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No Place for the Weak: A True Story of Deviance, Torture and Social Cleansing
"It was a scene from the worst nightmare you've ever had, I don't think any of us was prepared for what we saw." - Snowtown officer On 20 May 1999, the South Australian Police were called to investigate a disused bank in the unassuming town of Snowtown, in connection to the disappearance of multiple missing people. The Police were not prepared for the chilling scene that awaited them. The officers found six barrels within the abandoned bank vault, each filled with acid and the remains of eight individuals. The smell from inside the vault was so stifling that the police required breathing equipment. Accompanying the bodies were numerous everyday tools that pathologists would later confirm were used for prolonged torture, murder and cannibalism. The findings shocked Australia to its core, which deepened still when it was revealed that the torture and murders were committed by not one, but a group of killers. The four men, led by John Bunting, targeted paedophiles, homosexuals, addicts or the ‘weak’ in an attempt to cleanse society.No Place for the Weak is a chilling account of the ‘Snowtown Murders’ ( ‘Bodies in Barrels Murders’), and one of the most disturbing true crime stories in Australia’s history. Ryan Green’s riveting narrative draws the reader into the real-live horror experienced by the victims and has all the elements of a classic This book contains descriptive accounts of torture, abuse and violence. If you are especially sensitive to this material, it might be advisable not to read any further.
137 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2021
742 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Green
32 books482 followersRyan Green is a true crime author in his late thirties. He lives in Herefordshire, England with his wife, three children, and two dogs. Outside of writing and spending time with his family, Ryan enjoys walking, reading and windsurfing.
Ryan is fascinated with History, Psychology and True Crime. In 2015, he finally started researching and writing his own work and at the end of the year, he released his first book on Britain's most notorious serial killer, Harold Shipman.
He has since written several books on lesser-known subjects, and taken the unique approach of writing from the killer's perspective. He narrates some of the most chilling scenes you'll encounter in the True Crime genre.
"Ryan Green is an incredible storyteller...he doesn’t just tell the story, he allows you to be part of it." ~Blackbird
Ryan is fascinated with History, Psychology and True Crime. In 2015, he finally started researching and writing his own work and at the end of the year, he released his first book on Britain's most notorious serial killer, Harold Shipman.
He has since written several books on lesser-known subjects, and taken the unique approach of writing from the killer's perspective. He narrates some of the most chilling scenes you'll encounter in the True Crime genre.
"Ryan Green is an incredible storyteller...he doesn’t just tell the story, he allows you to be part of it." ~Blackbird
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
December 12, 2021
John Bunting, along with four other men, tortured and killed 10 individuals under the guise of ridding the world of pedophiles. Known as the Snowtown Murders, on 20 May 1999, the South Australian Police discovered 8 bodies in barrels inside a bank vault. Two other bodies were discovered buried in the backyard of John's old home. The real motive behind the murders were to keep collecting the individual's government checks or to silence them. I have never heard of this case. Interesting read and well put together.
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September 19, 2021
The book has a lot of horrific details. That isn't my issue with it. It is that the author barely distinguishes between characters. I couldn't keep track of who was who at all. There is somehow too much and too little detail at the same time.
January 21, 2022
The summary of this book was very enticing. Yet as a short book I expected way more information about the crimes that were committed and the scene that was found once police apprehended those who were guilty.
I was well over half way done with the book before it got to the more interesting parts of the story. This book was slow, contained a lot of people and had excess information that wasn’t pertinent to the story.
The goodreads score for it with 503 ratings is 3.92 so 🤷🏻♀️ some people like it but it didn’t hold up to the standards of what I expect from true crime books.
I was well over half way done with the book before it got to the more interesting parts of the story. This book was slow, contained a lot of people and had excess information that wasn’t pertinent to the story.
The goodreads score for it with 503 ratings is 3.92 so 🤷🏻♀️ some people like it but it didn’t hold up to the standards of what I expect from true crime books.
June 6, 2022
Choosing Evil
This story is well written and easy to follow. The characters are abominable. The narrative flows swiftly enough that you get past the gore quickly. After that, who can believe all of this really did actually happen?
This story is well written and easy to follow. The characters are abominable. The narrative flows swiftly enough that you get past the gore quickly. After that, who can believe all of this really did actually happen?
January 23, 2024
No Place For The Weak is not the title of this book but a warning to all readers of what's inside these pages. For this being such a short book, and me being a True Crime fanatic, this was incredibly hard to read. Between the detail of John's rape as an 8 year old, and the subsequent animal abuse and cannabalism he inflicted in his later years - this was just a heavy read. The low rating is not a result of the author's work. This was well-written but just an insanely horrific read.
June 12, 2021
Very well written although very graphic even for true crime. The part with the dog will probly haunt me forever....
September 8, 2021
NO PLACE FOR THE WEAK (of stomach)…
A series of grisly murders occurred in and around Adelaide, South Australia, between 1992 and 1999. These murders were committed by John Bunting and a small group of his acquaintances. Since most of the bodies were concealed in barrels which were stowed in the vault of a defunct bank in Snowtown, the murders are often referred to as the “Snowtown murders” or the “bodies in barrels” murders. The horrific crimes of these men have been documented and examined in several books and dramatized in the film, Snowtown. The ringleader, John, along with his acolytes rationalized their unconscionable actions by insisting that they were providing a service to decent society by removing pedophiles and homosexuals - regardless of whether or not such categorizations were applicable to the victims. This book presents a clear and comprehensive picture of their crimes in a style that only Ryan Green can offer. His writing transports the reader into the story with such totality that one not only sees the actions of the characters, but as a result of his psychological scrutiny, you are privy to the character’s thoughts and emotions, as well. In the case of John Bunting, as with so many individuals who have fallen into or ventured decisively toward a life of cruel and sadistic depravity, the trauma of one horrific childhood event certainly influenced John’s development into the malicious miscreant he became. That dreadful experience is described in gut-wrenching detail, but it would be a grievous mistake to assign the full blame for John’s appalling deeds to this one incident. John Bunting made calculated choices and employed skillful manipulation tactics to accomplish his self-assigned “mission”. The true reasons for his actions were founded in greed, a consuming need to control everyone and everything, and his perverse desire to inflict pain on others. This is an absolutely electrifying account of the Snowtown murders but be advised that it is also a difficult read given the repugnant subject matter. Hate, bloodlust, rage, and cruelty to the mentally challenged and to animals are portrayed with disturbing and graphic clarity. To minimize the gruesome nature of John’s crimes might be more palatable but, in my opinion, would be a disservice in that true crime literature is tasked with offering a full and accurate account of what happened. For me, this author always offers the definitive examination of some of the worst events to disgrace the human race, and this book is a perfect example. It is both riveting and revolting but it is also impossible to put down.
While I was provided with an advance copy of this book, I chose to purchase a copy of the finalized book and I am voluntarily offering my honest and unbiased review.
A series of grisly murders occurred in and around Adelaide, South Australia, between 1992 and 1999. These murders were committed by John Bunting and a small group of his acquaintances. Since most of the bodies were concealed in barrels which were stowed in the vault of a defunct bank in Snowtown, the murders are often referred to as the “Snowtown murders” or the “bodies in barrels” murders. The horrific crimes of these men have been documented and examined in several books and dramatized in the film, Snowtown. The ringleader, John, along with his acolytes rationalized their unconscionable actions by insisting that they were providing a service to decent society by removing pedophiles and homosexuals - regardless of whether or not such categorizations were applicable to the victims. This book presents a clear and comprehensive picture of their crimes in a style that only Ryan Green can offer. His writing transports the reader into the story with such totality that one not only sees the actions of the characters, but as a result of his psychological scrutiny, you are privy to the character’s thoughts and emotions, as well. In the case of John Bunting, as with so many individuals who have fallen into or ventured decisively toward a life of cruel and sadistic depravity, the trauma of one horrific childhood event certainly influenced John’s development into the malicious miscreant he became. That dreadful experience is described in gut-wrenching detail, but it would be a grievous mistake to assign the full blame for John’s appalling deeds to this one incident. John Bunting made calculated choices and employed skillful manipulation tactics to accomplish his self-assigned “mission”. The true reasons for his actions were founded in greed, a consuming need to control everyone and everything, and his perverse desire to inflict pain on others. This is an absolutely electrifying account of the Snowtown murders but be advised that it is also a difficult read given the repugnant subject matter. Hate, bloodlust, rage, and cruelty to the mentally challenged and to animals are portrayed with disturbing and graphic clarity. To minimize the gruesome nature of John’s crimes might be more palatable but, in my opinion, would be a disservice in that true crime literature is tasked with offering a full and accurate account of what happened. For me, this author always offers the definitive examination of some of the worst events to disgrace the human race, and this book is a perfect example. It is both riveting and revolting but it is also impossible to put down.
While I was provided with an advance copy of this book, I chose to purchase a copy of the finalized book and I am voluntarily offering my honest and unbiased review.
Read
May 4, 2021Steak anyone?
Ryan Green has a knack for telling stories and making his characters come alive.
This is a true story about John Bunting, who became one of the most prolific serial killers.
In the summer of 1974, John had a play date with a friend, who lived across town. He was told that the kids were all playing in the basement because it was cooler there. The kids could make as much noise as they wanted because both parents were at work.
Around noon, the kid's teenage brother popped in. He came downstairs to see what was going
on and then went upstairs again. This time when he came back downstairs, he was holding a rope. The big brother asked the babies if they wanted to play a big boy game. John stated, "No thank you." That was the wrong answer.
Big brother started slapping John around and then tied John up nude. The brother then began to have anal sex with John, who was screaming because the pain was so great. After the brother was done with John, he ca!led a bunch of his buddies to come over and have sex with John. Those boys just kept taking turns with him.
Needless to say, John hated gay men with a passion and wanted them to pay for all the wrong doings to children.
John was only 8 years old when he was raped. As John got older, the murders began.
Killing for a living. John was quite good at manipulating people and getting them to do what he wanted.
John had managed to find a deserted bank buildling in another town to store bodies in. He got a bunch of metal containers to put the body parts in once he dismembered them. He then added an acid solution to the containers to dissolve the bodies.
John picked people that were receiving benefits, killed them,
and then continued to collect their benefits. He eventually did get arrested.
The solution he used to dissolve the body parts was not the right solution, so instead of dissolving the body parts, it pickled them.
He also was into cannibalism. One of the victims, he sliced some meat off of a thigh and cooked it up like steaks and served it to his friends.
Once your stomach settles down, I recommend that you read the book to get the full picture.
Dianna
Phoenix, AZ
Ryan Green has a knack for telling stories and making his characters come alive.
This is a true story about John Bunting, who became one of the most prolific serial killers.
In the summer of 1974, John had a play date with a friend, who lived across town. He was told that the kids were all playing in the basement because it was cooler there. The kids could make as much noise as they wanted because both parents were at work.
Around noon, the kid's teenage brother popped in. He came downstairs to see what was going
on and then went upstairs again. This time when he came back downstairs, he was holding a rope. The big brother asked the babies if they wanted to play a big boy game. John stated, "No thank you." That was the wrong answer.
Big brother started slapping John around and then tied John up nude. The brother then began to have anal sex with John, who was screaming because the pain was so great. After the brother was done with John, he ca!led a bunch of his buddies to come over and have sex with John. Those boys just kept taking turns with him.
Needless to say, John hated gay men with a passion and wanted them to pay for all the wrong doings to children.
John was only 8 years old when he was raped. As John got older, the murders began.
Killing for a living. John was quite good at manipulating people and getting them to do what he wanted.
John had managed to find a deserted bank buildling in another town to store bodies in. He got a bunch of metal containers to put the body parts in once he dismembered them. He then added an acid solution to the containers to dissolve the bodies.
John picked people that were receiving benefits, killed them,
and then continued to collect their benefits. He eventually did get arrested.
The solution he used to dissolve the body parts was not the right solution, so instead of dissolving the body parts, it pickled them.
He also was into cannibalism. One of the victims, he sliced some meat off of a thigh and cooked it up like steaks and served it to his friends.
Once your stomach settles down, I recommend that you read the book to get the full picture.
Dianna
Phoenix, AZ
July 22, 2022
Mildly Confusing...
This case was weird--through and through. Part murders, part lover's spat. This was pretty dark. Maybe not as graphic as some of the books I've read, but this one was just odd. I can see how he got to the point of doing what he did. I don't necessarily agree with the mindset that he didn't have to do it. Not everyone is mentally strong enough to endure such tragedy, as he experienced in his early years. He was left vulnerable to predators in his formative years, and it bred a monster. The fact that it's true makes it even worse. You'll probably like it, if you like true crime. IMHO, there are more interesting cases to read about.
This case was weird--through and through. Part murders, part lover's spat. This was pretty dark. Maybe not as graphic as some of the books I've read, but this one was just odd. I can see how he got to the point of doing what he did. I don't necessarily agree with the mindset that he didn't have to do it. Not everyone is mentally strong enough to endure such tragedy, as he experienced in his early years. He was left vulnerable to predators in his formative years, and it bred a monster. The fact that it's true makes it even worse. You'll probably like it, if you like true crime. IMHO, there are more interesting cases to read about.
May 4, 2021
What a monster
I didn't care for this book as much as others I have read by this author. It seemed to be just a retelling of events and no opportunity to try to really understand any of the players.
I didn't care for this book as much as others I have read by this author. It seemed to be just a retelling of events and no opportunity to try to really understand any of the players.
June 8, 2021
Not worth it
The story her is interesting, though brutal. The author though seems to be confused in the story and in many cases, things don’t add up.
The story her is interesting, though brutal. The author though seems to be confused in the story and in many cases, things don’t add up.
July 18, 2022
Written in a way to keep you gripped in journalistic cool eyed style. Characters of offenders delineated, more on their history would be good, and more to make you care the victims died would be nice, it becomes just a parade of victim after victim til they all blur into one, so victims need to have more of a profile built, I know people who knew some people involved and they say drugs were a big factor (intoxicated states/issues over deals etc) which did not come through much. I liked the brief portrayal of the decayed environment producing the characters but more could have been delved into re this setting and its atmosphere. My only disappointment was the authors moralising at the end. In saying the killers chose to do evil and labouring that point I think he fails to capture all the compelling drivers that made their evil acts inevitable. There was no particular moment of choice in the book where characters looked at or struggled with other options. Believable for the leader of the pack as he was basic, but surely that other killers wife who got murdered had worked on her husband to appeal to his conscience. And Im sure given that he is portrayed as grieving his wife (killed by decree for knowing too much) that he was definitely conflicted about the plan his alpha hatched. Im not sure it rings true that they are all evil and made informed choices, not when the author has painstakingly outlined how the dominant killer manipulated and groomed others to participate, including turning a drug addled guy against his brother by playing on his psychological weaknesses. A good read that was fly on wall clinical and might have benefited from a little emotion injected in the narrators voice to amplify that these killings were sad. Read a bit like the gangs bank den was just a freezing works for humans, and as if no victims families were left traumatised. Because the significant others are not sketched, tho maybe many vics had none (this is implied). Methodical killings by predators of unvalued people?
April 19, 2021
Ryan Green has produced another excellent book and has become one of my favourite authors with his ability to pull you into the story. This book will not disappoint true crime readers as Ryan delves into the mind and phycological and sadistic life of John Bunting who lives in Australia and is a true Psychopath who had no empathy.
John was molested at a friend’s house by his friend’s half-brother and his friends which changed john’s life forever more. John isolates himself and meets and befriends Benny who is 30+ when john is a teenager. Benny is a neo-Nazi who hates other races, especially homosexuals. This only fuels the volcano laying dormant deep inside John as they become friends and hang around gay bars pretending to pick up men for sex only to assault them up alleyways.
John quickly learnt these where victims to use for his perverse pleasure of torture ,and John new that he could turn his personality of with a flick of a switch which suited his purpose when he meets and befriends anybody.
Ryan sets the crimes up beautifully so the book flows nicely. The scenes are extremely graphic as you are drawn into the lives of the people around John as he leaves school, grows up gets married and makes friends who he then goes on to manipulate into killing for him. John new right from wrong and chose to inflict pain and suffering on his victims because he enjoyed it. Eventually 4 of them will be convicted of up to 10 killings.
When reading this book, you will find yourself turning pages as fast as you can read them. This book is not for the faint hearted but beautifully written. An exceptionally outstand brilliant book for true crime readers. Thanks again Ryan.
