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The Pit: The True Crime Story of Six Women, One Monster, and the Nightmare Below
He called it salvation. They called it hell.
By day, Gary Heidnik was a man of God with money, charisma, and a growing congregation. But behind closed doors, he was building a torture chamber by hand and filling it with women.
His victims were some of society’s most vulnerable. He lured them with promises of food, safety, and salvation. Instead, they were shackled in the basement, starved, raped, and beaten into silence. Heidnik controlled their pain, their survival, their very breath.
This is the shocking true story of the six women who were buried in silence and the monster who built a nightmare beneath his home.
It’s a tale of survival, madness, and the horrifying power of control.
You’ve heard of serial killers.
You’ve heard of cult leaders.
But you’ve never heard of The Pit.
Grim. Gripping. Unforgettable.
This book contains descriptive accounts of abuse and violence. Not for the faint of heart.
By day, Gary Heidnik was a man of God with money, charisma, and a growing congregation. But behind closed doors, he was building a torture chamber by hand and filling it with women.
His victims were some of society’s most vulnerable. He lured them with promises of food, safety, and salvation. Instead, they were shackled in the basement, starved, raped, and beaten into silence. Heidnik controlled their pain, their survival, their very breath.
This is the shocking true story of the six women who were buried in silence and the monster who built a nightmare beneath his home.
It’s a tale of survival, madness, and the horrifying power of control.
You’ve heard of serial killers.
You’ve heard of cult leaders.
But you’ve never heard of The Pit.
Grim. Gripping. Unforgettable.
This book contains descriptive accounts of abuse and violence. Not for the faint of heart.
- GenresTrue Crime
136 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2025
416 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 14, 2025
Darkness in the Basement
This book was compelling and well-written—difficult to put down. The book presents a harrowing, true account of Gary Heidnik, a mentally ill serial killer who abducted and tortured vulnerable women in a disturbing attempt to create a personal “baby factory.” Some victims were held captive for months, subjected to unimaginable abuse. The crime scene discovered by police was horrifying, with human remains found in the kitchen. Deeply unsettling and thought-provoking, this book serves as a sobering reminder of the darkness that can exist within individuals. Thanks to Ryan Green for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This book was compelling and well-written—difficult to put down. The book presents a harrowing, true account of Gary Heidnik, a mentally ill serial killer who abducted and tortured vulnerable women in a disturbing attempt to create a personal “baby factory.” Some victims were held captive for months, subjected to unimaginable abuse. The crime scene discovered by police was horrifying, with human remains found in the kitchen. Deeply unsettling and thought-provoking, this book serves as a sobering reminder of the darkness that can exist within individuals. Thanks to Ryan Green for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
June 5, 2025
Definitely not what I was expecting! The fact that the human brain can think of such cruel acts, blows me away.
July 28, 2025
Ryan Green is a good writer, but the story had an absolute abrupt ending that was not fulfilling at all. It's like he was halfway through what he wanted to write when his publicist said, "That's it! You only get 4 more pages and I want it delivered tomorrow". This could have been so much better with more to the story, more about the women themselves, etc. It had such potential that was just shut down abruptly. I mean, I even forgot the names of some of the women because they were only mentioned once.
The book is very disturbing, so if that is triggering, I do not recommend it. While not described in detail at all, there is rape, murder, and torture.
The book is very disturbing, so if that is triggering, I do not recommend it. While not described in detail at all, there is rape, murder, and torture.
May 14, 2025
Man’s Inhumanity…
Some individuals dedicate themselves to helping others, serving others, protecting others. Other individuals wish only to serve their own twisted needs by any means possible and in so doing illustrate to the world the depths of man’s inhumanity to man. This book examines the life and heinous transgressions of one such individual, Gary Heidnik. Born into less than ideal circumstances and suffering a grievous injury in his youth, Gary managed not only to survive but to excel academically affording him the opportunity to pursue medical training in the armed services. Harboring aspirations of celebrity and accolades for his medical prowess, he was shaken to his core when his colleagues and his superiors noticed that he was less than stable in terms of his mental health. Despite his grandiose plans being summarily derailed, he remained steadfast in the belief of his absolute superiority and committed himself to the pursuit of his own immortality by way of procreation. With the detailed scrutiny and penetrating psychological insights I have come to expect from this author, Ryan Green presents the sordid tale of Gary Heidnik and the unfortunate women he imprisoned, tortured and violated In his attempt to get what he wanted. Though well-told and quite informative, I found the story beyond repugnant in terms of this man’s cruelty and thoughtless disregard for the women who had placed their trust in him only to discover he was a true monster. It is beyond frightening that there are people in the world capable of such grotesque and incomprehensible evil. If you have the stomach for it and are willing to peek behind the gruesome curtain, I recommend this examination of a life gone horribly wrong. Only through the careful study of such individuals can we learn what to watch for and how to protect ourselves and the vulnerable members of our community.
