Non-Fiction Audiobook Mystery Biography History

Quick Take

In The Perfect Father, New York Times bestselling author John Glatt reveals the true story of a Colorado family whose storybook life turned into a nightmare.In the early morning hours of August 13th, 2018, Shanann Watts was dropped off at her Frederick, Colorado home by a colleague after returning from a business trip. It was the last time anyone would see her alive. By the next day, Shanann and her two young daughters, Bella and Celeste, had been reported missing, and her husband, Chris Watts, was appearing on the local news, pleading for his family's safe return.But Chris Watts already knew that he would never see his family again. Less than 24 hours after his desperate plea, Watts made a shocking confession to police: he had strangled his pregnant wife to death and smothered their daughters, dumping their bodies at a nearby oil site. Heartbroken friends and neighbors watched in shock as the movie-star handsome, devoted family man they knew was arrested and charged with first degree murder. The perfect mask Chris had presented to the world in his TV interviews and the family's Facebook accounts was slipping--and what lay beneath was a horrifying image of instability, infidelity, sexual ambivalence, and boiling rage.In this first major account of the case, bestselling author and journalist John Glatt reveals the truth behind the tragedy and constructs a chilling portrait of one of the most shocking family annihilator cases of the 21st century.

Reader's Review

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

Introduction

"The Perfect Father" by John Glatt is a gripping true crime book that delves into the shocking murder case of Chris Watts, his all-American family, and the tragic events that unfolded. This book provides readers with a detailed account of the case, revealing the truth behind the tragedy and constructing a chilling portrait of one of the most shocking family annihilator cases of the 21st century.

About John Glatt

John Glatt is an experienced journalist and author known for his books on true crime. With over 30 years of experience in investigative journalism, Glatt has written extensively on various crimes and criminal cases. His extensive knowledge and expertise shine through in "The Perfect Father," allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the case and its implications.

Analysis of Views

Engaging Storytelling: Readers praise the book for its engaging storytelling, finding it difficult to put down. The narrative approach keeps readers hooked, making it a compelling read despite the tragic subject matter.
New Insights: Many readers appreciate the book for providing new insights into the case. They feel that Glatt's research and investigation bring fresh perspectives to the story, revealing details that were previously unknown or overlooked.
Detailed Account: Readers commend the book for its detailed account of the case, including both the background information and the events leading up to the murder. They find it informative and well-researched, providing a comprehensive understanding of the case.
Sympathetic Portrayal: Some readers express concern about the portrayal of Shanann Watts, the victim in the case. They feel that Glatt's writing suggests she was partly responsible for her own death, which they find unfair and inappropriate given the horrific nature of the crime.
Balanced Perspective: Others appreciate Glatt's balanced perspective in presenting both sides of the story. They find it important to understand the complexities of relationships and the factors that may have contributed to Chris Watts' actions, even if they do not condone his actions.

Reasons for Recommendation

In-Depth Investigation: Readers recommend "The Perfect Father" for its in-depth investigation into the case. They appreciate Glatt's thorough research and his ability to provide a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the murder.
Engaging Storytelling: The book's engaging storytelling style is another reason for its recommendation. Readers find it difficult to put down, making it an enjoyable and immersive reading experience.
New Perspectives: The book's ability to provide new insights into the case is also highly recommended. Readers appreciate Glatt's unbiased approach and his ability to shed light on aspects of the story that were previously unknown or overlooked.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Victim Blaming: Some readers express concerns about Glatt's portrayal of Shanann Watts, which they perceive as victim blaming. They feel that he places undue responsibility on her for her own death, which they find inappropriate given the horrific nature of the crime.
Lack of Empathy: A few readers feel that Glatt lacks empathy towards Shanann Watts and her family, which they find problematic given the sensitive nature of the subject matter. They feel that he should have shown more compassion and understanding towards the victims and their loved ones.

Conclusion

"The Perfect Father" by John Glatt is a well-researched and engaging true crime book that delves into the shocking murder case of Chris Watts and his all-American family. While some readers express concerns about the portrayal of Shanann Watts and the lack of empathy towards her, others praise the book for its in-depth investigation, engaging storytelling, and new insights into the case. Overall, "The Perfect Father" offers readers a compelling look into one of the most shocking family annihilator cases of the 21st century, providing a chilling portrait of human nature and its darkest excesses.