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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 life as a sado-sexual home invader, burglar, pedophile and, ultimately, murderer. A model officer and elite pilot, he was trusted with flying international dignitaries including Queen Elizabeth, as well as commanding Canada's most important military airbase. Yet his dark and violent secret life included breaking into 82 homes of girls and women; thefts of vast amounts of lingerie (which he dressed in); two bizarre sexual assaults that left an uncomprehending Ontario village on a knife's-edge; and eventually, two rape-murders. When police raided Williams's home - a home he shared with his wife, a respected professional in her own right who was apparently completely unaware of her husband's unconscionable double life - they found hundreds of pairs of women's underwear, meticulously organized and catalogued. In this book, veteran Globe and Mail crime reporter Tim Appleby chronicles a true story that could have been lifted from the darkest pages of pulp fiction, one that offers fascinating - and troubling - insights on human psychopathology.
From the Hardcover edition.
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 life as a sado-sexual home invader, burglar, pedophile and, ultimately, murderer. A model officer and elite pilot, he was trusted with flying international dignitaries including Queen Elizabeth, as well as commanding Canada's most important military airbase. Yet his dark and violent secret life included breaking into 82 homes of girls and women; thefts of vast amounts of lingerie (which he dressed in); two bizarre sexual assaults that left an uncomprehending Ontario village on a knife's-edge; and eventually, two rape-murders. When police raided Williams's home - a home he shared with his wife, a respected professional in her own right who was apparently completely unaware of her husband's unconscionable double life - they found hundreds of pairs of women's underwear, meticulously organized and catalogued. In this book, veteran Globe and Mail crime reporter Tim Appleby chronicles a true story that could have been lifted from the darkest pages of pulp fiction, one that offers fascinating - and troubling - insights on human psychopathology.
From the Hardcover edition.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
104 people are currently reading
718 people want to read
About the author
Timothy Appleby
1 book6 followersTimothy Appleby is a former reporter for The Globe and Mail. During his career he was a crime reporter, foreign correspondent and member of the Editorial Board.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
August 24, 2019
A riveting account of the life and crimes of a man who no one would have ever suspected of wrong doing, A New Kind of Monster is shocking and dumbfounding. Why would a man who lived crime free all his life and was the top in his field, begin at 44, house breaking and stealing women and girls' underwear? Again and again, he broke into his neighbors' houses and would stay for hours, taking still photos and videos of himself dressed in panties and bras and masturbating.
After about 80 of those break-ins he began to escalate his crimes to assault, rape and murder. I originally saw the story of Colonel Russell Williams on television and I was astounded at his depravity and hubris. Always with any of these creeps, the ordinary person wants to know why, but even he could not answer this question when the police asked him. Ultimately, it doesn't matter, what does is that the police caught him and he can never harm another woman or child again.
After about 80 of those break-ins he began to escalate his crimes to assault, rape and murder. I originally saw the story of Colonel Russell Williams on television and I was astounded at his depravity and hubris. Always with any of these creeps, the ordinary person wants to know why, but even he could not answer this question when the police asked him. Ultimately, it doesn't matter, what does is that the police caught him and he can never harm another woman or child again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2022
“His dark side is deviant sexuality … and he made the decision to act on it. That’s all.”
Colonel Russell Williams was certainly no underachieving slouch, that’s for sure! In an exemplary 23 year rising-star career in the military, Williams was promoted to the command of 8 Wing/CFB Trenton, Canada’s primary hub for air operations, both at home and internationally. He was responsible for 3,000 regular and reserve military personnel as well as over 600 civilians. Not bad for a guy who was about to achieve true lasting fame (perhaps notoriety is the better word) as one of Canada’s most ruthless serial criminals and murderers.
A NEW KIND OF MONSTER is Russell William’s dark and profoundly disturbing story as told by Timothy Appleby, a veteran crime reporter from Canada’s national newspaper, the Toronto Globe and Mail.
