Evil Eyes

So a self-confessed serial killer who sliced, choked, stabbed, and drowned his way thru Houston, aka Michigan's "Sunday Morning Slasher," promises to kill again if able, yet was due at the age of 52 for mandatory release in May 2006--and this in Texas! He admits to 13 murders and his own words back up official suspicions of responsibility for about 100! Yet with all the victims and affected parties the reader is not overwhelmed, as the author employs a masterfully understated style that conveys the events, lives, and outrage with clarity and suspense that doesn't resort to tabloid-style sensationalism. The man can write! But for those who read true crime for information, you can pick up some simply prudent tips for protecting self, loved ones, and community--tinted car windows protect against more than the sun; trimmed shrubbery can't hurt, a lot can happen between the car and the front door; and be aware of potentially life-threatening weaknesses in "the system"--mayoral/police politics, good conduct time and mandatory release policies, intercity cooperation problems, the surveillance-v-harrassment issue, pressure to clear cases, etc--this and more is woven into the story. Oh, and if you think it's a downer to read about human depravity and official callousness or incompetence, no worry, there are inspiring real heroes here too (survivors, citizens, professionals). Finally, I especially like that the author describes without prescribing: He mentions childhood ailments, yet doesn't insist medicine has the answer for serial killers; same thing w/noting sexual oddities, family history, spiritual comments, involvement in aggressive sports, and so on--all is recorded, but the reader is left to process the info and determine the causes and solutions of such deviancy. I for one am sick of the "Have You Seen This Person?" inserts in my mailbox and am thankful for this awareness-raising pageturner that speaks for those who cannot, though their blood cries out.

Heard the author of this on the radio yesterday morning on my way to work. Book sounded fasinating so I went out at lunch and bought it. Read some while I ate and did not want to stop reading. I counted down the seconds for the remainder of my work day and rushed home to finish it. Even though it's a long book I finished it a little after midnight. What an amazing book. I did not know much about Coral Watts save for a few headlines here or there, but I was completely blown away as to why this man's name is not more well known than Ted Bundy or Jeff Dahmer. After reading Evil Eyes, I believe that will change. The author does an incredible job of bringing the dozens and dozens of victims back to life with a richness of detail and a sympathy not evidenced in the majority of other true crime books. I felt the pain the girls suffered at the hands of Coral Watts. I also learned more about what makes a seemingly normal young man want to kill over and over again. The book is much more than a body count tally, however, as the story of one of the victims mother who goes on a 22 year crusdae to keep a serial killer behind bars. I cannot believe that this man almost walked free less than one month ago. Scary book. Beautifully written. Frightening as hell.

Corey Mitchell Pens Another True Crime Classic!! Corey Mitchell is easily the best modern-day true crime author and once again hits it out of the park with 'Evil Eyes.' I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book and boy, am I ever grateful! The frightening story of Coral Eugene Watts, the worst serial killer in American history, kept me up late for two nights straight. Mitchell's effortless writing style, combined with his ability to make such a gruesome tale come to life, made me feel like I was reading a novel. There is so much information on Watts, yet I never felt bogged down like so many other true crime authors these days. I was fascinated by the casual nature of Watts and how he killed and killed and killed with no remorse whatsoever. I was also fascinated with Harriett Semander's tale -- she is the mother of one of Watts' many victims and plays a key role in what happens to her daughter's killer. Mitchell not only weaves Watts and Semander's stories, but dozens more and I never once was confused. Mitchell's research is impeccable, his organization is top notch, and his writing skill is leaps and bounds above the competition. 'Evil Eyes' is easily the best true crime book of the past 12 months. Do yourself a favor and rush out to buy this book now!! Corey Mitchell is the new Truman Capote!

I had the pleasure to read an advanced copy of Evil Eyes, and was amazed. I've since bought several copies for family members. The author brings to life the struggle of good versus evil in this true tale of the motiveless, random murders of young women at the hands of Coral Watts- possibly the most prolific serial killer in American history. Thoroughly researched, written in a smooth stlye that sets the author apart from the often dry style of true crime reporting. Respect and reverent detail are given to the victims of this tragedy, and of a mothers quest to make sure this monster never roams among us again. A superb read, the author has you biting your nails as he leads you on the hunt for Watts across the United States. Mitchell also exposes common misconception regarding serial murder and race, and profiling...Evil Eyes has enough true crime lore not related to the case to keep the reader hungry for more. Much praise.

Wow! I picked this up at a nearby store two days ago because of the cover. I have never read a book by Corey Mitchell, but after reading Evil Eyes I'm gonna be sure and buy all of his books. This one is about Coral Watts, who killed more people than some of the more well-known serial killers out there like Ted Bundy. The scary thing is Watts was set to go free this year!! I cannot imagine the state of Texas allowing a brutal serial killer to walk but that is almost what happened. The "good" in this story comes in different forms including Melinda Aguilar and Harriet Semander. These two women are forces to be reckoned with. The writing in this book is effortless, witty, humorous, scary, educational, and always entertaining, if such a thing can be said about a true crime book. It is also very emotional and really paints a vivid picture of Watts's victims, and there are plenty of them. Excellent job mr. Mitchell, excellent job