TORONTO – E-commerce giant Amazon.com has told Global News in a statement it will not comment on an e-book released by Canadian serial killer Paul Bernardo.
“We are declining to comment. Thank you,” wrote Amazon PR Susan Stockman in an e-mail.
Bernardo’s lawyer Tony Bryant confirmed to Global News on Nov. 12 that his client published the political spy thriller titled A MAD World Order on Amazon on June 25.
The e-book was abruptly removed for sale last weekend after it reached the top of Amazon Canada’s best seller list following a Global News report of its listing.
It’s unclear how many e-books were sold in total.
A description on Amazon’s website indicated the fiction novel was 631 pages in length and follows a Russian plot to launch a “catastrophic strike” against the United States in an attempt to return itself to a world power.
Bernardo was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years in 1995 for the rape and murder of Leslie Mahaffy and Kristen French.
The e-book’s release caused a national uproar with many on social media questioning how Bernardo was able to get published in the first place.
The Correctional Service of Canada said in a statement that inmates such as Bernardo would have “limited access” to computers but would not have access to the Internet or email. Although he would still be able to communicate with members of the public in writing.
“CSC has been made aware of the e-book that has been published and understands the content may be offensive to some,” spokesperson Avely Serin said in an emailed statement.
“Offenders are not permitted to profit from the recounting of their crimes, however, we are advised that this e-book is a fictional piece that does not relate to the offender’s specific crimes. Materials contained in the book may provide additional information relevant to decision-making regarding the offender.”
Tim Danson, the lawyer for both the French and Mahaffy families, said he was “very surprised” to hear the book had been published.
According to Amazon’s website, anyone can independently publish a book for sale on its Kindle store platform “worldwide within 24-48 hours.”
The e-publisher indicates it charges a flat fee for any e-book published depending on how the author sets the price.
An e-book sold between $2.99 and $9.99 earns 70 per cent royalties while anything below $2.99 earns only 35 per cent royalties. A MAD World Order was listed at $5.97.
With a file from Adam Miller, Mark McAllister and Ashley Carter
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