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In Cold Blood: Discovering Chris Watts: The Facts - Part One
We guess it’s safe to say most people will have heard of the Watts case.
Christopher Lee (Chris) Watts, the dashing, seemingly genteel, affable man who murdered his entire family in a calculated attack that shocked the entire world.
Shanann Watts, his pregnant, incredibly beautiful wife whose life was snuffed out because her doting husband decided he wanted a fresh start.
Bella Marie and Celeste Cathryn (CeCe) Watts, adorable sisters who worshipped their father, the very man who suffocated them both in cold blood using their comfort blankets against them. He then went on to dispose of their tiny bodies into huge tanks filled with toxic crude oil.
Nico Lee Watts, Chris and Shanann’s unborn son.
No doubt, most of you watched the story unfold on the news, open-mouthed, in total shock. What could push a loving father to brutally murder his family? Surely there was some mistake? We all have preconceived ideas of how a monster should look–grotesque, hideously deformed, a crazed madman–not this handsome, mild-mannered, shy, polite gent who was often portrayed as the perfect husband and father.
So, what happened?
During this series we will look at the facts, the police investigation, the evidence, hear Chris Watts’ explanation and his reasoning. We will try to make some sense of what occurred during the early hours of August 13th 2018.
We will endeavour to present to you all aspects of the case, right from the initial investigation and how it unfolded, to the first and subsequent confessions all transcribed word for word (where possible) from actual video and audio footage obtained from the FBI’s Discovery Files.
Christopher Lee (Chris) Watts, the dashing, seemingly genteel, affable man who murdered his entire family in a calculated attack that shocked the entire world.
Shanann Watts, his pregnant, incredibly beautiful wife whose life was snuffed out because her doting husband decided he wanted a fresh start.
Bella Marie and Celeste Cathryn (CeCe) Watts, adorable sisters who worshipped their father, the very man who suffocated them both in cold blood using their comfort blankets against them. He then went on to dispose of their tiny bodies into huge tanks filled with toxic crude oil.
Nico Lee Watts, Chris and Shanann’s unborn son.
No doubt, most of you watched the story unfold on the news, open-mouthed, in total shock. What could push a loving father to brutally murder his family? Surely there was some mistake? We all have preconceived ideas of how a monster should look–grotesque, hideously deformed, a crazed madman–not this handsome, mild-mannered, shy, polite gent who was often portrayed as the perfect husband and father.
So, what happened?
During this series we will look at the facts, the police investigation, the evidence, hear Chris Watts’ explanation and his reasoning. We will try to make some sense of what occurred during the early hours of August 13th 2018.
We will endeavour to present to you all aspects of the case, right from the initial investigation and how it unfolded, to the first and subsequent confessions all transcribed word for word (where possible) from actual video and audio footage obtained from the FBI’s Discovery Files.
462 pages, Paperback
Published August 22, 2020
749 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
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April 23, 20234/22 so I finished this and ate way too much ice cream today to search for my happy place, but I’m still thinking of CeCe and Bella. The mother was such a beautiful person. I remember watching the show on Netflix I think. The only thing that would have driven me insane was the constant harping to do sooo much a honey do list 5 pages long. Also truly I would have locked myself in my room if I had been put on FB all day and nite every 24hrs.
Having said that I don’t remember the interrogation running the way it is in the book. I’m guessing a lot was edited? I’m definitely reading part 2 soon and I rarely read a series back to back. But the first book is set up to go smoothly right into the second.
Also as y’all know I’m no longer rating my crime reads. Having said that I’m glad book one has refreshed my memory and I’m ready to read read about all of the nicole’s.
19 peoples this dude talks like I did in my sophomore year in high school. So like we kinda like had like this umm like disconnect and so like it really umm like
Not even kidding everyone signed my yearbook that year using that format now I find it quite hilarious but I'm pretty sure I threw all of those away.
Book one of three
If you watched the documentary on Netflix you can speed read this first volume of the three. So far it is just presenting an overview to those not that familiar with the tragedy. But GOOD LORD! What spooks me the most is the pic of Chris on the cover! Holy crap! It's like he has lived a lie since the day he was born, which as a narcissistic family annihilator he pretty much did. It's shocking! I catch myself every once in awhile just looking at it for a few seconds as I'm reading to remind myself of just how deeply the psychopathological traits lay dormant in a person. He just looks like a completely different persons. I guess prison does a real job on ya.