I don’t know about other readers but when I start a book like this one where the broad outlines of the story are already known and the ending is certainly no surprise, I’m always worried that the detailed telling will be an exercise in tedium and a mere colorless recitation of facts. I’m pleased to say that A NEW KIND OF MONSTER is nothing of the sort. It’s interesting, compelling, and informative far, far beyond the basic details of his basic run of home invasions and two murders. One might even say that it’s gripping in the best tradition of a well-written police procedural.
If you enjoy true crime, and you’d like a glimpse into the psyche of one of Canada’s darkest killers as well as some insight as to how he led his double life and stayed under the police radar for so long, pick up A NEW KIND OF MONSTER.
Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
Colonel Russell Williams was certainly no underachieving slouch, that’s for sure! In an exemplary 23 year rising-star career in the military, Williams was promoted to the command of 8 Wing/CFB Trenton, Canada’s primary hub for air operations, both at home and internationally. He was responsible for 3,000 regular and reserve military personnel as well as over 600 civilians. Not bad for a guy who was about to achieve true lasting fame (perhaps notoriety is the better word) as one of Canada’s most ruthless serial criminals and murderers.
A NEW KIND OF MONSTER is Russell William’s dark and profoundly disturbing story as told by Timothy Appleby, a veteran crime reporter from Canada’s national newspaper, the Toronto Globe and Mail.
I don’t know about other readers but when I start a book like this one where the broad outlines of the story are already known and the ending is certainly no surprise, I’m always worried that the detailed telling will be an exercise in tedium and a mere colorless recitation of facts. I’m pleased to say that A NEW KIND OF MONSTER is nothing of the sort. It’s interesting, compelling, and informative far, far beyond the basic details of his basic run of home invasions and two murders. One might even say that it’s gripping in the best tradition of a well-written police procedural.
If you enjoy true crime, and you’d like a glimpse into the psyche of one of Canada’s darkest killers as well as some insight as to how he led his double life and stayed under the police radar for so long, pick up A NEW KIND OF MONSTER.
Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
January 6, 2019
I have read hundreds of true crime books, but Russell Williams is a killer that definitely makes an impression. He wasn't a psychopath, or a sociopath. He wasn't insane, or mentally unfit to stand trial.
"In other words, Williams knew that what he had done was wickedly wrong, and he knew so when he was doing it. And it was the fact that he chose to act anyway that made him so immensely dangerous." (241)
"Apart from everything else, how had the commander of such a busy air base found the time .... his energy seems almost inhuman." (213)
Absolutely stunning, shocking, and all those other words we sometimes casually throw around ... but this time they are SO very accurate. When I finished the book, I put it down, and just stared into space for a long time. If you read true crime, read this.
4 Stars = Outstanding. It definitely held my interest.
"In other words, Williams knew that what he had done was wickedly wrong, and he knew so when he was doing it. And it was the fact that he chose to act anyway that made him so immensely dangerous." (241)
"Apart from everything else, how had the commander of such a busy air base found the time .... his energy seems almost inhuman." (213)
Absolutely stunning, shocking, and all those other words we sometimes casually throw around ... but this time they are SO very accurate. When I finished the book, I put it down, and just stared into space for a long time. If you read true crime, read this.
4 Stars = Outstanding. It definitely held my interest.
August 20, 2011
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 the late age of 44 from a fetish burglar to a rapist and torturer, to the beginnings of a serial killer. Due to his obsessive diary keeping, thousands of photographs of his crimes and trophies from his burglaries, much is known of what he did, and he admitted that if he had not been caught he would probably continue with murders. It is incredible that his career continued in promotions while he was so busy committing and cataloging all his evil deeds in detail."
"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 the late age of 44 from a fetish burglar to a rapist and torturer, to the beginnings of a serial killer. Due to his obsessive diary keeping, thousands of photographs of his crimes and trophies from his burglaries, much is known of what he did, and he admitted that if he had not been caught he would probably continue with murders. It is incredible that his career continued in promotions while he was so busy committing and cataloging all his evil deeds in detail."
