There have only been two books I couldn’t finish since starting my book reviewing journey, and now Dr. Vonda Pelto and Michael B. Bulter’s Without Redemption can sadly be added to the list. Without Redemption is about “Freeway Killer” William Bonin and his unfortunate killings of young hitchhikers during the 70s and 80s. One of his victims was young as twelve years old.
Bonin had a troubled childhood and adulthood, resulting in the murders of twenty-two young men. He had help from his co-conspirators when coercing, sexually assaulting, and ultimately deciding to kill these men. Bonin’s childhood trauma doesn’t excuse or in any way justify his actions. He, along with the other parties involved, destroyed their families lives and the victims’ families’ lives.
The only positive about this book is that William Bonin and the other parties involved were found guilty. As for what was wrong with this book. What wasn’t wrong? There were too many errors, from spelling to missing words and sentences. The story should have been shorter. Much of what was written could be said in less than 75 chapters. It feels as if the authors rushed this book to completion and decided not to seek an editor.
I initially wanted to read this book after a publisher informed me about it. Honestly, this book was draining. The authors chose to detail every killing, which wasn’t necessary. They described both Bonin’s and his accomplices’ trials; they discussed his time in prison and what he went through, as well as February 23, 1996, his execution date.
I like true crime novels, but this one was too much. I couldn’t finish it, and I am not ashamed to admit that. My true crime enthusiasts, if you want to have a go at reading Bonin’s story, getting a glimpse inside his mind, and can bypass the insane amount of errors, then grab yourself a copy. Without Redemption is available everywhere books are sold.
Morgan Lee Reviews 