Also: PEOPLE! JUST DONT EVER TAKE A LIE DETECTOR TEST IN ANY FORM. JUST DONT THEY CANT MAKE YOU. AND IF YOU GET THAT ATTORNEY OF YOURS AT THE STATION LISTEN AND OBEY. I’ve preached this to my daughter so many times, mostly in high school and college because of the parties and the sorority/ fraternity relationships. It doesn’t matter if you are innocent. Reading lots of True Crime pays off sometimes.
So I’ve gotten to the Chris, you have the borderline, codependent personality of a two year old bad seed. I along with so many other readers will read about this crime and shake our damn heads from now until eternity. I again refer to my bold print statement above. It is NEVER a good idea to participate in ANY form of a lie detector test. They are biased and regardless of whether you pass it the detector along with the investigators will badger you about having failed. DEBUNCT SCIENCE as far as I’m concerned just like the Reid technique. Not admissible in court, so ask yourself who will benefit from this practice? I am not an attorney and I do not play one on tv. But I know best practice for self-protection. Even when you are innocent it does not matter it can me misconstrued as guilty admission. It’s a catch 22. Remember Miranda
Most of us how this ends but at the same time the CBI is just railroading him. What a mess.
Having said that I don’t remember the interrogation running the way it is in the book. I’m guessing a lot was edited? I’m definitely reading part 2 soon and I rarely read a series back to back. But the first book is set up to go smoothly right into the second.
Also as y’all know I’m no longer rating my crime reads. Having said that I’m glad book one has refreshed my memory and I’m ready to read read about all of the nicole’s.
19 peoples this dude talks like I did in my sophomore year in high school. So like we kinda like had like this umm like disconnect and so like it really umm like
Not even kidding everyone signed my yearbook that year using that format now I find it quite hilarious but I'm pretty sure I threw all of those away.
Book one of three
If you watched the documentary on Netflix you can speed read this first volume of the three. So far it is just presenting an overview to those not that familiar with the tragedy. But GOOD LORD! What spooks me the most is the pic of Chris on the cover! Holy crap! It's like he has lived a lie since the day he was born, which as a narcissistic family annihilator he pretty much did. It's shocking! I catch myself every once in awhile just looking at it for a few seconds as I'm reading to remind myself of just how deeply the psychopathological traits lay dormant in a person. He just looks like a completely different persons. I guess prison does a real job on ya.
Also: PEOPLE! JUST DONT EVER TAKE A LIE DETECTOR TEST IN ANY FORM. JUST DONT THEY CANT MAKE YOU. AND IF YOU GET THAT ATTORNEY OF YOURS AT THE STATION LISTEN AND OBEY. I’ve preached this to my daughter so many times, mostly in high school and college because of the parties and the sorority/ fraternity relationships. It doesn’t matter if you are innocent. Reading lots of True Crime pays off sometimes.
So I’ve gotten to the Chris, you have the borderline, codependent personality of a two year old bad seed. I along with so many other readers will read about this crime and shake our damn heads from now until eternity. I again refer to my bold print statement above. It is NEVER a good idea to participate in ANY form of a lie detector test. They are biased and regardless of whether you pass it the detector along with the investigators will badger you about having failed. DEBUNCT SCIENCE as far as I’m concerned just like the Reid technique. Not admissible in court, so ask yourself who will benefit from this practice? I am not an attorney and I do not play one on tv. But I know best practice for self-protection. Even when you are innocent it does not matter it can me misconstrued as guilty admission. It’s a catch 22. Remember Miranda
Most of us how this ends but at the same time the CBI is just railroading him. What a mess.
September 4, 2020
True Crime followers will really enjoy this book! It takes the case of Chris Watts, the man who killed his pregnant wife and two young girls, age 3 and 4... all because he wanted to start a new life with his lover, a work colleague.
The authors have endeavored to bring a horrific crime to life with facts, police reports, transcripts of police reports, text messages and phone calls. Out of respect for the families, no interviews of them are included. It starts with a friend who reports Shanann Watts and her daughters as missing. It ends with the first confession of Chris Watts. They will try to make some sense of what occurred during the early hours of August 13th 2018.
I remember when this case was breaking news. The authors have included things that were not disclosed at the time of the crime. I remember thinking at the time ... they were a beautiful family, the little girls were priceless.
This account of what actually happened ..and why ... is well written. The authors have done a terrific job in research and presenting the facts.
Volume 2 is A Deal With the Devil: Discovering Chris Watts: The Facts (available 12/4/20) which starts with the heart-breaking recovery of the Shanann and the girls, as well as the horrific autopsy results. They will also address the plea deal and sentencing ... and the interviews of Chris' girlfriend. It will end with Chris' final chilling confession.
Many thanks to the authors for the digital copy of this true account of multiple murder. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
The authors have endeavored to bring a horrific crime to life with facts, police reports, transcripts of police reports, text messages and phone calls. Out of respect for the families, no interviews of them are included. It starts with a friend who reports Shanann Watts and her daughters as missing. It ends with the first confession of Chris Watts. They will try to make some sense of what occurred during the early hours of August 13th 2018.
I remember when this case was breaking news. The authors have included things that were not disclosed at the time of the crime. I remember thinking at the time ... they were a beautiful family, the little girls were priceless.
This account of what actually happened ..and why ... is well written. The authors have done a terrific job in research and presenting the facts.
Volume 2 is A Deal With the Devil: Discovering Chris Watts: The Facts (available 12/4/20) which starts with the heart-breaking recovery of the Shanann and the girls, as well as the horrific autopsy results. They will also address the plea deal and sentencing ... and the interviews of Chris' girlfriend. It will end with Chris' final chilling confession.
Many thanks to the authors for the digital copy of this true account of multiple murder. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 27, 2020
All I can say is WOW!! I never really paid too much attention to the heart breaking, evil,Chris Watts case..But This book lays it All out, perfectly! The authors obviously worked hard, arranging important interviews and talks between the police and Chris out in a way that you feel you are right there..Actually feeling the tension in the air, the sweat dripping off the cool, calm subject as he tries to deal with everything being thrown at him..And maintain his innocence..With lie after lie..We all are Waiting for him to trip up, to state something different from what he said before...
Anyone interested in crime Needs to grab this book! Even when Watts finally confesses, he still throws in Lies...He just Can Not take the blame for the evil he committed..Ugh..I was sick to my stomach when he tells who killed 'His' girls..I excitedly await the next in this case!!
I received an ARC from the authors, who I thank for opening my eyes to this horrific case, and I offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
Anyone interested in crime Needs to grab this book! Even when Watts finally confesses, he still throws in Lies...He just Can Not take the blame for the evil he committed..Ugh..I was sick to my stomach when he tells who killed 'His' girls..I excitedly await the next in this case!!
I received an ARC from the authors, who I thank for opening my eyes to this horrific case, and I offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
August 7, 2020
Well, what can I say about this book? I had no prior knowledge of the case before reading this. One word - heartbreaking.
What a vile creature Chris Watts is. This is the true account of what happened during the interviews he gave to the police after he killed his wife Shanann and his two daughters, Bella and Celeste. Such a tragic case. I was in tears several times throughout.
It beggar's belief how a family man can be so evil. When a relationship has run its course, why, oh why can't people just separate and lead their lives in peace? Why do certain people have to punish the wife and their offspring by killing them?
He's one cruel SOB. Twisted in every way. How he could even think about disposing of his beautiful daughters like that is truly beyond me.
If you love True Crime stories then this is a genuine must read case which must have taken the authors months and months of research to pull together.
What a vile creature Chris Watts is. This is the true account of what happened during the interviews he gave to the police after he killed his wife Shanann and his two daughters, Bella and Celeste. Such a tragic case. I was in tears several times throughout.
It beggar's belief how a family man can be so evil. When a relationship has run its course, why, oh why can't people just separate and lead their lives in peace? Why do certain people have to punish the wife and their offspring by killing them?
He's one cruel SOB. Twisted in every way. How he could even think about disposing of his beautiful daughters like that is truly beyond me.
If you love True Crime stories then this is a genuine must read case which must have taken the authors months and months of research to pull together.
July 11, 2020
'In Cold Blood - Discovering Chris Watts: The Facts - Part One'
by Netta Newbound & Marcus Brown
Releasing 4th September 2020.
Pre-order Link: https://geni.us/gbRlJSv
I guess it’s safe to say most people will have heard of the Watts case.
Christopher Lee (Chris) Watts, the dashing, seemingly genteel, affable man who murdered his entire family in a calculated attack that shocked the entire world.
Shanann Watts, his pregnant, incredibly beautiful wife whose life was snuffed out because her doting husband decided he wanted a fresh start.
Bella Marie and Celeste Cathryn (CeCe) Watts, adorable sisters who worshipped their father, the very man who suffocated them both in cold blood using their comfort blankets against them. He then went on to dispose of their tiny bodies into huge tanks filled with toxic crude oil.
Nico Lee Watts, Chris and Shanann’s unborn son.
No doubt, most of you watched the story unfold on the news, open-mouthed, in total shock. What could push a loving father to brutally murder his family? Surely there was some mistake? We all have preconceived ideas of how a monster should look–grotesque, hideously deformed, a crazed madman–not this handsome, mild-mannered, shy, polite gent who was often portrayed as the perfect husband and father.
