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LEVI'S EYES: A Son's Deadly Secret and a Father's Cruel Betrayal
LEVI’S EYES delves into the unspeakable murders of Christina and Levi Karlsen, as told by the killer himself...
It’s a must-read for true crime addicts who dare to go deep into a killer’s mind.
In it, readers will learn how the murders of Christina Karlsen and her son Levi Karlsen, committed 17 years apart, are intricately connected. There’s a hidden thread here, one that has not yet been revealed to the public, showing that Levi kept dark secrets. This book exposes both sides of the twisted marriage between Karl and Cindy Karlsen as readers are taken through increasing levels of horror, step-by-step, into the depravity inside the killer’s head.
It’s the story that only the killer knows.
It’s the story that only his second wife knows.
It’s a story that devolves into madness... And it’s never been exposed...Until now...
It’s the story that only the killer knows.
It’s the story that only his second wife knows.
It’s a story that devolves into madness... And it’s never been exposed...Until now...
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2023
999 people are currently reading
846 people want to read
About the author
Aphrodite Jones
13 books403 followersAphrodite Jones is an award-winning American reporter and author who writes about murder. Her knack for detail allows her to dissect bizarre murder cases and bring readers into the heart of darkness. Now, the author has taken her career to TV as the executive producer and TV host of the ID series, True Crime with Aphrodite Jones, which airs on Investigation Discovery.
Jones is now filming her sixth season, uncovering secrets about riveting cases across America. The series follows Jones, who's written a string of best-selling true crime books, as she unravels new mysteries lurking behind cases that shocked America: O.J. Simpson, Scott Peterson, Jon Benet Ramsey, Phil Spector, and the list goes on.
Jones is now filming her sixth season, uncovering secrets about riveting cases across America. The series follows Jones, who's written a string of best-selling true crime books, as she unravels new mysteries lurking behind cases that shocked America: O.J. Simpson, Scott Peterson, Jon Benet Ramsey, Phil Spector, and the list goes on.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
January 3, 2024
It's Britney, bitch! I mean, seriously, how can anyone who calls themselves a professional writer not do the proper research in order to spell Britney's name correctly? Just Google her - it's not Brittany!!
That's just one example of the many misspellings (church alter, organ doner, damming for damning), poor grammar and missing words from sentences that one has to slog through to read this book. The story was interesting and horrific but all the errors just ruined it for me.
That's just one example of the many misspellings (church alter, organ doner, damming for damning), poor grammar and missing words from sentences that one has to slog through to read this book. The story was interesting and horrific but all the errors just ruined it for me.
March 5, 2024
what’s with the hype here?
I finished this book because I can’t start something and not finish it. This promised to be a thriller. Twists and turns and insight into the killers mind. Where was all of that? This was a long read, a boring read, and the ending didn’t justify the turmoil it took to reach it. The formatting on kindle is horrible with random “Aphrodite Jones” and “Levi’s eyes” all throughout the book in the most random of places. I do not recommend this book.
I finished this book because I can’t start something and not finish it. This promised to be a thriller. Twists and turns and insight into the killers mind. Where was all of that? This was a long read, a boring read, and the ending didn’t justify the turmoil it took to reach it. The formatting on kindle is horrible with random “Aphrodite Jones” and “Levi’s eyes” all throughout the book in the most random of places. I do not recommend this book.
May 23, 2025
The writing was pretty mediocre with a whole bunch of weird errors. It looks like it hadn't been thoroughly edited prior to publishing.
Beyond that… I don't know. I didn't really feel like I understood the motives behind the killer's actions. I wouldn't say I'm a true crime addict, but I am fascinated and curious about why people do what they do. The answer isn't always black and white.
Anyway... meh.
Beyond that… I don't know. I didn't really feel like I understood the motives behind the killer's actions. I wouldn't say I'm a true crime addict, but I am fascinated and curious about why people do what they do. The answer isn't always black and white.
Anyway... meh.