I received an advance review copy for free from Ryan Green and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
John was molested at a friend’s house by his friend’s half-brother and his friends which changed john’s life forever more. John isolates himself and meets and befriends Benny who is 30+ when john is a teenager. Benny is a neo-Nazi who hates other races, especially homosexuals. This only fuels the volcano laying dormant deep inside John as they become friends and hang around gay bars pretending to pick up men for sex only to assault them up alleyways.
John quickly learnt these where victims to use for his perverse pleasure of torture ,and John new that he could turn his personality of with a flick of a switch which suited his purpose when he meets and befriends anybody.
Ryan sets the crimes up beautifully so the book flows nicely. The scenes are extremely graphic as you are drawn into the lives of the people around John as he leaves school, grows up gets married and makes friends who he then goes on to manipulate into killing for him. John new right from wrong and chose to inflict pain and suffering on his victims because he enjoyed it. Eventually 4 of them will be convicted of up to 10 killings.
When reading this book, you will find yourself turning pages as fast as you can read them. This book is not for the faint hearted but beautifully written. An exceptionally outstand brilliant book for true crime readers. Thanks again Ryan.
I received an advance review copy for free from Ryan Green and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 6, 2021
I’ve read every true crime novel that Ryan has produced. Ryan’s style has evolved from a fact based journalistic approach to a first person view, for lack of a better word, from a psychopaths eyes. Ryan always presents what may be the cause of the person turn from humanity, while not letting us forget that it is no excuse for their actions. The topics that Ryan presents isn’t for those with a weak stomach and generally, I am able to read straight through. However, John Bunting’s tale is much different from the start until the end.
To date, this has been one of the most difficult novels to get through. Ryan truly gets you in John’s head to the point that I had to take breaks and stop reading. John as an 8 year old victim was the most heart wrenching tales I have read and cannot believe the torture that he went through. It foreshadows in a way, the torture that he put his victims through. John was not only able to mass a nice income from murder but he was able to put together a sort of club, that fulfilled his fantasies. As Ryan does explain that John had rules and reasons why and whom he chose as a victim, but in the end, he did it because he enjoyed it.
His methods immediately made me think of Katherine Knight and one can only imagine what would have happened if these two had crossed paths and joined forces.
To date, this has been one of the most difficult novels to get through. Ryan truly gets you in John’s head to the point that I had to take breaks and stop reading. John as an 8 year old victim was the most heart wrenching tales I have read and cannot believe the torture that he went through. It foreshadows in a way, the torture that he put his victims through. John was not only able to mass a nice income from murder but he was able to put together a sort of club, that fulfilled his fantasies. As Ryan does explain that John had rules and reasons why and whom he chose as a victim, but in the end, he did it because he enjoyed it.
His methods immediately made me think of Katherine Knight and one can only imagine what would have happened if these two had crossed paths and joined forces.
May 13, 2021
Ryan Green is my go-to choice when I want a quick true crime book. This book is appropriately named: If you are squeamish, don't read this book! As always, the author takes facts from a horrific crime spree and adds enough "fiction" to make it readable instead of just being a bunch of facts thrown together.
John Bunting was responsible for several horrific murders in Adelaide, Australia in the 1990s and the true extent of his crimes may never truly be known. Although Bunting did suffer horrors during his childhood, nothing could justify the tortures he put his victims through. With his cabal, he tortured, murdered, and mutilated those he saw as deserving of such treatment. Then, the bodies were put into barrels and covered with chemicals to destroy evidence.
Bunting also found a way to defraud the government in each of these cases and continued to receive the victims' benefits long after their deaths. Ultimately, this is probably what caused the authorities to discover his horrible deeds.
The narrator is perfect for this book and has become the voice of Green's "True Crime" series. I can't imagine anyone else improving on his performance.
John Bunting was responsible for several horrific murders in Adelaide, Australia in the 1990s and the true extent of his crimes may never truly be known. Although Bunting did suffer horrors during his childhood, nothing could justify the tortures he put his victims through. With his cabal, he tortured, murdered, and mutilated those he saw as deserving of such treatment. Then, the bodies were put into barrels and covered with chemicals to destroy evidence.
