Little Girls Lost: True Tales of Heinous Crimes

Dark Webs True Crime #4

by Eileen Ormsby

Four shocking crimes. Four lives lost. Countless lives shattered.

An eleven-year-old girl never makes it home from a Halloween party. When the people of the tight-knit Oil City discover what was done to her, they cancel Halloween until the real monsters who roam their streets can be caught.

A fourteen-year-old girl is excited to attend her first evening party with local teens. What happens there is every parent's nightmare, but it is made infinitely worse when the residents of the town close ranks around the perpetrators.

A schoolgirl comes to the aid of a middle-aged woman who has lost her puppy and becomes the victim of the most hated couple in Australian history.

Police tell gang members a sixteen-year-old girl has agreed to testify against them, with predictable results. When they make an arrest for her murder, a Hollywood sitcom plays a surprising role in the outcome.

Four shocking tales of young lives cut brutally short that will make you want to hug your daughter and never let her go.

Contains mature themes.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Crime, Adult

Audible Audio

Published June 14, 2022

About the author

Eileen Ormsby is a lawyer, author and freelance journalist based in Melbourne. Her first book, Silk Road was the world's first in-depth expose of the black markets that operate on the dark web.

Eileen's gonzo-style investigations have led her deep into the secretive corners of the dark web where drugs and weapons dealers, hackers, hitmen and worse ply their trade. Many of these dark web interactions turned into real-world relationships, entanglements, hack attempts on her computer and even death threats from the dark web's most successful hitman network as she researched Darkest Web. She now lives a quiet life off-grid as much as possible.

Reviews

[Becks! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn, this book made me so incredibly angry. I am at a loss of words to describe how messed up the legal system is. Globally. The victims and the families in these cases suffered beyond belief. And reading about their suffering made me so angry, because it didn't have to happen. Yes, some of these cases were decades ago, but that doesn't deserve the lack of justice these victims, and their families deserved.

[Stephanie (Bookfever) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another dark true crime book by Eileen Ormsby covering four horrible cases this time around where teenage girls have been the victim. I’m not gonna lie, these cases made me incredibly mad. The deaths of these girls were all horrific and definitely shouldn’t have happened. The injustice of it all really pissed me off.

I was already familiar with two of the four cases but knowing those didn’t make reading about them any less interesting because the author provided so much extra details so I really didn’t mind that. I also liked learning about the other two that I wasn’t familiar with because they were all written in such a good way.

The cases were about: Shauna Howe (11), Sian Kingi (12), Leigh Leigh (14) and Martha Puable (16). The fact that these girls were so young when their lives were ripped away from them made the book extra sad to read but also important because hopefully people will be able to learn from this.

Also, the case of Leigh Leigh made me extra mad because of how the town she lived in treated her family after everything that happened. I just can’t believe how cruel people can be and blame everything on the victim.

Little Girls Lost: True tales of heinous crimes by Eileen Ormsby was another dark read but one that I would highly recommend. These girls deserve to have their stories heard.

[Tracy Hollen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Rhiannon Rabby | 31 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find true crime novels tend to go on for way too long, and are full of useless, boring information. Since this novel included 4 separate stories, the perfect amount of information was given and each story was deeply interesting from beginning to end. The only part I didn’t like was the introduction, which included several (unnecessary) facts and statistics regarding murder and rape, and spoiled the stories slightly. It specifically explained which victim was murdered by someone they knew, by a stranger, or by a peer.. I just didn’t like knowing who was responsible before even reading the story. If not for those two factors, it would have easily been a 5 star.

[PinkAmy loves books, cats and naps · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could have been a good commentary on female victims, why they’re targeted and societal expectations. Instead it focused on the perps, bad cops and a falsely accused man.

[KillerBunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great, but I still don't know why this book is in the "dark web serie" no story were linked to the web or the dark web.

The third story made me so angry, I was speechless that something like that could happen, I already heard stories like that before but this one was the absolute worst. The crime is horrible but the people of the town keeping their mouth shut, because "Boys Will Be Boys" is beyond me.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid 4.5 star
Of the four events written about in this book there is only one that I had heard of before but even then this book had information that I don't recall from the Netflix show about it. They are all tales of devastating loss but also frustrations of no answers, no one caring or no clues of who did the crimes and good lord does my blood boil about the girl going to her first party and how her along with her family were treated versus the scum who did what they did. This is definitely a book that takes you through an emotional roller coast while has you turning the page to see what would happen next and whether justice would finally prevail for one or all of them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me angry, especially in relation to Leigh and Martha. Absolutely infuriating. I have never heard of these cases and as I read the book, I googled the crimes and found still more infuriating information. Justice was not served in respect to Leigh and Martha. In my opinion more should be done to prevent the circumstances that lead to Martha’s death. There should have been more serious consequences for those who started that ball rolling. I am sickened at how her family was treated. My heart breaks for these families, Leigh Leigh’s family especially breaks my heart. Absolutely devastating and disgusting what they were put through, how Leigh was portrayed. I would hope treatment of victims in Leigh’s case has become less prejudicial, because how that little was portrayed was, it was horrendous.
I would like to read more from Eileen. I liked the style of this book, it was well written and researched without adding a lot of unnecessary background details. It very to the point adding details when needed for clarification. Eileen also brings awareness to crimes committed in another country (here it’s Australia) and how their justice system operates, fails or brings justice for victims and their families

[reneeNaDaCherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Girls Lost: True tales of heinous crimes (Tangled Webs True Crime)

I'm not sure why I chose to read a True Crimes novel, but I did. It's really daunting and unfair how the police use terror tactics and just plain lies to get confessions. Officers know they put innocent victims in jeopardy, especially in gang related cases. The murder of Martha Quailla was the case I was intrigued by. It was even made into a Netflix documentary titled Long Shot in 2019.