Some individuals dedicate themselves to helping others, serving others, protecting others. Other individuals wish only to serve their own twisted needs by any means possible and in so doing illustrate to the world the depths of man’s inhumanity to man. This book examines the life and heinous transgressions of one such individual, Gary Heidnik. Born into less than ideal circumstances and suffering a grievous injury in his youth, Gary managed not only to survive but to excel academically affording him the opportunity to pursue medical training in the armed services. Harboring aspirations of celebrity and accolades for his medical prowess, he was shaken to his core when his colleagues and his superiors noticed that he was less than stable in terms of his mental health. Despite his grandiose plans being summarily derailed, he remained steadfast in the belief of his absolute superiority and committed himself to the pursuit of his own immortality by way of procreation. With the detailed scrutiny and penetrating psychological insights I have come to expect from this author, Ryan Green presents the sordid tale of Gary Heidnik and the unfortunate women he imprisoned, tortured and violated In his attempt to get what he wanted. Though well-told and quite informative, I found the story beyond repugnant in terms of this man’s cruelty and thoughtless disregard for the women who had placed their trust in him only to discover he was a true monster. It is beyond frightening that there are people in the world capable of such grotesque and incomprehensible evil. If you have the stomach for it and are willing to peek behind the gruesome curtain, I recommend this examination of a life gone horribly wrong. Only through the careful study of such individuals can we learn what to watch for and how to protect ourselves and the vulnerable members of our community.
June 14, 2025
Evil Walks Among Us
Gary Heidnik and his brother Terry grew up in a dysfunctional home. Their father was abusive to the boys and their mother. The mother had her own problems and often, the children were left to their own devices. There wasn't a whole lot to do so Gary one day decided to climb a large tree. When he fell to the ground, he was put to bed, and left there in a coma without any medical intervention. He almost died and later was discharged from the military but given his crimes he committed it would certainly have helped his victims
He victimized prostitutes, and held them in a hand dug pit in his basement for the purposes of breeding them so they would all bear him children . These women were beaten, raped repeatedly, electrocuted, handcuffed, kept naked at all times, fed meager food including dog food and a few women that died where he cut up their remains. Truly an evil cold waste of air.
If you don't mind violence or graphic and disgusting detail, you would probably like the book. It was straightforward and not difficult to get into the story and yet doing so at times makes you feel equally depraved.
Gary Heidnik and his brother Terry grew up in a dysfunctional home. Their father was abusive to the boys and their mother. The mother had her own problems and often, the children were left to their own devices. There wasn't a whole lot to do so Gary one day decided to climb a large tree. When he fell to the ground, he was put to bed, and left there in a coma without any medical intervention. He almost died and later was discharged from the military but given his crimes he committed it would certainly have helped his victims
He victimized prostitutes, and held them in a hand dug pit in his basement for the purposes of breeding them so they would all bear him children . These women were beaten, raped repeatedly, electrocuted, handcuffed, kept naked at all times, fed meager food including dog food and a few women that died where he cut up their remains. Truly an evil cold waste of air.
If you don't mind violence or graphic and disgusting detail, you would probably like the book. It was straightforward and not difficult to get into the story and yet doing so at times makes you feel equally depraved.
June 30, 2025
If you're a true crime enthusiast, prepare yourself for a gripping experience with Ryan Green's riveting work, *The Pit*. This book plunges you into the shocking world of Gary Heidnik’s heinous acts, where six women were trapped in a nightmarish basement prison. Green masterfully unfolds their harrowing story with a narrative that is both vivid and deeply respectful.
What sets this book apart is its powerful focus on the incredible resilience of the victims. Amid the unimaginable horrors they endured, Green captures their courage and strength, painting a poignant picture of their relentless will to survive. With each small act of defiance and flicker of hope, he humanizes them beyond their suffering, showcasing the unbreakable spirit that lies at the heart of their ordeal.
The writing is fast-paced and unflinching, gripping true crime readers from the first page. While the graphic depictions can be intense, Green's ability to balance the darkness with the women’s enduring spirit transforms their story into a testament of resilience. Get ready to be captivated by this haunting narrative that will stay with you long after you turn the last page!
What sets this book apart is its powerful focus on the incredible resilience of the victims. Amid the unimaginable horrors they endured, Green captures their courage and strength, painting a poignant picture of their relentless will to survive. With each small act of defiance and flicker of hope, he humanizes them beyond their suffering, showcasing the unbreakable spirit that lies at the heart of their ordeal.
