The Blood on My Hands is a chilling, powerful memoir that delves into the harrowing childhood of Shannon O’Leary, who grew up in 1960s–70s Australia under the terrifying shadow of her abusive father—who was also a serial killer. With unflinching honesty, O’Leary recounts not only the horrifying violence she witnessed and endured but also the societal silence and systemic failures that allowed the abuse to continue unchecked.

This memoir stands out for its raw emotional depth and its portrayal of survival against unimaginable odds. O’Leary paints a vivid picture of a time and place where appearances were valued more than protection, and where cries for help were ignored or condemned by relatives, religious authorities, and even law enforcement.

While deeply disturbing at times, the story is ultimately one of resilience. O’Leary’s journey from victim to survivor and advocate is inspiring, showing how strength can rise from trauma. Her ability to recount these events with such clarity and composure speaks to her enduring courage.

Though the content can be hard to process, this memoir is a compelling and important read for those interested in true crime, psychological survival stories, or narratives that explore how society handles abuse and trauma.