April 29, 2012
Not the usual crime book, as the person of focus in it seemingly led an exemplary life rising through the ranks in Canada's Military until he achieved the rank of Colonel and became the Commander of Canada's most important Air Base. An elite decorated pilot, he was trusted to fly important international dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth.
But he was also leading a double life, unbeknownst to his wife and everyone else, he was committing prolific break ins to 82 homes of girls and women, to steal hundreds of pairs of women's lingerie (which he dressed in), and was kept all organized and catalogued. Then he escalated, committing two bizarre sexual assaults, and two rape-murders that had the whole region in a state of terror until he was caught.
He was about the last person they thought to look at for the crimes, as he was tasked with the safety of the people in the region. When the slipped up and was caught, it was hard for those who knew him to believe, of course. People just don't start doing such things later in life after not getting in trouble before. In fact he was obsessive about the way he did things, making sure they were done right, a bit OCD. He doesn't fit the usual stereotype for a criminal who robs and rapes then murders, starting by peeping in windows at a young age. Have a record with some burglary and sex offenses on it, working up to murder.
But he was also leading a double life, unbeknownst to his wife and everyone else, he was committing prolific break ins to 82 homes of girls and women, to steal hundreds of pairs of women's lingerie (which he dressed in), and was kept all organized and catalogued. Then he escalated, committing two bizarre sexual assaults, and two rape-murders that had the whole region in a state of terror until he was caught.
He was about the last person they thought to look at for the crimes, as he was tasked with the safety of the people in the region. When the slipped up and was caught, it was hard for those who knew him to believe, of course. People just don't start doing such things later in life after not getting in trouble before. In fact he was obsessive about the way he did things, making sure they were done right, a bit OCD. He doesn't fit the usual stereotype for a criminal who robs and rapes then murders, starting by peeping in windows at a young age. Have a record with some burglary and sex offenses on it, working up to murder.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2011
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...what the heck is a "dress-kit function" anyway? In any event, he gets the job done. The reader will learn that a creature like Williams can flourish without detection in our society in spite of all the screening systems we have in place to detect him. Scary stuff!
May 10, 2011
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 break and enters and gradually progress to sexual assault, rape and murder while still remaining professionally focused is almost incomprehensible. Appleby searches for the answers in what for many predators is a logical place to look, Williams' past, and comes up empty. No doubt the searching will continue for many years because it just doesn't seem possible that such a "monster" could remain so prolific and successful right under everyone's noses. We may never understand; even Williams' himself says, "I don't have the answers. And I'm pretty sure the answers don't matter". But they matter to a society that was blindsided by his actions.
September 4, 2012
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 families. While the crimes are described in detail, they aren't drawn out or sensationalized. It's more of a portrait of the killer himself, an attempt to figure out what happened, how this could happen, and how he could go undetected by the military and local police.
It's not a story for the squeamish.
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 families. While the crimes are described in detail, they aren't drawn out or sensationalized. It's more of a portrait of the killer himself, an attempt to figure out what happened, how this could happen, and how he could go undetected by the military and local police.
It's not a story for the squeamish.
April 17, 2021
One night, Marie Comeau, a member of the Canadian Air Force, went downstairs searching for her cat. She found it in the basement, staring at a masked intruder. Marie fought but lost. Before what came next, she was blindfolded. I hope she never realized the man was her own boss, commander of the 8 Wing Base at Trenton.
Russel Williams was a successful pilot and colonel. Handsome, professional, courteous, confident, fit, and capable, Russell possessed a near photographic memory and tremendous self-discipline. He was entrusted to fly Queen Elizabeth across the Atlantic and, later, with command of an entire base. But somehow, this accomplished man's psychology also compelled him to commit burglary, rape, and murder.
My compliments to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Thanks to a well executed roadblock, they had a solve within a week of the second victim’s disappearance. The interrogator met with a psychologist to talk strategy before speaking with Russell. Good planning, good hustle.
The video of Russell's police interrogation / confession is available online, and it’s riveting. True to form, once he commits to a course of action, he goes all in. No recantation, no excuses, no trial. He pled guilty, appearing deeply ashamed at his sentencing. The Air Force burned his uniform.
I have a hundred questions, and I raced through this book looking for answers. The author names possible clues - OCD, social isolation, sexual frustration / suppression, insomnia, recent death of a beloved pet, chronic pain, and medication. But exactly how those pieces fit together is a mystery.
Russell claims he never committed any previous crimes. That’s hard to believe, but I think he’s telling the truth. First, given how thoroughly he documented the murders of Marie and Jessica, he would have done the same in the past. The lack of photo / video evidence suggests there was nothing else to record. Second, he spiraled out of control quickly. If he'd started sooner, he would've crashed and burned sooner. So let’s assume he's honest, and he committed his first fetish burglary at the age of, what, forty-four?
That's highly freakin' unusual. When did he first feel the desire to rape and kill? Did he push those impulses down for years? Or did the compulsion arise recently? Research on other offenders suggests he probably had those types of fantasies most of his adult life.
Russell had very few close relationships. Did he maintain distance from people in order to hide his true self? Or to resist temptation? Or because he felt superior and other people didn't interest him? Did he simply not have the social skills to connect? Was he lonely?
My personal theory is Russell was starved for connection. It seems he always had difficulty interacting with people in an informal, unscripted way. He thrived when it came to the structure of the military, but he was unsuccessful at forming deep bonds of love and friendship. He understood planes, machines, and mechanisms, but he never understood relationships.
I doubt his wife truly knew him. She strikes me as a deeply private, introverted person herself. The pair connected but only superficially. At some point, the two began living in separate homes.
Without healthy meaningful connection, Russell bonded to pornography the way others might bond to drugs or alcohol. With no women in his life he truly loved, women became an idea instead of a reality - a physical prop for sexual gratification. Given his high visibility in the community, he probably didn't consider a divorce, an affair, or turning to prostitution. It all percolated - craving for connection, loneliness, physical pain, aging, lack of sleep, sexual deviance, OCD - until Russell gave himself permission to indulge in his darkest desires.
Maybe it was something like that. Or maybe he's just a born psychopath so good I can't even believe he is one.
I would've trusted and admired Russell Williams. I would’ve jumped at the chance to date him even. My perception of him as safe, admirable, and desirable would’ve been wrong. (Not the first time I’ve misjudged a man.) Maybe that’s why I feel personally insulted I can’t sort him out.
Is he in a cell right now repenting, praying for mercy? Or is he fantasizing about destroying women, wishing he was free to do it all again?
Someone wrote an academic thesis on this case. Very interesting. Link below.
http://library2.smu.ca/bitstream/hand...
Russel Williams was a successful pilot and colonel. Handsome, professional, courteous, confident, fit, and capable, Russell possessed a near photographic memory and tremendous self-discipline. He was entrusted to fly Queen Elizabeth across the Atlantic and, later, with command of an entire base. But somehow, this accomplished man's psychology also compelled him to commit burglary, rape, and murder.
My compliments to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Thanks to a well executed roadblock, they had a solve within a week of the second victim’s disappearance. The interrogator met with a psychologist to talk strategy before speaking with Russell. Good planning, good hustle.
The video of Russell's police interrogation / confession is available online, and it’s riveting. True to form, once he commits to a course of action, he goes all in. No recantation, no excuses, no trial. He pled guilty, appearing deeply ashamed at his sentencing. The Air Force burned his uniform.
I have a hundred questions, and I raced through this book looking for answers. The author names possible clues - OCD, social isolation, sexual frustration / suppression, insomnia, recent death of a beloved pet, chronic pain, and medication. But exactly how those pieces fit together is a mystery.
Russell claims he never committed any previous crimes. That’s hard to believe, but I think he’s telling the truth. First, given how thoroughly he documented the murders of Marie and Jessica, he would have done the same in the past. The lack of photo / video evidence suggests there was nothing else to record. Second, he spiraled out of control quickly. If he'd started sooner, he would've crashed and burned sooner. So let’s assume he's honest, and he committed his first fetish burglary at the age of, what, forty-four?
