Customer Reviews

Evil Eyes

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3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
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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.

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.

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

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!

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 has introduced each of these women to us the reader. His compassion for the victim and their families is shown thru out the book. Compassion that was never once displayed by Coral Watts.

The amount of research done by the writer is very much appreciated by the reader.

Thank goodness for Corey Mitchell and his ability in telling/warning the world of the Coral Watts. A warning that needs to be heard. This book will be used as a learning tool for many.

Thank goodness as well to barking dogs and Mr.Joseph Foy. A man who has a story that MUST be told.

I could not put this book down. The author does a great job introducing the reader to the victims as well as Coral Watts. It is obvious that the book is well researched. However, it goes way beyond the facts. It makes you feel anger, sorrow, and hopefullness. I have read all of Corey Mitchell's books. I have liked all of them, but this one is definitely the best.

I couldn't put this book down, i read it in 3 days! This is the story about Coral Eugene Watts, a fledgling serial killer that stabbed so many women, with anything he could get his hands on, stabbed horrendously some infront of their homes. This was one sick individual and it surprises me that this man got away with so much! He got away with murder for years and years! Thanks to Corey Mitchel people find out about these serial killers that aren't as well known as Charles Manson but should be! Coral watts was SICK.

Great read, at it to your collection today!

This book is excellent! From the beginning you can't put it down till the end, to the confessions of the Carl (Coral) Watts and and the shocking 16 pages of pictures to the descriptive details of each murder! Good stuff, i recommend it to anyone that loves reading about serial killers and true crime!

I knew very little about Coral Watts other than from a show I caught about him on A&E. When I found out about this book I had to get a copy right away. I could not have been luckier. This book is phenomenal.

Instead of starting off with a dead body like 99% of the true crime books out there, this starts off with an escape. I was hooked instantly with the struggles of the amazingly brave Melinda Aguilar.

From there I learned great detail about a lot of wonderful young women with untold amounts of potential. Sadly, none of that would be realized as they were all destroyed by America's most vicious serial killer, Coral Watts.

The author goes into great detail about Watts's life and what led him to become a killer. It's fascinating because Watts does not fit the serial killer mold. He is black, well-liked, and does not have many issues as far as his child-rearing was concerned.

This book is not only about the serial killer. It is also about so many people whose lives were touched, and sometimes destroyed by Watts. despite the large number of victims presented here, I was never confused nor did I feel like I did not learn enough about the women. Also, this book is about two strong women who never knew one another until they had run-ins with Watts. The author shows how these two normally reserved women stood up and made sure a serial killer would stay behind bars forever.

The writing in this book is terse, emotional, and evocative. Ignore the negative review below that tries to slam the writing. That is a ludicrous claim. This is easily the best-written, most suspenseful, and heartbreaking true crime book to come out in years.