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Murder on Easey Street: Melbourne’s Most Notorious Cold Case
1977, Collingwood. Two young women are brutally murdered. The killer has never been found. What happened in the house on Easey Street?
On a warm night in January, Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett were savagely murdered in their house on Easey Street, Collingwood – stabbed multiple times while Suzanne’s sixteen-month-old baby slept in his cot. Although police established a list of more than 100 ‘persons of interest’, the case became one of the most infamous unsolved crimes in Melbourne.
Journalist Helen Thomas was a cub reporter at The Age when the murders were committed and saw how deeply they affected the city. Now, forty-two years on, she has re-examined the cold case – chasing down new leads and talking to members of the Armstrong and Bartlett families, the women’s neighbours on Easey Street, detectives and journalists. What emerges is a portrait of a crime rife with ambiguities and contradictions, which took place at a fascinating time in the city’s history – when the countercultural bohemia of Helen Garner’s Monkey Grip brushed up against the grit of the underworld in one of Melbourne’s most notorious suburbs.
Why has the Easey Street murderer never been found, despite the million-dollar reward for information leading to an arrest? Did the women know their killer, or were their deaths due to a random, frenzied attack? Could the murderer have killed again? This gripping account addresses these questions and more as it sheds new light on one of Australia’s most disturbing and compelling criminal mysteries.
‘An overdue examination of the Easey Street murders that adds tantalising new information to known and forgotten facts.’ Andrew Rule, journalist and co-author of Underbelly
Helen Thomas has been a journalist for more than forty years. In 2005, Thomas spent months researching the Easey Street murders for Radio National’s Background Briefing, shedding new light on the investigation. She is the manager of ABC News Radio and author of five books, including Moods: The Peter Moody Saga (2016).
On a warm night in January, Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett were savagely murdered in their house on Easey Street, Collingwood – stabbed multiple times while Suzanne’s sixteen-month-old baby slept in his cot. Although police established a list of more than 100 ‘persons of interest’, the case became one of the most infamous unsolved crimes in Melbourne.
Journalist Helen Thomas was a cub reporter at The Age when the murders were committed and saw how deeply they affected the city. Now, forty-two years on, she has re-examined the cold case – chasing down new leads and talking to members of the Armstrong and Bartlett families, the women’s neighbours on Easey Street, detectives and journalists. What emerges is a portrait of a crime rife with ambiguities and contradictions, which took place at a fascinating time in the city’s history – when the countercultural bohemia of Helen Garner’s Monkey Grip brushed up against the grit of the underworld in one of Melbourne’s most notorious suburbs.
Why has the Easey Street murderer never been found, despite the million-dollar reward for information leading to an arrest? Did the women know their killer, or were their deaths due to a random, frenzied attack? Could the murderer have killed again? This gripping account addresses these questions and more as it sheds new light on one of Australia’s most disturbing and compelling criminal mysteries.
‘An overdue examination of the Easey Street murders that adds tantalising new information to known and forgotten facts.’ Andrew Rule, journalist and co-author of Underbelly
Helen Thomas has been a journalist for more than forty years. In 2005, Thomas spent months researching the Easey Street murders for Radio National’s Background Briefing, shedding new light on the investigation. She is the manager of ABC News Radio and author of five books, including Moods: The Peter Moody Saga (2016).
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
93 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Helen Thomas
10 books2 followersHelen Thomas has worked as a journalist for more than thirty years in both radio and print, and is an experienced presenter and producer. She is the manager of ABC News Radio as well as being a thoroughbred horse breeder and racehorse owner. She is the author of The Horse that Bart Built, Past the Post, A Horse Called Mighty and 42 Days at the Races.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 26, 2024
This book is about the murders of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett who were savagely murdered. Forty-seven years later the alleged murderer is now in police custody.
Suzanne and Sue had been best friends ever since high school in rural Victoria, Australia.
In 1975, Suzanne, who was in her mid-twenties at the time, was on holiday on the Greek island of Naxos where she met a handsome young Greek fisherman.
(In real life girls do not get to meet Greek tycoons like they do in Harlequins.)
Suzanne got pregnant and had a baby boy, Gregory. As cultural differences became increasingly apparent, Suzanne became homesick.
So in 1976 she told Manolis she was going to fly back home to Australia for Christmas with the baby.
She did not tell him that she had no intention of ever coming back to Greece.
Back in Australia, Suzanne moved in with her best friend Sue, a high school teacher, in a small semi detached house in a rough working class inner city suburb of Melbourne.
On the 10th of January 1977, the girls had dinner with Sue's brother and his girlfriend.
The brother and girlfriend left just after 9pm, while Sue and Suzanne were settled in front of the television.
It was a hot night as January is a summer month in Australia.
No one knows what happened in the house beyond this point except the killer.
Based on the crime scene, police believe it may have unfolded like this :
After putting her son to sleep in his cot, Suzanne went to her own room which was situated at the front of the house. She was in bed reading a book.
Sue was at the back of the house where the living room and kitchen were, doing chores.
She had the door that led to the front section of the house, closed.
At some point she must have heard a noise and opened the door into the hallway, walked a few metres and suddenly she would have seen him in Suzanne's room.
Suzanne was on the floor next to the bed motionless, dead.
The man armed with a knife, lunged at Sue. Sue had a lot of defensive wounds, she really put up a fair and fierce fight but after receiving 55 stab wounds, she had succumbed to her injuries.
She was found lying in a pool of blood behind the front door that was closed but not locked.
In the bedroom Suzanne had 27 stab wounds. There was semen on Suzanne, the floor around her, the bedding and on a towel.
She was raped post mortem.
Her body was arranged in a certain way by the killer.
The killer then walked to the back of the house, had a shower to clean the blood off his body, taking his time, he even used the washing machine.
He then walked out the back door leaving the door ajar and the side gate open and that's how the puppy escaped.
The attacker had apparently entered the house through the front door, either opening it himself or possibly having it opened by Suzanne.
There was no forced entry.
The next day the two female next door neighbours, that they shared a wall, heard the child crying.
Gregory was 16 months old at this point.
They saw their neighbours puppy wondering around the street.
As nobody answered the door next door, they left a note on the door and put the puppy in their own backyard.
Back at home from work that evening, the neighbours heard the baby crying on and off and the puppy barked and barked in their backyard.
The next evening they felt that there was something wrong.
The baby still crying but getting quiter, weaker, which kind of rang alarm bells.
The next day the neighbours knocked on the door again.
Nothing. They entered the property through the side gate on the lane, and stepped into the kitchen, calling out.