The writing is fast-paced and unflinching, gripping true crime readers from the first page. While the graphic depictions can be intense, Green's ability to balance the darkness with the women’s enduring spirit transforms their story into a testament of resilience. Get ready to be captivated by this haunting narrative that will stay with you long after you turn the last page!
November 30, 2025
I would probably give 3.5 stars here.
The author absolutely nailed Gary's history. 2/3 of the book was truly about him. I really feel strongly that he did an excellent deep dive into how this "monster in a man suit" came to be. This was well documented, and written in a way where I found myself almost enjoying understanding that process.
When it came to the women Gary abducted and tormented, I do feel this was glossed over. Perhaps this is me wanting to know more about these women, and after a little bit of Google searching, realizing that perhaps they don't particularly want to be known. However, the book ends quite abruptly, and it feels unfinished.
Reading about these horrific acts his victims had to endure, and then with such an abrupt ending, it just doesn't feel like it does the victims any justice.
This was an overall easy read, but it had its fair share of very challenging moments. I would say this book is not for the faint of heart.
The author absolutely nailed Gary's history. 2/3 of the book was truly about him. I really feel strongly that he did an excellent deep dive into how this "monster in a man suit" came to be. This was well documented, and written in a way where I found myself almost enjoying understanding that process.
When it came to the women Gary abducted and tormented, I do feel this was glossed over. Perhaps this is me wanting to know more about these women, and after a little bit of Google searching, realizing that perhaps they don't particularly want to be known. However, the book ends quite abruptly, and it feels unfinished.
Reading about these horrific acts his victims had to endure, and then with such an abrupt ending, it just doesn't feel like it does the victims any justice.
This was an overall easy read, but it had its fair share of very challenging moments. I would say this book is not for the faint of heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2025
Gary Heidnik, a name that ranks along with some of the most deviant serial kidnappers, rapists, murderers, and abusers. Possessing a charm and an intellect that allowed him to prey on the weakest of society right under the noses of their families and neighbors. When the police finally descended on his house what they found in the basement was horrifying enough, what they found in the kitchen took his depravity to another level. One of the inspirations for the character of Buffalo Bill of Silence of the Lambs fame. It's a hard book to read, knowing that Gary could have used his intelligence for so much good, yet used it to pave the way for so much evil.
I received a copy of this book via the author and I voluntarily leave my opinion of the tale.
I received a copy of this book via the author and I voluntarily leave my opinion of the tale.
July 20, 2025
Jean38no
Interesting true crime story of a notorious killer. Though he had used and abused these girls he didn’t actually mean for any of them to die . At lease not before he had gotten a child out of them . I had the feeling he was so devoid of any type of feelings toward others that he was surprised that she died from his actions. He was a monster bent only on his agenda that he didn’t care how he was able to care it out.
Interesting true crime story of a notorious killer. Though he had used and abused these girls he didn’t actually mean for any of them to die . At lease not before he had gotten a child out of them . I had the feeling he was so devoid of any type of feelings toward others that he was surprised that she died from his actions. He was a monster bent only on his agenda that he didn’t care how he was able to care it out.
May 13, 2025
the pit
I will never understand how these people are not only able to function in society. They have a switch in them that gets turned off and on. It’s amazing that he was able to get away with his crimes for as long as he did but then again when you’re taking advantage of vulnerable people, it can make some sense.
I will never understand how these people are not only able to function in society. They have a switch in them that gets turned off and on. It’s amazing that he was able to get away with his crimes for as long as he did but then again when you’re taking advantage of vulnerable people, it can make some sense.
May 27, 2025
The pìt
To say the pit is absolutely 💯 understatement hell would be better. What a evil being. Writing this book must have been very hard. I never heard of him before but he really had no emotion nothing only evil. I was really happy the rest got out. There life's will never be the same 💯 God bless them 🙏 l hope they got a lot of help afterwards 🙏 😢
To say the pit is absolutely 💯 understatement hell would be better. What a evil being. Writing this book must have been very hard. I never heard of him before but he really had no emotion nothing only evil. I was really happy the rest got out. There life's will never be the same 💯 God bless them 🙏 l hope they got a lot of help afterwards 🙏 😢
June 13, 2025
Not for the faint of heart—and that’s the point.
The Pit is Ryan Green at his most ruthless. A brutal true crime dive that doesn’t flinch, doesn’t pad, and doesn’t let you breathe.
It’s raw, real, and horrifying in the way only real evil can be. You won’t forget it.
Read it if you dare. Just don’t say you weren’t warned.
The Pit is Ryan Green at his most ruthless. A brutal true crime dive that doesn’t flinch, doesn’t pad, and doesn’t let you breathe.
It’s raw, real, and horrifying in the way only real evil can be. You won’t forget it.
