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The Evil Within
This is the heartbreaking story of the murder of 16-year-old Bristol schoolgirl Becky Watts, a personal and heartfelt account of a crime that shocked the nation in a unique way and tore a family in two.
A vulnerable and shy girl, Becky Watts was brutally murdered and dismembered by her own step-brother on 19 February 2015. As her father Darren discovered the horrific details of what happened to his darling girl, his world fell apart.
Writing about his darkest hours and unbearable pain, Darren uncovers what Becky’s relationship with her step-brother Nathan, a child he had raised as his own son, was really like. He recalls the devastation of discovering the truth about the depravity with which Becky was torn from him in the safety of her own home. And he recounts the torment of the legal battle to see his step-son sentenced to life behind bars.
But, at its heart, Becky is a poignant personal story, a chance for Darren to pay tribute to his darling daughter, to celebrate her life and take back control of how she is remembered.
Darren recalls with enduring love the daughter he fought so hard to get custody of after she was taken into foster care as an infant; the happy child who completed his life; and the innocent schoolgirl who brought joy and happiness to all her knew her.
Both heartfelt and haunting, searingly honest and unflinching, this is the ultimate story of a family tragedy.
A vulnerable and shy girl, Becky Watts was brutally murdered and dismembered by her own step-brother on 19 February 2015. As her father Darren discovered the horrific details of what happened to his darling girl, his world fell apart.
Writing about his darkest hours and unbearable pain, Darren uncovers what Becky’s relationship with her step-brother Nathan, a child he had raised as his own son, was really like. He recalls the devastation of discovering the truth about the depravity with which Becky was torn from him in the safety of her own home. And he recounts the torment of the legal battle to see his step-son sentenced to life behind bars.
But, at its heart, Becky is a poignant personal story, a chance for Darren to pay tribute to his darling daughter, to celebrate her life and take back control of how she is remembered.
Darren recalls with enduring love the daughter he fought so hard to get custody of after she was taken into foster care as an infant; the happy child who completed his life; and the innocent schoolgirl who brought joy and happiness to all her knew her.
Both heartfelt and haunting, searingly honest and unflinching, this is the ultimate story of a family tragedy.
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 10, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 821 reviews
November 6, 2018
4.5
I would have cried through the middle of this book if it had been a work of fiction, but knowing it's a true account of senseless tragedy is especially gut-wrenching.
While the first part seemed a little too good to be true in certain accounts of magical family bliss at times, the love for the family was always there. The father didn't have an aim of being a writer who pens a tale for attention or literary merit, but to be heard in the midst of his grief and as a tool to help heal and distract from the overwhelming horrors he faced after the trial. I can't describe how genuine and convincing the story was, how much it came alive when the father wrote of his unending terror and despair while they searched for his missing daughter, the overwhelming anguish hearing her body "parts" had been found, the disbelief when he found out his own stepson and stepson's girlfriend were responsible, and the difficult trial afterward.
While bleak and sad and awful, there was a sense of comfort reached out through the arm of the community that gathered around the family to console when they could, support financially to bring around a fairy-tale carriage to carry her remains for a funeral, the determination and hard work of the police force, the tearful conclusion from the presiding judge, and the gathering of family and friends when the parents couldn't go on alone. As the father stated, when one chapter ended in each stage, only emptiness remained.
I do have to say that I don't get why the parents didn't switch their daughters out of school or make other arrangements where she was bullied that it affected her mental and physical health. Sometimes we tell kids to tough it out and make it through, but sometimes you have to step in and say enough's enough and take them out of the difficult situation.
I feel for the young girl who had such a difficult struggle so young, including with bullying and anorexia, before being murdered at 16. I couldn't imagine the struggles of the family, who said it would have been better for them all to have been killed at once than left behind to deal with the reality of what happened. How could I not rate a book so genuine in its heartbreak and devastation as less than a high rating? Books such as this aren't easy to rate - they're not done to be entertaining, although I couldn't put it down, but to tell a story. This did that, and did it convincingly. I pray the family can find a semblance of peace in the years to come.
I would have cried through the middle of this book if it had been a work of fiction, but knowing it's a true account of senseless tragedy is especially gut-wrenching.