What they witnessed next, would never forget. It was a horrific scene.
The baby was whimpering. He wasn't in good shape. He looked weak, severely dehydrated.
He had no food, no drink for three days and his nappy was soiled.
The police told the neighbour that Sue might still have been alive at the time of the neighbour's first visit to the front door. Even though Sue had a huge amount of stab wounds, apparently they didn't hit anything vital and evidence showed that she was trying to drag herself closer to the front door in an effort to respond to the neighbour's banging.
There was no DNA testing available back then to forensically match the evidence, but the first responders extracted as much physical evidence as possible.
After a long investigation, the case went cold.
What l am going to disclose is not included in the book. This information was made public a few days ago.
Update
I was watching Australian news on TV. The alleged killer now in police custody.
Here's the story:
As l've already mentioned, Sue was a high school teacher in the area. One of her students was 17 year old Perry Kouroumblis.
Two weeks after the murders police were stopping cars in the area, conducting searches.
One of them was Perry's. In the boot of his car, police found a blood stained knife.
The blood was type A positive, which matched one of the victims.
Experts concluded that it was indeed the murder weapon.
The youth said that he found the knife two weeks ago near the railway tracks.
The police accepted his story.
In 2017, 40 years after the murders, police asked all the then suspects, including Perry, to take a DNA test.
He said 'No problem' ,but he fled the country right after. He went to Greece and never returned back to Australia. Needless to say that he never took the DNA test.
All the other suspect's DNA tests results were negative.
DNA from one of Perry's relatives linked Perry to the crime.
Australian authorities could not get Perry extradited back to Australia as in Greece there is a 20 year statute of limitations on murder.
The suspect did not know any of these were going on. The public did not know either. All were done in secrecy.
The only thing authorities could do was to play the waiting game.
On the 19th of September 2024, that's less than a week ago, the suspect flew to Italy.
It was the first time he left Greece since he'd arrived there in 2017.
He was promptly arrested at Rome Airport on an Interpol red notice, for two counts of murder and one count of rape.
He is now 65 years old. Of course he is presumed innocent until proven guilty but it does not look good for him with all the evidence available.
Reading all the details, l felt very sick and disturbed. These are such horrific, gruesome murders, and l am so saddened for what little Gregory went through, the poor baby. I was upset about the puppy too.
Wondering the streets, not knowing what's going on.
Suzanne and Sue had been best friends ever since high school in rural Victoria, Australia.
In 1975, Suzanne, who was in her mid-twenties at the time, was on holiday on the Greek island of Naxos where she met a handsome young Greek fisherman.
(In real life girls do not get to meet Greek tycoons like they do in Harlequins.)
Suzanne got pregnant and had a baby boy, Gregory. As cultural differences became increasingly apparent, Suzanne became homesick.
So in 1976 she told Manolis she was going to fly back home to Australia for Christmas with the baby.
She did not tell him that she had no intention of ever coming back to Greece.
Back in Australia, Suzanne moved in with her best friend Sue, a high school teacher, in a small semi detached house in a rough working class inner city suburb of Melbourne.
On the 10th of January 1977, the girls had dinner with Sue's brother and his girlfriend.
The brother and girlfriend left just after 9pm, while Sue and Suzanne were settled in front of the television.
It was a hot night as January is a summer month in Australia.
No one knows what happened in the house beyond this point except the killer.
Based on the crime scene, police believe it may have unfolded like this :
After putting her son to sleep in his cot, Suzanne went to her own room which was situated at the front of the house. She was in bed reading a book.
Sue was at the back of the house where the living room and kitchen were, doing chores.
She had the door that led to the front section of the house, closed.
At some point she must have heard a noise and opened the door into the hallway, walked a few metres and suddenly she would have seen him in Suzanne's room.
Suzanne was on the floor next to the bed motionless, dead.
The man armed with a knife, lunged at Sue. Sue had a lot of defensive wounds, she really put up a fair and fierce fight but after receiving 55 stab wounds, she had succumbed to her injuries.
She was found lying in a pool of blood behind the front door that was closed but not locked.
In the bedroom Suzanne had 27 stab wounds. There was semen on Suzanne, the floor around her, the bedding and on a towel.
She was raped post mortem.
Her body was arranged in a certain way by the killer.
The killer then walked to the back of the house, had a shower to clean the blood off his body, taking his time, he even used the washing machine.
He then walked out the back door leaving the door ajar and the side gate open and that's how the puppy escaped.
The attacker had apparently entered the house through the front door, either opening it himself or possibly having it opened by Suzanne.
There was no forced entry.
The next day the two female next door neighbours, that they shared a wall, heard the child crying.
Gregory was 16 months old at this point.
They saw their neighbours puppy wondering around the street.
As nobody answered the door next door, they left a note on the door and put the puppy in their own backyard.
Back at home from work that evening, the neighbours heard the baby crying on and off and the puppy barked and barked in their backyard.
The next evening they felt that there was something wrong.
The baby still crying but getting quiter, weaker, which kind of rang alarm bells.
The next day the neighbours knocked on the door again.
Nothing. They entered the property through the side gate on the lane, and stepped into the kitchen, calling out.
What they witnessed next, would never forget. It was a horrific scene.
The baby was whimpering. He wasn't in good shape. He looked weak, severely dehydrated.
He had no food, no drink for three days and his nappy was soiled.
The police told the neighbour that Sue might still have been alive at the time of the neighbour's first visit to the front door. Even though Sue had a huge amount of stab wounds, apparently they didn't hit anything vital and evidence showed that she was trying to drag herself closer to the front door in an effort to respond to the neighbour's banging.
There was no DNA testing available back then to forensically match the evidence, but the first responders extracted as much physical evidence as possible.
After a long investigation, the case went cold.
What l am going to disclose is not included in the book. This information was made public a few days ago.
Update
I was watching Australian news on TV. The alleged killer now in police custody.
Here's the story:
As l've already mentioned, Sue was a high school teacher in the area. One of her students was 17 year old Perry Kouroumblis.
Two weeks after the murders police were stopping cars in the area, conducting searches.
One of them was Perry's. In the boot of his car, police found a blood stained knife.
The blood was type A positive, which matched one of the victims.
Experts concluded that it was indeed the murder weapon.
The youth said that he found the knife two weeks ago near the railway tracks.
The police accepted his story.
In 2017, 40 years after the murders, police asked all the then suspects, including Perry, to take a DNA test.
He said 'No problem' ,but he fled the country right after. He went to Greece and never returned back to Australia. Needless to say that he never took the DNA test.
