Little Girls Lost

Little Girls Lost tells the heartbreaking stories of the murders of four girls. But it also gives a groundbreaking account of how the girls' grieving parents brought about changes in the law to ease the unbearable burden for themselves - and for the families of other homicide victims.

The author, Sydney journalist Helen Reade, gives the reader an intimate insight into the thoughts and actions of the victims' families as they recall the events leading up to - including - and after:

• The stabbing murder of 5-year-old Nicole Hanns in 1974
• The sexual assault and murder of 9-year-old Ebony Simpson in 1992
• The rape and murders of Bega schoolgirls, 14-year-old Lauren Barry and her friend 16-year-old Nichole Collins, in 1997

Not happy with the law as it stood - seemingly more in favour of the murderers than their victims - each of the children's families successfully took the government to task and brought about historical legislative changes.

Little Girls Lost is much, much more than just another Australian true-crime book. Crafted by a writer who passionately believes in her obligation to tell these stories of horror, heartbreak, love and family commitment beyond all odds, it is not only deeply moving. It's inspiring.