Bunting also found a way to defraud the government in each of these cases and continued to receive the victims' benefits long after their deaths. Ultimately, this is probably what caused the authorities to discover his horrible deeds.
The narrator is perfect for this book and has become the voice of Green's "True Crime" series. I can't imagine anyone else improving on his performance.
May 31, 2021
Those of us that are Americans seem to think we have cornered the market on serial killers (I mean, we do have some of the most prolific out there: the Zodiac killer, BTK, Jeffrey Dhamer, Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacey, etc.) but it’s not just exclusive to the Western World.
Australia seems to also have their fair share (must be the sheer desolation, heat and isolation), though none manage to measure up to John Bunting, the outback’s most prolific mass murderer.
Anyways, I’d probably let never had heard of this killer had it not been for Ryan Green and his No Place for the Weak. As seems to be the case with all of his non-fiction exposes on murderers and true crime, Green’s short (yet informative) work on Bunting and his killer gangs is super informative and eye opening, yet still short enough to read in one or two short sittings.
There are some that will complain about the lack of footnotes, bibliography, and alight artistic license that Green takes in telling the story, but overall, it’s not worth complaining about when there’s so many other great things to learn.
Australia seems to also have their fair share (must be the sheer desolation, heat and isolation), though none manage to measure up to John Bunting, the outback’s most prolific mass murderer.
Anyways, I’d probably let never had heard of this killer had it not been for Ryan Green and his No Place for the Weak. As seems to be the case with all of his non-fiction exposes on murderers and true crime, Green’s short (yet informative) work on Bunting and his killer gangs is super informative and eye opening, yet still short enough to read in one or two short sittings.
There are some that will complain about the lack of footnotes, bibliography, and alight artistic license that Green takes in telling the story, but overall, it’s not worth complaining about when there’s so many other great things to learn.
March 26, 2022
I wasn't aware of John Bunting or this case. This book is written well and in a narrative fashion that's not academic but gives the reader most of the information they'd want to know about the case.
At times throughout the book I wondered if the author was expressing the actual thoughts and feelings of the people involved or was projecting his own sensibilities into the characters. So while I enjoyed the narrative nature of the story, at the back of my mind always was a question if the characters were being represented accurately.
There are parts of the story where clearly the author had much more information and was able to go more into depth, and parts that were barely touched and skimmed over. This is particularly the case as it pertains to the trial and it suddenly turns into Joe Friday "just the facts, ma'am". I'm also curious what the author's research methodology was for the book and wished he'd included a preface or closing chapter describing it.
Overall great book, but a very disturbing story. True life really is stranger than fiction. I'll be reading this author again.
At times throughout the book I wondered if the author was expressing the actual thoughts and feelings of the people involved or was projecting his own sensibilities into the characters. So while I enjoyed the narrative nature of the story, at the back of my mind always was a question if the characters were being represented accurately.
There are parts of the story where clearly the author had much more information and was able to go more into depth, and parts that were barely touched and skimmed over. This is particularly the case as it pertains to the trial and it suddenly turns into Joe Friday "just the facts, ma'am". I'm also curious what the author's research methodology was for the book and wished he'd included a preface or closing chapter describing it.
Overall great book, but a very disturbing story. True life really is stranger than fiction. I'll be reading this author again.
April 17, 2022
Perhaps Greens best work
I love everything I've read thus far by Ryan Green. He sets the bar exceptionally high within the true crime genre. Believe me, I am infatuated with this genre and can confidently exclaim that every book he creates is gold. Unlike the many numerous TC novellas crammed with varying cases that projectile vomit the very essentials only - which have become exceedingly dominant, Green writes methodically about one prolific character per book. He doesn't just fact douse you but creates a narrative in which each and every time, you feel as though you're a spectator. Entranced, immersed, and unable to look away. His writings are detailed, gripping, articulate, grammatically sound, and the most vivid conveyance into the depths of human savagery.
If you have thick skin, this is definitely the one.
Great Job, Ryan! Your passion and talent remain unparalleled.