I am not planning to read any more books recommended by Kindle, if it relates to the same topics, about sexual assault of young girls/women or their murderers. Welp... Too heartbreaking for me.


1/19/2023.

[melody rainbow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow its shocking to think some of these things happened so close to where I live now, I didn't live here back then tho.
A very well written book. It made me a little sad reading one of the stories as people were made to think they were the people in the wrong and they weren't. But I do understand that's how it was back then. The last story was a bit disappointing as it wasn't really anything to do with the book, it was mostly about gangs.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elisabeth Brookshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sad cases recounted with dignity

This book is a really well written TC book about four very different cases of murdered girls. Leigh Keith's case upset me the most so I was glad in the last chapter that at least something good came out of something awful that I truly believe was a reckless ploy by the LAPD. I'm A huge fan of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and I've seen that episode several times but had no idea of the case or alibi. I'm sure the Netflix doc is interesting and I intend to check it out.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a difficult book to read due to the subject matter, it’s most definitely not for the faint of heart. Despite it being a dark read it’s an important read as there is so much information that is presented and that we can learn from to better help prevent such things happening again. A very emotional read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MRS D J NOBLE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written in subject matter that was upsetting to read

Good subject to read about, enough information in each story to understand the way forward. The was also no extra unnecessary info used to pad out the plot. Only one problem, the 4 stories could have been 14 or more I just didn't want it to end. Will look at other titles by this author, as each story was easy to read even if the content wasn't

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so tough to listen, the cases Eileen Ormsby goes through are heartbreaking and horrifying. The most awful case was in the 80's and made me so happy that things have changed, because the actions and behaviour of people against the victim was absolutely disgusting, years of victim blaming, not only from almost all the people involved, but even the court. A really heavy, but important look at this very sad and horrible topic.

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tragic. Haunting. Infuriating.

I think Leigh Leigh’s story was the most anger-inducing to read about. From the community’s level of negligence to the very dismissive/cavalier “boys will be boys” attitude. The pervasive slut shaming of a 14 year old girl by not only her attackers, but by their parents and even the judge of the case is nothing short of disgusting. Shameful, sad, and an unsettling absence of justice for her and her family.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Girls Lost: True tales of heinous crimes is the fourth book in the Dark Webs series. This book contains disturbing and true accounts of four girls whose lives were lost due to the monsters around them. The stories are well written and contain a lot of information from each of these crimes.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read written by Eileen Ormsby; she has done an excellent job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harrowing

An insightful and informative study of four horrific crimes. The story of Leigh Leigh is a particularly harrowing account of victim shaming and is uncompromising in revealing the abhorrent attitude and behaviour of some of her home town's ignorant and reprehensible inhabitants.

[Maggie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good details of sad stories. I almost didn't make it through all of them as the third story really was upsetting and I hope the people involved in blaming a young girl to protect "their sons" all have a good dose of karma. As a boy mom we have to hold our sons accountable for their actions or they will never grow into the kind of men we need in society.

[Annalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very engaging. It caught my attention in the first chapter. The author spins a web and captures you until the very end. It is full of suspense and had me very tense while I was reading. Despite the macabre content, I really loved this book and the stories within.

[Patricia Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author takes you on a horriffic journey through four separate and tragic stories. The book was well written with each account being described in detail. An eye opening read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heinous crimes

I was a little leery of reading this book bcz of the subject matter. Graphic sexual, violence & young girls. Fortunately the stories were written well & it wasn’t as graphic as I had feared. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes true crime.

[Natalie Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

A well written, well researched book that had was a real page - turner. However, as the parent of three daughters I think I will be having nightmares about these crimes for years to come.

[L Powers (Bookish_Mum) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another briliant True Crime read from Eileen Ormsby. Four cases all well-written and developed with details that you won't find just anywhere. The tales, although gruesome and horrible, were a perfect combination for this book. I highly recommend this book!

[Ashley Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad but very well told

The narrative poignantly illustrates the tragic circumstances surrounding these young women's untimely demise. 💔 Definitely worth the time spent reading these tragic stories of young lives lost. 😢

[joyce russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down

Gripping and sad stories, good read and will definitely read her other books. I would definitely recommended if you enjoy these books.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great true story

An insight account of how the LAPD can set up innocent people of crimes they didn’t commit.
IN this case justice was done for the wrongfully accused man..

[Elizabeth Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for Little Girls Lost

I like true crime. This book delivers. I had never read this author before. However the book was like the many other true crime books I've read.

[cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good

This book was very good. I wish the author would have added pictures. It gives the reader a sense of who the victim was.

[Barb VanderWel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok

It was good. The first story was about the town where my dad was born....
I love reading.
Way to go.
Five stars