All the other suspect's DNA tests results were negative.
DNA from one of Perry's relatives linked Perry to the crime.
Australian authorities could not get Perry extradited back to Australia as in Greece there is a 20 year statute of limitations on murder.
The suspect did not know any of these were going on. The public did not know either. All were done in secrecy.
The only thing authorities could do was to play the waiting game.
On the 19th of September 2024, that's less than a week ago, the suspect flew to Italy.
It was the first time he left Greece since he'd arrived there in 2017.
He was promptly arrested at Rome Airport on an Interpol red notice, for two counts of murder and one count of rape.
He is now 65 years old. Of course he is presumed innocent until proven guilty but it does not look good for him with all the evidence available.
Reading all the details, l felt very sick and disturbed. These are such horrific, gruesome murders, and l am so saddened for what little Gregory went through, the poor baby. I was upset about the puppy too.
Wondering the streets, not knowing what's going on.
October 3, 2024
It's quite satisfying to read about a case like this, and be able to look up further updates.
This was a freebie through Kindle Unlimited, and it wasn't too bad but it definitely seemed to add in a lot of unnecessary information.
The case discussed is the brutal stabbing of two women - Susan and Suzanne - in their Collingwood home back in 1977. Until only a couple of weeks ago, nothing was known about who might have committed such a brutal crime.
As such, not a lot is known other than the bare bone facts of the case and that's quite evident here. The writer has done enough research to give us all of the available facts, but with not much more to work with she's filled chapters with superfluous information on unrelated cases, forensic techniques, and other irrelevant procedures. I found so much of it unnecessary. Interesting, but it wore thin pretty quickly.
There's also a lot of speculation, which can be quite misleading. The writer seems to work at making every chapter end dramatically, and it feels clunky and over the top. To me, things like this do a bit of an injustice to the victims - isn't their story already dramatic enough without wild speculation and innuendo?
Still, it was an informative read, and it has certainly captured my interest since Collingwood is quite a close neighbourhood.
The latest news has a man arrested for the crime and awaiting extradition - I'll be following the news closely so what more we can learn from him.
This was a freebie through Kindle Unlimited, and it wasn't too bad but it definitely seemed to add in a lot of unnecessary information.
The case discussed is the brutal stabbing of two women - Susan and Suzanne - in their Collingwood home back in 1977. Until only a couple of weeks ago, nothing was known about who might have committed such a brutal crime.
As such, not a lot is known other than the bare bone facts of the case and that's quite evident here. The writer has done enough research to give us all of the available facts, but with not much more to work with she's filled chapters with superfluous information on unrelated cases, forensic techniques, and other irrelevant procedures. I found so much of it unnecessary. Interesting, but it wore thin pretty quickly.
There's also a lot of speculation, which can be quite misleading. The writer seems to work at making every chapter end dramatically, and it feels clunky and over the top. To me, things like this do a bit of an injustice to the victims - isn't their story already dramatic enough without wild speculation and innuendo?
Still, it was an informative read, and it has certainly captured my interest since Collingwood is quite a close neighbourhood.
The latest news has a man arrested for the crime and awaiting extradition - I'll be following the news closely so what more we can learn from him.
March 18, 2020
With all due respect to the victims’ families I do not see what possible purpose this book serves. However, if by any chance keeping the case in the public arena brings about a conviction then that would justify the publication of this book. In my opinion this is a meandering rehash of other people’s earlier writing and brings nothing new to the case.
March 10, 2019
I don't usually read 'true crime' books, but made an exception for this one. Having lived in Easey Street in the mid-1990s, the murders of the two women at the end of the street in 1977 were never far away from popular consciousness in the area. Forty years on, the murders are still unsolved. This book discusses all the missed opportunities in the investigation, as well as the new possibilities of sophisticated DNA analysis and testing that could well open up new lines of enquiry. It's also a social history of Melbourne's inner city. The book is dedicated to the two victims and the long awaited justice for them.
April 27, 2019
‘The saddest part of the Easey Street saga, with all its twists, is that the two young women have almost been lost in time.’
In January 1977, Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett were murdered in their home on Easey Street in Collingwood. Both women were stabbed multiple times as Suzanne’s sixteen-month-old son slept in his cot. Their murders have never been solved. Even though the police created a list of more than 100 ‘persons of interest’.
I don’t remember these murders, which is one of the reasons I picked up this book. Who were these two young women, how did they live, why were they murdered? Ms Thomas’s book gives me some sense of who Suzanne and Susan were and of their lives before they were so brutally murdered. Ms Thomas spoke with members of the Armstrong and Bartlett families, with some of their neighbours on Easey Street, with police officers and journalists. While Ms Thomas identifies several missed opportunities in the investigation, unfortunately there are no answers here. There is some hope that new more sophisticated DNA analysis and testing could lead to new lines of enquiry. I hope so.
I’m left wondering whether the women knew their killer, whether their murder was random or pre-meditated, whether the killer murdered others as well. I hoped for answers: perhaps this case will one day be solved. I hope so. I’m left wondering.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
In January 1977, Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett were murdered in their home on Easey Street in Collingwood. Both women were stabbed multiple times as Suzanne’s sixteen-month-old son slept in his cot. Their murders have never been solved. Even though the police created a list of more than 100 ‘persons of interest’.
I don’t remember these murders, which is one of the reasons I picked up this book. Who were these two young women, how did they live, why were they murdered? Ms Thomas’s book gives me some sense of who Suzanne and Susan were and of their lives before they were so brutally murdered. Ms Thomas spoke with members of the Armstrong and Bartlett families, with some of their neighbours on Easey Street, with police officers and journalists. While Ms Thomas identifies several missed opportunities in the investigation, unfortunately there are no answers here. There is some hope that new more sophisticated DNA analysis and testing could lead to new lines of enquiry. I hope so.
I’m left wondering whether the women knew their killer, whether their murder was random or pre-meditated, whether the killer murdered others as well. I hoped for answers: perhaps this case will one day be solved. I hope so. I’m left wondering.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
September 26, 2024
3.5 ⭐️🎧 — felt like one big podcast, I’m captivated by this murder mystery now someone has been charged. Let’s hope the DNA does pin him!
August 1, 2019
I wish there could be an ending.
June 7, 2025
* This review contains spoilers due to the fact now, in 2025 that are new significant developments in the crime case. If you want to read/listen to this without knowing the latest in the case you might want to skip my review. *
I listened to this without googling the case on purpose but new details not in this book are outlined in my review. I’m glad I didn’t know what I know now when I listened to the book as it would have changed how it was received greatly. So if curious, read or listen to this, don’t read the spoilers in my review and don’t Google it.
