The Madness and Murder of Memphis: A Look into the Evil Mind of Judith A. Yates

amazon customer: Leah Joy Ward - unusually loathsome specimen of the boringly predictable 'wild-child' sort. Never fails to astonish how much misery these evil/moron hybrids can contrive for themselves and all around them. If you ever hear the words 'wild-child' or 'free spirit' run a mile.

United Kingdom on Jul 09, 2022

beth.shuler76: 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!!!!

United States on Sep 06, 2017

mary: I like the author she doesn't go over the same thing twice
the girl is evil

United States on Aug 04, 2017

Lela U.: I read a lot of true crime. I mean - a lot. Sometimes, a book will come along that is so riveting that by the end of the first chapter you know it will be a late night. This was definitely one of those books. The flow, the description of the characters, the history of the victim's homeland ... all very well researched and fascinating. No filler, dry facts or repetition of internet searches. The book reminded me the majority of those of the Muslim faith (or any other faith or nationality, for that matter) are peaceful, non-violent and law-abiding citizens. This is my first book by JA Yates and I am looking forward to her next. If you are a true crime buff, don't miss this one.

United States on May 26, 2017

TrueCrimeBuff: "She Is Evil" is a captivating story about a woman who took advantage of everyone who crossed her path. Her destructive world could not have ended happily. Now one man is dead, one woman is in prison for life, and two families and numerous friends are forever in pain from the loss.
Someone wrote a review saying the author did not write much about the woman Leah Joy Ward's mental illness. Well, if you read the end you see Leah Ward would not participate. Helpline and info for bipolar disorder is in the references. The author is not a doctor or psychologist so how can they discuss mental health issues? It would be like a pet store employee doing operations on dogs and cats. They know their business, but not enough to make clinical, safe comments.
Other reviews are spot on. A good, intelligent man named Ejaz wanted to help Ms. Ward. He gave her an education, money, a home. He treated her well and was not a violent person, as his in-laws attest. Even his ex wife said he was never violent. Well, Leah Ward decided to use the "I was defending myself" defense when she shot and killed him. This is horrible especially because there really are women who kill in self defense. So now...

United States on May 22, 2017

S. K. Norman: SHE IS EVIL by Judith A. Yates is a compelling story and yet shows an incredible lack of insight into the mental illness component impacting this case.

Yes, there is no doubt domestic violence is present. However, the author is vague as to who's the victim and who's the perpetrator. If her intent was to do so, Yates doesn't make it clear.

However, from my viewpoint Leah, the victim's second wife and perpetrator of Ejaz Ahmad's murder, was a sociopath who also had bipolar disorder. Without the dialogue as to how these issues factored into Leah's antisocial behaviors and the ultimate murder leaves the storytelling one-sided.

In no way am I saying that the perpetrator isn't responsible for her actions due to mental illness. Rather, there's a great teaching moment lost as a forewarning to others in a similar situation.

Sociopaths choose victims who are naive and trusting. Ejaz was exactly the kind of person to be targeted, as he was trusting, empathetic, giving, and helpful to someone in need. The fact that he also didn't understand the bipolar symptomology his wife exhibited was also to his own detriment.

No, this doesn't mean someone who is a...

United States on May 18, 2017