That's highly freakin' unusual. When did he first feel the desire to rape and kill? Did he push those impulses down for years? Or did the compulsion arise recently? Research on other offenders suggests he probably had those types of fantasies most of his adult life.
Russell had very few close relationships. Did he maintain distance from people in order to hide his true self? Or to resist temptation? Or because he felt superior and other people didn't interest him? Did he simply not have the social skills to connect? Was he lonely?
My personal theory is Russell was starved for connection. It seems he always had difficulty interacting with people in an informal, unscripted way. He thrived when it came to the structure of the military, but he was unsuccessful at forming deep bonds of love and friendship. He understood planes, machines, and mechanisms, but he never understood relationships.
I doubt his wife truly knew him. She strikes me as a deeply private, introverted person herself. The pair connected but only superficially. At some point, the two began living in separate homes.
Without healthy meaningful connection, Russell bonded to pornography the way others might bond to drugs or alcohol. With no women in his life he truly loved, women became an idea instead of a reality - a physical prop for sexual gratification. Given his high visibility in the community, he probably didn't consider a divorce, an affair, or turning to prostitution. It all percolated - craving for connection, loneliness, physical pain, aging, lack of sleep, sexual deviance, OCD - until Russell gave himself permission to indulge in his darkest desires.
Maybe it was something like that. Or maybe he's just a born psychopath so good I can't even believe he is one.
I would've trusted and admired Russell Williams. I would’ve jumped at the chance to date him even. My perception of him as safe, admirable, and desirable would’ve been wrong. (Not the first time I’ve misjudged a man.) Maybe that’s why I feel personally insulted I can’t sort him out.
Is he in a cell right now repenting, praying for mercy? Or is he fantasizing about destroying women, wishing he was free to do it all again?
Someone wrote an academic thesis on this case. Very interesting. Link below.
http://library2.smu.ca/bitstream/hand...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2011
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 military airfield in Canada go from being a military celebrity flying Canadian and British Royalty to and from formal functions to being a sexual sadist?
The juxtaposition of the two paths don't quite seem to meet, yet, for a few brief years they converged and left a wake of terror in a small Ontario community.
One question that I have heard asked several times was how did he find the time? Having served a stint as an aircraft mechanic and being married to a military member, I have experience with the military lifestyle. As a Wing Commander there is not much time left for anything else in your life. Mr. Williams, however, left detailed notes, times, dates and descriptions of all his actions. After the RCMP and psychologists went through his notes, they discovered an interesting detail; his crimes only accounted for 8% of his total time. Time, clearly enough, for his parapheliac predilictions.
The other question most often asked is why? Most sexual criminals start in their teens or early twenties. Why did Mr. Williams wait until he was 44? That was not answered although it was alluded to several reasons.
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 military airfield in Canada go from being a military celebrity flying Canadian and British Royalty to and from formal functions to being a sexual sadist?
The juxtaposition of the two paths don't quite seem to meet, yet, for a few brief years they converged and left a wake of terror in a small Ontario community.
One question that I have heard asked several times was how did he find the time? Having served a stint as an aircraft mechanic and being married to a military member, I have experience with the military lifestyle. As a Wing Commander there is not much time left for anything else in your life. Mr. Williams, however, left detailed notes, times, dates and descriptions of all his actions. After the RCMP and psychologists went through his notes, they discovered an interesting detail; his crimes only accounted for 8% of his total time. Time, clearly enough, for his parapheliac predilictions.
The other question most often asked is why? Most sexual criminals start in their teens or early twenties. Why did Mr. Williams wait until he was 44? That was not answered although it was alluded to several reasons.
September 6, 2017
So close to home. He ranks right up there with Bernardo. Funny, they attended the same school with only a year or two between them. I remember when this case was all over the news. Tweed was always known to us Eastern Ontarians as the place Elvis went to retire. Who knew they had a creepy crawly pervert in their midst? And that he was one hell of a big shot at CFB Trenton. This monster makes my skin crawl. Wonder where he is now that Kingston Penitentiary has been closed down?
