Little Shoes – A Chilling Family Secret from the Depression Era: Book & Audiobook Review

1. About the Author – Pamela Everett

Pamela Everett is an investigative journalist, human rights attorney, and professor of law at Loyola University in Los Angeles. With a background in law and a passion for truth, she worked for the Innocence Project, an organization dedicated to investigating wrongful convictions.

Her debut book, Little Shoes: The Sensational Depression-Era Murders That Became My Family’s Secret, revisits a horrifying 1937 case where three young girls, two of whom were Everett’s aunts, were brutally murdered in Inglewood, California. The personal connection compelled Everett to uncover the truth behind the conviction and execution of Albert Dyer, a mentally challenged man whose confession and trial remain controversial to this day.

Everett’s writing is sharp, compassionate, and fact-driven—blending legal insight with an emotional family narrative that turns Little Shoes into both an indictment of injustice and a deeply moving memorial.

2. About the Narrator – Coleen Marlo

Coleen Marlo is a seasoned audiobook narrator known for her versatile range and emotional depth. A recipient of the prestigious Audie Award and Earphones Award, Marlo specializes in nonfiction, biography, and crime titles.

In Little Shoes, Marlo delivers a serious, emotionally resonant performance, embodying the sorrow, doubt, and outrage Everett channels through the text. While many listeners appreciate her clarity and steady tone, some found her enunciation overly precise and even distracting in certain passages.

Nonetheless, her delivery is generally considered appropriate for the book’s heavy and reflective subject matter.

3. About the Book – Little Shoes

Little Shoes: The Sensational Depression-Era Murders That Became My Family’s Secret is a nonfiction true crime memoir that investigates the shocking murder of three young girls in Depression-era Los Angeles. Albert Dyer, a school crossing guard with a below-average IQ, was convicted and executed for the crime. But as Pamela Everett discovers, the case was riddled with inconsistencies, questionable confessions, and judicial shortcuts.

Everett combines her legal expertise with a personal quest for answers, unraveling not just the case but the long-term trauma embedded within her own family.

• Genre: True Crime, Nonfiction, Memoir, Legal History

• Average Audible Rating: 4.2/5 (based on 1,000+ reviews)

• Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing

• Audiobook Length: 6 hours 12 minutes

• Awards: Not officially listed, but widely praised by legal scholars and true crime authors

• Sales Data: Not publicly disclosed, but ranked well in True Crime categories

4. Book Review – A Personal Tragedy and a Legal Enigma

Review | Book Review | True Crime | Audiobook

Little Shoes is not just a recounting of a crime; it’s a haunting investigation into whether justice was ever truly served. Pamela Everett begins with a childlike curiosity about two missing relatives no one in her family spoke about. That curiosity turns into a full-blown inquiry as she dives deep into court records, witness testimonies, and prison archives.

Strengths of the book:

1. A deeply personal narrative combined with investigative rigor.

2. Insightful critique of the justice system, especially in how it can be swayed by media and public pressure.

3. A respectful tone toward the victims without sensationalism.

However, some readers noted that the book focuses more on Albert Dyer—the accused—than on the victims themselves. This emphasis, while important to the author’s legal argument, may feel emotionally distant for readers expecting a more victim-centered narrative.

Scott Turow, author of Presumed Innocent, praised the book:

“A powerful account of the cost of biased justice, and the generational pain it inflicts.”

In my opinion, Little Shoes is a must-read—not only for true crime enthusiasts but for anyone concerned about wrongful convictions and the emotional toll of silence and secrets in families.

5. Audiobook Review – A Serious Tone That Requires Focus

The audiobook version of Little Shoes, narrated by Coleen Marlo, has received mixed but mostly positive reviews.

Pros:

• Clear and emotionally resonant delivery.

• A tone that matches the book’s somber and reflective themes.

Cons:

• Some listeners found Marlo’s pronunciation overly precise or stiff.

• The slower pacing may be difficult for those who prefer a brisker rhythm.

On Audible, the audiobook holds an average rating of 4.1/5, with most listeners praising the performance for its respectful tone.

AudioFile Magazine wrote:

“Coleen Marlo maintains a solemnity befitting Everett’s powerful narrative. A thoughtful choice for listeners who want to absorb the story’s emotional weight.”

Personally, I recommend the audiobook version for focused listening—ideal for quiet settings where the listener can truly absorb the tragic story and its implications.

6. Who Should Read or Listen to This Book?

Little Shoes is a compelling choice for:

• True crime and legal history enthusiasts: It offers a rare look at Depression-era justice.

• Readers concerned with wrongful convictions and justice reform: It raises important questions about the death penalty and systemic bias.

• Audiobook lovers who enjoy serious, emotionally charged nonfiction.

• Law, journalism, and history students: The book is an excellent case study in forensic investigation, media influence, and courtroom ethics.

7. Conclusion

Little Shoes is more than a crime story—it’s a deeply human narrative about justice, memory, and grief. Pamela Everett’s legal acumen and emotional vulnerability make the book both enlightening and heartbreaking. Whether you prefer to read or listen, this is a title that will leave a lasting impact.

Choose Little Shoes for your next read or listen—not only to uncover a family secret, but to reflect on how truth and justice often diverge.

8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook

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You can listen on the following platforms:

• Audiobooks.com – Stream or download, with a free first book for new members.

• Audible – Free trial available with offline listening support.

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