So, what happened?
During this series we will look at the facts, the police investigation, the evidence, hear Chris Watts’ explanation and his reasoning. We will try to make some sense of what occurred during the early hours of August 13th 2018.
We will endeavour to present to you all aspects of the case, right from the initial investigation and how it unfolded, to the first and subsequent confessions all transcribed word for word (where possible) from actual video and audio footage obtained from the FBI’s Discovery Files.
by Netta Newbound & Marcus Brown
Releasing 4th September 2020.
Pre-order Link: https://geni.us/gbRlJSv
I guess it’s safe to say most people will have heard of the Watts case.
Christopher Lee (Chris) Watts, the dashing, seemingly genteel, affable man who murdered his entire family in a calculated attack that shocked the entire world.
Shanann Watts, his pregnant, incredibly beautiful wife whose life was snuffed out because her doting husband decided he wanted a fresh start.
Bella Marie and Celeste Cathryn (CeCe) Watts, adorable sisters who worshipped their father, the very man who suffocated them both in cold blood using their comfort blankets against them. He then went on to dispose of their tiny bodies into huge tanks filled with toxic crude oil.
Nico Lee Watts, Chris and Shanann’s unborn son.
No doubt, most of you watched the story unfold on the news, open-mouthed, in total shock. What could push a loving father to brutally murder his family? Surely there was some mistake? We all have preconceived ideas of how a monster should look–grotesque, hideously deformed, a crazed madman–not this handsome, mild-mannered, shy, polite gent who was often portrayed as the perfect husband and father.
So, what happened?
During this series we will look at the facts, the police investigation, the evidence, hear Chris Watts’ explanation and his reasoning. We will try to make some sense of what occurred during the early hours of August 13th 2018.
We will endeavour to present to you all aspects of the case, right from the initial investigation and how it unfolded, to the first and subsequent confessions all transcribed word for word (where possible) from actual video and audio footage obtained from the FBI’s Discovery Files.
September 3, 2020
I hadn't heard about this case before I started the book. After I finished it I was on Google trailing through interviews and news reports.
Chris Watts is a handsome guy, married to Shanann and dad to Bella, Celeste and their unborn son, a beautiful family. What makes a handsome, seemingly genteel man murder his wife and kids!!!!! I couldn't get my head around it, still can't.
The book is mainly interviews with the police and Chris and friends etc.
A sad, sad story that made me think long and hard as to why someone could possibly do such a horrific thing.
Chris Watts is a handsome guy, married to Shanann and dad to Bella, Celeste and their unborn son, a beautiful family. What makes a handsome, seemingly genteel man murder his wife and kids!!!!! I couldn't get my head around it, still can't.
The book is mainly interviews with the police and Chris and friends etc.
A sad, sad story that made me think long and hard as to why someone could possibly do such a horrific thing.
September 3, 2020
I hadn’t heard of the Watts case until I read this book.
How anyone can kill their wife, unborn son and 2 young children is beyond me.
I found this to be a very difficult book to read. Chris Watts is a despicable man and reading the interviews left me feeling so sad.
This must have been an extremely hard and daunting case to read up on and then write this book. I take my hat off to both the authors.
How anyone can kill their wife, unborn son and 2 young children is beyond me.
I found this to be a very difficult book to read. Chris Watts is a despicable man and reading the interviews left me feeling so sad.
This must have been an extremely hard and daunting case to read up on and then write this book. I take my hat off to both the authors.
August 21, 2020
How does one begin to describe the horrific events of August 13th 2018.....
Reading this book was my first time learning/hearing about this horrendous, heartbreaking and sickening crime. I was struggling to comprehend how a Father/Husband could commit such atrocities to those he was supposed to love and protect.
I was absolutely engrossed in the page by page documented investigation and detailed transcripts from the interviews with the FBI, and it has made me search for more with this case.
Well done Marcus and Netta on this informative and brilliant account of The Chris Watt Murders, you have truly opened my eyes to monsters that we all live amongst.
Reading this book was my first time learning/hearing about this horrendous, heartbreaking and sickening crime. I was struggling to comprehend how a Father/Husband could commit such atrocities to those he was supposed to love and protect.
I was absolutely engrossed in the page by page documented investigation and detailed transcripts from the interviews with the FBI, and it has made me search for more with this case.
Well done Marcus and Netta on this informative and brilliant account of The Chris Watt Murders, you have truly opened my eyes to monsters that we all live amongst.
September 4, 2020
Wow!!
I must say, this is probably the most compelling book I have ever read. Absolutely fascinating in so many ways, resulting in me being completely engrossed reading the transcripts of interviews from the FBI.
By the end I was left with so many thoughts and questions running around in my head, while acknowledging that this is one of the most heart wrenching true life stories I have come across.
I must say, this is probably the most compelling book I have ever read. Absolutely fascinating in so many ways, resulting in me being completely engrossed reading the transcripts of interviews from the FBI.
By the end I was left with so many thoughts and questions running around in my head, while acknowledging that this is one of the most heart wrenching true life stories I have come across.
July 1, 2021
This book is mainly interview transcripts from the discovery. Although I’ve watched and listened to all of the police bodycam videos, interrogations and the interview with NK, having it all in chronological order and written out makes it easier to digest the whole picture. The chapters each consist of a specific interview, video transcript, etc., and most are followed by thought provoking questions by the authors. This book almost completely avoids editorializing and speculation. Definitely recommend for those who want to dive deep into the Watts case!
February 13, 2021
This is a very interesting book about the Chris Watts case - the man who murdered his wife, unborn son and two daughters because he wanted to start a new life with a work colleague. When watching the news you miss stuff, but this book lays out all the information about the case in one place.
The authors have gathered police reports, transcripts, FBI paperwork, phone calls, texts messages, etc. and included them to show the events that took place after Shannon and the girls were reported missing, so you can try making since of what happened in August 2018 and maybe get some unanswered questions answered.
The authors have gathered police reports, transcripts, FBI paperwork, phone calls, texts messages, etc. and included them to show the events that took place after Shannon and the girls were reported missing, so you can try making since of what happened in August 2018 and maybe get some unanswered questions answered.
October 28, 2020
Ugh. Difficult read.
March 14, 2021
Full transcripts
This book is the full and complete transcripts from all the interviews,911 calls everything.It also answers some questions,like for me,I was wondering exactly how and when Chris Watts girlfriend came to their attention,and exactly what she said.This tells the story.
This book is the full and complete transcripts from all the interviews,911 calls everything.It also answers some questions,like for me,I was wondering exactly how and when Chris Watts girlfriend came to their attention,and exactly what she said.This tells the story.
March 8, 2021
Meh
Helpful if you don't want to download or read through entire discovery. Basically it reads word for word from the actual discovery and there's very little actual writing by "authors". I gave it three stars because it would take time to edit.
Helpful if you don't want to download or read through entire discovery. Basically it reads word for word from the actual discovery and there's very little actual writing by "authors". I gave it three stars because it would take time to edit.
September 6, 2020
Interview transcripts
It hasn’t really been ‘written’ it’s interview transcripts with maybe a few paragraphs from the authors and a plug for part 2.
It hasn’t really been ‘written’ it’s interview transcripts with maybe a few paragraphs from the authors and a plug for part 2.
May 3, 2021
Time taken to read - in and out over a few days
Pages -
Publisher -
Source - Amazon Prime ebook
Blurb from Goodreads
We guess it’s safe to say most people will have heard of the Watts case.
Christopher Lee (Chris) Watts, the dashing, seemingly genteel, affable man who murdered his entire family in a calculated attack that shocked the entire world.
Shanann Watts, his pregnant, incredibly beautiful wife whose life was snuffed out because her doting husband decided he wanted a fresh start.
Bella Marie and Celeste Cathryn (CeCe) Watts, adorable sisters who worshipped their father, the very man who suffocated them both in cold blood using their comfort blankets against them. He then went on to dispose of their tiny bodies into huge tanks filled with toxic crude oil.
Nico Lee Watts, Chris and Shanann’s unborn son.
No doubt, most of you watched the story unfold on the news, open-mouthed, in total shock. What could push a loving father to brutally murder his family? Surely there was some mistake? We all have preconceived ideas of how a monster should look–grotesque, hideously deformed, a crazed madman–not this handsome, mild-mannered, shy, polite gent who was often portrayed as the perfect husband and father.
So, what happened?
During this series we will look at the facts, the police investigation, the evidence, hear Chris Watts’ explanation and his reasoning. We will try to make some sense of what occurred during the early hours of August 13th 2018.
We will endeavour to present to you all aspects of the case, right from the initial investigation and how it unfolded, to the first and subsequent confessions all transcribed word for word (where possible) from actual video and audio footage obtained from the FBI’s Discovery Files.
My review
So I haven't seen the FBI Discovery Files footage but I did watch the Netflix show on the Watts family and what Chris did. This book has the word for word transcriptions of the interviews with the police & Chris, Chris's secret girlfriend, the lie detector test and the conversation Chris has with his father when he confessed to killing Shanann.
They have transcribed the interviews pretty much verbatim, if there was ums and ams they are exactly as they were spoken. The book opens with a brief intro to the authors, then a look at definitions of sociopaths and the different kinds and which they feel is relevant to Chris. Then the rest of the book is all of the interviews. At the end of each there is maybe a paragraph or two from the authors with speculation on what has just been said.
It is interesting, as I said I hadn't seen the files, the authors stress if you have then the book is not for you. I assume because the majority of what you see if what they have scribed in the book, if you haven't seen the files and are drawn to true crime then you will be fascinated and shocked.
The text can be a bit heavy going and monotonous but it is exactly what was said, I would have expected much more input from the authors but there is really not much. It is largely the interviews which is shocking and we seen some from the Netflix but apparently it is much more in the files.
Now the title does say part one but I hadn't appreciated it would stop where it did, it ends abruptly just as Chris tells where he put the wee girls. Part two is £8.99 (at time of posting) and despite having seen the Netflix documentary and knowing exactly what happens I had to get part 2, I hate being left hanging. There is a third part but there isn't much to it, less than 100 pages I think but I will look at it properly when I finish book two, 3/5 for me this time.
Pages -
Publisher -
Source - Amazon Prime ebook
Blurb from Goodreads
We guess it’s safe to say most people will have heard of the Watts case.
Christopher Lee (Chris) Watts, the dashing, seemingly genteel, affable man who murdered his entire family in a calculated attack that shocked the entire world.
Shanann Watts, his pregnant, incredibly beautiful wife whose life was snuffed out because her doting husband decided he wanted a fresh start.
Bella Marie and Celeste Cathryn (CeCe) Watts, adorable sisters who worshipped their father, the very man who suffocated them both in cold blood using their comfort blankets against them. He then went on to dispose of their tiny bodies into huge tanks filled with toxic crude oil.
Nico Lee Watts, Chris and Shanann’s unborn son.
No doubt, most of you watched the story unfold on the news, open-mouthed, in total shock. What could push a loving father to brutally murder his family? Surely there was some mistake? We all have preconceived ideas of how a monster should look–grotesque, hideously deformed, a crazed madman–not this handsome, mild-mannered, shy, polite gent who was often portrayed as the perfect husband and father.
So, what happened?
During this series we will look at the facts, the police investigation, the evidence, hear Chris Watts’ explanation and his reasoning. We will try to make some sense of what occurred during the early hours of August 13th 2018.
We will endeavour to present to you all aspects of the case, right from the initial investigation and how it unfolded, to the first and subsequent confessions all transcribed word for word (where possible) from actual video and audio footage obtained from the FBI’s Discovery Files.
My review
So I haven't seen the FBI Discovery Files footage but I did watch the Netflix show on the Watts family and what Chris did. This book has the word for word transcriptions of the interviews with the police & Chris, Chris's secret girlfriend, the lie detector test and the conversation Chris has with his father when he confessed to killing Shanann.
They have transcribed the interviews pretty much verbatim, if there was ums and ams they are exactly as they were spoken. The book opens with a brief intro to the authors, then a look at definitions of sociopaths and the different kinds and which they feel is relevant to Chris. Then the rest of the book is all of the interviews. At the end of each there is maybe a paragraph or two from the authors with speculation on what has just been said.
It is interesting, as I said I hadn't seen the files, the authors stress if you have then the book is not for you. I assume because the majority of what you see if what they have scribed in the book, if you haven't seen the files and are drawn to true crime then you will be fascinated and shocked.
The text can be a bit heavy going and monotonous but it is exactly what was said, I would have expected much more input from the authors but there is really not much. It is largely the interviews which is shocking and we seen some from the Netflix but apparently it is much more in the files.
Now the title does say part one but I hadn't appreciated it would stop where it did, it ends abruptly just as Chris tells where he put the wee girls. Part two is £8.99 (at time of posting) and despite having seen the Netflix documentary and knowing exactly what happens I had to get part 2, I hate being left hanging. There is a third part but there isn't much to it, less than 100 pages I think but I will look at it properly when I finish book two, 3/5 for me this time.
July 25, 2021
I don't know why I am so captivated by this story, especially since it barely registered, with me, when it happened.
Obviously, no kind words for Chris Watts. Even if he hated his wife with a passion, which he seems to imply in various interviews, his kids should not have been harmed....actually, NONE of them should have been hurt....divorce being the answer for a normal person. Obviously, nothing is normal here and while I knew a lot about the case, this book did divulge a few things I did not know.
It comes in three parts, so I have decided to review them separately.
The book itself is well researched and written - although a lot of it are direct testimonies, which are simply transcribed.
The strength, for me, in part 1 is the look at the actual murder itself. They did lose me with the transcribing of the very long Nichol Kessinger interview. There is definitely more than meets the eye there, but they basically gave her some soft balls to hit and she took advantage of it.
The look at the actual murder is so creepy and very, very sad. At times, I had to stop reading because it was so difficult to believe that a man could do this to his family. Having said this, the book is written in a way where we can imagine ourselves right in the corner screaming to Shannan NOT to come in when she comes home from her business trip and walks up to her porch and to her death.
This is a hard book to read because of the subject matter, but it a must read for all people who want to know more.
Part 2 to follow.
Obviously, no kind words for Chris Watts. Even if he hated his wife with a passion, which he seems to imply in various interviews, his kids should not have been harmed....actually, NONE of them should have been hurt....divorce being the answer for a normal person. Obviously, nothing is normal here and while I knew a lot about the case, this book did divulge a few things I did not know.
It comes in three parts, so I have decided to review them separately.
The book itself is well researched and written - although a lot of it are direct testimonies, which are simply transcribed.
The strength, for me, in part 1 is the look at the actual murder itself. They did lose me with the transcribing of the very long Nichol Kessinger interview. There is definitely more than meets the eye there, but they basically gave her some soft balls to hit and she took advantage of it.
The look at the actual murder is so creepy and very, very sad. At times, I had to stop reading because it was so difficult to believe that a man could do this to his family. Having said this, the book is written in a way where we can imagine ourselves right in the corner screaming to Shannan NOT to come in when she comes home from her business trip and walks up to her porch and to her death.
This is a hard book to read because of the subject matter, but it a must read for all people who want to know more.
Part 2 to follow.
November 20, 2020
A HEARTBREAKING READ
I have closely followed this case from the start. Have watched everything on uTube and The Netflix Documentary, etc. This book is a detailed addition to it all. During The Police Interrogations, it was difficult to hear everything that was said. The authors did a thorough job in getting it all down,so we can actually read the lies that Christopher Watts actually said. The beautiful lives of Shanann, Bella, Celeste, and Baby Nico were destroyed by an evil wicked monster, who only had one care in life - that was himself. The effect that this evilness must have on Shanann's family and friends is utterly heartbreaking. I cannot believe that a person could be so downright cruel as Christopher Watts. He actually repulses me and I still think that he should have been given the Death Penalty and for it to have been done straight away. The world doesn't deserve to have monsters like that in it. Well done to the authors for their hard work in getting this book together and I will be getting the follow-up on this case. I do recommend this book but beware that what you will read will stay in your mind for a long time. God Bless Shanann and her beautiful babies.
I have closely followed this case from the start. Have watched everything on uTube and The Netflix Documentary, etc. This book is a detailed addition to it all. During The Police Interrogations, it was difficult to hear everything that was said. The authors did a thorough job in getting it all down,so we can actually read the lies that Christopher Watts actually said. The beautiful lives of Shanann, Bella, Celeste, and Baby Nico were destroyed by an evil wicked monster, who only had one care in life - that was himself. The effect that this evilness must have on Shanann's family and friends is utterly heartbreaking. I cannot believe that a person could be so downright cruel as Christopher Watts. He actually repulses me and I still think that he should have been given the Death Penalty and for it to have been done straight away. The world doesn't deserve to have monsters like that in it. Well done to the authors for their hard work in getting this book together and I will be getting the follow-up on this case. I do recommend this book but beware that what you will read will stay in your mind for a long time. God Bless Shanann and her beautiful babies.
September 5, 2020
Before I read this, the only knowledge I had about this case is I vaguely remember hearing something about this case on the news, I didn’t know the facts or anything. However, after I finished this book I found myself trawling the internet looking at articles, interviews etc. I just couldn’t wait until part 2 to know more.
This book shocked and saddened me, It consists mainly of police interviews with the seemingly doting family man “Chris Watts”, following the mysterious disappearance of his Wife, two young daughters and their unborn son. One thing for sure is this mask he put on, of a loving Dad and husband, slipped enough for the police to see through it.
Why though?
This is a good read for any fellow true crime fans!
This book shocked and saddened me, It consists mainly of police interviews with the seemingly doting family man “Chris Watts”, following the mysterious disappearance of his Wife, two young daughters and their unborn son. One thing for sure is this mask he put on, of a loving Dad and husband, slipped enough for the police to see through it.
Why though?
This is a good read for any fellow true crime fans!
August 14, 2022
I have to say that I was at First a little disappointed to realize this book consisted only in transcripts of the Police interrogations to some of the key participants.
And yet I ended up liking this a lot, as it is something I had never seen before.
I found it very interesting to see how police interrogates people, especially Chris who was the number 1 suspect since the beginning.
I was particularly fascinated by how a poligraph test is conducted, so different to what I thought!
The authors specified that they deliberately kept all the fillers like “like “, “um “ in the conversations and I wish they hadn’t as it makes reading and fully understanding kinda tedious and hard.
The best proof I enjoyed this book is that I immediately bought the second one.
And yet I ended up liking this a lot, as it is something I had never seen before.
I found it very interesting to see how police interrogates people, especially Chris who was the number 1 suspect since the beginning.
I was particularly fascinated by how a poligraph test is conducted, so different to what I thought!
The authors specified that they deliberately kept all the fillers like “like “, “um “ in the conversations and I wish they hadn’t as it makes reading and fully understanding kinda tedious and hard.
The best proof I enjoyed this book is that I immediately bought the second one.
December 7, 2020
The first is a series of books about this notorious case about Christopher Watts, a man who murdered his whole family; his pregnant wife and two young daughters.
I’ve never read a true crime book before and this isn’t an easy read in more than one way. Disturbing and upsetting it is the story of an evil man and it is largely a lot of transcribed interviews Watts had with the police.
I will read the next book to see just how this is going to pan out. 4*
I’ve never read a true crime book before and this isn’t an easy read in more than one way. Disturbing and upsetting it is the story of an evil man and it is largely a lot of transcribed interviews Watts had with the police.
I will read the next book to see just how this is going to pan out. 4*
September 4, 2021
Very easy to follow.
As stated in the opening of the book, it definitely follows what you see in the Netflix documentary. But it was so much easier reading this book for myself because I didn’t quite catch what was said in the video footage on Netflix. So reading this book you learn MORE than what the documentary showed. It was also easier to understand the bits and pieces shown in the documentary.
As stated in the opening of the book, it definitely follows what you see in the Netflix documentary. But it was so much easier reading this book for myself because I didn’t quite catch what was said in the video footage on Netflix. So reading this book you learn MORE than what the documentary showed. It was also easier to understand the bits and pieces shown in the documentary.
October 14, 2020
I’ve recently watched the Netflix documentary on this murder case so currently reading available books. This was pretty good because it was the transcripts from the interviews so was very thorough and of course , I don’t recall hearing all this on the actual documentary. Very good read but heartbreaking as it states actual facts. Book 2 is out December.
October 23, 2023
Police Discovery Files
Most of the reading is of police discovery files including interviews with Chris Watts and Nikki K. It also includes the initial calls from Nicole A to police that began the Watts murder story.
Overall, a tragic read even if it is mainly just transcripts. It truly shows the corruption of man as a wicked sinner.
Most of the reading is of police discovery files including interviews with Chris Watts and Nikki K. It also includes the initial calls from Nicole A to police that began the Watts murder story.
Overall, a tragic read even if it is mainly just transcripts. It truly shows the corruption of man as a wicked sinner.
April 6, 2021
Astounding
I think I was utterly shocked and surprised at all the information that was acquired. I was familiar with this case, but still found myself floored at the lies and deception that Chris Watts gave. Bravo to writers Netta and Marcus.
I think I was utterly shocked and surprised at all the information that was acquired. I was familiar with this case, but still found myself floored at the lies and deception that Chris Watts gave. Bravo to writers Netta and Marcus.
February 21, 2023
I actually couldn't finish it. Made it about 3/4 way through but the interrogation scenes etc did my head in. Too hard to keep track of what was already asked and answered etc. Too much like reading a script.
September 12, 2020
Interesting case I’d never heard of before and some intriguing insights from the authors
October 15, 2020
This is a really lazy ‘book’. Just transcripts of interviews with far too much unnecessary detail left in. I had to skip big chunks of it! Not impressed.
December 6, 2020
Waste of time
Please don’t confuse title with Truman Capote’s masterpiece. I didn’t care for format. Grammar was uneducated and deplorable. Even thumbing through it, waste of time.
Please don’t confuse title with Truman Capote’s masterpiece. I didn’t care for format. Grammar was uneducated and deplorable. Even thumbing through it, waste of time.
March 25, 2021
Decent
Ok to read if you’re unfamiliar with the case otherwise it’s pretty much a transcription of the very rich documented case.
Ok to read if you’re unfamiliar with the case otherwise it’s pretty much a transcription of the very rich documented case.
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