June 26, 2022
This account disturbed me to the point I actually had a nightmare about it. How horrific, to think of this "new kind of monster" lurking in your home, pleasuring himself with your underwear, taking pornographic photos of these acts, and then stealing into the night with the stolen lingerie.
Although to call it lingerie when it was often the underclothes of children seems disingenuous.
My heart breaks for the four women who physically suffered at his hands--the two who survived and the two who didn't. What must Marie-France have thought when she saw someone she knew and trusted hiding in her basement? What was she thinking when he attacked her, when she pleaded for her life? Did those whose rooms he invaded ever again feel safe?
There were passages in this book I skimmed, mostly to do with the trial, and there was a bit too much marvelling over how this sicko managed to be "productive" in other areas of his life. (I guess this writer never heard of John Wayne Gacy, who fooled a lot of people too.) And does Williams' military career even matter? He destroyed so many. Yet another man who hates women, for some unknown reason. How is that "new"?
Although to call it lingerie when it was often the underclothes of children seems disingenuous.
My heart breaks for the four women who physically suffered at his hands--the two who survived and the two who didn't. What must Marie-France have thought when she saw someone she knew and trusted hiding in her basement? What was she thinking when he attacked her, when she pleaded for her life? Did those whose rooms he invaded ever again feel safe?
There were passages in this book I skimmed, mostly to do with the trial, and there was a bit too much marvelling over how this sicko managed to be "productive" in other areas of his life. (I guess this writer never heard of John Wayne Gacy, who fooled a lot of people too.) And does Williams' military career even matter? He destroyed so many. Yet another man who hates women, for some unknown reason. How is that "new"?
November 6, 2025
I recently remembered I read this book
October 26, 2024
Very well written with the upmost respect given to the victims and their families. Factual reporting and unbiased coverage of this horrific event.
January 16, 2012
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 deviant by night. What DID surprise me was the fact that he appeared to start so late in life with his depravity and it escalated so quickly into killing. The book was well written and extremely well researched painting a very vivid picture of a well respected military commander who was the last person that anyone would think could be capable of such behavior. The author also did a very good job of pointing out that the personality traits that can help a person rise up through the ranks of the military heirarchy (i.e. confidence and attention to detail) can also translate to a successful career as a sexual predator. Ultimately it was his arrogance and tunnel vision that led to his downfall.
December 5, 2012
A detailed and insightful account.
February 11, 2024
Well written on a difficult subject.
November 15, 2017
An analytical and thoughtful commentary about the dangerous choices of an extremely clever man who knew full well that he had a terrible problem but who consciously chose to indulge it rather than seek help for himself, thus abandoning the wife he claimed to love, and brutally ending the lives of loved, dear and innocent women. Williams is guilty not for his addiction, but for choosing to ignore it.
Eleanor Cowan, Author of : A History of a Pedophile's Wife: Memoir of a Canadian Teacher and Writer
Eleanor Cowan, Author of : A History of a Pedophile's Wife: Memoir of a Canadian Teacher and Writer
July 22, 2025
I like true crime, so enjoyed that part of the book. I wasn’t a huge fan of the writing style and it got long in some parts.
October 15, 2013
This is a hard book to review. The story was told well and thoroughly, especially the attempts to explain the reason for Col. Russell Williams to exchange a super successful life for the life of a serial rapist and murderer. The example of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde fits best, but even in Stevenson’s book there was a cause. Col. Williams was at the top of an extremely successful career. He was a brilliant pilot who had risen to the most prestigious position in the Canadian Air Force. He had flown dignitaries, including the Queen of England. He commanded an Air Force base. He had a successful and happy marriage. He was a mentor to those below him and respected by everyone who worked with him. Suddenly, he began breaking into neighbors’ houses to steal lingerie after taking scores of pictures of himself wearing these articles while he was there. From there he escalated to serial rapist and murder in less than a year. Why would someone who was at the top of his game turn into a sexual sadist with no history of criminal or deviant behavior before the age of 44?
The author has done a good job of explaining the facts and reporting the speculations of psychologists, law officials and the military as to the cause of his abrupt change, but no explanation could be found. For some reason, Williams was able to compartmentalize his life in such a way as to be two completely opposite people. In doing so, he betrayed the trust of his neighbors, his family, the military who had honored him and his country. Because of the circumstances, this is one of the most interesting true crime books I have read since The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule.
The author has done a good job of explaining the facts and reporting the speculations of psychologists, law officials and the military as to the cause of his abrupt change, but no explanation could be found. For some reason, Williams was able to compartmentalize his life in such a way as to be two completely opposite people. In doing so, he betrayed the trust of his neighbors, his family, the military who had honored him and his country. Because of the circumstances, this is one of the most interesting true crime books I have read since The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule.
May 21, 2022
It is back once again to Canada for another unusual case. Colonel Russell Williams was an extremely important man, in charge of a military base and an officer with a top security clearance. He had flown both Queen Elizabeth and the Prime Minister of Canada. The silly American film, Top Gun, had inspired him to become a pilot. At the age of forty-six, his potential was limitless. William's arrest shocked everyone who knew him as a perfectionist with a steel trap memory for detail. For two years he prowled women's homes, broke in and stole over one thousand pieces of their underwear. The colonel's computer hard drive contained thousands of images of bound women. A diary described the break ins and rapes with glee. No one has been able to figure out what triggered the man's lunacy. The book is okay but contains too much unnecessary information on the Canadian military. Russell is caged at the same prison as Paul Bernardo, the Ken side of the Ken and Barbie killers.
October 4, 2024
David Russel Williams was born in the UK in 1963. Soon after, his family moved to Canada. He joined the Canadian military in 1987, ultimately achieving the rank of Colonel. Williams got up to all types of secret shenanigans. He was a pedo, stealing the underwear of children. He did nearly 100 home invasions, creeping around in the rooms of underage children. He even dressed in the items he stole from them. Eventually, he moved on to rape and murder. Idiotically, he kept a record of what he was doing. Williams is currently serving time at a prison in Canada.
Interestingly, Williams attended the same school as another notorious figure, Paul Bernardo, who was two years ahead of him. I learned a lot of facts about this person that were not covered on the Dateline episode in which this book was featured. I found this book to be a pretty solid true crime book.
Interestingly, Williams attended the same school as another notorious figure, Paul Bernardo, who was two years ahead of him. I learned a lot of facts about this person that were not covered on the Dateline episode in which this book was featured. I found this book to be a pretty solid true crime book.
January 21, 2013
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? The fact is that Russell Williams is not a psychopath because he does care for some people in his life. But it is the very fact that he knew what he was doing and that it was wrong that makes him so uniquely dangerous.
May 4, 2015
This book was well written about a very difficult subject. Colonel Russell Williams is one of the most notorious serial killers in the history of Canada, partly because he was such a high profile and admired individual. As a pilot and commander of Base 8, Trenton, Ontario, he met with political big wigs and, as well, Elizabeth, Queen of England. He was a very complex character and it is difficult for everyone to try to come to terms with his two lives, one his public life and the other life as a criminal and killer. I am sure that the military is not really keen on him being shown in his Air Force uniform on the cover of the book. After his conviction, he was ousted from the military, his medals shredded and his uniform burned.
December 8, 2013
For anyone that does follow the news closely this book does in a way summarize a lot of the stories that were told by news broadcasters about him. I did enjoy this book as I am someone that does enjoy non-fiction stories. I thought this book was well written and had many details about this monster that was once a very respected man in the community in which he committed his horrendous acts. While this is truly a sad story it is well written and the author truly does paint a picture for the reader on each little detail of the story.
May 24, 2011
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.
October 28, 2011
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.
February 26, 2012
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!!
January 19, 2013
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 :)
July 16, 2011
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.
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