The Evil Within: Murdered by her stepbrother – the crime that shocked a nation. The heartbreaking story of Becky Watts by her father

I absolutely loved everything about this horribly soul wrenching book that laid out the intimate details of not just the murder, but life and beauty that was Rebecca Watts. I could not have read a better book that depicted such detail, imagery that must have been so hard for this grieving father to pen, but he did, and I thank him for it. Rebecca Watts was a very brave girl that would have been wonderful to meet. Her love of fashion and design made my heart swell after the horrible anorexia battle. She really was a fighter and would have made wakes in this pool of life. I feel very honored to have read about her, even if it was for the worst reason imaginable. Nathan and Shauna did not deserve the love and adoration that was given to him by the Galsworthys' but it was a harrowing try by them and beautiful Becky. No one could have guessed. The strength it took to write this book is phenomenal and I highly recommend this to anyone. Very well written with love and compassion. The raw feelings expressed could not even be matched by my understanding. It was a remarkable read, I loved it. Becky will remain in my heart now forever.

The foreword of the story failed to grab my interest; however, I was hooked from the first chapter onward. I did not want to put the book down. I knew what was going to happen, but I wanted to know how, why and when. This was a devastating tragedy that affected family, friends, and a town. Becky Watts was only in her mid-teens when she was brutally murdered in her own home by her 28 year old step-brother whom she had grown up with. This true heartrending and soul-stirring story is written in great detail by Becky’s bereaved father. Becky was a shy sixteen year old with a big heart. She had endured loneliness and because of that she had suffered from anorexia, but now all of that was behind her. Becky loved her family and had finally managed to have a few friends. She was beginning to blossom. Becky was greatly loved by her father, step-mother and other family members, but obviously the step-brother was not so loving. The story starts before Becky and her brother Danny were born. It includes many good times that were had by Darren the father and his step-son Nathan. Darren had loved and treated Nathan like his own son. The bittersweet story describes the emotions of each family member and is a step-by-step narrative of how a normal family’s life is completely shattered by an unbelievable tragedy. The tragic story is well-written in British terminology. It reads like a raw, edgy thriller; however, it is a true story that is shocking and extremely bittersweet.

This book was beautifully written. I could feel the pain of the father in every sentence. It was such a difficult book to read, yet I read it in a single day. Couldn’t put it down. It’s not easy to share such raw and intimate details of a story like this, but he did it so well. Thank you for sharing this story with the world. Rest in peace Becky.

Many who reviewed this book criticized the writer for his many details in the background of the events leading up to this tragedy; however, in my opinion, the details are necessary to set the stage for this unthinkable act. Perhaps those who criticize the most have never experienced a true catastrophe in their lives or the lives of loved ones, and that is fortunate for them. I felt the pain as he walked us through the relationship with each member of his family, and felt the disappointment when they were never granted closure by Nathan. Hopefully, before they die, he will tell his mother and step father the true reasons that brought him to that point and why he performed such unspeakable acts. While it starts slow, hang on because it's worth the read.

This is a sad and gruesome story, dramatic enough to keep you reading. Problem is, this is a personal memoir, whose author is not a professional writer, not even a good one. He heaps up cliches and says the same thing over and over. I thought I would scream if he again wrote about how kind the people of Bristol are or testified again about how he couldn't make it without his wife. Without the repetition, this would be a pamphlet instead of a book. He sketches a sentimentalized portrait of his daughter. It is mawkish, but conveys enough that you mourn her loss. It was brave for this man to write such a complex story without a ghost writer. But even so, the raw events of the book make it memorable and you put the book down with your share of the grief for this poor murdered girl.

A very emotional, heartbreaking story of a beautiful young girl who was taken away from those who love her, in the most terrible way imaginable. I remember when this horrific crime took place. My own daughter is only slightly younger than Becky, they have much in common which made this book very difficult to read. In fact, there are parts I couldn’t read, skipping some pages after breaking down in tears. It is very well written and is an amazing tribute to Becky. Highly recommended, but difficult to read in some parts. Be prepared to be affected x

Compelling and heartbreaking read. An unimaginable circumstance to have to endure. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who reads true crime.

This book is a very good book. Very emotional it was easy to be angry and sad with the writer.

If someone wrote a novel based on this book, it wouldn’t be credible; love, betrayal, murder and dismemberment, all within one blended family. But so often truth is stranger than fiction. I remember the news headlines of Becky’s disappearance, and then of her murder. Darren Galsworthy, Becky’s father, writes about Becky’s life and horrific murder, but there’s also quite a bit of Darren’s biography as well, and the various family relationships. It’s very much the account of a working-class life, and he describes childhood neglect and poverty, and the sort of difficult circumstances where social workers are involved. It’s especially sad because Becky was obviously emotionally fragile. She found it hard to make friends, and struggled quite a bit in her short life, but she had passions and dreams that she hoped to fulfill. Darren isn’t an experienced writer, and if I had any criticisms, it’s that the book could have been better edited. But’s it’s a huge story on so many levels, tragic and incredibly, unbelievably traumatic. I actually bought this book by accident – thanks to 1-click it suddenly appeared on my iPad! It’s not my usual sort of reading material, but I’m glad I bought it, because it was an amazing and gripping read, and took me into a totally unfamiliar world. I wish Darren and his family well, and hope they can find peace somehow.

Unbelievably sad. Get your tissues ready. Shows a real bond between a couple with combined families despite a wickedly evil child within it. Very powerful.