~ Josephine
I love everything I've read thus far by Ryan Green. He sets the bar exceptionally high within the true crime genre. Believe me, I am infatuated with this genre and can confidently exclaim that every book he creates is gold. Unlike the many numerous TC novellas crammed with varying cases that projectile vomit the very essentials only - which have become exceedingly dominant, Green writes methodically about one prolific character per book. He doesn't just fact douse you but creates a narrative in which each and every time, you feel as though you're a spectator. Entranced, immersed, and unable to look away. His writings are detailed, gripping, articulate, grammatically sound, and the most vivid conveyance into the depths of human savagery.
If you have thick skin, this is definitely the one.
Great Job, Ryan! Your passion and talent remain unparalleled.
~ Josephine
October 6, 2023
October spooky reads included this book for me this year. I read it. I cringed a few times. I was not moved or connected, unfortunately. By the description, I was hoping for more about the crimes once the men were caught. More "true crime" type things. It was not that.
These men were absolutely terrible. Preying, murdering, etc. However, the narrative is all the same. Traumatized during childhood/YA, neo Nazi thoughts and beliefs, preying on the "impure."
Disgusting acts, no remorse, and serial killer/cult like vibes rocked the community in Australia in the early 2000s. This was a piece of history I didn't know about so I did learn something. One of my favorite quotes was " All of the evil that was done was done by regular people who simply had nothing better to do with their lives. People who had been pushed so far to the periphery of civilization that they no longer felt any benefit in upholding the most basic tenants of decency or the social contract."
We need to do better.
These men were absolutely terrible. Preying, murdering, etc. However, the narrative is all the same. Traumatized during childhood/YA, neo Nazi thoughts and beliefs, preying on the "impure."
Disgusting acts, no remorse, and serial killer/cult like vibes rocked the community in Australia in the early 2000s. This was a piece of history I didn't know about so I did learn something. One of my favorite quotes was " All of the evil that was done was done by regular people who simply had nothing better to do with their lives. People who had been pushed so far to the periphery of civilization that they no longer felt any benefit in upholding the most basic tenants of decency or the social contract."
We need to do better.
May 6, 2021
Just when you think an author can't get better, you are proven wrong. I've read several mentions and vignettes on the Snowtown Murders. They never really captured my attention. When I began this book I had no idea it was going to focus on the Bodies in the Barrels killer. I read an excerpt that was so compelling yet terrible, it made me want to read the book to find out what actually happened during this excerpt & why.
Ryan Green has a method that so far no one has been able to duplicate. He writes a story from the perspective of both the killers and victims. His narrative in NO PLACE FOR THE WEAK was chilling and shocking. The horrors endured by the victims occurred because of greedy depraved hearts. The victims & killers weren't strangers which just made the killings even more barbaric.
Ryan Green has a method that so far no one has been able to duplicate. He writes a story from the perspective of both the killers and victims. His narrative in NO PLACE FOR THE WEAK was chilling and shocking. The horrors endured by the victims occurred because of greedy depraved hearts. The victims & killers weren't strangers which just made the killings even more barbaric.
January 27, 2023
No Place for the Weak: A True Story of Deviance, Torture and Social Cleansing was a good read by Ryan Green. On May 20, 1999, the South Australian Police were investigating a disused bank in the town of Snowtown. This was in connection to the disappearance of multiple missing people. They found six barrels in the abandoned vault that were filled with acid and the remains of eight people. They also found some tools that were confirmed to have been used for prolonged torture, murder and cannibalism. They found that the torture and murders were committed by a group of killers. John Bunting was the leader of the four men that targeted paedophiles, homosexuals, addicts or the ‘weak’ in an attempt to cleanse society. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.
July 28, 2021
I've made the decision that Ryan Green has the right approach to true crime. He keeps it short and sweet, writes about lesser known cases, and manages to really hammer home the evil of perpetrators, and the cost of human life. I've never read up on the Snowtown murders, but I watched a film years ago, and I recall it upsetting me. So of course, this was worse, all of the things they can't show on TV. What's most heartbreaking and vile is that John Bunting was a victim, and went way off the deep end. His safety was shattered, and he turned to someone who loves to hurt others, instead of a kinder path.
April 22, 2021
Sometimes truth is more gruesome than fiction.
