Evil Eyes [Paperback]

Corey Mitchell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2006

In Houston, Texas, on the morning of May 23, 1982, Coral Eugene Watts, 28, trapped two young women in their apartment. Only hours before, he'd killed another woman by drowning her in her bathtub. As Watts attempted to do the same to 20-year-old Lori Lister, her roommate Melinda Aguilar, 18, made a daring escape, leading to Watts' arrest. Watts was a sadistic slayer with a lust for killing in a variety of ways: strangulation, suffocation, drowning, and stabbing. He confessed to thirteen murders, but with no direct evidence to link him to the crimes, he managed to plea bargain his sentence down to 60 years for burglary. Due to a legal flaw in the Texas criminal justice system, Watts was supposed to be released from prison in 2006. Through the ceaseless efforts of investigators and the mother of one of the victims, Watts was finally tried and convicted to life in prison for a murder he'd committed in Michigan in 1979. He remains the prime suspect in approximately 90 other slayings. Experts theorize that Watts may have slain more than Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and John Wayne Gacy...combined! Here is the chilling story of how he almost got away with murder.

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Pinnacle (April 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786016760
• ISBN-13: 978-0786016761
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #544,681 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #50 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Crime & Criminals > Criminology

More About the Author

I am a Los Angeles Times and Borders International Group bestselling author of several true crime books including HOLLYWOOD DEATH SCENES, DEAD AND BURIED, MURDERED INNOCENTS, EVIL EYES, STRANGLER, PURE MURDER, and SAVAGE SON. I am also the founder of the #1 true crime blog, In Cold Blog, a former blogger for the Discovery Channel's Hollywood on Crime blog, a contributor to MetalSucks, and the horror film festival blogger for Bloody Disgusting. I am currently working on my eighth true crime book, TEACH ME TO KILL, about the murder of Diane Tilly which will be released in 2011. I am also working with Philip H. Anselmo (ex-Pantera/Down) on his autobiography which should be released sometime in late 2011. In addition, I am co-authoring a book with Tracey Damron, ex-wife of former Kentucky legislator Steve Nunn, who has been accused of murdering his mistress, which will hopefully hit the shelves in 2011.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mesmerized by Evil Eyes, April 13, 2006

By 

Necrolagnia "divine pustulence" (Oklahoma, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Evil Eyes (Paperback)

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.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Say Whaaa !??!!?, June 21, 2006

By 

Encompassed Runner (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Evil Eyes (Paperback)

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.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good vs. Evil, March 31, 2006

By 

Regina Green (New Haven, CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Evil Eyes (Paperback)

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