January 11, 2025
I didn’t love it, i didn’t hate it. Wasn’t the story i wanted it to be and i still felt confused by the end because nothing was really explained or figured out for certain.
December 31, 2023
Well Goodreads Family, this is my last book that I read for the reading challenge of 2023 exactly on December 31st 2023. I finished reading 41 books. My reading challenge was 40 books 📚 so I nailed it!! I’m pretty proud of myself. I will definitely challenge my myself with reading 50 books for 2024!! On another note, this book was really sad. Talk about being MONEY HUNGRY. Karl Karlsen was a murderer or better said IS a murderer. Every one of his family members was a $ dollar sign to him. Even his granddaughters, which were little girls. What he did to his son LEVI was outrageous. This is the 2nd book that I read 📖 from Aphrodite Jones. I really like her books. They are very detailed and she looks at these true crime cases as a way of letting the reader feel like they are actually there and help the reader understand why certain details are discussed in the book so that you can see the bigger picture. I will definitely make it a point to read more of her book in 2024. On this note, HAPPY NEW YEAR GOODREADS FAMILY!! See you in 2024 Reading Challenge!!
📚 📕 🤗🎉🎊📖❤️🩷💟💋🌲☕️🎁
📚 📕 🤗🎉🎊📖❤️🩷💟💋🌲☕️🎁
January 31, 2025
So sad!
I am just appalled at this man Karl! Evil at its finest and why it took so long to put him behinds bars I will never understand. Money can be so evil as well if you let it run your life.
I am just appalled at this man Karl! Evil at its finest and why it took so long to put him behinds bars I will never understand. Money can be so evil as well if you let it run your life.
November 24, 2023
Excellent
Great book!! Cindy, I was a stepmother as well and it's the most underappreciated job for any woman. You sound like a very smart woman to me who, like all of us make mistakes but give it our best all the time. Erin & Katie: Get that chip off your shoulder and move on with life. You sound like two spoiled, angry and childish little girls. Grow up!!!!!
Levi and Christina: Rest in Peace. You're both with Jesus and we will meet one day.
Karl: I Pray that you never get out of Prison.
Aphrodite: This is my third book I've read of yours. Keep up the great work!!
Carol Howell
Danville VA
Great book!! Cindy, I was a stepmother as well and it's the most underappreciated job for any woman. You sound like a very smart woman to me who, like all of us make mistakes but give it our best all the time. Erin & Katie: Get that chip off your shoulder and move on with life. You sound like two spoiled, angry and childish little girls. Grow up!!!!!
Levi and Christina: Rest in Peace. You're both with Jesus and we will meet one day.
Karl: I Pray that you never get out of Prison.
Aphrodite: This is my third book I've read of yours. Keep up the great work!!
Carol Howell
Danville VA
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January 20, 2024What a sad book
I have to say I read a lot about crime and the way you wrote this book is amazing . I loved Ann Rule books because she always put a loving story first and before you knew it you're shocked. I think that's what you did with great care for the family. My heart was broken what he did to his son after losing his mother so young. I really believe Candy did love and care for them. Sorry about my writing l know its not great grammar. God bless you for getting the truth in the end 🙏 🙌. Still sad
I have to say I read a lot about crime and the way you wrote this book is amazing . I loved Ann Rule books because she always put a loving story first and before you knew it you're shocked. I think that's what you did with great care for the family. My heart was broken what he did to his son after losing his mother so young. I really believe Candy did love and care for them. Sorry about my writing l know its not great grammar. God bless you for getting the truth in the end 🙏 🙌. Still sad
October 24, 2023
Psychopath wins
No matter what, his children don’t blame the violent evil psychopath who murdered their Mother and brother and insured their nieces. They aren’t stupid, but they strike out at a woman who was also a victim of their demented father. Rest In Peace Christina and Levi, you were murdered by a maniac. No one gives a crap, too much blaming. Great read
No matter what, his children don’t blame the violent evil psychopath who murdered their Mother and brother and insured their nieces. They aren’t stupid, but they strike out at a woman who was also a victim of their demented father. Rest In Peace Christina and Levi, you were murdered by a maniac. No one gives a crap, too much blaming. Great read
May 29, 2024
Fantastic book!!
Excellent read! I wasn’t aware of this story before reading this book. What I appreciate most is the Author is not afraid to share multiple sides of the story as it was told through interviews, letters, evidence, and trial footage. Gripping and powerful- one of the best books I’ve read in a long time!
Excellent read! I wasn’t aware of this story before reading this book. What I appreciate most is the Author is not afraid to share multiple sides of the story as it was told through interviews, letters, evidence, and trial footage. Gripping and powerful- one of the best books I’ve read in a long time!
June 21, 2024
I’d only heard part of this true crime before reading this book. I had heard about Levi’s death and nothing before that happened. I had no idea this Karl guy had gotten away with so much before that time. He is the epitome of evil and deserved to never see the outside again. I believe most of what Cindy says and I feel her alcoholism only made her blab more, not tell lies.
December 27, 2023
disappointed
The author states she spent two years with the perpetrator (I assume in prison) but I’m not sure what she was doing. Never do we get any insight into what makes him tick or what psychologists think of his
behavior.
The author states she spent two years with the perpetrator (I assume in prison) but I’m not sure what she was doing. Never do we get any insight into what makes him tick or what psychologists think of his
behavior.
September 24, 2024
I normally do not write reviews, but this book was almost insufferable to get through between the grammatical errors and typos in every sentence. The story is interesting overall, but the only reason I finished this book is because I paid for it
November 16, 2023
No One Writes True Crime Better!
Aphrodite Jones is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to investigating and writing about true crime and I imagine that holds true in her daily life as well. Her research is thorough and she is excellent in getting to the truth and uncovering details that others may not always catch.
I found this true story to be heart wrenching. I can't imagine how dark someone's psyche must be for them to be capable of purposely causing a loved one to lose their life (in Karllsen's case, make that plural) for ANY reason -- much less for financial gain! He has an evil soul to let his first wife suffer so horrifically, manipulate and abuse his young grieving children and ultimately kill his son, letting him suffer as well. Animals, people, nothing mattered to this psycho, except money. Money is of little use to him now!
And though I understand grief, and I think Cindy, the second wife made mistakes, I also feel that Karl's daughters are surprisingly naive! Reality is harsh sometimes and these now adults need to realize that family members can betray you too. I took a family member to court for years of abuse so I know it happens unfortunately. It's not Cindy that tore their family apart. I think deep down at least Erin knows that. In fact, I believe if Cindy hadn't married their dad, THEY likely would have been his next attempt. Either Erin first and then Kati or both together.
Well worth the read. A few spelling errors but nothing that takes away from the story as it immediately draws you in.
Aphrodite Jones is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to investigating and writing about true crime and I imagine that holds true in her daily life as well. Her research is thorough and she is excellent in getting to the truth and uncovering details that others may not always catch.
I found this true story to be heart wrenching. I can't imagine how dark someone's psyche must be for them to be capable of purposely causing a loved one to lose their life (in Karllsen's case, make that plural) for ANY reason -- much less for financial gain! He has an evil soul to let his first wife suffer so horrifically, manipulate and abuse his young grieving children and ultimately kill his son, letting him suffer as well. Animals, people, nothing mattered to this psycho, except money. Money is of little use to him now!
And though I understand grief, and I think Cindy, the second wife made mistakes, I also feel that Karl's daughters are surprisingly naive! Reality is harsh sometimes and these now adults need to realize that family members can betray you too. I took a family member to court for years of abuse so I know it happens unfortunately. It's not Cindy that tore their family apart. I think deep down at least Erin knows that. In fact, I believe if Cindy hadn't married their dad, THEY likely would have been his next attempt. Either Erin first and then Kati or both together.
