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TWO FACE: BENEATH THE OIL
The second narrative in this ground breaking and definitive series covering the Chris Watts case drills deeper. It explores unseen, murky themes - identity, back story, poverty and invalidation - floating behind the walls of the Watts home. In BENEATH THE OIL, for the first time the full extent of how Chris Watts was locked-in is revealed, as well as why he may have broken out of his deeply dysfunctional marriage the way he did.
- GenresTrue Crime
126 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2018
197 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 7, 2021
This is the second in a quickly-written series of books about the Watts family murders, and again while many of the basic facts are incorrect - given that the book was published less than two months after the murder - many of the author's musings are very insightful.
The author tends to toss out several larger theories (Becker's theory of identity for example), and then winnows down to bits and pieces that pertain to the Watts family. If you are a fan of this style of writing (which I personally am), you will probably be willing - as I was - to wait to see how this all relates. Otherwise, you may find the whole series somewhat off-putting.
But having said that, I am fascinated by the way the author puts forward some very concise nuggets of wisdom. He compared Chris Watts to Scott Peterson in that they share the same persona : "the strong, silent charisma, which cast a temporary spell on Shan'ann and Laci - until it didn't." Each kept up appearances until "these women were trapped in a lie they themselves were breathing life into, and it was the death of them." It's the eventual heartbreak where "marriage is a reality check, especially if your marriage is founded on a fairy tale."
The author also gives us a blow-by-blow account of a horrendous Christmas video with Chris as Santa and their two daughters sobbing in fear .... as Shan'ann continuing to film for 15 minutes cajoling them to sit on Santa's lap and smile for the camera. It's beyond sad and very telling in how Shan'ann's tone-deaf desire for that "fairy tale" moment is such a gut-punch for Chris and their family.
3.5 stars, and I'm moving on to the next book in the series, which is currently available on Kindle Unlimited, FYI.
Visit my new blog "I Love True Crime Books"
The author tends to toss out several larger theories (Becker's theory of identity for example), and then winnows down to bits and pieces that pertain to the Watts family. If you are a fan of this style of writing (which I personally am), you will probably be willing - as I was - to wait to see how this all relates. Otherwise, you may find the whole series somewhat off-putting.
But having said that, I am fascinated by the way the author puts forward some very concise nuggets of wisdom. He compared Chris Watts to Scott Peterson in that they share the same persona : "the strong, silent charisma, which cast a temporary spell on Shan'ann and Laci - until it didn't." Each kept up appearances until "these women were trapped in a lie they themselves were breathing life into, and it was the death of them." It's the eventual heartbreak where "marriage is a reality check, especially if your marriage is founded on a fairy tale."
The author also gives us a blow-by-blow account of a horrendous Christmas video with Chris as Santa and their two daughters sobbing in fear .... as Shan'ann continuing to film for 15 minutes cajoling them to sit on Santa's lap and smile for the camera. It's beyond sad and very telling in how Shan'ann's tone-deaf desire for that "fairy tale" moment is such a gut-punch for Chris and their family.
3.5 stars, and I'm moving on to the next book in the series, which is currently available on Kindle Unlimited, FYI.
Visit my new blog "I Love True Crime Books"
March 13, 2019
I really like this style of ebook
I love the way van der Leek uses internet links to Facebook videos and articles. It makes the experience of reading come alive. In book two of the Watts' case you are able to view many of Shan'nann's personal home videos. The whole concept of the Thrive machine at work is fascinating too. Although now we know some of his theories around the deaths of Chris Watts' family are not correct he is still really good at delving into a true crime story and mining out things most people probably never thought of. I'm likely going on to book three now.
I love the way van der Leek uses internet links to Facebook videos and articles. It makes the experience of reading come alive. In book two of the Watts' case you are able to view many of Shan'nann's personal home videos. The whole concept of the Thrive machine at work is fascinating too. Although now we know some of his theories around the deaths of Chris Watts' family are not correct he is still really good at delving into a true crime story and mining out things most people probably never thought of. I'm likely going on to book three now.
