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'She Is Evil!': Madness And Murder In Memphis
“That woman is evil. She is evil!”
Ejaz Ahmad was handsome, charismatic, and a self-made businessman. He arrived in the United States from Pakistan determined to fulfill his mother’s dying wish: to come to America, complete his education, and make his mark in the world. Settling in Memphis, Tennessee, Ejaz became owner of several businesses, father to a handsome boy, and a devout Muslim. The only thing missing in his life was a wife, someone special to protect, honor, and love.
Leah Ward was a pretty girl, but a prison parolee with a history of drug charges, petty crime, and a questionable past. She led a flotsam life, drifting from town to city to state. When she was introduced to Ejaz Ahmad, she believed she had found the ultimate answer: a place to live, someone to take care of her, and money to spend. But what began idyllic soon became abusive and then dangerous for Ejaz. His friends and family warned him. And in May of 2003 Ejaz paid the ultimate price when family members found his mutilated body in a shed.
SHE IS EVIL is a story of trust, abuse, religion, and murder. Of a kind man who tried to help a troubled woman and became the victim of abuse and, eventually, a heinous murder.
About The Author:Criminologist Judith A. Yates is the award-winning author of “When Nashville Bled” and “The Devil You Know” and Editor of True Crime: Case Files Magazine. She has appeared on numerous talk shows and has lectured, conducted training, and made guest speaking appearances across the United States. After a lifetime of working in law enforcement, Ms. Yates lives in Kentucky.
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Ejaz Ahmad was handsome, charismatic, and a self-made businessman. He arrived in the United States from Pakistan determined to fulfill his mother’s dying wish: to come to America, complete his education, and make his mark in the world. Settling in Memphis, Tennessee, Ejaz became owner of several businesses, father to a handsome boy, and a devout Muslim. The only thing missing in his life was a wife, someone special to protect, honor, and love.
Leah Ward was a pretty girl, but a prison parolee with a history of drug charges, petty crime, and a questionable past. She led a flotsam life, drifting from town to city to state. When she was introduced to Ejaz Ahmad, she believed she had found the ultimate answer: a place to live, someone to take care of her, and money to spend. But what began idyllic soon became abusive and then dangerous for Ejaz. His friends and family warned him. And in May of 2003 Ejaz paid the ultimate price when family members found his mutilated body in a shed.
SHE IS EVIL is a story of trust, abuse, religion, and murder. Of a kind man who tried to help a troubled woman and became the victim of abuse and, eventually, a heinous murder.
About The Author:Criminologist Judith A. Yates is the award-winning author of “When Nashville Bled” and “The Devil You Know” and Editor of True Crime: Case Files Magazine. She has appeared on numerous talk shows and has lectured, conducted training, and made guest speaking appearances across the United States. After a lifetime of working in law enforcement, Ms. Yates lives in Kentucky.
Brought to you by WildBlue Press:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildbluepress/
Twitter: @wildbluepress https://twitter.com/wildbluepress
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/wildbluepress/
Instagram: @wildblue_press https://www.instagram.com/wildblue_pr...
Website: wildbluepress.com
Email: promos@wildbluepress.com
Interested Authors: https://wildbluepress.com/about-us/fo...
Join our newsletter http://wbp.bz/newsletter for book announcements, deals and contests
- GenresTrue CrimeNonfiction
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2017
435 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 19, 2017
A thorough and well-written book about a woman who is pure trouble all of her life for those who care about her most. And woe unto those who allow her to get close to them or take pity on her and try to help her. This book held my interest very well following Leah Ward almost like a high-velocity tropical storm on its path waiting to see if it becomes a hurricane and how much damage it will do before it ends. We know it's usually the guys we have to watch out for, but every now and then a woman comes along that is just purely bad from a young age and nothing can fix that. Leah is one you just don't want to cross paths with. This is one for the true crime lovers. Read and find out for yourselves. My thanks to NetGalley, WildBlue Press, and the author for providing me with an ARC in return for my honest review.
May 28, 2017
One of the worst ways to die. You will not be able to wrap your head around the fact that a woman committed this crime.
