My Daddy is a Hero: How Chris Watts Went from Family Man to Family Killer

Written by Lena Derhally

Narrated by Tanya Eby

A husband. A father. A killer. Chris Watts was a family man. Everybody, including his family, believed that. Yet, on August 13, 2018, he murdered Shanann, his pregnant wife, and two young daughters. As terrible as his story is, it is also a warning because, to this day, living behind bars, Watts is still acting out the character traits that made him kill in the first place. In this, the first and only psychological exploration of the Watts family murders, psychotherapist Lena Derhally has pieced together the crime, the events leading to it, and most of all, her beliefs about the "why." She explores the childhoods, families of origin, meeting, and early relationship of Shanann and Chris Watts. She also examines Watts's double life and duplicity regarding his well-publicized affair with a co-worker. The book includes an in-depth look at community psychopaths, the different subtypes of narcissism, how to prevent this type of violence, and interviews with a neuroscientist, a criminal psychologist, and a journalist. Using her knowledge of attachment theory, Imago relationship theory, and psychopathology, Derhally draws a profile of the real Chris Watts and-just as important-she warns readers that he is still a danger today.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Apr 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9781705215029

Reviews for My Daddy is a Hero

[Andrew Dale · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book! The first sixteen chapters are a more-in-depth look at the crime and the events leading up to it, and the rest of the chapters do a great job delving into psychology, environment, and how they interact to create a disastrous end for Shanann and the children. As a therapist and now a PA in women’s health, I really value the last few chapters that help us as healthcare providers and patient advocates see red flags (not that there were any in this case) and help patients get out of abusive relationships.

[Levicy B · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have to say this is probably the best narrated book on the Chris watts murders I've read. I highly recommend it. I literally listen to it when I go to bed. The story is well written and the narration is perfect. I can't tell you how many times I've talked shit to my phone listening to Chris watts lie and try to act like he cared. Smug sob. A must read if the case intrigues you.