The author presents a keen insight and understanding of the killer. At the start of the book, I felt sorry for the killer, because of what had happened to him in his childhood. A bad childhood can either make or break a person. Some people actually show more compassion towards other people. Other people internalise their pain and anger and then project it onto the world. This book shows the killer's rapid descent into madness. The crimes he committed are horrendous and chilling. Very well written, realistic, and compelling.
The author presents a keen insight and understanding of the killer. At the start of the book, I felt sorry for the killer, because of what had happened to him in his childhood. A bad childhood can either make or break a person. Some people actually show more compassion towards other people. Other people internalise their pain and anger and then project it onto the world. This book shows the killer's rapid descent into madness. The crimes he committed are horrendous and chilling. Very well written, realistic, and compelling.
July 28, 2024
All info in this book.
The only thing I understand is that sometimes trauma coming out in the open is believed to be the undoing of the mind. A permanent break. Honestly believing that what you do know and what you don't want to know is just a replaying trauma that a person tries hard to keep at bay and live life as normally as possible. Not always possible. But I don't know if Isn't can truly take the truth. Very sad story. Very good writing. We definitely should change the taboos Android be open. Be free to express pain, love, anger,happiness, frustration ,etc.
The only thing I understand is that sometimes trauma coming out in the open is believed to be the undoing of the mind. A permanent break. Honestly believing that what you do know and what you don't want to know is just a replaying trauma that a person tries hard to keep at bay and live life as normally as possible. Not always possible. But I don't know if Isn't can truly take the truth. Very sad story. Very good writing. We definitely should change the taboos Android be open. Be free to express pain, love, anger,happiness, frustration ,etc.
April 22, 2021
WOW, what a read! The plot was intense, powerful and thrilling and held me captive all the way through! The characters fairly leaped off the page, and the tension was palpable. If you are looking for a twisted read that you just CAN’T put down, then this is DEFINITELY the book for you!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
April 26, 2021
I have read a few of Ryan's books, and one of the reasons why I enjoy them so much is that he doesn't fill out the story with unnecessary information. You just get the whole story. That's all you want! This one is no different in that respect, but, be warned, it is the nastiest tale yet. I usually read Ryan's books in one sitting, but needed breaks with this one. There are also descriptions of terrible animal cruelty. I never find that Ryan uses any descriptions gratuitously though, thankfully.
February 9, 2022
At ~150 pages this book was a quick read and summarization of the story of the Snowtown murders. Although the book certainly could have gone into more detail, I'm glad it didn't. The details that were provided were enough to make me need a break in between some chapters. I enjoy true crime but this was another level for me. Sooo messed up, and I love a true story. Would recommend, but only to the twisted 😝
September 17, 2022
I found the book intriguing and as it reminded me quite a bit like our KKK attitudes . This shows how a group could be similarly formed by an entity that grew up to encompass not only the pedifiles that were his boyhood antagonists but, to branch out to others he considers perverted in some way. The only problem I ran into was the juggling of names. I found myself going backwards to refresh my memory of names or infractions. I have to say was a good read.
November 24, 2022
Skip the chapter “Senseless”. Just do it.
TW: Murder, suicide, child molestation, animal cruelty, basically every trigger. Truly.
This was the strangest true crime book I’ve ever read. It read like fiction. I couldn’t tell if I loved that or hated it. There were descriptions I could have 100,000,000% lives without and then there were no descriptions at all of things that I felt needed description.
Definitely wasn’t terrible, but check your triggers. It’s DARK.
TW: Murder, suicide, child molestation, animal cruelty, basically every trigger. Truly.
This was the strangest true crime book I’ve ever read. It read like fiction. I couldn’t tell if I loved that or hated it. There were descriptions I could have 100,000,000% lives without and then there were no descriptions at all of things that I felt needed description.
Definitely wasn’t terrible, but check your triggers. It’s DARK.
July 24, 2023
Ryan Green has written yet another great read. One of my favorite things about this author is that he chooses cases that many may not have heard of, allowing you to make your own conclusions as you go along.
This book is written in style that just draws you in, and kept my attention throughout. I cannot wait to see what Ryan comes up with next time, but I know one thing... it will never be boring!
This book is written in style that just draws you in, and kept my attention throughout. I cannot wait to see what Ryan comes up with next time, but I know one thing... it will never be boring!
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