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78th out of 96 books
—
40 voters
A New Kind of Monster: The Secret Life and Chilling Crimes of Colonel Russell Williams
Ripped from the headlines, the horrific and astonishing true story of the double life of Russell Williams, who was at once a respected figure in the Canadian military and a ruthless sado-sexual serial criminal and murderer.
In the annals of psycho-killers, Colonel Russell Williams may well be unique. A decorated air force colonel, Williams was, for years, living a double li...more
In the annals of psycho-killers, Colonel Russell Williams may well be unique. A decorated air force colonel, Williams was, for years, living a double li...more
Hardcover, 304 pages
Published
April 1st 2011
by Random House Canada
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A New Kind of Monster: The Secret Life and Chilling Crimes of Colonel Russell Williams","Timothy Appleby"
"For an account of a horrifying true crime, this is an excellent book if you are interested in that sort of thing. Why and how a bright, ambitious, respected man at the top of his military career could commit such crimes will probably never be known or understood. Colonel Russell's crimes are unique as there was nothing in his earlier years to give a clue that he would escalate so quickly at...more
"For an account of a horrifying true crime, this is an excellent book if you are interested in that sort of thing. Why and how a bright, ambitious, respected man at the top of his military career could commit such crimes will probably never be known or understood. Colonel Russell's crimes are unique as there was nothing in his earlier years to give a clue that he would escalate so quickly at...more
Great book about a serial rapist and murderer whose dark side stunned Canada into pensive thoughts of "how could we not know?" when he was arrested and sentenced to two consecutive life terms. Appleby structures the facts neatly and describes the crimes without being grotesque. A successful, driven, and obsessively organized Air Force commander, Russell Williams served as a mentor to many. How he was able to compartmentalize his life in such a way that it allowed him to commit 80+ fetish-driven...more
I told myself I wasn't ready to read this book til I was on vacation and miles away from where it happened, as I live quite near where it happened. I mostly ignored the news coverage, because though I like stories about killers, I need a bit of distance after the hype has died down. This book reminds me why that is. The subject is interesting, but it never really delves into who Russell Williams is. It is fascinating that he is not a sociopath, he doesn't seem to be faking normalcy the way they...more
A recounting of the crimes and life of Russell Williams, told in a matter of fact way. The atrocities he committed were horrific, albeit, normal unfortunately, for these kinds of crimes. What was abnormal was his crime trajectory.
Williams went from being a voyeour, to a sexual burglar, to sexual sadist and murderer all within a span of two years, and started in his forties. How does a highly intelligent man with a glowing career, a stable marriage, who runs the biggest and most prestigious mili...more
Williams went from being a voyeour, to a sexual burglar, to sexual sadist and murderer all within a span of two years, and started in his forties. How does a highly intelligent man with a glowing career, a stable marriage, who runs the biggest and most prestigious mili...more
This is another hastily-written account by a crime reporter who is exploiting the misfortune of others to profit by pandering to our baser voyeuristic instincts. That having been said, the book is not a bad read, although the writer was handicapped by the reticence of many people who might have shed some light on the murderer's past and by his own reluctance to include some of the more lurid details of the slayings. Personally, I was put off by his lack of familiarity with military terminology.....more
The author is a crime reporter for the Globe and Mail, and in this book conveys a true story unveiling a serial killer who will probably keep psychiatrists intrigued for decades to come. I had followed the media coverage, but found this book provided information and insight not contained in the news. How does a man rise to the level of Colonel in the Air Force commanding Canada's most important air base and chaufeuring dignitaries including Queen Elizabeth, while committing atrocious murders? Th...more
Having previously worked with sex offenders in treatment and currently in risk evaluation, I initially didn't think that Colonel Russell Williams was a "new kind of monster." For much of the book he seemed like a very typical underwear fetish burglar. The fact that he was an upstanding member of the community who was also a sex offender didn't surprise me either as many of the sex offenders that I have worked with have also lived a double life as a pillar of the community by day and a sexual dev...more
Apr 28, 2012
Valerie Shampine
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
true-crime,
non-fiction
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I really enjoyed this book. Though I read it when my husband was out of town, so I became a little paranoid! So sad that a man like this was actually a member of the Canadian Forces, but then I guess that's how sociopaths are - adept at fooling the people around them. It'll be awhile before I read this book again. If at all. Two reasons: I loaned it to my uncle, and also, I don't want to get freaked out again!!
While not that compelling a read, I did like learning about the Canadian military and how they are perceived by civilians. The author does a good job of describing the crimes and the criminal, as well as the chilling effect they had in the communities where they were committed. I would have liked to know more about the killer's motivations and/or the root cause of his behavior, but given the private nature of the perpetrator it may not have been possible.
This book kept me riveted. Even though much of the information about the crimes had been on the news, the background of Williams was fascinating. I was left with a much deeper understanding of the profound tragedy; the tragic and incomprehensible loss of life of the two young women he killed, and the tragic path Williams followed when he, a formerly outstanding officer, chose to act on his evil urges. Great book.
This book is hard to rate because of the subject matter. I didn't 'enjoy' reading it, but I had difficulty putting it down out of sheer morbid fascination.
I usually don't read true crime stuff or give much attention to serial killers (so much more positive stuff out there to focus on), but this book was given to me.
It's extremely well researched and written by veteran crime journalist, Timothey Appleby. I was particularly touched by the reverance and respect shown to the victims and their famili...more
I usually don't read true crime stuff or give much attention to serial killers (so much more positive stuff out there to focus on), but this book was given to me.
It's extremely well researched and written by veteran crime journalist, Timothey Appleby. I was particularly touched by the reverance and respect shown to the victims and their famili...more
A horrible tale of the terror Russell Williams reigned over parts of Ontario for a few years, maybe longer, in an escalating crime spree that ended in the brutal deaths of two young ladies. The author did an amazing job of trying to find why and how Williams became a monster when he had the world at his fingertips. Chilling! I couldn't read it at night for fear of nightmares.
A Book about EX-Colonel Russell Williams and the true story of his life before and after he became a killer. I found the book typical in its genre but interesting as well because R.W. was not a typical psycopath/serial killer - actually they say he was neither one of those things. The man is Canadian and a person who was seen in high regard, a military pilot. I think this too is why I enjoyed this book as Im also Canadian :)
Interesting true story of a senior Canadian military officer who committed murder, sexual assaults, and a series of break- ins and burglaries to satisfy his sexual fetishes. The book goes off on a few conjectural tangents that it shouldn't, but is otherwise a good retelling of the story.
If the story was one of fiction I would say that the book was a great read. Because it's true, it's rather chilling. I was in Canada when his crimes hit the headlines. Mr. Williams is not a well liked man among his military brethren. He is a fascinating study of the duality of man.
This book was heart breaking. I kept on thinking through it all, how could he? The start of the book is a bit slow, kind of jumps back and forth, but well worth it. It took me a couple days to read, you really don't want to put it down. I recommend!
I saw this at the library and contemplated grabbing it, now that I have it, I'm kinda worried of what I am going to find inside the pages...I may or may not review this book...Curiosity killed the cat.
What a sick, sick, sick man....and with a conscience who would have thought ...
What a sick, sick, sick man....and with a conscience who would have thought ...
view all 4 comments
Good book. Interesting. Can't believe he got away with so much before being caught. Would love to read something about his wife's experience.
The title speaks for itself. Russel William really is a new kind of monster. The book explains all the chilling details of Russel William's life
The title says it all. It is a pretty poorly written book. A lot of fill and pointless information. Could have been a magazine article.
Shocking. I was amazed at how such a honorable man turned into a monster practically overnight. Could not put the book down
If you followed the news coverage of the investigation and trial, there are very few surprises to be found in this book. Otherwise, it offers a good summary and brief histories of the players and places involved.
Didn't include much that hadn't been published in the media, but did tie things together and provide some insight into the big why question.
Good book. A little too long for the material.
Most disturbing book I've ever read.
A great read. Respectful and intelligent. Could have used more editing
A detailed and insightful account.
I'd rate this 3 and a half if I could. It's an okay read, very repetitive. Typical true-crime stuff.
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