December 28, 2020
Ok and interesting but a lot of negativity about the oil industry
The psychological insights were good and informative. The ideas about Chris Watts and his desire to be more powerful than his wife allowed are understandable. Obviously this is no excuse or defense whatsoever. On a personal level I am close to being offended by the authors blatant attacks on the oil industry. I think he is ill informed on that issue. We live in the area where the first wells were drilled. We also live in one of the most beautiful areas in the Country. We have sparkling clean rivers, hills, trees and a wide abundance of wildlife. In the midst of this amazing nature we have oil and timber industries as our economic life blood.
The psychological insights were good and informative. The ideas about Chris Watts and his desire to be more powerful than his wife allowed are understandable. Obviously this is no excuse or defense whatsoever. On a personal level I am close to being offended by the authors blatant attacks on the oil industry. I think he is ill informed on that issue. We live in the area where the first wells were drilled. We also live in one of the most beautiful areas in the Country. We have sparkling clean rivers, hills, trees and a wide abundance of wildlife. In the midst of this amazing nature we have oil and timber industries as our economic life blood.
January 28, 2019
Good read
Good follow-up to Part 1 of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading both. I feel they gave me an understanding of the overall situation in the Watts home, prior to the murders...what might have led up to the murders. It will NEVER be justified, but it gave insight into why Chris might not have been unhappy. I think for most of us, his constantly happy smiling face made it impossible to even have a glimmer of what might have led him to even want to be out of the marriage.
Good follow-up to Part 1 of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading both. I feel they gave me an understanding of the overall situation in the Watts home, prior to the murders...what might have led up to the murders. It will NEVER be justified, but it gave insight into why Chris might not have been unhappy. I think for most of us, his constantly happy smiling face made it impossible to even have a glimmer of what might have led him to even want to be out of the marriage.
October 12, 2019
Better
This book is leaps and bounds better than the first book. His thought process in this one is much clearer and the path he takes us on,is easier to follow (not just ideas thrown on various pages like the last book). I have followed this case from the onset and while I think his answer to the “why” question is wrong, this book was written before a lot of additional information was released. I also like the fact that he did delve into the victims character and while many people will think he’s victim blaming, the proof is in the plethora of online videos.
This book is leaps and bounds better than the first book. His thought process in this one is much clearer and the path he takes us on,is easier to follow (not just ideas thrown on various pages like the last book). I have followed this case from the onset and while I think his answer to the “why” question is wrong, this book was written before a lot of additional information was released. I also like the fact that he did delve into the victims character and while many people will think he’s victim blaming, the proof is in the plethora of online videos.
June 17, 2025
So glad I gave it a try!
I’ve watched many episodes of True Crime Rocket Science and enjoyed the content. The facets of the subjects are revealed very well. When I saw the promos for the books, for some reason I felt like they’d be kind of summaries.
However, I was quite wrong. The books blow the YT channel out of the water. They are well considered insights and questions raised that are germane to us as well as to the case. It was helpful, too, to have a treatment which is objective and well written. It is clearly well researched and sources are cited. Well done.
I’ve watched many episodes of True Crime Rocket Science and enjoyed the content. The facets of the subjects are revealed very well. When I saw the promos for the books, for some reason I felt like they’d be kind of summaries.
However, I was quite wrong. The books blow the YT channel out of the water. They are well considered insights and questions raised that are germane to us as well as to the case. It was helpful, too, to have a treatment which is objective and well written. It is clearly well researched and sources are cited. Well done.
September 3, 2025
I was not fully familiar with this case, and in my opinion, this was the best book to start out with.
The author is informative and impartial. I appreciated how he included footnotes, photos, videos, and other media tools to present the facts of the crime along with analyzing the details. Though the reading of this book is clear, concise, and quick, there's plenty of eye-opening trivia to explore throughout the book.
The author is informative and impartial. I appreciated how he included footnotes, photos, videos, and other media tools to present the facts of the crime along with analyzing the details. Though the reading of this book is clear, concise, and quick, there's plenty of eye-opening trivia to explore throughout the book.
January 12, 2019
Boring and more about quotes than Chris Watts
I am glad I didn’t buy this book because it was a lot of rubbish and there was more sayings and quotes than there was about Chris Watts! Not recommended.
I am glad I didn’t buy this book because it was a lot of rubbish and there was more sayings and quotes than there was about Chris Watts! Not recommended.
November 12, 2019
Too wordy but worth finishing.
This book has a lot of detail and links to posts & u tube videos which I love but also drags along slowly in spots. This book is definitely worth finishing.
This book has a lot of detail and links to posts & u tube videos which I love but also drags along slowly in spots. This book is definitely worth finishing.
November 28, 2019
didn't like this as well as the first book, but it was still good. I will definitely be continuing the series. I'm interested to see if the author has changed any of his opinions as the books progress.
October 29, 2020
Best!!!
I have never read any book or article articulated as good as Nick does here. I am obsessed in his research and words. I'm only on book 3 but can not put it down. Thank you Nick. You are one he'll of a writer!!!
I have never read any book or article articulated as good as Nick does here. I am obsessed in his research and words. I'm only on book 3 but can not put it down. Thank you Nick. You are one he'll of a writer!!!
December 24, 2020
My appreciation for Nick’s analysis has grown over time. I don’t always agree with his conclusions but they are always plausible and founded in fact. Fascinating read for true crime followers interested in this case.
July 14, 2020
Nick van der Leek has amazing insight!
Once again Nick demonstrates his thought-provoking and incredible analysis of the Watts case. Am always learning more and more about this tragic story.
Once again Nick demonstrates his thought-provoking and incredible analysis of the Watts case. Am always learning more and more about this tragic story.
March 7, 2020
You can't get away with murder
Very good book! I can't believe how he thought that he would get away with murder. Especially when all the lines were pointing at him. I think that he tired of his wife and children, then found someone with no strings attached.
Very good book! I can't believe how he thought that he would get away with murder. Especially when all the lines were pointing at him. I think that he tired of his wife and children, then found someone with no strings attached.
Read
October 6, 2018Another great read.
Book #2 BENEATH THE OIL another great read in a single sitting.
Too many things to comment on, but I definitely suggest it.
The idea of inauthentic lives I find very sad. And forcing them on your family. (42-50% and Christmas morning)
Book #2 BENEATH THE OIL another great read in a single sitting.
Too many things to comment on, but I definitely suggest it.
The idea of inauthentic lives I find very sad. And forcing them on your family. (42-50% and Christmas morning)
October 22, 2025
Such a tragic story. Author really went in depth with the 2nd installment. The mistress should be tried as I think she knows a lot more than she is telling. Chris was just an idiot and the wife didn't deserve to die but she really treated him badly.
Read
November 20, 2018Not sure I want to read the third book.
Ive read both books and the first is better than this one. I think the author has some interesting theories, but its borderline victim blaming. I realize the author is trying to show what may have led Chris to commit these murders, but it repeatedly points out her flaws. We all have been rude or thoughtless to our family members at times, but its no justification for murder. Is the author making excuses for Chris? At times it appears that way. The author is also relentless in his views of Thrive/Anadarko. 3 pages spent on Anadarko and its lawsuits are irrelevant to the case, and he is just using it as a platform for his personal views on oil drilling and the environment. Basically, if she hadnt been wrapped up in this pyramid scam and he didnt work for such an evil company, and they hadnt moved to Colorado none of this would have happened. I was considering purchasing the Jonbenet book, but am having second thoughts. I really hope the author doesnt blame her as well.
Ive read both books and the first is better than this one. I think the author has some interesting theories, but its borderline victim blaming. I realize the author is trying to show what may have led Chris to commit these murders, but it repeatedly points out her flaws. We all have been rude or thoughtless to our family members at times, but its no justification for murder. Is the author making excuses for Chris? At times it appears that way. The author is also relentless in his views of Thrive/Anadarko. 3 pages spent on Anadarko and its lawsuits are irrelevant to the case, and he is just using it as a platform for his personal views on oil drilling and the environment. Basically, if she hadnt been wrapped up in this pyramid scam and he didnt work for such an evil company, and they hadnt moved to Colorado none of this would have happened. I was considering purchasing the Jonbenet book, but am having second thoughts. I really hope the author doesnt blame her as well.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews