Helpful Score: 4
I must correct the other reviewer. Paul and Karla DID NOT kill 23 people. They killed three. This is my second favorite book on this case, my first being "Deadly Innocence". Karla was released from prison on July 4, 2005.
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The horrifying sex murders committed in southern Ontario by Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka caught the attention of the media and public of Canada like few, if any, cases in that country's history. Readers of either of the two previous books about the case (Deadly Innocence and Lethal Marriage) may be skeptical that another retelling is necessary, but Invisible Darkness benefits from Stephen Williams's prodigious research and his unique perspective on Karla's culpability. Williams had to jump several legal hurdles unique to Canada's "Crown disclosure" protocols, but eventually was able to gain access to more than 70 hours of videotaped police interviews with Karla, interviews with Paul by his defense attorney, and even psychiatrist's notes. Williams uses vivid vignettes to tell the story, and refrains from unnecessarily graphic details about the crimes. As the Winnipeg Free Press writes, "If any readers still believe [Homolka] was a victim of post-traumatic stress, abused into submission by Bernardo, this will put that idea to rest."
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The horrifying sex murders committed in southern Ontario by Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka caught the attention of the media and public of Canada like few, if any, cases in that country's history. Readers of either of the two previous books about the case (Deadly Innocence and Lethal Marriage) may be skeptical that another retelling is necessary, but Invisible Darkness benefits from Stephen Williams's prodigious research and his unique perspective on Karla's culpability. Williams had to jump several legal hurdles unique to Canada's "Crown disclosure" protocols, but eventually was able to gain access to more than 70 hours of videotaped police interviews with Karla, interviews with Paul by his defense attorney, and even psychiatrist's notes. Williams uses vivid vignettes to tell the story, and refrains from unnecessarily graphic details about the crimes. As the Winnipeg Free Press writes, "If any readers still believe [Homolka] was a victim of post-traumatic stress, abused into submission by Bernardo, this will put that idea to rest."
Dixie B. (ontedge) reviewed Invisible Darkness : The Strange Case Of Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka on + 42 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This is a well written true crime book, but one of the most disturbing I've ever read - and I've read over a thousand true crime books.
This couple is so cold blooded, it's practically inconceivable - but all true.
The author has done his research and he presents unbiased facts.
Paul Bernardo started as a rapist and quickly progressed to murder, while encouraging the involvement of his dependent girlfriend/and later wife, Karla Homolka, to participate in these brutal attacks, all for the "thrill factor".
She even participated in the rape and murder of her younger sister, at Paul Bernardo's request - because Karla wanted to give Paul a virgin for his Christmas present.
That virgin was her younger sister, Tammy.
Again, the book itself is well written and filled with very graphic details.
IF true crime is your book of choice and IF you have a strong stomach, this is a very interesting case. Twisted and graphic - but interesting.
Just be forewarned...
This couple is so cold blooded, it's practically inconceivable - but all true.
The author has done his research and he presents unbiased facts.
Paul Bernardo started as a rapist and quickly progressed to murder, while encouraging the involvement of his dependent girlfriend/and later wife, Karla Homolka, to participate in these brutal attacks, all for the "thrill factor".
She even participated in the rape and murder of her younger sister, at Paul Bernardo's request - because Karla wanted to give Paul a virgin for his Christmas present.
That virgin was her younger sister, Tammy.
Again, the book itself is well written and filled with very graphic details.
IF true crime is your book of choice and IF you have a strong stomach, this is a very interesting case. Twisted and graphic - but interesting.
Just be forewarned...
Maryellen T. (metipton) reviewed Invisible Darkness : The Strange Case Of Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is less detailed about the kidnappings, but more objective, than Lethal Marriage. Lethal Marriage is better written though. Fascinating and sick story.
Alice K. (kosana) reviewed Invisible Darkness : The Strange Case Of Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
By far one of the creepiest true crime books I've ever read. I LOVE it. Karla Homolka was actually released from prison about a year ago. Scary stuff.
Delilah W. (cemeterygates) -
Helpful Score: 2
It is very difficult to write a true crime novel in this day and age without having it be sensationalist, and I won't go so far as to say that Williams has achieved Helter Skelter levels of journalistic integrity with Invisible Darkness, but the fact of the matter is that for true crime, this is a well-written piece. The case itself is fascinating from the get-go, and the author pulls no punches as he narrates the compelling depravity from as far back as he could reach. I've read hundreds of books in the genre and something about this one will always place it in my top ten list.