While the first part seemed a little too good to be true in certain accounts of magical family bliss at times, the love for the family was always there. The father didn't have an aim of being a writer who pens a tale for attention or literary merit, but to be heard in the midst of his grief and as a tool to help heal and distract from the overwhelming horrors he faced after the trial. I can't describe how genuine and convincing the story was, how much it came alive when the father wrote of his unending terror and despair while they searched for his missing daughter, the overwhelming anguish hearing her body "parts" had been found, the disbelief when he found out his own stepson and stepson's girlfriend were responsible, and the difficult trial afterward.
While bleak and sad and awful, there was a sense of comfort reached out through the arm of the community that gathered around the family to console when they could, support financially to bring around a fairy-tale carriage to carry her remains for a funeral, the determination and hard work of the police force, the tearful conclusion from the presiding judge, and the gathering of family and friends when the parents couldn't go on alone. As the father stated, when one chapter ended in each stage, only emptiness remained.
I do have to say that I don't get why the parents didn't switch their daughters out of school or make other arrangements where she was bullied that it affected her mental and physical health. Sometimes we tell kids to tough it out and make it through, but sometimes you have to step in and say enough's enough and take them out of the difficult situation.
I feel for the young girl who had such a difficult struggle so young, including with bullying and anorexia, before being murdered at 16. I couldn't imagine the struggles of the family, who said it would have been better for them all to have been killed at once than left behind to deal with the reality of what happened. How could I not rate a book so genuine in its heartbreak and devastation as less than a high rating? Books such as this aren't easy to rate - they're not done to be entertaining, although I couldn't put it down, but to tell a story. This did that, and did it convincingly. I pray the family can find a semblance of peace in the years to come.
June 11, 2019
The Evil Within
Murdered by her stepbrother- the crime that shocked a nation. The heartbreaking story of Becky Watts by her father, Darren Galsworthy. Previously published as “Becky”, this is the story about a 16-year-old schoolgirl in Bristol, England who was very shy and just getting over a serious bout with anorexia after being bullied. When she suddenly goes missing, her family knows there’s a problem as she’s too shy to go off on her own or run away. They report it to the police right after checking with all those who know her, and an investigation is begun. What they end up finding when it’s all over will destroy what’s left of Becky’s family.
This is for the strong of heart true crime fans only as it's really a heartbreaking story. If you are really sensitive you may want to pass this one over. I know that I haven’t cried so much reading a book in a long time, and it left me with a migraine. But I was hooked on reading it and was determined to finish it.
Murdered by her stepbrother- the crime that shocked a nation. The heartbreaking story of Becky Watts by her father, Darren Galsworthy. Previously published as “Becky”, this is the story about a 16-year-old schoolgirl in Bristol, England who was very shy and just getting over a serious bout with anorexia after being bullied. When she suddenly goes missing, her family knows there’s a problem as she’s too shy to go off on her own or run away. They report it to the police right after checking with all those who know her, and an investigation is begun. What they end up finding when it’s all over will destroy what’s left of Becky’s family.
This is for the strong of heart true crime fans only as it's really a heartbreaking story. If you are really sensitive you may want to pass this one over. I know that I haven’t cried so much reading a book in a long time, and it left me with a migraine. But I was hooked on reading it and was determined to finish it.
June 11, 2019
Previously published as "Becky: The Heartbreaking Story of Becky Watts by her father Darren Galsworthy"
Murdered by her stepbrother- the crime that shocked a nation. The heartbreaking story of Becky Watts by her father, Darren Galsworthy. Previously published as “Becky”, this is the story about a 16-year-old schoolgirl in Bristol, England who was very shy and just getting over a serious bout with anorexia after being bullied. When she suddenly goes missing, her family knows there’s a problem as she’s too shy to go off on her own or run away. They report it to the police right after checking with all those who know her, and an investigation is begun. What they end up finding when it’s all over will destroy what’s left of Becky’s family.
This is for the strong of heart true crime fans only as it' really a heartbreaking story. If you are really sensitive you may want to pass this one over. I know that I haven’t cried so much reading a book in a long time, and it left me with a migraine. But I was hooked on reading it and was determined to finish it.
My BookZone blog:
https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
Murdered by her stepbrother- the crime that shocked a nation. The heartbreaking story of Becky Watts by her father, Darren Galsworthy. Previously published as “Becky”, this is the story about a 16-year-old schoolgirl in Bristol, England who was very shy and just getting over a serious bout with anorexia after being bullied. When she suddenly goes missing, her family knows there’s a problem as she’s too shy to go off on her own or run away. They report it to the police right after checking with all those who know her, and an investigation is begun. What they end up finding when it’s all over will destroy what’s left of Becky’s family.
This is for the strong of heart true crime fans only as it' really a heartbreaking story. If you are really sensitive you may want to pass this one over. I know that I haven’t cried so much reading a book in a long time, and it left me with a migraine. But I was hooked on reading it and was determined to finish it.
My BookZone blog:
https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
October 22, 2016
This is a book that isn't easy to review. It's the story of a father who lost his daughter in the most horrifying way. You can not criticize him for what he says or what he feels. Throughout the book, you are taken into this story. Even though I never heard of this story since I'm not British, I felt the emotions of the family and could empathize (although I can't even imagine how they felt). Considering everything, I did have a few moments where I thought well that's not fair. I'm not saying that this murder is justified or that he shouldn't be punished. He should be punished.
Darren tells us in his book that they don't understand why she was murdered. That he treated his stepson as his own. Darren keeps justifying his own actions. Whereas I see it, he put his own children first and his stepson was left out. His children got to live in their house, while his stepson had to live with his grandmother because they didn't want him to change schools. But at the time the stepson was old enough to have an input of his own and I never ever read anything about asking his stepson what he wanted. Becky got a lot of attention while the stepson has gotten so little.
Again I'm not saying that I approve of murder or find it justified in some kind of sick and twisted way. I don't. But stating you haven't made a mistake raising your stepson is sort of twisted in its own way. Parents make mistakes, they handle things wrong.
Other than that, it's well written and deserves to be read.
Darren tells us in his book that they don't understand why she was murdered. That he treated his stepson as his own. Darren keeps justifying his own actions. Whereas I see it, he put his own children first and his stepson was left out. His children got to live in their house, while his stepson had to live with his grandmother because they didn't want him to change schools. But at the time the stepson was old enough to have an input of his own and I never ever read anything about asking his stepson what he wanted. Becky got a lot of attention while the stepson has gotten so little.
Again I'm not saying that I approve of murder or find it justified in some kind of sick and twisted way. I don't. But stating you haven't made a mistake raising your stepson is sort of twisted in its own way. Parents make mistakes, they handle things wrong.
Other than that, it's well written and deserves to be read.
April 2, 2018
This book is not for the faint hearted. They go into the horrifying detail of what happened to Becky during and after her death. However I can’t help thinking that there was defiantly more to this family’s life than Darren writes during their childhood. Obviously there is absolutely no excuse or reason in this entire world for what the couple did but I don’t think the relationships within the family were as happy and normal as he makes out. A heartbreaking story which can also make you feel horrified and nauseous.
May 22, 2017
This was a devastating read. Tears rolled down my face almost from the first page to the last. Here is a story you wouldn't wish on anyone. Beautifully written; comes as close as any book could to taking you right inside this man's life. If you think you can take it, don't miss it.
January 27, 2019
Oh boy, what a tragic story this is. Feb-2015 and 16-year-old Rebecca ‘Becky’ Watts from Bristol, a town in south-west England with a population of less than 500,000, goes missing. It transpires that her 28-year-old step-brother, Nathan Matthews, killed her, dismembered her body and then hid the parts in a friend’s shed.
This book is written by Becky’s father, Darren Galsworthy. He takes us over his life from the point of having two children with his former partner, Tanya. The family and family life were not perfect by any means. It is a working-class family with many bumps in the road. After Tanya, Darren starts seeing Anjie who has a son, Nathan. He gets custody of his son, Danny and his daughter, Becky. As Darren tells the story you get to know them very well and the early chapters begin with report snippets of the horrific events. This makes it a painfully difficult read.
I believe there were problems in the house and not everyone got on and there was arguing but to do what Nathan did is absolutely unbelievable. He must be very sick. When it comes to Becky’s funeral I was choked. I really was. How that family had to sit and listen to all that happened was just awful.
I could have sat down and read this in one sitting if I had the chance. I just hope that writing this has helped Darren. I am sure it did. I wish him and his family all the very best for the future.
This book is written by Becky’s father, Darren Galsworthy. He takes us over his life from the point of having two children with his former partner, Tanya. The family and family life were not perfect by any means. It is a working-class family with many bumps in the road. After Tanya, Darren starts seeing Anjie who has a son, Nathan. He gets custody of his son, Danny and his daughter, Becky. As Darren tells the story you get to know them very well and the early chapters begin with report snippets of the horrific events. This makes it a painfully difficult read.
I believe there were problems in the house and not everyone got on and there was arguing but to do what Nathan did is absolutely unbelievable. He must be very sick. When it comes to Becky’s funeral I was choked. I really was. How that family had to sit and listen to all that happened was just awful.
I could have sat down and read this in one sitting if I had the chance. I just hope that writing this has helped Darren. I am sure it did. I wish him and his family all the very best for the future.
March 21, 2021
Heartwrenching
This is the story of a father's never-ending love for his daughter, who was savagely murdered by her step brother. The pain and suffering the family went through is heart breaking. Hopefully Becky is at peace.
This is the story of a father's never-ending love for his daughter, who was savagely murdered by her step brother. The pain and suffering the family went through is heart breaking. Hopefully Becky is at peace.
September 29, 2022
I read this book in one sitting, literally crying so hard its so so sad
December 29, 2024
This was written by the victim's father. I would like to hear about these events from someone else. I don’t think the relationships within the family were as happy, and normal, as he makes out. Obviously, that doesn't diminish the atrocity that happened. Gut-wrenching.
October 20, 2017
Heartbreaking to read, and with no obvious reason or regret it makes it all the more difficult to comprehend how this two disgusting excuses for human beings could commit such a crime. Becky's family have remained stoic and strong throughout this horrendous tragedy and I have so much respect for them.
August 8, 2021
When I tell you, that I’m in so much pain right now.
Omg, my eyes are freaking burning, dang it-
My heart is trembling, my fingers are freezing, my skin is clammy, all of it. Because sometimes I forget, horrors are different when they have a face.
When they’re real.
And it’s really painful, y’all.
Holy crap, I need to take a breather.
Omg, my eyes are freaking burning, dang it-
My heart is trembling, my fingers are freezing, my skin is clammy, all of it. Because sometimes I forget, horrors are different when they have a face.
When they’re real.
And it’s really painful, y’all.
Holy crap, I need to take a breather.
May 22, 2019
Left Me With More Questions Than Answers
I hate to criticize this lovely man because you can tell he wrote this from the heart but this book would have been better served if a ghost writer had helped him.
I was left wondering so many things - why did Becky not get a proper diagnosis for autism? Yes I am pretty certain she has Aspergers. I worked with children with autism for years and it seems pretty obvious to me.
This book could have used some insight into Nathan and Shauna’s personality disorders. Did a psychiatrist do an evaluation of them while in jail? Was he a psychopath? If so was it nature or trauma? Did the damaged therapy after the trial? What affect did the trial ultimately have on the younger son?
The father told the story from his point of view and he made himself sound like a superhero. Was he really? Was it the entire fault of the ex-wife?
Until these questions are answered I cannot give this book a better review.
I hate to criticize this lovely man because you can tell he wrote this from the heart but this book would have been better served if a ghost writer had helped him.
I was left wondering so many things - why did Becky not get a proper diagnosis for autism? Yes I am pretty certain she has Aspergers. I worked with children with autism for years and it seems pretty obvious to me.
This book could have used some insight into Nathan and Shauna’s personality disorders. Did a psychiatrist do an evaluation of them while in jail? Was he a psychopath? If so was it nature or trauma? Did the damaged therapy after the trial? What affect did the trial ultimately have on the younger son?
The father told the story from his point of view and he made himself sound like a superhero. Was he really? Was it the entire fault of the ex-wife?
Until these questions are answered I cannot give this book a better review.
June 6, 2017
Finished this day before yesterday. Had it with me while on a mini cruise to Newcastle (3 days) of which I was not able to sleep the first night, so i was glad because I could read this book. I remember when this happened. I visit the daily mail website nearly every day, where they were asking for any information about this missing girl Becky, to then learn the truth about what happened. So I knew about this but if you have not I can tell you this is an interesting case but very sad.
The story is told by the grieving dad and this was not badly done. It kept me interested even though I knew most facts so I recommend it for people interested.
3.5
The story is told by the grieving dad and this was not badly done. It kept me interested even though I knew most facts so I recommend it for people interested.
3.5
March 12, 2019
I love true crime books. But this isn't really a true crime story. Darren Galsworthy has written a love story to his dead daughter who we learn was murdered by her step-brother at the very beginning of the book. Galsworthy was very close to Becky and her brutal death was devastating. But it was even worse because he raised his step-son as his own child. His wife and his true life partner had to bear the guilt that her son had committed this heinous crime (Becky was dismembered.) But this book is also a love letter to wife and mother, Anjie, who was suffering from MS during this period.
A touching story of familial love but not a terrific crime book.
A touching story of familial love but not a terrific crime book.
July 3, 2017
This is the story of the murder of Becky Watts by her stepbrother as told by her father. The story itself is compelling, though the retelling of it is not particularly eloquent - Galsworthy often got mired in excessive detail. Still, I am glad I had the opportunity to finish this. Becky's family experienced a truly unimaginable tragedy
May 17, 2025
A true crime memoir written in a very emotional and passionate way by the victim’s father. I feel like I knew Bex. I cried while I read it. I cried for their pain and for Becky; what they had to go through.
I feel like I see things clearly after reading what happened through his eyes.
Bless Becky’s heart, and the rest of her family too.
I felt all the emotions along with Darren and I am glad some answers were found, but I hope some day the family has that closure.
I feel like I see things clearly after reading what happened through his eyes.
Bless Becky’s heart, and the rest of her family too.
I felt all the emotions along with Darren and I am glad some answers were found, but I hope some day the family has that closure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2020
I cannot consciously rate this book, a book written by a grieving father, anything less than five stars. Darren Galsworthy pours his heart and soul out. Writing this memoir was a means to release anger, to deal with the sadness, to exorcise a demon. It's his private pain and he opted to share. Darren Galsworthy isn't an author by trade. He is a devoted, loving father. This book represents tears and anguish. It's a final goodbye after putting the trials behind. Hopefully, this book will offer much-needed healing.
My husband and I lost our youngest, eight-year-old daughter, MaryAshlee. Unlike Darren and Anjie, Mark and I had several years to prepare ourselves for the heartache of losing our girl, if one can ever be prepared. We were given the opportunity to fight for our daughter's life. We had world-famous surgeons, modern medicine, a cardiovascular team of geniuses. Mark and I were able to cuddle MaryAshlee in our arms until the very end. I was able to stroke her silky blonde locks. Mark – oh, my strong man! He could kiss her sweet face. Together, we were able to send our daughter to her heavenly home.
Unfortunately, Darren and Anjie didn't get the chance to tell Becky goodbye. They weren't prepared. Never saw it coming. They couldn't stroke her hair, or hold her as she took her last breath. Becky's last moments on Earth were stolen. The goodbyes cruelly denied. The family was forced to listen to harrowing testimony, enduring five weeks of a trial that revealed incomprehensible evil and horror perpetrated by a monster Darren raised as his own. However, the Galsworthy's were dignified throughout. And, still...after all his stepson took from the Galsworthy's, Darren had the strength to recall good memories –when Darren, Anjie, Danny, Nathan, and Becky were growing like a happy blended family. That a father can reach inside his heart, after all the pain, and find a sliver of goodness and speak lovingly of a young Nathan...that's powerful! That's character. I truly admire the love and respect Darren and Anjie share.
My thoughts go out to the Galsworthy's and their family. I hope you find peace.💙
My husband and I lost our youngest, eight-year-old daughter, MaryAshlee. Unlike Darren and Anjie, Mark and I had several years to prepare ourselves for the heartache of losing our girl, if one can ever be prepared. We were given the opportunity to fight for our daughter's life. We had world-famous surgeons, modern medicine, a cardiovascular team of geniuses. Mark and I were able to cuddle MaryAshlee in our arms until the very end. I was able to stroke her silky blonde locks. Mark – oh, my strong man! He could kiss her sweet face. Together, we were able to send our daughter to her heavenly home.
Unfortunately, Darren and Anjie didn't get the chance to tell Becky goodbye. They weren't prepared. Never saw it coming. They couldn't stroke her hair, or hold her as she took her last breath. Becky's last moments on Earth were stolen. The goodbyes cruelly denied. The family was forced to listen to harrowing testimony, enduring five weeks of a trial that revealed incomprehensible evil and horror perpetrated by a monster Darren raised as his own. However, the Galsworthy's were dignified throughout. And, still...after all his stepson took from the Galsworthy's, Darren had the strength to recall good memories –when Darren, Anjie, Danny, Nathan, and Becky were growing like a happy blended family. That a father can reach inside his heart, after all the pain, and find a sliver of goodness and speak lovingly of a young Nathan...that's powerful! That's character. I truly admire the love and respect Darren and Anjie share.
My thoughts go out to the Galsworthy's and their family. I hope you find peace.💙
September 18, 2021
This involved true crime in Bristol, England.
Darren fell in love w/ Anjie. They moved in together
& had a 'blended family' : his son Danny & dtr Becky.
And her son Nathan who was Becky's sr. by 12 years.
Darren was a good father to Nathan. Becky was shy/
reserved & bullied at school & developed anorexia.
Nathan seemed jealous of attn Anjie gave Becky. In
her 40's, Anjie learned she had MS, exacerbated by
stress. She used a wheelchair at times. Becky's birth
mom was Tonya.
Nathan had odd behaviors: when he bought a car he
showed it off to Darren, with three 12 yr old girls as
passengers! @ times he acted menacing toward Danny
or Becky. He brought his nr 16 yr old girlfriend Shauna
to visit Darren & family. Darren questioned Nathan
why he dated such a young girl? Nathan went from
a young man w/ 3 jobs to one with no job due to
fibromyalgia. We much later learned Nathan admitted
to paranoid ideation.
Darren & Anjie (hereafter D+A) discovered Becky
missing in Feb 2015. The community did a search
party & distributed posters w/ Becky's photo. The
police swept the home of D+A for evidence. Police
accused Nathan of kidnapping & murder of 16 yr
old Becky w/ 21 yr old Shauna & male accomplishes.
Nathan threatened to kill Becky (unknown to her
parents) 2 yrs before he did.
This documented the heart-wrenching frustration,
sadness and anger D+A & small family (& both sides
of birth families) & Tanya and Danny, experienced
coping with Becky's murder. A nightmare. D+A never
learned Nathan's true motive. The police theorized
the kidnapping may have had sexual intentions by
Nathan & Shauna. Why did Nathan turn on his family?
The immediate & surrounding communities & England
provided wonderful support of this family. As did clergy.
Darren fell in love w/ Anjie. They moved in together
& had a 'blended family' : his son Danny & dtr Becky.
And her son Nathan who was Becky's sr. by 12 years.
Darren was a good father to Nathan. Becky was shy/
reserved & bullied at school & developed anorexia.
Nathan seemed jealous of attn Anjie gave Becky. In
her 40's, Anjie learned she had MS, exacerbated by
stress. She used a wheelchair at times. Becky's birth
mom was Tonya.
Nathan had odd behaviors: when he bought a car he
showed it off to Darren, with three 12 yr old girls as
passengers! @ times he acted menacing toward Danny
or Becky. He brought his nr 16 yr old girlfriend Shauna
to visit Darren & family. Darren questioned Nathan
why he dated such a young girl? Nathan went from
a young man w/ 3 jobs to one with no job due to
fibromyalgia. We much later learned Nathan admitted
to paranoid ideation.
Darren & Anjie (hereafter D+A) discovered Becky
missing in Feb 2015. The community did a search
party & distributed posters w/ Becky's photo. The
police swept the home of D+A for evidence. Police
accused Nathan of kidnapping & murder of 16 yr
old Becky w/ 21 yr old Shauna & male accomplishes.
Nathan threatened to kill Becky (unknown to her
parents) 2 yrs before he did.
This documented the heart-wrenching frustration,
sadness and anger D+A & small family (& both sides
of birth families) & Tanya and Danny, experienced
coping with Becky's murder. A nightmare. D+A never
learned Nathan's true motive. The police theorized
the kidnapping may have had sexual intentions by
Nathan & Shauna. Why did Nathan turn on his family?
The immediate & surrounding communities & England
provided wonderful support of this family. As did clergy.
June 2, 2021
My heart absolutely broke reading this, I can't imagine the pain and suffering her family endured after this senseless murder. Darren obviously experienced an extreme level of grief, but I felt horrible for Anjie. To not only lose the step daughter she raised as her own, but for it to be at the hands of her own flesh and blood.. I found myself angry at Darren for his aggressive remarks towards her about raising a monster, when he himself would have been equally to blame.
Looking at Becky's beautiful face and reading about the heinous acts done to her broke my heart. If you do not want to read about body horror, this book is probably not for you. If you are looking for a fast paced true crime book, this is also probably not for you.
I hate to rate the book poorly, but I do agree with other reviews that this story may have been told better from a third party. I feel like there was likely a lot of information left out in regards to their home life, making them out to be a picture perfect family. There was also a ton of repetitive sections, and I found myself skimming through them towards the last 40%. It may have felt more concise if 50-100 pages were condensed down.
I hope Becky's family has found peace in the years after her passing, I know her story will stick with me for a long time.
Looking at Becky's beautiful face and reading about the heinous acts done to her broke my heart. If you do not want to read about body horror, this book is probably not for you. If you are looking for a fast paced true crime book, this is also probably not for you.
I hate to rate the book poorly, but I do agree with other reviews that this story may have been told better from a third party. I feel like there was likely a lot of information left out in regards to their home life, making them out to be a picture perfect family. There was also a ton of repetitive sections, and I found myself skimming through them towards the last 40%. It may have felt more concise if 50-100 pages were condensed down.
I hope Becky's family has found peace in the years after her passing, I know her story will stick with me for a long time.
August 19, 2017
I remember following the news of Becky Watts' disappearance as it was all unfolding and I like many found the whole thing deeply disturbing. When I saw this book was available I was in two minds as to reading it at all, purely because of the sad nature of it. Ultimately I did read it and I literally didnt put it down from start to finish. Beckys Dad, Darren has done a remarkable job of putting his story into words and he offers a real insight into things that many people couldnt possibly even begin to comprehend.
I would recommend this book but beware it will have you with tears streaming like it did me!
I would recommend this book but beware it will have you with tears streaming like it did me!
November 16, 2018
I couldn't put this book down. Again this is one of them tragedies that I read about but never looked into the full details and this was heartbreaking to read. What the family went through cannot be imagined and a person couldn't imagine it reading this. I'm really glad I read it but at the same time you hope there won't be another book like this but unfortunately that won't be the case.
June 6, 2021
The author/father goes into excruciating detail in what appears to be an effort to convince the reader that he was a good dad. This is completely unnecessary because even if he was the worst father ever, there can be no excusing the horrific crime committed against his daughter. I suppose it does not matter why the crime was committed but the author gives almost no insight into it anyway.
April 4, 2021
Wow I can't even imagine! To loose one child is heart breaking, but two. One at the hands of the other ...😢 They say you're never given more then you can bare, this family is an exception. If anyone has the right to question life it would be the Galsworthy family.
February 4, 2023
A slow burn but very tragic story told by a father mourning the loss of his daughter.
September 12, 2025
A father's take on his daughter's life and her murder.
August 23, 2022
2.75 stars
Senseless and horrific crime/tragedy. You can feel the father’s rollercoaster of emotions in every sentence. My heart went out to him. His grief was unbearable and raw. I could not imagine experiencing what he and his family went through. So heartwrenching.
I felt the book went on way too long due to its repetition, however. Based on this alone, it could have been condensed by a good 100 pages.
Senseless and horrific crime/tragedy. You can feel the father’s rollercoaster of emotions in every sentence. My heart went out to him. His grief was unbearable and raw. I could not imagine experiencing what he and his family went through. So heartwrenching.
I felt the book went on way too long due to its repetition, however. Based on this alone, it could have been condensed by a good 100 pages.
January 3, 2019
Captivating, but way too long.
This intriguing, tragic story is sad for all involved. The author, however, becomes very repetitive in his quest for some catharsis as he retells the brutal murder of his beloved daughter by her stepbrother.
This intriguing, tragic story is sad for all involved. The author, however, becomes very repetitive in his quest for some catharsis as he retells the brutal murder of his beloved daughter by her stepbrother.
June 13, 2017
I loved this book especially since it was written by the father, very personal... Awful what happened... I could feel his emotions.
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