I listened to the audiobook version of this. I’d not heard of this unsolved double murder that occurred in Collingwood, inner city Melbourne, Australia in 1977. To the date of publication despite having a full DNA profile the killer was never caught.
At first it was intriguing to listen to. Sue and Suzanne, two friends who shared a house together along with Suzanne’s infant son met a horrific death one fateful night in their own home. Both were stabbed to death in what can only be described as overkill and Suzanne was sexually assaulted AFTER death according to experts. Thankfully the child, Greg was left unharmed in his cot. He was discovered alive about 48 hours after the killings dehydrated and hungry by neighbours who had become concerned that the two ladies had not responded to efforts in days.
The case grew colder and colder and many suspects rules out initially but some with a question mark over their heads. With advances in DNA testing the main suspects were tested years later and every single one of them ruled out. No criminal in the database has matched this DNA to date. A 1 million dollar reward was posted in 2022 but didn’t bear any fruit with getting closer to the killer.
The audiobook is read by the author and initially I found it interesting but around halfway and towards the end I was a bit bored. It also drove me mad that you could hear every intake of breath she took on the recording before speaking. Once I noticed it I could not ignore it.
In the audiobook at the time of publication the killer had not been found. There was speculation that there was a good chance he is not even alive and literally got away with murder. There were definitely some mistakes made early in the investigation and leads not followed up on like some eyewitness visual and audio testimony that got glossed over.
Fast Forward to post-publication. SPOILER ALERT.
On 19 September 2024, Perry Kouroumblis, a 65-year-old man, holding dual citizenship of Australia and Greece, was arrested at an airport in Rome, Italy, in connection with the murders. Kouroumblis had been a student at the same school where victim Susan Bartlett worked as an arts and crafts teacher.
His arrest was executed under an Interpol red notice, after which Kouroumblis was remanded in custody in Italy. Authorities from Victoria Police and the Australian Attorney General's office sought his extradition to Australia, where Victoria Police intend to charge him with two counts of murder and one count of rape. At the time of the offences, he was 17 years old.
Police revealed that Kouroumblis had been a suspect since at least 2017, when he had been asked to submit a DNA sample along with other suspects; he emigrated to Greece prior to providing any DNA to police. Owing to Greek residence and their statute of limitations on the initiation of an arrest warrant for murder charges, authorities were unable to seek his arrest while he remained there.
Consequently, police were obliged to wait for him to travel outside the country. His arrest in Rome marked the first opportunity for such an action.
On 25 September 2024, days after his arrest, Kouroumblis appeared in front of a court in Rome. He subsequently indicated that he would not fight the extradition request, telling the court he was innocent of the murders and intended to clear his name. Kouroumblis was extradited and arrived in Melbourne late on 3 December 2024.
He faced the magistrates court in Australia and was formally charged and it was a huge breaking news story. I can’t find any new information to date (as at May 2025) saying it’s yet gone to trial or that he’s been found guilty or not-guilty. I truly hope this man is brought to justice for such a heinous senseless crime if indeed the evidence all points to him. They have a full DNA profile from semen found in and around Suzanne so it should be a slam dunk if it’s him.
Back to the actual audiobook. I listened to the end but as I say it lost momentum. I suspect if I was reading the book version I may of been skim reading. I’d possibly look at other books to do with this horrific unsolved murder. 3 stars for this one. I wonder if the Author who was very invested in this case will do a new book considering the breakthrough.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks for checking out my review! I hope you enjoyed it, if you did I’d be thrilled if you leave me a “like” and I also love to read your comments, let’s talk books!
If you’d like to connect with me you can follow me or send me a friend request. Have fun browsing my reviews for your next favourite book.
You can also find me on Amazon U.K. where I am a Top 500 Reviewer.
If you are an Author or Publisher and you’d like me to consider reading and reviewing your book(s) please just message me.
I listened to this without googling the case on purpose but new details not in this book are outlined in my review. I’m glad I didn’t know what I know now when I listened to the book as it would have changed how it was received greatly. So if curious, read or listen to this, don’t read the spoilers in my review and don’t Google it.
I listened to the audiobook version of this. I’d not heard of this unsolved double murder that occurred in Collingwood, inner city Melbourne, Australia in 1977. To the date of publication despite having a full DNA profile the killer was never caught.
At first it was intriguing to listen to. Sue and Suzanne, two friends who shared a house together along with Suzanne’s infant son met a horrific death one fateful night in their own home. Both were stabbed to death in what can only be described as overkill and Suzanne was sexually assaulted AFTER death according to experts. Thankfully the child, Greg was left unharmed in his cot. He was discovered alive about 48 hours after the killings dehydrated and hungry by neighbours who had become concerned that the two ladies had not responded to efforts in days.
The case grew colder and colder and many suspects rules out initially but some with a question mark over their heads. With advances in DNA testing the main suspects were tested years later and every single one of them ruled out. No criminal in the database has matched this DNA to date. A 1 million dollar reward was posted in 2022 but didn’t bear any fruit with getting closer to the killer.
The audiobook is read by the author and initially I found it interesting but around halfway and towards the end I was a bit bored. It also drove me mad that you could hear every intake of breath she took on the recording before speaking. Once I noticed it I could not ignore it.
In the audiobook at the time of publication the killer had not been found. There was speculation that there was a good chance he is not even alive and literally got away with murder. There were definitely some mistakes made early in the investigation and leads not followed up on like some eyewitness visual and audio testimony that got glossed over.
Fast Forward to post-publication. SPOILER ALERT.
On 19 September 2024, Perry Kouroumblis, a 65-year-old man, holding dual citizenship of Australia and Greece, was arrested at an airport in Rome, Italy, in connection with the murders. Kouroumblis had been a student at the same school where victim Susan Bartlett worked as an arts and crafts teacher.
His arrest was executed under an Interpol red notice, after which Kouroumblis was remanded in custody in Italy. Authorities from Victoria Police and the Australian Attorney General's office sought his extradition to Australia, where Victoria Police intend to charge him with two counts of murder and one count of rape. At the time of the offences, he was 17 years old.
Police revealed that Kouroumblis had been a suspect since at least 2017, when he had been asked to submit a DNA sample along with other suspects; he emigrated to Greece prior to providing any DNA to police. Owing to Greek residence and their statute of limitations on the initiation of an arrest warrant for murder charges, authorities were unable to seek his arrest while he remained there.