Well worth the read. A few spelling errors but nothing that takes away from the story as it immediately draws you in.
December 21, 2024
A new author for me and it was worth the risk.
I'm cautious about reading true crime books by an author I've not read before. There are some dud true crime books out there that have made me want to poke my eyes out with a blunt instrument - so I always read the reviews. The reviews for this one were mixed, so I started reading with some trepidation and was pleasantly surprised.
I like true crime that is written in the novel style, like Anne Rule and Stephen B. Epstein, because I find it easier to read. The novel style of this book was a criticism in some of the poor reviews - so if you're not into that, this book isn't for you. I've given 4 stars only because there are a few grammatical and spelling errors where I had to go back and reread text which was a bit annoying.
As for the story itself, it is truly mind-blowing that Karl did what he did and got away with it for so long. I'm not in the US, so I had never heard of this case before. The impact it had, over decades, on the families involved is horrendous. The things that man did destroyed the lives of far more people than just the two he murdered. Given the fallout and all the differing perspectives of different branches of the family, I think the author has done a pretty good job of telling the story with empathy and compassion. There are some gaps and inconsistencies in the story, and I suspect it may be because it was only Cindy's 'side' who spoke to the author. I think she's tried to write the book in a respectful way with the information she had available to her. Hope that makes sense!
I'm cautious about reading true crime books by an author I've not read before. There are some dud true crime books out there that have made me want to poke my eyes out with a blunt instrument - so I always read the reviews. The reviews for this one were mixed, so I started reading with some trepidation and was pleasantly surprised.
I like true crime that is written in the novel style, like Anne Rule and Stephen B. Epstein, because I find it easier to read. The novel style of this book was a criticism in some of the poor reviews - so if you're not into that, this book isn't for you. I've given 4 stars only because there are a few grammatical and spelling errors where I had to go back and reread text which was a bit annoying.
As for the story itself, it is truly mind-blowing that Karl did what he did and got away with it for so long. I'm not in the US, so I had never heard of this case before. The impact it had, over decades, on the families involved is horrendous. The things that man did destroyed the lives of far more people than just the two he murdered. Given the fallout and all the differing perspectives of different branches of the family, I think the author has done a pretty good job of telling the story with empathy and compassion. There are some gaps and inconsistencies in the story, and I suspect it may be because it was only Cindy's 'side' who spoke to the author. I think she's tried to write the book in a respectful way with the information she had available to her. Hope that makes sense!
December 14, 2025
An evil hard to comprehend
There was a paragraph in chapter 8 I think that stated: "And it was there, in a soot-filled cradle, that Mills encountered a nude female body. The victim was slumped partially out of the bathtub, the head facing the ground. The skin was charcoal black. It was a gruesome sight. With the sense of urgency now gone, there was no reason for him to dwell on it, but before he backed away, Mills took one last look at something he couldn’t take his eyes off. There was a distinct mark on the victim’s back, a bit of pink flesh peeking through the black charr -- in the distinct shape of a cross. It was unnerving, that image. It looked like it had been stenciled there." This almost caused me to close the book because I was afraid of where it was going. Yet nothing was mentioned about that by the fireman, coroner, police. Not brought up in the court. How eerie was that! Why did that never come up? Was it put there by Karl? Her Bible thumping parent? That lingers on my mind. Very good breakdown of the events. To block the door of your young children's room with a fire or poor Levi who was feeling good about the relationship he thought he was building with his father... The title I thought was off. Good read to see into the mind of psychopaths that we hope we'd never ever run into!
There was a paragraph in chapter 8 I think that stated: "And it was there, in a soot-filled cradle, that Mills encountered a nude female body. The victim was slumped partially out of the bathtub, the head facing the ground. The skin was charcoal black. It was a gruesome sight. With the sense of urgency now gone, there was no reason for him to dwell on it, but before he backed away, Mills took one last look at something he couldn’t take his eyes off. There was a distinct mark on the victim’s back, a bit of pink flesh peeking through the black charr -- in the distinct shape of a cross. It was unnerving, that image. It looked like it had been stenciled there." This almost caused me to close the book because I was afraid of where it was going. Yet nothing was mentioned about that by the fireman, coroner, police. Not brought up in the court. How eerie was that! Why did that never come up? Was it put there by Karl? Her Bible thumping parent? That lingers on my mind. Very good breakdown of the events. To block the door of your young children's room with a fire or poor Levi who was feeling good about the relationship he thought he was building with his father... The title I thought was off. Good read to see into the mind of psychopaths that we hope we'd never ever run into!
October 20, 2023
While this book held my attention, I was disappointed by a couple things. First, there was not an explanation of why the insurance company ended up paying the claim on Christina‘s life insurance, because there was plenty of evidence that it was a fraudulent claim. I know insurance companies are all about the bottom line, and it may have decided it wasn’t worth the cost of litigation to fight a $200,000 claim, but that was kind of a loose thread.
And second, when the book seemed to fast forward a few years, Kati wasn’t mentioned for a long time, and I wondered what had happened to her.
And second, when the book seemed to fast forward a few years, Kati wasn’t mentioned for a long time, and I wondered what had happened to her.
January 9, 2024
A Murder In Murphys
This book had many surprises in it. The original homicide occurred in Calaveras County CA. The family lived not far from where I currently live. The hospital where the authorities took the body of the victim is less than two miles away...too many coincidences to mention. This book talked about the crime, the fact that there was mental illness, child abuse and sadness. For the victims, crime is always sad. Karl was and is a madman, but you can decide whether he's guilty or not.
This book had many surprises in it. The original homicide occurred in Calaveras County CA. The family lived not far from where I currently live. The hospital where the authorities took the body of the victim is less than two miles away...too many coincidences to mention. This book talked about the crime, the fact that there was mental illness, child abuse and sadness. For the victims, crime is always sad. Karl was and is a madman, but you can decide whether he's guilty or not.
December 25, 2023
Wow... just wow.
It is impossible to fathom what would drive a man to kill his wife and son. He planned on killing everyone. Money - the lust for greed. I admire Cindy so much for standing up for what was right. And for forgiving those who had wronged her. It had to be terribly hard.
Aphrodite Jones has researched this story thoroughly, and it written well.
I'll be glad when Karl meets his maker because he can't lie to and fool God. God knows what happened.
It is impossible to fathom what would drive a man to kill his wife and son. He planned on killing everyone. Money - the lust for greed. I admire Cindy so much for standing up for what was right. And for forgiving those who had wronged her. It had to be terribly hard.
Aphrodite Jones has researched this story thoroughly, and it written well.
I'll be glad when Karl meets his maker because he can't lie to and fool God. God knows what happened.
January 30, 2024
A totally insane story to read!! How could someone do that to TWO loved ones???
I gave it 4 stars because there was a little bit too much of the book focused on family drama that could’ve very much been condensed. Also there was A LOT of repeating information that had already been talked about in previous chapters.
DON’T get me wrong though, this book was an amazing read and a total page turner!!
I gave it 4 stars because there was a little bit too much of the book focused on family drama that could’ve very much been condensed. Also there was A LOT of repeating information that had already been talked about in previous chapters.
DON’T get me wrong though, this book was an amazing read and a total page turner!!
August 23, 2024
Raw and Real
This is the first time I’ve read a book by Ms. Jones, and I found it captivating from the beginning. The author did a great job of drawing the reader into the story, as well as providing some great photographs of those involved in this gut wrenching story of a violent man whose only interest in life was his own. The acts he committed were astonishing, especially those against his wife and family.
This is the first time I’ve read a book by Ms. Jones, and I found it captivating from the beginning. The author did a great job of drawing the reader into the story, as well as providing some great photographs of those involved in this gut wrenching story of a violent man whose only interest in life was his own. The acts he committed were astonishing, especially those against his wife and family.
February 22, 2025
This one was a whirlwind as far as true crime goes. The silent horror this father inflicted on his kids is brutal, but the fact that the adults involved had suspicions and did nothing for years is appalling. Had something been done initially, Levi would have been alive today.
Not to mention, the hoops you have to jump through regarding insurance, whether that be health, car, life, any of it, is quite a process. Yet, this man got away with it over and over. The people in charge of these policies and lawyers in charge of dispersing this money really screwed up here.
The writing in general was ok, it’s hard to make a true crime story sound upbeat and exciting. But the research was clearly there. You can tell the author put everything into finding out the facts and details of this case.
Not to mention, the hoops you have to jump through regarding insurance, whether that be health, car, life, any of it, is quite a process. Yet, this man got away with it over and over. The people in charge of these policies and lawyers in charge of dispersing this money really screwed up here.
The writing in general was ok, it’s hard to make a true crime story sound upbeat and exciting. But the research was clearly there. You can tell the author put everything into finding out the facts and details of this case.
May 25, 2025
A really interesting case, but let down slightly by the standard of writing. The book was full of grammar and punctuation errors. More importantly, however, the author writes in quite a sensationalist and impartial (she is firmly on the side of Cindy) way in some parts, which is disrespectful to the memory of Chris and Levi.
October 4, 2023
Great true crime book.
I really enjoyed how Aphrodite tells you what is in the minds of all the characters. It was hard to put the book down. I am now excited to read all of her books. I highly recommend this to my friends and lovers of true crime stories!
I really enjoyed how Aphrodite tells you what is in the minds of all the characters. It was hard to put the book down. I am now excited to read all of her books. I highly recommend this to my friends and lovers of true crime stories!
October 5, 2023
Finally, peace for the family
This was well documented and written for easy understanding. It is so unfortunate that this evil man was not stopped before so much damage happened to his family. The trauma everyone has suffered will be with them forever.
This was well documented and written for easy understanding. It is so unfortunate that this evil man was not stopped before so much damage happened to his family. The trauma everyone has suffered will be with them forever.
October 6, 2023
Justice delayed
I just finished reading this on Kindle. It was sent to me by my good friend, Valerie Harris. Excellent book & story I hadn't heard before. Thank you, Aphrodite Jones, for continuing to write & report on crimes.
I just finished reading this on Kindle. It was sent to me by my good friend, Valerie Harris. Excellent book & story I hadn't heard before. Thank you, Aphrodite Jones, for continuing to write & report on crimes.
October 8, 2023
Justice
What gives a person the right to take another persons life? For this family there was some closure, but unfortunately it took many years to be given . if there is a he'll my hope is the perpetrator is living it as it is my opinion it is warranted
What gives a person the right to take another persons life? For this family there was some closure, but unfortunately it took many years to be given . if there is a he'll my hope is the perpetrator is living it as it is my opinion it is warranted
October 15, 2023
All Fire & Money!
An incredible reading adventure through the twisted mind of a man who scammed insurance companies with arson, fraud and multiple murders of animals and people. He almost got away with over 30 yrs of evil and cruelty.
An incredible reading adventure through the twisted mind of a man who scammed insurance companies with arson, fraud and multiple murders of animals and people. He almost got away with over 30 yrs of evil and cruelty.
November 24, 2023
Great read, heartbreaking story.
Another excellent book by Aphrodite Jones. This story is heartbreaking and terrifying. Jones does her usual thorough investigation and tells the victim’s stories beautifully. I will already buy any book she writes.
Another excellent book by Aphrodite Jones. This story is heartbreaking and terrifying. Jones does her usual thorough investigation and tells the victim’s stories beautifully. I will already buy any book she writes.
December 15, 2023
This is an interesting book with many crimes, over many years all committed by a man who had no heart, soul or conscious. How I wished he had have been captured sooner to save his family from being torn apart. I hope they can live their lives in peace now and forget their evil father ever existed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews