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Two Face: The man underneath Christopher Watts
No one has been able to say why - until now.
"As we navigate our way through the monster’s murky psychology, pushing through his dark impulses and penetrating his despicable motivations, will we find ourselves far from familiar places, or troublingly closer to them?"
"As we navigate our way through the monster’s murky psychology, pushing through his dark impulses and penetrating his despicable motivations, will we find ourselves far from familiar places, or troublingly closer to them?"
117 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2018
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134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 8, 2021
Written in the fall of 2018, only a month after the horrendous Watts family murders, the author had a LOT of incorrect information here (the footnotes at the end of the book make some corrections and additions for this edition), yet I found some very worthwhile commentary here about the nature of the Watts' marriage and relationship.
The author provides some interesting food for thought about the nature of Chris Watts' rage - at a financial crisis looming over the family (a second bankruptcy in 5 years?), a third child coming in a few months, the relationship with Chris' parents torn apart by Shan'ann, the constant camera recording their "perfect life" with Thrive MLM products, etc.
In contrast to My Daddy is a Hero: How Chris Watts Went from Family Man to Family Killer, where the author spends a great deal of time stressing how no one say this coming, and that Watts was a very nice man that murdered his family out of the blue, van der Leek fairly clearly lays out the contributing factors that drove Watts to murder and they read pretty convincingly.
There are some off-the-wall conclusions, but there was enough here that I found Two Face a good companion piece to other books I've read about Chris Watts. 3.5 stars.
Visit my new blog "I Love True Crime Books"
The author provides some interesting food for thought about the nature of Chris Watts' rage - at a financial crisis looming over the family (a second bankruptcy in 5 years?), a third child coming in a few months, the relationship with Chris' parents torn apart by Shan'ann, the constant camera recording their "perfect life" with Thrive MLM products, etc.
In contrast to My Daddy is a Hero: How Chris Watts Went from Family Man to Family Killer, where the author spends a great deal of time stressing how no one say this coming, and that Watts was a very nice man that murdered his family out of the blue, van der Leek fairly clearly lays out the contributing factors that drove Watts to murder and they read pretty convincingly.
There are some off-the-wall conclusions, but there was enough here that I found Two Face a good companion piece to other books I've read about Chris Watts. 3.5 stars.
Visit my new blog "I Love True Crime Books"
January 7, 2020
This is the second Van Der Leek book I’ve read and likely the last. His ramblings come off as first draft conspiracy theories as if it is up to him to solve the case. He’d be better off as a side character in the scooby-doo clan. His far-reaching attempts to come up with unique ideas surrounding these murders are as noticeably nauseating as is his misogyny. In each book, he takes an extreme amount of time to focus on the flaws of the female of the story that drives the man to do what any man would do in that situation. The variable isn’t the man; it’s all of the maddening things she did to make “every man” a murderer.
November 10, 2018
Grammar and Spellcheck
It had quite a bit of information and analysis of the tragic situation but seemed to be rushed (it was just a couple months ago). I would have like to have seen a little more info on their backgrounds - but I’m sure that will cone out.
It had quite a bit of information and analysis of the tragic situation but seemed to be rushed (it was just a couple months ago). I would have like to have seen a little more info on their backgrounds - but I’m sure that will cone out.
October 18, 2020
Not worth reading
A horrific account of victim shaming.
A father looking after his own children does not make him have 'mommy duties'.
Absolutely not worth reading.
A horrific account of victim shaming.
A father looking after his own children does not make him have 'mommy duties'.
Absolutely not worth reading.
December 21, 2018
Ok read
I enjoyed the topic of the book but found that there was too much speculation and absolutely no proof that what was written actually occurred. Enjoyed the book for the entertainment.
I enjoyed the topic of the book but found that there was too much speculation and absolutely no proof that what was written actually occurred. Enjoyed the book for the entertainment.
April 29, 2023
This Book reads like Fiction
I didn’t like much about it. This author didn’t seem to do any research on this crime at all. He talks about Chris might have killed the girls right after Shannon leaves on the weekend trip to Arizona. Seriously dude, everyone who knows this case knows that he took the girls to a birthday party at the neighbors house that weekend. We also know that he hired a babysitter ( a friend of the family’s daughter) to babysit the girls so he could go out with his mistress that Sunday night. Shannanneven talked to her on the phone. I also wondered if he thought the Ramsey’s were guilty of murdering their daughter because he mentions her being wrapped up in her favorite white blanket. Again, it has been proven they had nothing to do with their daughter’s murder. DNA proved that a long time ago. People who had any smarts at all knew they hadn’t done it long before it was proven they didn’t. I just think this book is incorrect about many things, and not fact related at all.
I didn’t like much about it. This author didn’t seem to do any research on this crime at all. He talks about Chris might have killed the girls right after Shannon leaves on the weekend trip to Arizona. Seriously dude, everyone who knows this case knows that he took the girls to a birthday party at the neighbors house that weekend. We also know that he hired a babysitter ( a friend of the family’s daughter) to babysit the girls so he could go out with his mistress that Sunday night. Shannanneven talked to her on the phone. I also wondered if he thought the Ramsey’s were guilty of murdering their daughter because he mentions her being wrapped up in her favorite white blanket. Again, it has been proven they had nothing to do with their daughter’s murder. DNA proved that a long time ago. People who had any smarts at all knew they hadn’t done it long before it was proven they didn’t. I just think this book is incorrect about many things, and not fact related at all.
September 22, 2018
Too early for anything but conjecture
While I did enjoy this really short book, clearly it is too early to know much about this sensational case. It would be cool if van der Leek would continue to follow this story and cover the trial if there is one. It does lay some groundwork on what may have transpired and why. All the reasons are there. Bored and brow beaten husband who wants to explore a wild sex life that marriage was blocking. Frustration and worry over finances that seemed to be dwindling. A six week break from family life that probably felt really good to him and he wanted it to continue. His disinterest in his wife's "business" that wasn't going very well. I liked the information provided about Thrive because I too have been expected by friends and family members to get involved in their marketing networks, Quickstar and Advocare to name some. I look forward to reading more about this case.
While I did enjoy this really short book, clearly it is too early to know much about this sensational case. It would be cool if van der Leek would continue to follow this story and cover the trial if there is one. It does lay some groundwork on what may have transpired and why. All the reasons are there. Bored and brow beaten husband who wants to explore a wild sex life that marriage was blocking. Frustration and worry over finances that seemed to be dwindling. A six week break from family life that probably felt really good to him and he wanted it to continue. His disinterest in his wife's "business" that wasn't going very well. I liked the information provided about Thrive because I too have been expected by friends and family members to get involved in their marketing networks, Quickstar and Advocare to name some. I look forward to reading more about this case.
September 25, 2018
Good Read.
Good read. The author has been thorough in laying out a timeline and possible motive for this senseless tragedy. I will be looking forward to his next publication on the trial.
Good read. The author has been thorough in laying out a timeline and possible motive for this senseless tragedy. I will be looking forward to his next publication on the trial.
October 17, 2020
A lot of supposition without a shred of evidence
This author has based his book on a lot of theories and rumors that have not one shred of evidence...frankly, some of his statements are downright ridiculous...for instance, the statement that Shanann worked as a nurse in a call center in New Jersey in the years prior to 2010...this is easily disproved...first, shanan did not have a degree in nursing, actually she didn't have ANY college degree whatsoever although it seems that she enrolled in a "psychology course"...it is documented that Shanann did work in a call center in a hospital but that was in Colorado and she was NOT in the position of providing medical information or advice but rather worked as a loss in between parents, whose children were being treated, and social service agencies ...second, Shanann could NOT have been living and working in New Jersey in the years prior to 2010 because it has already been documented that she worked as a manager of a cell phone store called Dirty South until she was promoted to manage several stores owned by the Dirty South businessman. This is also the period where she was building her own mcmansion in the suburbs of Charlotte...she had often bragged about having designed and managed the construction of this house all on her own...and it's THIS massive 4000 square foot home that caused Chris's mother and sister to question shanann's true morals, as Shanann seemed more concerned about presenting an image of wealth to the world. They also questioned WHERE someone so young could get the money to afford to purchase a home of this size AND then furnish it with top of the line designer furnishings...when she married chris, she sold this home for what she claims was a benefit of $40,000 over what she paid for it but the gentleman who purchased the home stated that she seemed to be so desperate to sell that she left ALL of the expensive designer furniture in the house...
The author claimed that he got the impression that Shanann was living and working in New Jersey when she received the friend request from Chris but I believe it is obvious that Shanann had a tendency to "stretch" the truth...and it does seem common for people to create false pages on internet sites such as twitter, myspace, and linkedin so it is probable that Shanann created a completely false identity on linkedin...
I was also prepared to point out the author's error when he hypothesized that Chris had killed the girls before Shanann arrived home from arizona, probably even a couple of days before...it has been week documented by law enforcement that Chris hired a babysitter on Saturday, August 11th so that he could go on a date with his mistress and on sunday, August 12th, the girls have been photographed attending a friends birthday party...additionally, if the girls had been paying dead in that home for a couple of days, during 85° days, there would DEFINITELY have been a significant level of decomposition and odor in that home yet the cadaver dogs did NOT hit on any decomp...it had been reported that barking dogs could have been heard in the Watts home for two days, and that this indicated that they had alerted on decomp but there has been NO documentation in law enforcement records...it should also be known that cadaver dogs have been known to "alert" on dirty diapers, discarded bandages, etc...I'm NOT suggesting that dogs alerted on these items in the Watts house but with at least one child probably still in diapers at night, it IS possible that if a dog did alert, it could have been to that...however, the Watts home was routinely cleaned , usually by Chris at shanann's insistence, and left in an immaculate condition so when dog handlers commented on this as abnormal and suspicious, they didn't know that it was normal for the home to be that clean on a regular, if not daily basis...
Then we come to the author's suggestion that Chris was homosexual...there is NO documented evidence that he was homosexual or that he engaged in homosexual relationships...there was one gentleman who came forward and "claimed" to be chris ' lover but detectives quickly dismissed these claims as the guy knew nothing that hadn't been presented thru the media and knew nothing that would indicate that he even met Chris Watts...additionally, his sexual relationship with Nichol Kessinger appears to have very active according to Nichol who texted to her friend that Chris enjoyed performing oral sex on her and that he was the best sexual partner she had ever had...even Shanann frequently talked with her friends, prior to the North Carolina holiday, that her and Chris has a VERY active sex life, that they were at it like rabbits and having sex in the kitchen pantry while the kids were playing in the den...this doesn't sound like a man who was struggling with his sexuality or was unhappy with having to live his life as a straight man...
Found this book inaccurate & wouldn't recommend...
This author has based his book on a lot of theories and rumors that have not one shred of evidence...frankly, some of his statements are downright ridiculous...for instance, the statement that Shanann worked as a nurse in a call center in New Jersey in the years prior to 2010...this is easily disproved...first, shanan did not have a degree in nursing, actually she didn't have ANY college degree whatsoever although it seems that she enrolled in a "psychology course"...it is documented that Shanann did work in a call center in a hospital but that was in Colorado and she was NOT in the position of providing medical information or advice but rather worked as a loss in between parents, whose children were being treated, and social service agencies ...second, Shanann could NOT have been living and working in New Jersey in the years prior to 2010 because it has already been documented that she worked as a manager of a cell phone store called Dirty South until she was promoted to manage several stores owned by the Dirty South businessman. This is also the period where she was building her own mcmansion in the suburbs of Charlotte...she had often bragged about having designed and managed the construction of this house all on her own...and it's THIS massive 4000 square foot home that caused Chris's mother and sister to question shanann's true morals, as Shanann seemed more concerned about presenting an image of wealth to the world. They also questioned WHERE someone so young could get the money to afford to purchase a home of this size AND then furnish it with top of the line designer furnishings...when she married chris, she sold this home for what she claims was a benefit of $40,000 over what she paid for it but the gentleman who purchased the home stated that she seemed to be so desperate to sell that she left ALL of the expensive designer furniture in the house...
The author claimed that he got the impression that Shanann was living and working in New Jersey when she received the friend request from Chris but I believe it is obvious that Shanann had a tendency to "stretch" the truth...and it does seem common for people to create false pages on internet sites such as twitter, myspace, and linkedin so it is probable that Shanann created a completely false identity on linkedin...
I was also prepared to point out the author's error when he hypothesized that Chris had killed the girls before Shanann arrived home from arizona, probably even a couple of days before...it has been week documented by law enforcement that Chris hired a babysitter on Saturday, August 11th so that he could go on a date with his mistress and on sunday, August 12th, the girls have been photographed attending a friends birthday party...additionally, if the girls had been paying dead in that home for a couple of days, during 85° days, there would DEFINITELY have been a significant level of decomposition and odor in that home yet the cadaver dogs did NOT hit on any decomp...it had been reported that barking dogs could have been heard in the Watts home for two days, and that this indicated that they had alerted on decomp but there has been NO documentation in law enforcement records...it should also be known that cadaver dogs have been known to "alert" on dirty diapers, discarded bandages, etc...I'm NOT suggesting that dogs alerted on these items in the Watts house but with at least one child probably still in diapers at night, it IS possible that if a dog did alert, it could have been to that...however, the Watts home was routinely cleaned , usually by Chris at shanann's insistence, and left in an immaculate condition so when dog handlers commented on this as abnormal and suspicious, they didn't know that it was normal for the home to be that clean on a regular, if not daily basis...
Then we come to the author's suggestion that Chris was homosexual...there is NO documented evidence that he was homosexual or that he engaged in homosexual relationships...there was one gentleman who came forward and "claimed" to be chris ' lover but detectives quickly dismissed these claims as the guy knew nothing that hadn't been presented thru the media and knew nothing that would indicate that he even met Chris Watts...additionally, his sexual relationship with Nichol Kessinger appears to have very active according to Nichol who texted to her friend that Chris enjoyed performing oral sex on her and that he was the best sexual partner she had ever had...even Shanann frequently talked with her friends, prior to the North Carolina holiday, that her and Chris has a VERY active sex life, that they were at it like rabbits and having sex in the kitchen pantry while the kids were playing in the den...this doesn't sound like a man who was struggling with his sexuality or was unhappy with having to live his life as a straight man...
Found this book inaccurate & wouldn't recommend...
December 23, 2020
Surprisingly good, couldn’t put it down
This was a very good and informative book on the psyche’ of a killer.. I’ve watched a ton of YouTube videos on this case and thought I knew it all. Well maybe I didn’t think that but I thought I knew a food amount.. This book fills in some more of the puzzle pieces and makes everything make more sense. I have been very interested in this case, mainly in the psychology of it and why would a man murder his entire family. I was sure he had help and while I still believe there was motive and influence on this guy from behind the scenes and many more details out there, this book surprisingly satisfied me as far as the motive for all this. Unbelievable but we all know it unfortunately happened. The book fills in many details and gives interesting tidbits about what common things that happen in similar murders. So although it is a depressing and sad subject with sometimes graphic details, these things are interesting none the less.
After reading this (and from videos I’ve watched on this crime on YouTube) it’s evident that Chris Watts didn’t just snap and kill his family. Well in some ways I think he did and it was because of various reasons, that you’ll have to read about and discover for yourself.
I was surprised how many questions this book answered for me, as it is like copyright - Sept//Nov 2018, it’s pretty soon after the murders.
This book really made me think. I like the author and his style of writing and what he reveals in his search for truth and what he has learned doing crime type investigations. Very sad story of course, I couldn’t get to close to it for awhile because it was just to upsetting to conceive of how it could have happened. How could this guy do this after firing on his kids and being such an apparent good father.. I’m glad I read this now , things make more sense. Blessings to Shannan, Bella, Cece and little Niko, May you all always be smiling and Rest In Peace. My condolences to the Ruzcik family and having to go through this terrible ordeal and losing these 4 angels.
This was a very good and informative book on the psyche’ of a killer.. I’ve watched a ton of YouTube videos on this case and thought I knew it all. Well maybe I didn’t think that but I thought I knew a food amount.. This book fills in some more of the puzzle pieces and makes everything make more sense. I have been very interested in this case, mainly in the psychology of it and why would a man murder his entire family. I was sure he had help and while I still believe there was motive and influence on this guy from behind the scenes and many more details out there, this book surprisingly satisfied me as far as the motive for all this. Unbelievable but we all know it unfortunately happened. The book fills in many details and gives interesting tidbits about what common things that happen in similar murders. So although it is a depressing and sad subject with sometimes graphic details, these things are interesting none the less.
After reading this (and from videos I’ve watched on this crime on YouTube) it’s evident that Chris Watts didn’t just snap and kill his family. Well in some ways I think he did and it was because of various reasons, that you’ll have to read about and discover for yourself.
I was surprised how many questions this book answered for me, as it is like copyright - Sept//Nov 2018, it’s pretty soon after the murders.
This book really made me think. I like the author and his style of writing and what he reveals in his search for truth and what he has learned doing crime type investigations. Very sad story of course, I couldn’t get to close to it for awhile because it was just to upsetting to conceive of how it could have happened. How could this guy do this after firing on his kids and being such an apparent good father.. I’m glad I read this now , things make more sense. Blessings to Shannan, Bella, Cece and little Niko, May you all always be smiling and Rest In Peace. My condolences to the Ruzcik family and having to go through this terrible ordeal and losing these 4 angels.
January 25, 2019
Really good — gripping.
This book is a fascinating read for anyone interested in and curious / dumbfounded about this case. Goes into great detail on backstory, interrogation & criminal case, & possible motives. Includes a lot of links to pictures & social media content that most people probably haven’t seen. The author did a lot of research for this book. I loved it, & read every word.
This book is a fascinating read for anyone interested in and curious / dumbfounded about this case. Goes into great detail on backstory, interrogation & criminal case, & possible motives. Includes a lot of links to pictures & social media content that most people probably haven’t seen. The author did a lot of research for this book. I loved it, & read every word.
November 2, 2019
Good book
I like the highlighted areas that are connected to Facebook and InstAgram posts. It is a tragic story but I felt like the author mentioned in this book that her posting on fb all the time created a fake picture of their family life and everyone was role-playing even the kids. Her death and the death of her daughter's is totally inexcusable but it gives us insight into what may have been going on.
I like the highlighted areas that are connected to Facebook and InstAgram posts. It is a tragic story but I felt like the author mentioned in this book that her posting on fb all the time created a fake picture of their family life and everyone was role-playing even the kids. Her death and the death of her daughter's is totally inexcusable but it gives us insight into what may have been going on.
September 21, 2018
Nothing New But Not Bad
If you can get past the numerous typos and the overuse of imagery, then this book isn't a bad read. The author puts together a well thought out theory and expands upon it. I didnt learn anything new but I was left with the thinking that the author's theories were plausible. Nice companion to the actual case.
If you can get past the numerous typos and the overuse of imagery, then this book isn't a bad read. The author puts together a well thought out theory and expands upon it. I didnt learn anything new but I was left with the thinking that the author's theories were plausible. Nice companion to the actual case.
October 11, 2019
This was a stretch
The author makes much to do about nothing. He seems to like to hear himself talk. Basically let’s read an anthropological book and apply its text here and claim “context”. To say this book is all over the place with random thoughts and utterances is an understatement.
The author makes much to do about nothing. He seems to like to hear himself talk. Basically let’s read an anthropological book and apply its text here and claim “context”. To say this book is all over the place with random thoughts and utterances is an understatement.
October 26, 2019
Good book but better proofread’g needed
It was apparent the author put a lot of study and investigation on the Watts murder however, he really needed a good proofreader before it went to print. Far too many mistakes for such a seasoned writer.
It did have thought provoking content, though.
It was apparent the author put a lot of study and investigation on the Watts murder however, he really needed a good proofreader before it went to print. Far too many mistakes for such a seasoned writer.
It did have thought provoking content, though.
November 28, 2019
I read this book in one day, then started book two. It's amazing this was written when we were just learning about this case. Yes, some things were incorrect, but Mr. Van Der Leek got a lot of it right. He makes you think about the murders from a true crime angle, not a he's evil/she's a saint perspective. I would like to know if he still thinks Chris Watts wanted the house at Saratoga Trail.
December 23, 2021
Excellent Psychological Analysis of Chris Watts & his Family
This book is well-written and presents insight into Chris Watts’ reasons for killing his family. There are eight more books that I am looking forward to reading. For fans of true crime, the book/essay is a real pleasure. It is fascinating.
This book is well-written and presents insight into Chris Watts’ reasons for killing his family. There are eight more books that I am looking forward to reading. For fans of true crime, the book/essay is a real pleasure. It is fascinating.
September 21, 2018
Excellent book
I truly have been staying away from knowing about this story. When I felt ready to know, and my best tool (a book by Nick VDL) was available, I would begin to see what it's about. My journey has begun. Thanks for another great book.
I truly have been staying away from knowing about this story. When I felt ready to know, and my best tool (a book by Nick VDL) was available, I would begin to see what it's about. My journey has begun. Thanks for another great book.
October 22, 2019
Gives a differemt insite into their lives and gives a different way to look at the murders
I liked the way the author gave a different insight into the lives of the watts and the insight into the murders. The rage chris watts had was so well hidden but so easy to explain.
I liked the way the author gave a different insight into the lives of the watts and the insight into the murders. The rage chris watts had was so well hidden but so easy to explain.
February 10, 2020
Well written and good read
I'm not sure that he murdered her at foot of stairs as she was found in a shirt and underwear. It would have been too difficult to change her clothing but it's a possibility.
Well written and researched
I'm not sure that he murdered her at foot of stairs as she was found in a shirt and underwear. It would have been too difficult to change her clothing but it's a possibility.
Well written and researched
February 23, 2022
I don't think anyone will forget this horrific story. There are many other books to read about him if you want to get inside his head. Many reports on him and why he did this to his family. True horror. Not for the weak of heart.
June 4, 2025
While some of the crime that this author writes about is based on police reports and media, most is purely speculation and their opinions based on Shanann's facebook page and posts. Not accurate through and through.
September 14, 2025
The biggest rant about a tragedy that I’ve ever read. I read until half way, in the hope that the author would stop victim-blaming but the frustration I felt just couldn’t be ignored any longer. It will be deleted and avoided like the plague. Both disappointing and uninformed.
November 8, 2018
Interesting
Interesting way to look at what happened here. I agree with many of his assessments and had the same assessments myself prior to reading this.
Interesting way to look at what happened here. I agree with many of his assessments and had the same assessments myself prior to reading this.
October 20, 2019
Little disappointing. Didn’t tell much.
October 25, 2020
Good book easy read
Some of the info is later found to be incomplete but this was published nearer to time of murders. Sad story for sure.
Some of the info is later found to be incomplete but this was published nearer to time of murders. Sad story for sure.
November 21, 2020
Nick van der Leek is fascinating in his analysis of crimes. Love all his work, very thought-provoking.
January 7, 2022
Needs Editing
I wanted to like this book but I just could not get past the spelling and grammar mistakes. There were many times I had to re-read passages to make sense of them.
I wanted to like this book but I just could not get past the spelling and grammar mistakes. There were many times I had to re-read passages to make sense of them.
January 20, 2024
Picks out embedded tells...
Clever depthful take on the psychology
of Chris Watts. And what a weak fail
ed fraud he is. Would read more from this author.
Clever depthful take on the psychology
of Chris Watts. And what a weak fail
ed fraud he is. Would read more from this author.
August 5, 2025
What a messed up man, still think he had help with his side piece doing this crime. Not really sure he was smart enough to do it by himself.
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