May 27, 2017
Well done, Judith A. Yates! The alliterative subtitle of “She is Evil” sets the stage for a harrowing ride: “Murder and Madness in Memphis.” Fascinating read from the first pages of the thought-provoking preface, well-executed and meticulous researched, based on thousands of hours of interviews and material. Throughout the chilling narrative, this book conveys a deeper sense of purpose, exploring disturbing themes of domestic violence and religious conflict. These dark corners are mined masterfully by an author drawing on her own intimate experience with the subject matter, based not only on 25 years as a domestic violence prevention educator, but also admitting her own family had been touched by this evil. Fascinating amount of detail crafted in crisp prose delivers a good pace, dropping the reader right into the midst of a truly horrific relationship that is as compelling as it is cringe-worthy. Highly recommended for any true crime fan.
October 24, 2017
This is a sad, chilling true crime story of a psychologically disturbed woman and the gentle, kind man she murdered. It’s a compelling tale of misplaced trust, greed, cultural differences, drug addiction and a sociopathic personality, that leaves you shocked at the heartlessness and detachment of the killer. The narrator did a great job of drawing you into this macabre story and making the listener feel the emotions of the various people involved. She kept a good pace and her voice was easy to listen to. In some ways you can not help but feel sorry for both the victim and to a lesser degree the killer too. Her mental illness and addiction did not allow her to think or act in a normal way, ultimately leading to her ruining her own life and ending the life of a man that was loved by many. If you enjoy true crime stories then I’m sure you will be enthralled by this one.
January 9, 2018
This is not my first Judith Yates book, and will absolutely not be the last. I love her books. Her writing is excellent and she does top-notch research. Her style of writing is exactly what I like in true crime. This book is excellent, about the murder of Ejaz Ahmad. The killer is a sociopathic female that you will not like, right from the beginning. Judith makes this story come alive and become a believable story, out of unbelievable circumstances. I recommend this book if you enjoy true crime. You won't regret it.
July 1, 2017
This is an interesting book, mostly because it is so rare to find a book about a female sociopath and that's just what this is. Still, for a true crime book a lot of the writing here could have been better organised and more coherent. I didn't dislike this book, but I stumbled over a lot of the passages and thoughts that were injected between the facts.
This is a compelling story with an unusual set of circumstances and that makes it worth the time to read if you are a fan of true crime books, but there were times when I struggled to pay attention and the passages felt like they were rambling away from the focus.
Overall, this wasn't a bad book and I'm happy to have had the chance to read it.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
This is a compelling story with an unusual set of circumstances and that makes it worth the time to read if you are a fan of true crime books, but there were times when I struggled to pay attention and the passages felt like they were rambling away from the focus.
Overall, this wasn't a bad book and I'm happy to have had the chance to read it.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
May 25, 2017
Copy courtesy of NetGalley
This author took what could have been an amazing story and turned it into a mishmash of thoughts, suppositions and boring. Her writing style is juvenile and incoherent -- this book in no way bears witness to a tragedy.
This author took what could have been an amazing story and turned it into a mishmash of thoughts, suppositions and boring. Her writing style is juvenile and incoherent -- this book in no way bears witness to a tragedy.
June 2, 2017
A really well-researched and written true crime about an oddity in the true crime book world--the female sociopath.
May 16, 2017
The adage that the road to hell is paved with good intentions is all too true with this bone-chilling story of love gone deadly wrong. Told with precision and passion, this cautionary tale not only lays bare a clash of cultures, but of misplaced human values such as trust and honesty. It is a story of dreams and aspirations that blossomed, only to wither and die in the face of unforgivable evil. A true crime gem.
October 3, 2017
Not a good book at all. Read like a harlequin and the characters in the book were not very sympathetic people if I am honest even though the author tried to make as if it was a beautiful love story which it was not.
June 1, 2017
This is a book that I couldn't put down. Read it in one day. The title of this book is an understatement. I have never seen someone so devilish, conniving and down right vindictive. A very good book.
June 1, 2017
This is such a sad story about Ejaz Ahmad. He met Leah, who had a history mental problems from very early on in her life. After a failed marriage and two children, she and her husband separated. She met Ejaz Ahmad, a divorced man with a son, and they married even though she was not divorced. She refused to take her medications and became more and more bizarre. She stole from Ejaz, lied, did drugs and cheated on him. When he finally made up his mind that she needed to go, she ended up killing him. I highly recommend this book to all true crime fans.
June 24, 2017
Fair play warning. While this book is from my publisher, I purchased my own copy of it and was not coerced into a book review. My opinions are my own.
Being a true crime junkie, (it’s part of being a true crime author) it’s hard not to get sucked into this book. It opens with the discovery of a beheaded and mutilated body. I was not familiar with Ms. Yates work up to this point, but I have to admit, she hooked me like a big dumb fish with that opening. How could anyone put it down after that kind of intro?
I refuse to spoil the plot, but suffice it to say the murderess lives up to every bit of the title. This book is not long – or I should more accurately say, I read it fast. The victim, Ejaz Ahmad, a Pakistani, embodies everything you desire of the American dream. He came here legally to carve out a new life. Had working doesn’t sound like enough of a description of him. In three chapters I found myself liking this man – a testament to Yate’s writing style.
But like all men, his choice in women was flawed…deadly flawed. His kindheartedness reminds you of a time when every young man meets a woman that takes advantage of him. You are caught between the love and lust and the betrayals.
Yates portrayal of Ahmad’s killer, Leah Ward, is such that you find no pity for her. It is as if she stepped off the set of a season of FX’s Fargo. The author does not make her a cardboard character, but instead twists the reader around the bizarre blend of mental instability, drugs, and horrific behavior. As a reader, you find yourself squirming in your seat as Yates recreates the events leading up to the murder. The mix of an innocent completely sympathetic victim and a gnarled and heartless murderess is something that leaves the reader trapped. You cannot casually put the book down and convince yourself you know the whole story. Yates compels you to read on.
The only critique I have of the book, albeit a minor one, is that the writing style is more contemporary than my preference. In other words, Yates writes in short, crisp, easy to devour chapters. I prefer somewhat longer (and fewer) chapters. On the plus side, you can easily cruise through three chapters in an evening (if you dare). This is purely a matter of personal preference and style on my part – and not a criticism of the book at all.
So, is this an addition to your summer reading list? You betcha! Kudos to Judith Yates for a great book and a perfect title.
Being a true crime junkie, (it’s part of being a true crime author) it’s hard not to get sucked into this book. It opens with the discovery of a beheaded and mutilated body. I was not familiar with Ms. Yates work up to this point, but I have to admit, she hooked me like a big dumb fish with that opening. How could anyone put it down after that kind of intro?
I refuse to spoil the plot, but suffice it to say the murderess lives up to every bit of the title. This book is not long – or I should more accurately say, I read it fast. The victim, Ejaz Ahmad, a Pakistani, embodies everything you desire of the American dream. He came here legally to carve out a new life. Had working doesn’t sound like enough of a description of him. In three chapters I found myself liking this man – a testament to Yate’s writing style.
But like all men, his choice in women was flawed…deadly flawed. His kindheartedness reminds you of a time when every young man meets a woman that takes advantage of him. You are caught between the love and lust and the betrayals.
Yates portrayal of Ahmad’s killer, Leah Ward, is such that you find no pity for her. It is as if she stepped off the set of a season of FX’s Fargo. The author does not make her a cardboard character, but instead twists the reader around the bizarre blend of mental instability, drugs, and horrific behavior. As a reader, you find yourself squirming in your seat as Yates recreates the events leading up to the murder. The mix of an innocent completely sympathetic victim and a gnarled and heartless murderess is something that leaves the reader trapped. You cannot casually put the book down and convince yourself you know the whole story. Yates compels you to read on.
The only critique I have of the book, albeit a minor one, is that the writing style is more contemporary than my preference. In other words, Yates writes in short, crisp, easy to devour chapters. I prefer somewhat longer (and fewer) chapters. On the plus side, you can easily cruise through three chapters in an evening (if you dare). This is purely a matter of personal preference and style on my part – and not a criticism of the book at all.
So, is this an addition to your summer reading list? You betcha! Kudos to Judith Yates for a great book and a perfect title.
