The Perfect Father: The True Story of Chris Watts, His All-American Family, and a Shocking Murder

L📖 John Glatt's "The Perfect Father: The True Story of Chris Watts, His All-American Family, and a Shocking Murder" plunges readers into one of the most chilling and perplexing true crime cases of recent memory. With his signature journalistic rigor, Glatt dissects the public façade and the horrifying private reality of Chris Watts, a man who meticulously orchestrated the murder of his pregnant wife, Shanann, and their two young daughters, Bella and Celeste. 📖 Glatt's approach in "The Perfect Father" is commendable for its thoroughness and commitment to presenting the facts. He meticulously pieces together the timeline of events, drawing from investigative reports, police interrogations, social media posts, text messages, and interviews with those close to the Watts family. This comprehensive research allows him to construct a detailed narrative that unfolds with the precision of a police procedural, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of understanding what led to such an unthinkable act. 📖 One of the book's strengths lies in its exploration of the stark contrast between the Watts family's online persona and their deteriorating private life. Glatt skillfully highlights how Chris and Shanann curated an image of domestic bliss on social media, showcasing a seemingly perfect marriage and an idyllic family. This "Instagram-able" world, as some reviewers have noted, made the subsequent revelation of Chris Watts's depravity all the more shocking and difficult for the public to reconcile. Glatt exposes the cracks in this façade, delving into the marital struggles, financial pressures, and Chris's infidelity that simmered beneath the surface, ultimately boiling over into horrific violence. 📖 While Glatt's reporting is undeniably gripping, particularly his detailed account of the investigation and the psychological tactics used to elicit Chris Watts's confession, some readers might find the early sections on the couple's relationship and marital dysfunction somewhat repetitive. However, this repetition serves a purpose, emphasizing the subtle yet significant shifts that occurred within their dynamic, leading to the ultimate tragedy. 📖 This book also touches upon the profound impact of this case on first responders, investigators, and the families and friends of the victims. Glatt ensures that the human cost of Chris Watts's actions is never lost amidst the procedural details, portraying the devastation felt by all touched by the murders. 📖 For true crime aficionados, "The Perfect Father" offers a compelling and comprehensive account of a modern family annihilation. Glatt's objective narrative largely refrains from speculation, instead allowing the evidence to speak for itself. While the book doesn't claim to definitively answer the why behind Chris Watts's monstrous acts – a question that continues to haunt many – it provides an unparalleled insight into the how and the chilling unraveling of a man who presented himself as the epitome of a devoted husband and father. 📖 In conclusion, "The Perfect Father" is a difficult read, as any true crime book dealing with such profound loss inevitably is. However, John Glatt's meticulous research, balanced perspective, and ability to weave together a coherent and captivating narrative make it an essential and impactful addition to the true crime genre. It serves as a stark reminder that appearances can be deceiving and that even in seemingly "perfect" lives, unimaginable darkness can lurk beneath.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This book earned four stars from me, mostly because it is written like an evidence log. There is very little nuance, just the facts as interpreted by the author. So, if you are looking for a finely woven tale about the horrific Watts murders, this may not be the right book. If you are looking to cut to the chase, then definitely purchase this. Now for a rant. A certain subset of millennial/gen Z labelers wrote this off as "victim-blaming/shaming" because it dared to discuss Shanann Watts's personality and behavior as an important part of the narrative. I even read one person's ridiculous argument that this book was proof that the world just can't deal with "strong women." These kinds of absurd, logical fallacies assume, of course, that a strong woman is one that emasculates her husband/partner, cossets her children, posts her whole life on social media (whether those in her life like it or not), drowns herself in debt, declares bankruptcy, continues to drown herself in debt, and quits a stable career job to chase an MLM pyramid scheme. And all of this, while painting a phony facade of success and blissful happiness. She drove a $70,000+ Lexus when she couldn't afford a used Hyundai! There is ample evidence that Shanann Watts checked all of those unfortunate boxes. Chastising the author for pointing that out just doesn't fly. Speaking of "blaming." Either you want the whole story or you don't. You need to decide. If one pays close attention to the "American Murder" documentary, Shanann's issues are plain to see without ever reading this book. So, again, if you are an insufferable denialist, you may want to move on from this title. With that said, and I cannot emphasize this enough, Chris Watts is a bad, bad guy who deserves to spend the rest of his natural life (and then some) in prison. Suffice to say that there were a thousand better ways to handle the situation he was in than killing his wife, two little girls, and an unborn child. This book does a decent job of chronicling the fact that there were a lot of underlying issues with both Shanann and Chris. These were two disturbed individuals in many ways and for very different reasons. Seeing how their families reacted to a variety of circumstances, including the murders, was telling. They were, unfortunately, a match made in hell, but this wasn't the first and, certainly, won't be the last time fire and ice come together and it did not have to result in murder. The author effectively builds the case that Chris Watts simply snapped. Period. He was a painfully introverted person who had endured eight years of Shanann's abrasive personality, controlling behavior and extroverted social media addiction. He went from the light to the dark in a big hurry. And that was unforgivable, but it demonstrates the complexities of emotions when life unravels and unhappiness turns to despair. There was no excuse for what he did, but there were reasons and that's an important distinction. The people who draw the black and white inferences eluded to earlier have, clearly, never been to the edge of an abyss where they feel helplessly stuck. Again, no excuses, but "reasons" galore. The last few chapters, where Watts confesses are brutal and unimaginable, regardless of the situation he was in. It left a big knot in my stomach. Even though there is plenty of information presented about Nichol, the girlfriend, I still feel like there's a lot more to that story. And I think she got off easy in the grand scheme of it all. Yes, lots of guys cheat with a variety of different women. Most of the guys lie their butts off too, but she knew he was married with two kids. Does that make her a homewrecker or gullible? I guess that's up to the reader to decide. This is a passable true crime book and if you are into that, you will probably enjoy this.

I've been reading true crime for many years, but few cases are as shocking and gripping as this one. What would make a seemingly loving husband and father kill his entire family? Being from a state far away from Colorado, I didn't get much background or information on this case, other than the screaming headlines when the crime first occurred. So, I couldn't wait to get this book to acquire some insight. I wasn't disappointed! John Glatt is an excellent writer and discloses the facts in a very straightforward way, without the heavy-handed blather some authors use. It helps the reader to come to their own conclusions after reading what actually happened. This book is a page-turner that you'll find difficult to put down. Before I go on, let me state emphatically that what Chris did was totally despicable. A divorce would've solved everything, without so much horror and pain for everyone. No one is justified in taking anyone else's life for any reason, unless it's for self-defense, which this case was clearly not. The knowledge that he had actually premeditated the crime makes it all the more appalling. To me, this case is a dramatic demonstration that opposites may attract, but should never get married. I believe that Chris, being shy, was fine at first with Shan'Ann being the go-getter and the person who called the shots in the marriage. It relieved him of responsibility, and he knew that everything that needed to be done to keep their lives in order would be done in Shan'Ann's "perfect" way. All he had to do was be there and smile. But, once she got into the Thrive network and pursued it with almost religious zeal, posting everything about their lives online and forcing him to be a part of it, even to the point of finding out that she was pregnant again on camera, his discomfort grew. The man who just wanted to live a simple life and not one that was constantly being displayed to the world, where he had to be "on" every minute, began to feel resentful. It was at this time that he should've expressed his feelings. But it was something he'd never done before and didn't feel comfortable doing. To her credit, Shan'Ann kept asking him to talk to her about what was bothering him. She wanted to know how to fix things. Instead, he pretended that everything was fine and let the bitterness fester until it ate him alive. An intervention, such as marriage counseling, should have been tried. But, sadly it wasn't. When he started seeing Nikki, he pictured a world where he could just be himself with a woman who demanded nothing, where he could go back to having no responsibilities and no prying eyes. It intoxicated him and made him believe that he could leave his old world behind, no matter what it took to do it. But the option he chose was reprehensible, and he deserves no pity. When I think of all the life that Chris wasted, including his own, I hope he realizes what an idiot he was. He could've had everything without doing those terrible acts. I hope he thinks about it every day until the day he expires in prison. I feel my own life experience gives me a lot of insight into this case. I, myself was in this type of marriage, but with the sexes reversed. My husband was the controlling one, and I was the quiet mouse that went along with everything, trying to stay silent and keep the peace. I was walking on egg shells all the time. But after 6 years (ironically the same amount of time the Wattses were married), I'd finally had enough. I certainly didn't kill him, but I divorced him and raised our small child alone. It was hard, but I made it, and my son is 43 now. Emotions can run wild in a troubled marriage, but you have to have that inner core that says there's another way to end the misery without destroying your family. It's too bad that he was missing that essential part of his humanity. He'll have a long time to contemplate his actions in jail.

I almost didn't buy this book. I kept track of the news and watched documentaries on the case over the years. I figured I had heard everything regarding this story but I was wrong. This book captivated me from the first page. The author, John Glatt, did an amazing job bringing the story to life. I not only learned what happened but learned who Chris and Shannan Watts really were. That is a very important part to the story. This book goes beyond just the case. It also updates the readers on the detectives and their heartbreaking end. Special prayers for Shannan and Chris Watts families.

This book is a decent overview of the Chris Watts case. I find the mass market paperback to be bound so tight/clise that it’s hard to read the sides of the pages at the spine which is annoying, I wish i had just gotten the full paperback or hardcover. I’ve read this book before I just wanted an inexpensive hardcopy but don’t recall ever having issues with mass markets before. The content is okay, close followers of the case won’t learn much new but casual followers interested in the story for a first read will. Finally I just want to say that I feel guilt when reading this book because I know how much Shanann and her family, the Rzuceks (I hope I spelled that right) suffered at the hands of Chris Watts, HIS family, and a lot of so-called online sleuths and commenters. I hope when you read this book you think of the babies and Shanann and how Chris Watts is a monster who is exactly where he belongs except he does not deserve books, tablets, letters and phone calls because his babies and wife will never enjoy such things again and he deprived their friends and family if ever seeing or talking to them again. He could have chosen to LEAVE without harming any if them. Never forget there is NO excuse for this crime. Chris could have moved back in with his parents or even just moved out and gone to stay with anyone. No excuse at all to touch any of them. My heart is with you Frank Sr., Frankie, and Sandy.

Well written. I’ll never forget the day this popped up online. Everyone had their own opinions on what happened. This is just so sad. I recently watched the documentary and my husband asked what I was watching and explained briefly about it. He was shocked and said how could anyone do that to their family especially their kids. A monster. This gives a good timeline and everything about their life. Now I think his side piece should e been investigated. I think she had more to do with it. Her going into protection is giving her a way out. He deserved death. He doesn’t deserve to sit in a cell and be alive for what he did. I have more I’d say but it’s worth the read if you don’t know much about what happened.

Trigger warning: this book contains graphic descriptions of smothering and concealment of dead bodies, including children. This was heavy. And incredibly sad. I was fairly knowledgeable able this case, having followed it during the trial and watch documentaries about it. But reading the details of what Chris Watts did to him pregnant wife and daughters... wow. That man is a cold blooded monster. Nothing can be said to justify his actions. This book was very well written, the details were handled with care and I feel as though everyone involved was given a fair and unbiased depiction. My heart absolutely breaks for the families on both sides of this case. In situations like this... no one comes out okay. And this book definitely made that clear. Tragic and utterly heartbreaking, the story of Chris Watts, family annihilator, will make you sick to your stomach. Reading the details of this case will absolutely break your heart, make you angry, and leave you in complete disbelief... how can a father do the things this man did? How can a father murder his babies, with his own hands, and then go on camera pretending to plead for their safe return? Nothing within these pages is comforting. Nothing within the details of this case make sense or are justified. This is a devastating account of the tragedies that occurred. Read at your own will, this book is incredibly heavy.

I have read in some of the comments that there is “victim blaming” - I don’t see it that way. Just because someone passes away, doesn’t mean you have to depict them in another way other than who they really were. I am not justifying his actions in any way shape or form, but it is interesting to try to understand why he would commit such an atrocious act. Keeping our anger bottled up and not being true to who we are, can be so damaging… and emotional abuse comes in different forms and it isn’t always from the husband. Again, he could have done the right thing and just left; but he was selfish and wanted to be free from the financial obligations and all that comes with a divorce. Anyways, I really enjoyed this book - couldn’t put it down. Will look for more books from this writer.

The book is very good BUT what about NK? The author didn't investigate, he should have. Many secrets, many lies he doesn't talk about.

I am not usually a true crime buff, but when I first saw this on TV, it captivated me. "What was the truth? How can a father do this? A million questions that everyone else asked themselves when they saw this reported. It is hard to review a book that details a horrific true story. I would never call this book great, because that would feel too voyeuristic, but this book certainly made me stop and think ...... alot. How can a love affair, a happy family stray to far to the point of murder. I cannot wrap my head around what is/was wrong with this man. The book is honest in detailing the whole situation and for once, I appreciated the ton of information given about Chris as a child. I normally skip over that, but this was compelling to the last page. Watts has given so many versions of his story that it is hard to know what is the truth. Is he a misguided soul who strayed horrendously? or is he a manipulative bast@@@ who knew exactly what he was doing? I get the feeling that he is somewhere betwen the two scenarios and the book did an excellent job od putting us in the center of everything - we felt all the pain, we felt everything he did to his family. Well written and as I mentioned, highly compelling.

Dieser Fall ist so abscheulich und grausam. Beim lesen fragt man sich ständig: Was hat diesen (scheinbar) normalen, liebevollen und treu sorgenden Familienvater nur dazu gebracht, seine schwangere Frau und 2 Töchter zu töten? Man kann und will es nicht verstehen. Beim lesen kommen einen diese ganzen Bilder und Videos, die Shanann von sich, Chris und den Kindern aufgenommen hatte, in den Kopf und man „kennt „ ja quasi jeden Quadratmeter in diesem großen Haus. Es ist einfach zu lesen, auch für jemanden dessen Englisch Kenntnisse nicht so perfekt sind. Einige Wörter muss man übersetzen, aber dank Google usw. kein Problem. Habe weitere Bücher über diesen Fall gelesen um ,unter anderem ,mein Englisch zu verbessern

A well written book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Good read.