Consequently, police were obliged to wait for him to travel outside the country. His arrest in Rome marked the first opportunity for such an action.
On 25 September 2024, days after his arrest, Kouroumblis appeared in front of a court in Rome. He subsequently indicated that he would not fight the extradition request, telling the court he was innocent of the murders and intended to clear his name. Kouroumblis was extradited and arrived in Melbourne late on 3 December 2024.
He faced the magistrates court in Australia and was formally charged and it was a huge breaking news story. I can’t find any new information to date (as at May 2025) saying it’s yet gone to trial or that he’s been found guilty or not-guilty. I truly hope this man is brought to justice for such a heinous senseless crime if indeed the evidence all points to him. They have a full DNA profile from semen found in and around Suzanne so it should be a slam dunk if it’s him.
Back to the actual audiobook. I listened to the end but as I say it lost momentum. I suspect if I was reading the book version I may of been skim reading. I’d possibly look at other books to do with this horrific unsolved murder. 3 stars for this one. I wonder if the Author who was very invested in this case will do a new book considering the breakthrough.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks for checking out my review! I hope you enjoyed it, if you did I’d be thrilled if you leave me a “like” and I also love to read your comments, let’s talk books!
If you’d like to connect with me you can follow me or send me a friend request. Have fun browsing my reviews for your next favourite book.
You can also find me on Amazon U.K. where I am a Top 500 Reviewer.
If you are an Author or Publisher and you’d like me to consider reading and reviewing your book(s) please just message me.
March 7, 2025
Thomas crafts this tale with such care and grace and pays homage to the young women killed by telling the story of who they were as women, as people, rather than having the sole focus on how they met their horrific end. Thomas underlines the pain and suffering the murders inflicted on family members and doesn’t shy away from the fact the police were not perfect in the initial investigation. She continually hammers home the desperate need for justice for the women and their families and delivers the idea that hope glimmers on the horizon - that their killer will be brought to justice.
January 27, 2020
This book is about a double murder in Australia that wasn't properly investigated when it occurred in 1977, and has remained unsolved in the subsequent 40+ years. As such it contains a lot of speculation and unanswered questions, which is not what I'm looking for in a true-crime reading experience.
June 28, 2019
Helen Thomas has done a fantastic job of shedding light on this notorious crime case that still haunts many Melbournians to this day. With sporadic and vicious crime attacks that take place in this city against women at certain moments in time, this book then proves to be a compelling, and timely read. My only gripe is that there is one error when discussing Easey Street as it is today. The author says that there are trams on the rooftop of the apartment blocks of 48 Easey Street Collingwood that serve as a hipster bar. They are in fact decommissioned Hitachi trains that date from 1970s Melbourne, eerily the same decade the murders took place...
May 25, 2025
I wasn’t familiar with the Easey Street murders, so this was quite an eye-opening look at a murder that happened well before my time. The book looked into the case & frankly the immense negligence of the police at the time. So many things felt bungled & evidence that could’ve been gathered at the time was neglected. I was shocked to read that even the neighbours had heard the baby crying for days & hadn’t thought to investigate or call the police. I felt that surely given the proximity of the house that something would’ve been heard considering the brutality of the murders. Also some of the accounts of the neighbours were never investigated thoroughly like the woman that saw someone in the kitchen, why wasn’t a sketch artist sent. There just seem to be a lot of things that the police could’ve taken leads on & didn’t. I was shocked to learn that the families weren’t even interviewed & had to contact the police themselves. Once completing the chapters of the murders & the initial investigations the book stalled a bit even though the chapters on DNA & other elements were interesting. Whilst reading this book it came to light that they had extradited a suspect in this murder & given the amount of DNA evidence I hope these beautiful girls receive the justice they deserve.
October 8, 2019
1977, Melbourne. Two young women were brutally murdered in their house on Easey Street, Collingwood. The killer has never been found. Journalist Helen Thomas was a cub reporter at The Age newspaper when the murders were committed and saw how deeply they affected the city. Forty-two years on, she has re-examined the cold case, talking to members of the women's families, residents of Easey Street, detectives and journalists.
My experience of the true crime genre has been largely through podcasts and in this format, I've often become engrossed in a story and 'binge-listened'. I listen to or read true crime for the author's perspective on the case; for them to play detective; and for them to a have a 'theory' - the case being solved is not essential for listening satisfaction (Serial being the shining example). Unfortunately, Thomas didn't provide enough in terms of new theories or a fresh perspective on the Easey Street case to hook me. I suspect this was because the police would not talk to her about the murders, and that she had limited access to files and evidence.
I did enjoy Thomas's depiction of pre-gentrified Collingwood and her descriptions of suburban life in Melbourne during the seventies (remember when people took their TVs outside on hot summer nights? Portable sets balanced on a milk crate, feet cooling in paddling pool, and stubbies cooling in an Esky?). However, the blurb describes 'the countercultural bohemia of Helen Garner’s Monkey Grip brushed up against the grit of the underworld in one of Melbourne’s most notorious suburbs' which promised more than it delivered.
I think this is one for Melburnian true-crime fans - other readers might find it a bit flat.
2.5/5
My experience of the true crime genre has been largely through podcasts and in this format, I've often become engrossed in a story and 'binge-listened'. I listen to or read true crime for the author's perspective on the case; for them to play detective; and for them to a have a 'theory' - the case being solved is not essential for listening satisfaction (Serial being the shining example). Unfortunately, Thomas didn't provide enough in terms of new theories or a fresh perspective on the Easey Street case to hook me. I suspect this was because the police would not talk to her about the murders, and that she had limited access to files and evidence.
I did enjoy Thomas's depiction of pre-gentrified Collingwood and her descriptions of suburban life in Melbourne during the seventies (remember when people took their TVs outside on hot summer nights? Portable sets balanced on a milk crate, feet cooling in paddling pool, and stubbies cooling in an Esky?). However, the blurb describes 'the countercultural bohemia of Helen Garner’s Monkey Grip brushed up against the grit of the underworld in one of Melbourne’s most notorious suburbs' which promised more than it delivered.
I think this is one for Melburnian true-crime fans - other readers might find it a bit flat.
2.5/5
May 19, 2020
Started off great, but then Thomas apparently ran out of material and then it turned into a repetitive, boring, off-topic mess...
December 10, 2020
An excellent account of the investigation into a tragic and still unsolved murder
August 6, 2024
Cold case still unsolved, great build up, wrong genre feel
More of a fictional mystery style delivery than a true crime one. Not that the author didn’t do a good job respecting and honouring the two victims and their families. Quite the opposite. The time and research into the book were apparent, it just strayed too far from the timeline and the facts. More on that to come.
The unsolved murders: 1977, Collingwood (then, a dodgy suburb of Melbourne), two female friends stabbed to death (~80 between them) in their home, blood and sperm DNA left behind, no witnesses. Minimal police investigation early on, followed by desperate attempts once their main suspects fizzled out. Decades pass, still no arrests. Two other books have already covered this case, this is the third, more recent one.
My main issues with the book were:
The absence of a floor plan (at least in the kindle version). The crime scene was important because the home was far from ordinary. Seeing as the police only had a theory as to how the killer entered/exited the property opposed to a definite idea, more detail on the floor plan, and exploration of the how a killer may have entered the property would have added a new and extra layer of investigation. E.g., were the windows at chest height (easy to get into) or were they high and needed a ladder or a leg up? Were the windows locked even?
Heavy inclusion of seemingly irrelevant, or at best, misleading pieces of information. Red herrings and the like. The suspects were all eliminated as DNA evidence did not match. The author dives deep as to where they were, what they did etc, only to round it out at the end revealing they were cleared.
And lastly, very little new information or research was covered, except forensic advances that ruled out all the suspects. No new theories. No probing (e.g. crime scene reenactments).
Overall, the coverage of the crimes was important. The killer has not been identified. Publicity is helpful. I just think it was a missed opportunity. I know the police can’t contribute as it’s still an open case.
One good point is that the writing was excellent. It was easy to get through, until the end when you realise, ‘is that it?’ so she is clearly a talented writer. If she had worn the true crime hat instead of the crime fiction one, the book would have been hugely improved, and people (readers/journalists) could have talked about new elements to the case.
How did I feel about the book? It was fascinating, Easey to read in terms of being interesting, however the detractions got in the way during the second half of the book when I realised there was nothing new/more like the retelling of a failed investigation than a true attempt at solving it.
More of a fictional mystery style delivery than a true crime one. Not that the author didn’t do a good job respecting and honouring the two victims and their families. Quite the opposite. The time and research into the book were apparent, it just strayed too far from the timeline and the facts. More on that to come.
The unsolved murders: 1977, Collingwood (then, a dodgy suburb of Melbourne), two female friends stabbed to death (~80 between them) in their home, blood and sperm DNA left behind, no witnesses. Minimal police investigation early on, followed by desperate attempts once their main suspects fizzled out. Decades pass, still no arrests. Two other books have already covered this case, this is the third, more recent one.
My main issues with the book were:
The absence of a floor plan (at least in the kindle version). The crime scene was important because the home was far from ordinary. Seeing as the police only had a theory as to how the killer entered/exited the property opposed to a definite idea, more detail on the floor plan, and exploration of the how a killer may have entered the property would have added a new and extra layer of investigation. E.g., were the windows at chest height (easy to get into) or were they high and needed a ladder or a leg up? Were the windows locked even?
Heavy inclusion of seemingly irrelevant, or at best, misleading pieces of information. Red herrings and the like. The suspects were all eliminated as DNA evidence did not match. The author dives deep as to where they were, what they did etc, only to round it out at the end revealing they were cleared.
And lastly, very little new information or research was covered, except forensic advances that ruled out all the suspects. No new theories. No probing (e.g. crime scene reenactments).
Overall, the coverage of the crimes was important. The killer has not been identified. Publicity is helpful. I just think it was a missed opportunity. I know the police can’t contribute as it’s still an open case.
One good point is that the writing was excellent. It was easy to get through, until the end when you realise, ‘is that it?’ so she is clearly a talented writer. If she had worn the true crime hat instead of the crime fiction one, the book would have been hugely improved, and people (readers/journalists) could have talked about new elements to the case.
How did I feel about the book? It was fascinating, Easey to read in terms of being interesting, however the detractions got in the way during the second half of the book when I realised there was nothing new/more like the retelling of a failed investigation than a true attempt at solving it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2025
I found myself drawn into Thomas's haunting narrative that transcends the boundaries of typical true-crime literature.
This 150-page exploration of the unsolved murders of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett in Collingwood, Melbourne, in 1977 is not just a recounting of grisly events; it is a profound reflection on the societal issues surrounding violence against women and the systemic failures that allow such tragedies to persist.
Thomas's compelling argument is that these murders are not merely isolated incidents but are emblematic of deeper societal problems. She asserts, “To understand the past, we must confront the uncomfortable truths that lie within it.” This sentiment resonates throughout the book, urging readers to grapple with the implications of the unresolved nature of the case. It prompted me to reflect on how often society tends to overlook the complexities behind such tragedies, instead focusing on the sensational aspects and the perpetrators rather than the underlying causes or the victims themselves.
The narrative begins with the chilling details of that fateful January night in 1977, when Suzanne and Susan were brutally murdered in Suzanne's home, while her 16-month-old baby slept nearby, untouched but forever marked by the trauma.
The description of the aftermath is haunting; the sheer brutality of the crime created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that lingered in the community...“The shadows of that night linger still, casting doubt and dread over a community that deserves answers.” This line encapsulates the enduring impact of the murders, serving as a reminder that the repercussions of violence extend far beyond the immediate victims.
As Thomas revisits the case 42 years later, her role as a rookie reporter at The Age during the original investigations lends an authentic and personal touch to the narrative. Through interviews with family members, neighbours, and detectives, she uncovers new insights that breathe life into the historical context of the murders. The way she contrasts the countercultural movements of 1970s Melbourne with the darker elements of society enriches the narrative and highlights the complexities of the time. It made me reflect on how cultural shifts can coexist with underlying issues, often revealing uncomfortable truths about societal values and priorities.
The book raises critical questions about the nature of the crime: Did the victims know their killer? Was the attack random? Thomas's examination of similar unresolved murders from that era adds layers of complexity, illustrating the challenges law enforcement faced and the persistent questions that remain unanswered. As I read, I couldn't help but think about the broader implications of these unresolved cases. How often do we overlook the need for justice for victims whose stories remain untold?
The emotional weight of this horrifying history, particularly the image of a baby left alone at the crime scene for two days while his mother lay dead, serves as a stark reminder of the real-life consequences of violence, especially against women and children. Thomas highlights how these murders instilled a lasting sense of fear and distrust within the local community, leaving emotional scars that resonate to this day. Her assertion that “This case is a microcosm of the broader neglect of women’s safety and rights” made me pause and reflect on the urgent need for societal change.
Having first encountered this tragic story on a true-crime podcast, I was eager to delve deeper when I found the book at my local library. Thomas's blend of investigative journalism and personal narrative offers a sobering reminder of the realities faced by victims of violence. It prompted me to consider my own perspectives on societal safety and the importance of advocating for women’s rights.
In summary, Murder on Easey Street is more than just a gripping account of a cold case; it is a powerful commentary on the societal failures that allow such violence to persist. Helen Thomas’s thorough research and personal insights illuminate a mystery that continues to haunt the public imagination, reminding us of the urgent need to address the complex issues surrounding violence against women. Thomas's work has not only deepened my understanding of the case but also reinforced my commitment to advocating for a safer world for all women.
For those interested in further exploring this critical issue, I recommend Jess Hill's See What You Made Me Do: Power, Control and Domestic Violence as a valuable resource that delves into the origins and resolutions of gender-based violence.
This 150-page exploration of the unsolved murders of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett in Collingwood, Melbourne, in 1977 is not just a recounting of grisly events; it is a profound reflection on the societal issues surrounding violence against women and the systemic failures that allow such tragedies to persist.
Thomas's compelling argument is that these murders are not merely isolated incidents but are emblematic of deeper societal problems. She asserts, “To understand the past, we must confront the uncomfortable truths that lie within it.” This sentiment resonates throughout the book, urging readers to grapple with the implications of the unresolved nature of the case. It prompted me to reflect on how often society tends to overlook the complexities behind such tragedies, instead focusing on the sensational aspects and the perpetrators rather than the underlying causes or the victims themselves.
The narrative begins with the chilling details of that fateful January night in 1977, when Suzanne and Susan were brutally murdered in Suzanne's home, while her 16-month-old baby slept nearby, untouched but forever marked by the trauma.
The description of the aftermath is haunting; the sheer brutality of the crime created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that lingered in the community...“The shadows of that night linger still, casting doubt and dread over a community that deserves answers.” This line encapsulates the enduring impact of the murders, serving as a reminder that the repercussions of violence extend far beyond the immediate victims.
As Thomas revisits the case 42 years later, her role as a rookie reporter at The Age during the original investigations lends an authentic and personal touch to the narrative. Through interviews with family members, neighbours, and detectives, she uncovers new insights that breathe life into the historical context of the murders. The way she contrasts the countercultural movements of 1970s Melbourne with the darker elements of society enriches the narrative and highlights the complexities of the time. It made me reflect on how cultural shifts can coexist with underlying issues, often revealing uncomfortable truths about societal values and priorities.
The book raises critical questions about the nature of the crime: Did the victims know their killer? Was the attack random? Thomas's examination of similar unresolved murders from that era adds layers of complexity, illustrating the challenges law enforcement faced and the persistent questions that remain unanswered. As I read, I couldn't help but think about the broader implications of these unresolved cases. How often do we overlook the need for justice for victims whose stories remain untold?
The emotional weight of this horrifying history, particularly the image of a baby left alone at the crime scene for two days while his mother lay dead, serves as a stark reminder of the real-life consequences of violence, especially against women and children. Thomas highlights how these murders instilled a lasting sense of fear and distrust within the local community, leaving emotional scars that resonate to this day. Her assertion that “This case is a microcosm of the broader neglect of women’s safety and rights” made me pause and reflect on the urgent need for societal change.
Having first encountered this tragic story on a true-crime podcast, I was eager to delve deeper when I found the book at my local library. Thomas's blend of investigative journalism and personal narrative offers a sobering reminder of the realities faced by victims of violence. It prompted me to consider my own perspectives on societal safety and the importance of advocating for women’s rights.
In summary, Murder on Easey Street is more than just a gripping account of a cold case; it is a powerful commentary on the societal failures that allow such violence to persist. Helen Thomas’s thorough research and personal insights illuminate a mystery that continues to haunt the public imagination, reminding us of the urgent need to address the complex issues surrounding violence against women. Thomas's work has not only deepened my understanding of the case but also reinforced my commitment to advocating for a safer world for all women.
For those interested in further exploring this critical issue, I recommend Jess Hill's See What You Made Me Do: Power, Control and Domestic Violence as a valuable resource that delves into the origins and resolutions of gender-based violence.
August 13, 2020
I remember as a teenager hearing about the grim murders of two young women in a house on Easey Street, in inner Melbourne. It was made even more grim by the presence of a child sleeping in his cot in another room, left alone until the bodies were discovered three days later. This case has never been solved and, indeed, has never even got as far as charges being laid.
Journalist Helen Thomas recounts these horrific murders and then describes the subsequent investigation, as well as the impact that the murders had on family, friends and neighbours. It soon becomes very clear that the investigation was botched from the outset, with a compromised crime scene, eyewitnesses not followed up on, potential suspects not investigated, and so on. The one thing that the police still hang their hopes on is the DNA evidence recovered from the scene, but this has never been matched to any individual. After more than 40 years, the likelihood of identifying the perpetrator is now vanishingly small, and he may even be dead anyway.
This is a very sad story, with the lives of two bright young women snuffed out in an act of brutality, for which no price has ever been paid and no closure has ever been achieved for the survivors.
Journalist Helen Thomas recounts these horrific murders and then describes the subsequent investigation, as well as the impact that the murders had on family, friends and neighbours. It soon becomes very clear that the investigation was botched from the outset, with a compromised crime scene, eyewitnesses not followed up on, potential suspects not investigated, and so on. The one thing that the police still hang their hopes on is the DNA evidence recovered from the scene, but this has never been matched to any individual. After more than 40 years, the likelihood of identifying the perpetrator is now vanishingly small, and he may even be dead anyway.
This is a very sad story, with the lives of two bright young women snuffed out in an act of brutality, for which no price has ever been paid and no closure has ever been achieved for the survivors.
January 14, 2025
Murder on Easey Street by Helen Thomas is a gripping and well-researched account of a horrific crime that continues to haunt Melbourne nearly five decades later. The book delves deeply into the brutal murders and the tragic aftermath, shedding light on the complexities of the case and the people involved.
What stands out most is the shocking lack of proper investigation by the police from the very beginning. Thomas does an excellent job of highlighting the missed opportunities, missteps, and the chilling indifference that plagued this case, leaving justice undone for 48 years.
Overall, this is an excellent read for true crime enthusiasts. It’s both a sobering reminder of the flaws in the justice system and a poignant exploration of a vicious and unresolved crime. Highly recommended for anyone intrigued by cold cases and the pursuit of justice.
What stands out most is the shocking lack of proper investigation by the police from the very beginning. Thomas does an excellent job of highlighting the missed opportunities, missteps, and the chilling indifference that plagued this case, leaving justice undone for 48 years.
Overall, this is an excellent read for true crime enthusiasts. It’s both a sobering reminder of the flaws in the justice system and a poignant exploration of a vicious and unresolved crime. Highly recommended for anyone intrigued by cold cases and the pursuit of justice.
September 14, 2025
Murder on Easey Street by Helen Thomas is a gripping and well-researched account of a horrific crime that continues to haunt Melbourne nearly five decades later. The book delves deeply into the brutal murders and the tragic aftermath, shedding light on the complexities of the case and the people involved.
What stands out most is the shocking lack of proper investigation by the police from the very beginning. Thomas does an excellent job of highlighting the missed opportunities, missteps, and the chilling indifference that plagued this case, leaving justice undone for 48 years.
Overall, this is an excellent read for true crime enthusiasts. It’s both a sobering reminder of the flaws in the justice system and a poignant exploration of a vicious and unresolved crime. Highly recommended for anyone intrigued by cold cases and the pursuit of justice.
What stands out most is the shocking lack of proper investigation by the police from the very beginning. Thomas does an excellent job of highlighting the missed opportunities, missteps, and the chilling indifference that plagued this case, leaving justice undone for 48 years.
Overall, this is an excellent read for true crime enthusiasts. It’s both a sobering reminder of the flaws in the justice system and a poignant exploration of a vicious and unresolved crime. Highly recommended for anyone intrigued by cold cases and the pursuit of justice.
June 30, 2019
The book gave the facts of the case in a way that was neither voyeuristic nor leaving you with a sense of not knowing enough. I felt desperately sad for the “Two Sues” and wonder why there doesn’t seem to be more done with some of the people mentioned who may have committed this crime. During the history of Collingwood, I noticed it was mentioned that John Wren lived at Raheen, which was not the case, his mansion was Studley hall. Also, the testimony of Peter Sellers saying he heard a car and two of its doors closing on the night of the murder could be attributed to the “salesman” who decided to check if he was calling the right phone number by breaking and entering to check the phone number on the phone in the hall, while both women lay dead. He had shown up with a friend in a car. I hope this case is eventually solved, though I have a feeling the perpetrator is no longer alive, it makes me feel sad there was no justice for these women or their families.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2020
The still unsolved murders of 2 housemates in 1977 in Easey Street Collingwood. The saddest part of this case is that one of the women had a baby son who was in the house at the time of these brutal horrific murders. This book details the lives of the victims, the police investigations at the time and since the murders, the alleged suspects and murders that forever changed the neighbourhood of Easey Street in Collingwood. Someone must know something of these murders and who committed them even after all this time. A well researched insight into this case and the lives of the victims. #murderoneaseystreet #helenthomas #tea_sipping_bookworm #litsy #goodreads #bookstagram #bookqueen #greatreads #truecrime
July 24, 2023
Two women, Suzanne Armstrong & Susan Bartlett, were brutally murdered in their Collingwood home in January 1977. Suzanne’s 16 month old son was in his cot during the ordeal. They weren’t discovered until approximately 3 days later (I say approximately because the exact time of death is not known).
No one has ever been charged with their murders.
Thomas is brilliant in her analysis - she doesn’t hold back when describing the massive errors made by young, inexperienced police and she speaks to a variety of different people in order to advance her investigation.
Thomas also explains how the advancements of DNA testing may well lead to this cold case, eventually, being solved.
Overall, a great book.
No one has ever been charged with their murders.
Thomas is brilliant in her analysis - she doesn’t hold back when describing the massive errors made by young, inexperienced police and she speaks to a variety of different people in order to advance her investigation.
Thomas also explains how the advancements of DNA testing may well lead to this cold case, eventually, being solved.
Overall, a great book.
April 1, 2019
A sad read, I'd heard about the case (was young when it happened), it reminds you of the family's unending sadness all these years later - how could they not? It was a thorough examination, hindsight always gives a different perspective, it was an early time in investigations (pre DNA) and 'old style' policing. One element that did rankle, the author referred to the women as 'girls' quite often. They were in their mid 20's. They were young women.
February 7, 2024
There is some new information here - not much, some - and some necessary critiques of the earlier book "They Trusted Men" (which I've previously read).
The fact that Helen Thomas couldn't gain access to the police file, nor interview any police working on the case, hinders the level of insight available. There are still so many questions. I do wonder if the DNA sample has been contaminated or mixed up in some way, in the time the storage box was lost.
Those poor girls.
The fact that Helen Thomas couldn't gain access to the police file, nor interview any police working on the case, hinders the level of insight available. There are still so many questions. I do wonder if the DNA sample has been contaminated or mixed up in some way, in the time the storage box was lost.
Those poor girls.
September 28, 2024
It is not all that often that I read true crime and usually when I do it is about historical crimes such as Jack the Ripper. This appalling murder is a more recent one that I am aware of thanks to media coverage of it over the years since it occured. The reason I picked it up to read is because it may well finally be solved thanks to DNA and a recent arrest. Hopefully, a new chapter to this tragic story can soon be added with the successful conviction of the person who committed the crimes.
November 17, 2019
I loved that the book details the personalities of the girls, their lives, and the affect on family and friends. It makes the reader feel more emotionally attached to these poor girls and gives a better understanding of events. I would like to hear the police answer the questions raised in the Afterword.
March 1, 2020
A great book categorised into themes and ideas. More than a true crime book, it more examines the murders in context, using the time and information around the murders to give an idea to why it hasn't been solved yet. Written in a very methodical manner, it was easy to read, despite the book being about a gruesome murder. I am from Sydney and am not familiar with this case.
May 28, 2021
Although this is still an unsolved case it was really great to read about the processes the police went through ( or lack of )
I especially like reading this book as I remember the horrific murders and it happened not too far from where I live.
Author really did amazing research. Thus is definitely one for true crime fans!
I especially like reading this book as I remember the horrific murders and it happened not too far from where I live.
Author really did amazing research. Thus is definitely one for true crime fans!
November 29, 2024
IRL new suspect has been charged in this high profile case (the impetus for me listening to this audio book on audio.) The author did not have the new suspect flagged at all!
Dragged on in places, but kudos to author for fresh information through interviewing neighbours, and the detailed research.
Dragged on in places, but kudos to author for fresh information through interviewing neighbours, and the detailed research.
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