Read it if you dare. Just don’t say you weren’t warned.
November 8, 2025
What a read.......
Wow this book had me hooked from the start I could not put it down. I read it in one sitting. I love true crime stories and this one was crazy. What this man did to these women was horrifying. It even made me year up a few times thinking of these poor women endured.I was pleased with how the story ended. Hard to believe there are sickos like this out there.
Wow this book had me hooked from the start I could not put it down. I read it in one sitting. I love true crime stories and this one was crazy. What this man did to these women was horrifying. It even made me year up a few times thinking of these poor women endured.I was pleased with how the story ended. Hard to believe there are sickos like this out there.
December 19, 2025
What a truly horrific story - not the writing, which was fabulous, but the content. It's extremely hard to believe that these types of people exist, but thank goodness for Ryan Green, that he can tell the story with exactness and honesty. Thank you Ryan for all your research and wonderful writing. I highly recommend this book AAAAA+++++
May 23, 2025
A scary book!
Well what I got to say about this book you can't have a weak stomach you have to have a iron stomach believe you me you don't think things like this happen but believe me it does!
Well what I got to say about this book you can't have a weak stomach you have to have a iron stomach believe you me you don't think things like this happen but believe me it does!
May 24, 2025
Another amazing true crime book from this brilliant author.
Wonderfully written, horrific without being over the top. Another "must read" for any true crime enthusiast by this great author.
Wonderfully written, horrific without being over the top. Another "must read" for any true crime enthusiast by this great author.
June 3, 2025
The Pit is my fourth book by Ryan Green. Although I am not a fan of his writing style, it is interesting to read about true crime. I really dislike that your sentences could be, at least, two sentences, sometimes three. I definitely would recommend The Pit if you like true crime.
June 26, 2025
Sick
I read this sick revolting book up to the part of what happened to Sandy after she died. At that point I could go no farther. How could anyone do these things. I wanted to throw up. I'm no longer following this author. He is sick as well to write all this.
I read this sick revolting book up to the part of what happened to Sandy after she died. At that point I could go no farther. How could anyone do these things. I wanted to throw up. I'm no longer following this author. He is sick as well to write all this.
July 15, 2025
I don’t think I have read a book with a story told in a 3rd person narrative. The author did a brilliant job explaining how or maybe why this person became a monster. Then dove into his sick depraved mind showing with clarity what he did to the women.
September 20, 2025
a superb story teller
I’ve been reading Green’s books for years and this one is another great addition. As always Ryan Green’s books draw you in from the first page. Another excellent chilling read.
I’ve been reading Green’s books for years and this one is another great addition. As always Ryan Green’s books draw you in from the first page. Another excellent chilling read.
September 21, 2025
Felt like we talked waaaayy too much about the Killer & almost not at all about the victims. I prefer more than 1 chapter about the victims. I don’t want to know so much about his sob story of a life.
November 7, 2025
85% of the this book was (mostly) unnecessary background information; the other 15% was a brief recap of the awful events that occurred at the hands of Gary Heidnik. Also found the fact that the ending essentially glazed over the criminal justice process to be very disappointing. 3/5.
December 12, 2025
Pure depravity
I read this book over 2 evening's, shocked at the cunning, manipulative and cold character that was Gary Heidnik. I would highly recommend this book to all fans of True Crime. Can definitely see how the character Buffalo Bill was inspired by his antics.
I read this book over 2 evening's, shocked at the cunning, manipulative and cold character that was Gary Heidnik. I would highly recommend this book to all fans of True Crime. Can definitely see how the character Buffalo Bill was inspired by his antics.
December 18, 2025
Hendrick a monster
I had a vague recollection of the crime but had not known all of the details. The author has done some intense research on the life of a monster. Well done and so incredible this is not fiction but true.
I had a vague recollection of the crime but had not known all of the details. The author has done some intense research on the life of a monster. Well done and so incredible this is not fiction but true.
May 27, 2025
wow
There’s sick and evil and then there’s this guy. Should have been stopped long ago but still managed to continue his crimes. Those poor women will no doubt suffer forever.
There’s sick and evil and then there’s this guy. Should have been stopped long ago but still managed to continue his crimes. Those poor women will no doubt suffer forever.
June 2, 2025
Interesting account but raw!
June 16, 2025
I found it difficult to follow 😩 good book but my brain just couldn’t get into it or follow the storyline
Read
July 19, 2025This book made me sick.
August 4, 2025
Addictive
I read this book cover to cover in one setting. Well developed and an absolute true crime must read. I highly recommend.
I read this book cover to cover in one setting. Well developed and an absolute true crime must read. I highly recommend.
August 26, 2025
a load of shite.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews