No Memory for Murder - by Blain Henshaw (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A spellbinding story of murder in a popular Halifax park, high courtroom drama, and hints of demonic possession and satanic worship.

In 1975, Jimmy Odo was charged with the murder of fourteen-year-old Tony Cluett, who was found strung up crucifixion-style in Halifax's Point Pleasant Park. Six years later, he was charged with bludgeoning to death Darlene Davidson, his former girlfriend's five-year-old daughter.

At trial in 1981, Odo testified that although he didn't remember the killings, he had lied to avoid conviction for the Cluett murder. He also spoke of being part of a satanic cult while living in Montreal.

This is the true story of two brutal murders, a flawed parole system that granted early release to a convicted sex offender with known homicidal tendencies, the questionable conduct of two defence lawyers, and the sick mind of a killer.

Review Quotes

Drawing on his own reporting from the '80s, Henshaw turns Odo's lurid biography into a melancholy assessment of social welfare, mental health, and the flawed Canadian justice system that initially allowed Odo to walk free. It's a haunting glimpse into the abyss.-- "Publishers Weekly"

Journalist Henshaw, who covered the second murder case as a television reporter, digs deep into the lives of the killer and his victims, but he doesn't stop there. This isn't just a murder story; it's also a story of misconduct on the part of Odo's lawyers and a criminal justice system that allowed a repeat offender to get away with murder. Deeply moving and absolutely impossible to put down, this is a sterling work of crime nonfiction.-- "Booklist"

A chilling historical examination of one man's personal demons and ruthless actions that leave the small port city of Halifax reeling with fear of a satanic cult. Through detailed reporting of court cases and police interviews, readers follow the stories of two senseless, cold-blooded murders -- seven years apart - that raise disturbing questions about the mental health system and justice system. Henshaw delves deep into whether the horrific crimes could have been prevented.-- "Sherri Aikenhead, author of Mommy Don't"

No Memory for Murder reads like unbelievable fiction, but it is all true. Journalist Blain Henshaw, who covered the Jimmy Odo cases in Halifax during the 1970s and 1980s, has masterfully reconstructed the behind-the-headline stories of the police investigations, the psychiatric evaluations, and the riveting courtroom dramas in a highly readable account. But he also makes clear some of the issues the Odo saga raised, including how and when -- and whether -- convicted sex offenders should be released back into society, have yet to be resolved. Highly recommended.-- "Stephen Kimber, author of Not Guilty: The Trial of Gerald Regan"

Blain Henshaw's meticulously researched book explores part of humanity's darkest side, exposing the violent mind of James Odo, the hotel employee guilty of rape and murder in 1970s Halifax. Henshaw draws from his extensive journalistic skills, sifting through hundreds of interrogation and court documents, psychiatric reports, and trial testimonies to reveal the chilling details.-- "Bette Cahill, author of the bestseller Butterbox Babies"

In No Memory for Murder, Blain Henshaw brings his many years of journalist experience to bear to create a factual and riveting account of a series of crimes from Nova Scotia's past.-- "Lesley Choyce, author of The Untimely Resurrection of John Alexander MacNeil"

The story of Jimmy Odo is spellbinding in its legal twists and turns, and Blain Henshaw captures it all. He also captures the humanity of the Odo story. No child should grow up like Jimmy. I've known Blain Henshaw for many years. We've worked side by side in the same newsroom and he has always been a thorough reporter. His skill is demonstrated here in that he captures in detail the story of Jimmy Odo but the fascinating back stories too.-- "Bruce Graham, author, playwright, former TV anchor"

About the Author

Blain Henshaw is the author of five books on Maritime history. He has had a career as a broadcast journalist, freelance writer, and communications advisor to the Nova Scotia government. He lives in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia.