Clipperton is an atoll in the Pacific Ocean. Small in scale, but significant in its multiple occupations and territorial contestations, Mexico claimed and occupied it in the early twentieth century. During the Mexican Revolution a small group of men, women and children remained on the island. Lacking the practical supports needed to live on Clipperton, many fell ill and some died of malnutrition leaving women and children behind alongside a violent man who declared himself leader. Unwilling to withstand his aggression, he was murdered by one or more of the women. Shortly thereafter the women returned to Mexico. The story of how they survived and escaped has inspired two novels, Isla de pasión (1989) by Laura Restrepo and Isla de bobos (2007) by Ana García Bergua. This chapter examines how both authors employ distinct approaches to piece together the remnants of the trauma and identifies where criminality lie