June 3, 2017
Extremely well researched and fascinating book. Finished in less than 48 hours. The author takes extra care to not offend any religion, nationality or belief by introducing the reader to a faith not understood by most Americans. Ejaz was a generous man, loving father and a trusting good samaritan. Unfortunately, he did not recognize people who took advantage of his kindness and it lead to his cruel and excruciating death. Well loved by all who knew him, Ejaz's only mistake was meeting Leah Joy Ward. You can decide for yourself which version of her ever-changing story to believe. Very well written, with detailed backgrounds of those involved. Enjoyed the read.
June 4, 2017
This was my first time reading the author and it will not be my last. This book grabs from page one and will not let go. I was actually sad when I was done reading. The victim in this book, Ejaz Ahmad, was a hard working, good father. He did not deserve what Leah Ward was horrendous. This woman was a true sociopath. There were warning signs but Ejaz being the kind of man he was, chose to ignore them. This book is a very good writing on domestic violence. We never truly know people, do we? For the lover of the true crime genre, read this book. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the advanced reading copy in return for my honest review.
July 23, 2017
Impeccable Research Readable Sad Outcome True Story Of Psychopath Female!
Bizarre People Lesson From Story Are Do Not Befriend; Listen Warnings Be A Prior Criminal Records, Homeless, Mental Illness And Addictive Behaviors! Be Careful WHOM ASSOCIATION Due THESE Sociopathic/Psychopath PREY On PITY Of OTHERs! Be AWAKE To Pick Friends Carefully Is Lesson From This Book! "GET A PET Good Nature DOG" A Much Safer Option Rather Than Dangerous People! Quality Author
Bizarre People Lesson From Story Are Do Not Befriend; Listen Warnings Be A Prior Criminal Records, Homeless, Mental Illness And Addictive Behaviors! Be Careful WHOM ASSOCIATION Due THESE Sociopathic/Psychopath PREY On PITY Of OTHERs! Be AWAKE To Pick Friends Carefully Is Lesson From This Book! "GET A PET Good Nature DOG" A Much Safer Option Rather Than Dangerous People! Quality Author
November 4, 2017
She is Evil! By Judith A. Yates was a good true crime read. This was the real life murder of Ejaz Ahmad. Ejaz came to America from Pakistan and became a successful businessman in Memphis, Tennessee. What married Leah Ward who had a checkered past he didn't know about. Unfortunately Ejaz paid the ultimate sacrifice when Leah murdered him.
July 16, 2017
Narcissistic self serving killer
Leah never takes true responsibility for the crime and to this day blames the victim. The true victim is Ejaz Ahmad and his son Jordan. May God forgive her for her crime. Some wont.
Leah never takes true responsibility for the crime and to this day blames the victim. The true victim is Ejaz Ahmad and his son Jordan. May God forgive her for her crime. Some wont.
August 2, 2017
Excellent True Crime book
Very good true crime book. Kept me interested from beginning to end. Taught me some things about the Muslim religion and domestic violence. Would recommend to ant True Crime reader.
Very good true crime book. Kept me interested from beginning to end. Taught me some things about the Muslim religion and domestic violence. Would recommend to ant True Crime reader.
June 18, 2017
Many typos, misspellings and syntax errors. Someone should have revised more thoroughly.
June 24, 2017
Well written
Very good book! I love true crime and this didn't disappoint! Sad for all the people involved, and this is definitely a case of, WHY DID IT HAPPEN!
Very good book! I love true crime and this didn't disappoint! Sad for all the people involved, and this is definitely a case of, WHY DID IT HAPPEN!
August 11, 2017
Madness, murder = Evil
The 5 star rating is for excellent reporting of what actually took place. Author is to be commended on bringing this story to our attention.
The 5 star rating is for excellent reporting of what actually took place. Author is to be commended on bringing this story to our attention.
October 20, 2017
If you enjoy true crime books, this is a good one... Full of detail, the author draws you in from the first page. I found this very interesting.
March 13, 2018
She was EVIL
Very interesting could not stop reading Leah was a con a liar very intelligent and inappropriate she got what she deserved
Very interesting could not stop reading Leah was a con a liar very intelligent and inappropriate she got what she deserved
June 13, 2017
Mrs. Ernestine Marsh (Bonnie’s mother, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints), had met Leah Joy Ward Ahmad (CNA, Bipolar I, Inmate # 06103-043, psych ward).
10/5/2002, they exchanged traditional Muslim wedding vows at the mosque.
Memphis, TN. 5/2, Officer Little (Memphis PD) & Officer Leake (Memphis PD) had arrived at the crime scene.
Dr. O.C. Smith (Shelby Co. ME) followed close behind.
Ejaz Ahmad (Bonnie’s ex-husband, U of Mississippi BA, Memphis State 2 MS; engineering) body was found.
Lieutenant Walter Norris (AA, Memphis PD homicide, retired US Army; 87th. Airborne) was going to do the investigation.
Who is behind this murder?
If I got a nickel for every domestic violence or anger management class (Cycle of Abuse) I taught, or discussed it with my clients on a regular basis I might be as rich as Warren Buffet.
Mu undergrad was CJ (Sociology).
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, or violence, which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written murder mystery or historical fiction (?) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great movie, or better yet a mini TV series. Well it started out with a bang, but then there seemed to be way too much of what I call excessive chapter fillers (pages of nothing but blah, blah, blah). Well it did come together later but I am only going to rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Storycartel; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
10/5/2002, they exchanged traditional Muslim wedding vows at the mosque.
Memphis, TN. 5/2, Officer Little (Memphis PD) & Officer Leake (Memphis PD) had arrived at the crime scene.
Dr. O.C. Smith (Shelby Co. ME) followed close behind.
Ejaz Ahmad (Bonnie’s ex-husband, U of Mississippi BA, Memphis State 2 MS; engineering) body was found.
Lieutenant Walter Norris (AA, Memphis PD homicide, retired US Army; 87th. Airborne) was going to do the investigation.
Who is behind this murder?
If I got a nickel for every domestic violence or anger management class (Cycle of Abuse) I taught, or discussed it with my clients on a regular basis I might be as rich as Warren Buffet.
Mu undergrad was CJ (Sociology).
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, or violence, which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written murder mystery or historical fiction (?) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great movie, or better yet a mini TV series. Well it started out with a bang, but then there seemed to be way too much of what I call excessive chapter fillers (pages of nothing but blah, blah, blah). Well it did come together later but I am only going to rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Storycartel; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
October 15, 2017
This is a well researched, fully described true crime case. Its chronology seems to get a bit scrambled at times, but the story is complete, including an afterward, bringing the reader up to date with the various persons involved. It's an interesting case.
Strangely, chapter 12 seems to come from a completely different book. I don't know if it's an accidental insertion or substitution, but if anything is missing, it's not obvious, fortunately.
Lee Ann Howlett's performance is competent and professional.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Strangely, chapter 12 seems to come from a completely different book. I don't know if it's an accidental insertion or substitution, but if anything is missing, it's not obvious, fortunately.
Lee Ann Howlett's performance is competent and professional.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 22, 2017
Although I found the book good, I found the writing lacking. It wasn't very soul catching in its narrative and I found I couldn't really connect with the story in most places.
The story itself was heartbreaking but it didn't make me emotional which is a shame because what happened was tragic and horrible but the way this was told wasn't amazing, or even great, and that made for an extremely hard read.
The story itself was heartbreaking but it didn't make me emotional which is a shame because what happened was tragic and horrible but the way this was told wasn't amazing, or even great, and that made for an extremely hard read.
September 8, 2017
Very good read!!
Found this book to be very well written And informative. All I can say is this title def fits the crime. This lady was a ticking time bomb and makes you wonder what anyone can do to protect themselves. We always like to think there has to be a reason...... I think in this case its just evil!!!!
Found this book to be very well written And informative. All I can say is this title def fits the crime. This lady was a ticking time bomb and makes you wonder what anyone can do to protect themselves. We always like to think there has to be a reason...... I think in this case its just evil!!!!
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September 27, 2021As the daughter of Leah ward it is so funny to see y'all judge my mom when you do t know nothing about her. How y'all act like ejaz was a saint when I was terrified of him, but nothing in the book tells that side huh?
April 12, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews