortunately I didn’t like the book. 2) Shannon O’Leary suffered a horrific childhood and from things I have read online still suffers from the abuse she experienced as a child. I worry that a bad review will add to her pain. 3) Shannon’s father was possibly mentally ill in addition to being a serial murderer, serial rapist, serial child abuser, and wife beater. However he was never taken to account for his crimes and the families of his victims will never know what happened to their loved ones. I am not blaming Shannon or her mother for this, they were all victims also. This fact just irks me. 4) There are things written in first person view that Shannon could not have possible remembered, obviously she relied on accounts from others. The fact that she does not acknowledge this irks me a little. 5) I read that Shannon write this from “the viewpoint of a child”, and I wonder why? This is certainly not a book one would encourage a child to read. I also believe that Shannon writes children’s books and poetry, maybe this format is comfortable to use.
Autobiography best sums up this book, there is great detail on what is was like growing up in New South Wales, how her parents met, the poor conditions they lived under, their life in general. She talks about the different ‘men’ her father would become, his abuse of her and the efforts her mother made to get away from him. Much of the abuse is written with how it felt to her, “attempted to fend off the sticky stuff that covered my face” … “Then sticky stuff, all over my nightdress.” …
While I didn’t like this book, as you can see from the reviews many did. I am not going to recommend for or against reading it, I am leaving it at this. I hope my review gives you an idea of whether or not you will like it.
December 14, 2019
Reviewing autobiographies is hard. This review is solely based on my experience & feelings while reading this book, not the ‘story’ itself.
“I have felt the cold steel of a gun in my mouth and against my temple.” Right from this opening line I knew I was in for a confronting, horrifying time. In most ways, I was not wrong.
O’Leary shares some truly awful memories in this novel. Her father is a horrible, twisted man, & while he does not discriminate in his abuse, his behaviour towards his children was particularly hard to read about. Poisonings, fires, cruel little games, physical, emotional & sexual abuse—this is not a comfortable read.
Having been let down by almost every single adult around her, I expected to feel more for our author. While there were definitely times of absolute outrage at the actions, or total inaction, of those that should have been protecting these children, overall something just didn’t click for me; I didn’t feel an emotional connection, & I think that comes down to how the book has been written.
The narrative chops and changes. It feels disjointed, as though O’Leary has had memories come to her in a random order & attempted to simply fit them in as they cropped up. A lot of the memories didn’t feel believable from the perspective of a 5-10 year old; as though she has called on the memories of others & written them as her own.
I also found the read lacking in certain areas. I wanted more about her relationship with her brothers & how they endured this horrific upbringing as individuals & as siblings. I wanted more about who Shannon was outside of this abuse & more than anything, I wanted to know how life was now that she is an adult—I was glad to know that a sequel existed, leaving me hopeful for answers to at least some of my questions.
Overall this is an absolutely disgusting, infuriating and horrific tale. The idea that human beings can be this way, & towards children, angers me in a way that nothing else does. Parts of the book were truly difficult to read & in a way I am glad that the writing didn’t gel with me; if I didn’t feel so disconnected from the characters I may not have been able to finish it.
January 26, 2020
This auto biography is both fascinating and equally horrifying! It drew me in with the first few lines and had me hooked until the very end!
I was a little apprehensive about reading The Blood on my Hands as even though I usually read true crime books I tend to read factual true crime and not autobiography or first person accounts of the horrors that they have witnessed. And my god, has Shannon O'Leary witnessed absolute horror!
I found this book enthralling which is probably the wrong word entirely but I just couldn't put the book down, even though sometimes I felt physically sick reading what this poor woman and her family had endured through the early years of her life! Yet I kept on reading, terrified for her safety and what her dad would do next to Shannon, her mom or her brothers. I often at times found myself pshyically anxious for her safety and somehow wishing her safe as if I could somehow change past events! I felt a sense of relief when I read that her family managed to escape and waited and waited to read the lines that her father was arrested and they lived happily ever after, and I was shocked to see that this was not the case!
Infact, nobody helped Shannon or her family at all and this has opened my eyes to how the police, hospital, school and social services worked back in the 1960 / 1970s (and probably still to this day in many places). I have absolutely no idea how Shannon or her family mentally survived those terrible years and it upsets me to think that they may not have been the only family living in absolute fear day in day out due to the lack of help offered by society.
The book is well written, creates a connection between the author and the reader and gets under your skin.
I would like to thank Book Publicity Services for gifting me these books and giving me the chance to read and review these books in a non bias way.
I was a little apprehensive about reading The Blood on my Hands as even though I usually read true crime books I tend to read factual true crime and not autobiography or first person accounts of the horrors that they have witnessed. And my god, has Shannon O'Leary witnessed absolute horror!
I found this book enthralling which is probably the wrong word entirely but I just couldn't put the book down, even though sometimes I felt physically sick reading what this poor woman and her family had endured through the early years of her life! Yet I kept on reading, terrified for her safety and what her dad would do next to Shannon, her mom or her brothers. I often at times found myself pshyically anxious for her safety and somehow wishing her safe as if I could somehow change past events! I felt a sense of relief when I read that her family managed to escape and waited and waited to read the lines that her father was arrested and they lived happily ever after, and I was shocked to see that this was not the case!
Infact, nobody helped Shannon or her family at all and this has opened my eyes to how the police, hospital, school and social services worked back in the 1960 / 1970s (and probably still to this day in many places). I have absolutely no idea how Shannon or her family mentally survived those terrible years and it upsets me to think that they may not have been the only family living in absolute fear day in day out due to the lack of help offered by society.
The book is well written, creates a connection between the author and the reader and gets under your skin.
I would like to thank Book Publicity Services for gifting me these books and giving me the chance to read and review these books in a non bias way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2019
I would like to thank the publisher and Shannon O'Leary for allowing me to receive this book. The synopsis made me very intrigued about this book and that is why I opted to receive this for review but I must be honest and say that I was unsure that I would enjoy this book as I have also swayed towards fiction novels. However, as this book seemed extremely interesting I thought that I would give an autobiography a chance and I was not disappointed. This autobiography shares many horrific events that the author had to experience at the hands of her own father. This little girl was very brave and resilient; I know that if I experienced even a quarter of what Shannon O'Leary had to I would have broken very early on in life. I found myself truly gripped with this autobiography and could not stop reading. Parts of this autobiography made me feel physically sick at what the girl had to endure. I can't imagine how she managed to stay so strong and survive to adulthood and a better life. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone; reader or non-reader; enjoyer of autobiographies or fans of fiction. This is a truly amazing read and I believe that everyone should experience amazing along with the strength that the author had even at such a young age. As I came to the end of this book I felt that I had connected with the author along with helping her share in joy at how she survived such an horrific ordeal and how strong she and all her family were to get away from her father. That being said I could not imagine the terror that she experienced throughout her childhood as my childhood was perfect in comparison to hers. Any issues that I had in my childhood are silly and irrelevant in comparison to what Shannon O'Leary went through. As horrible as her experiences where they made her who she is today; the experiences made her stronger.
November 16, 2016
I have a more in-depth review on my blog here: https://charmedbookhavenreviews.wordp...
**Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my view whatsoever.**
Some of the most devastating/fascinating stories are not fiction. In fact, some may not be too far from your own backyard. A few months ago, I received an email from author Shannon O’Leary about her novel. I have read through it three times since and finally here to write about my review of this story.
It is next to impossible to rate this along my rating scale. Anytime I try to come up with things to say, I become completely speechless. How can you put a scale on someone’s life? I’m a survivor of abuse; however, Shannon suffered far more than I could ever have imagined. Especially during a time in Australia’s history when domestic abuse was heavily overlooked.
Shannon along with her siblings and mother, suffered at the hands of her murderous father. He tortured them all through beatings, harsh words, mutilating their pets, and they could not show him their fear. Even if he saw them show any fear whatsoever, he’d explode in his rampage of rage. The fact Shannon escaped and survived is a miracle in it of itself. She did what she could to survive and now her story is being heard.
I am thankful I had the opportunity to read Shannon O’Leary’s personal story. It takes a tremendous amount of strength to open up to readers. It takes even more to speak out and expose these secrets of the past. I want to say thank you to Shannon O’Leary to allow me to have this opportunity to read this.
**Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my view whatsoever.**
Some of the most devastating/fascinating stories are not fiction. In fact, some may not be too far from your own backyard. A few months ago, I received an email from author Shannon O’Leary about her novel. I have read through it three times since and finally here to write about my review of this story.
It is next to impossible to rate this along my rating scale. Anytime I try to come up with things to say, I become completely speechless. How can you put a scale on someone’s life? I’m a survivor of abuse; however, Shannon suffered far more than I could ever have imagined. Especially during a time in Australia’s history when domestic abuse was heavily overlooked.
Shannon along with her siblings and mother, suffered at the hands of her murderous father. He tortured them all through beatings, harsh words, mutilating their pets, and they could not show him their fear. Even if he saw them show any fear whatsoever, he’d explode in his rampage of rage. The fact Shannon escaped and survived is a miracle in it of itself. She did what she could to survive and now her story is being heard.
I am thankful I had the opportunity to read Shannon O’Leary’s personal story. It takes a tremendous amount of strength to open up to readers. It takes even more to speak out and expose these secrets of the past. I want to say thank you to Shannon O’Leary to allow me to have this opportunity to read this.
August 26, 2016
For Shannon O’Leary growing up with her parents and two brothers in the Australian outback was a traumatic and terrifying experience. In The Blood On My Hands she tells her story and reveals the horrific childhood and abuse she suffered at the hands of her mentally ill father. A father who not only terrorized his wife and children but committed murder, taking the lives of innocent women and travellers who were unfortunate enough to cross his path. This is a shocking read and one which is difficult to fully comprehend due to the scale of abuse and fear which ruled this household and the terror for a young girl who called her father The Devil. Written in the most part from the perspective of her young self, the impact of what Shannon O’Leary went through is heightened. A book which in places is difficult to follow is nevertheless a book which highlights the plight of families in the grips of domestic violence and childhood abuse, especially where mental health issues are concerned. It sends a strong message that support and help is vital and measures to ensure such services are in place and accessible must continue. The Blood On My Hands is a book you will never forget.
Read my full review of The Blood On My Hands on Crime Traveller at: http://www.crimetraveller.org/2016/08...
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