Writing about the darkest hours, Darren uncovers what Becky’s relationship with her step-brother Nathan, a child he had raised as his own son, was really like. He recalls the devastation of discovering the truth about the depravity with which Becky was torn from him in the safety of her own home. And he recounts the torment of the legal battle to see his step-son sentenced to life behind bars.
Both heartfelt and haunting, searingly honest and unflinching, this is the ultimate story of a family tragedy.
The Evil Within was a book that was recommended to me, and wow did it hit me deep. When it comes to losing a child there are no words. It’s a tragedy that is truly unimaginable, so when you read the words of a father who is still grieving the death of his daughter it’s no surprise that it evokes raw emotions in this momma's heart. Not to mention the fact that this just happened a few years ago! Being a true crime junkie I had heard something about a step-brother killing his step-sister back when it happened in 2015, but didn’t know all the details that surrounded this unimaginable ordeal.
Reading true crime is always so hard. When you’re reading fiction you tend to keep that separation between fantasy and reality in the back of your mind, so as you read something heart wrenching or unbelievable it’s easier to digest. With nonfiction, the reality that what you’re reading really happened is jarring, especially when what you’re reading is truly the stuff of nightmares.
Between the story, which starts from Becky’s inception, and journeys through her whole life, there are snippets from various news articles at the beginning of each chapter that document different times of Becky' s time missing, all the way to the announcement of the suspects in the case. Going back and forth makes the story all the more heartbreaking, especially when both the past and the “present” meet, and Becky’s life story ends.
It is evident in the writing that Becky’s dad is not an author, but I don’t think he’s trying to be. He’s just a heartbroken man that wants to tell his daughter's story. There is adult language in this book, which is understandable, especially given the circumstances and all the emotions that come with the murder of a child, but it’s not overpowering, and adds to the anguish.
I commend Darren for writing his story. Becky was a beautiful young lady that was taken from this world way too soon, and in such a senseless way. This is one of those stories that goes beyond the realm of understanding. Becky had grown up with Nathan and did nothing to deserve what happened to her. It’s hard enough losing one child, but this poor family was torn to shreds, and right when life seemed to be going so well. What frustes me so much is the lack of why. Why did Nathan do this? Where did this immense hatred from Becky stem from? They’re questions that we most likely will never have a clear answer to but honestly would it be enough? I pray that the family will get them one day, and that they can finally have closure.
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