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Seduced by a Sociopath: Now a major Netflix drama series Manhunt
A devastating true story of love, betrayal, and deceit.
Chrissy: attractive, successful 40-year-old divorcee with three amazing children.
Alexander Marc d’Ariken de Rothschild-Hatton: international financier, wealthy, charming and smooth-talking.
It’s not long before they fall madly in love. With the promise of marriage and a new baby on the way, Chrissy knows she has been given another chance at love.
But then Alexander asks for a loan to help him get over a few cash-flow problems. And, before long, £500,000 of Chrissy’s money has vanished – along with Alexander.
After months of detective work, Chrissy finally tracks him down. But the reality of Alexander’s true identity is far darker than she ever could have imagined …
Chrissy: attractive, successful 40-year-old divorcee with three amazing children.
Alexander Marc d’Ariken de Rothschild-Hatton: international financier, wealthy, charming and smooth-talking.
It’s not long before they fall madly in love. With the promise of marriage and a new baby on the way, Chrissy knows she has been given another chance at love.
But then Alexander asks for a loan to help him get over a few cash-flow problems. And, before long, £500,000 of Chrissy’s money has vanished – along with Alexander.
After months of detective work, Chrissy finally tracks him down. But the reality of Alexander’s true identity is far darker than she ever could have imagined …
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2022
30 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 12, 2022
Chrissy was/is a victim, that is 100% inarguable, she never asked for Mark Hatton to do what he did and con her out of all her money, no one should ever go through that or the years of fighting to get any justice that she went through
Saying that Mark Hatton, in the way the book tells it really couldn’t have come with a bigger red arrow pointing at him and the words ‘I’m fleecing you’ around his head if he tried…
Still they say love is blind and in this case it really was, family and friends as so often seems the way knew he was a ‘ne’er do well’ the minute they met him, warnings were issued but he continued to bleed Chrissy dry….got to say in her defence had the internet been as accessible then for name searches she would have found out in minutes he wasn’t a Rothschild….
Easy to sit comfortable shaking one’s head when not happening to you I guess
Where Chrissy’s story takes a turn is what she did once she found out, the years and literally blood, sweat and tears to make this man pay is nothing short of outstanding, she may have been down but anyone thinking she was out ( including Mark Hatton ) were sorely mistaken
I did like Chrissy, empathy mixed with frustration but empathy won and wish her well now in her quieter and happier life
6/10
3 Stars
Saying that Mark Hatton, in the way the book tells it really couldn’t have come with a bigger red arrow pointing at him and the words ‘I’m fleecing you’ around his head if he tried…
Still they say love is blind and in this case it really was, family and friends as so often seems the way knew he was a ‘ne’er do well’ the minute they met him, warnings were issued but he continued to bleed Chrissy dry….got to say in her defence had the internet been as accessible then for name searches she would have found out in minutes he wasn’t a Rothschild….
Easy to sit comfortable shaking one’s head when not happening to you I guess
Where Chrissy’s story takes a turn is what she did once she found out, the years and literally blood, sweat and tears to make this man pay is nothing short of outstanding, she may have been down but anyone thinking she was out ( including Mark Hatton ) were sorely mistaken
I did like Chrissy, empathy mixed with frustration but empathy won and wish her well now in her quieter and happier life
6/10
3 Stars
July 4, 2022
Pretty much read this one in a week.
It is excellent and well written and brought out a slew of emotions in me.
Firstly, can we agree that what Chrissy went through was horrific. While I have not had her experience, I know what it is to have a mate that manipulates and is unfaithful. Of course, the author experienced manipulation to the umpth degree. The feelings that it brings out are horrible and trusting anyone again is so difficult.
I am amazed at the number of people who knew about Alexander's con and never said anything. He is truly a despicable "human being". Hopefully, karma will interfere and he will get what is due to him and hopefully, Chrissy will get a front row seat. She never deserved any of it.
While I would love to judge Chrissy for giving him her life and her money, it is easy to get caught up in the relationship and lose perspective because you so want so much to believe the guy loves you.
What I do judge Chrissy on is the fact that she played victim for so long. Times are hard and you have no money and no roof, how about getting a job? Only towards the end of the story does she briefly mention a job and that is in context of......finding yet another man to love.
According to my calculations, Chrissy had two long term boyfriends after Alexander and zero jobs. How she could subject a guy (Phillip) to all her difficult times, including homelessness, I can't figure out. When that relationship didn't work out, poof! another one magically appears. I wonder if it even dawned on her to stay single for a bit and see if she can live her own life, not as a victim and not as a woman who *needs* a man all the time.
Having said ALL OF THIS, I would still highly recommend this book to anyone.
It is excellent and well written and brought out a slew of emotions in me.
Firstly, can we agree that what Chrissy went through was horrific. While I have not had her experience, I know what it is to have a mate that manipulates and is unfaithful. Of course, the author experienced manipulation to the umpth degree. The feelings that it brings out are horrible and trusting anyone again is so difficult.
I am amazed at the number of people who knew about Alexander's con and never said anything. He is truly a despicable "human being". Hopefully, karma will interfere and he will get what is due to him and hopefully, Chrissy will get a front row seat. She never deserved any of it.
While I would love to judge Chrissy for giving him her life and her money, it is easy to get caught up in the relationship and lose perspective because you so want so much to believe the guy loves you.
What I do judge Chrissy on is the fact that she played victim for so long. Times are hard and you have no money and no roof, how about getting a job? Only towards the end of the story does she briefly mention a job and that is in context of......finding yet another man to love.
According to my calculations, Chrissy had two long term boyfriends after Alexander and zero jobs. How she could subject a guy (Phillip) to all her difficult times, including homelessness, I can't figure out. When that relationship didn't work out, poof! another one magically appears. I wonder if it even dawned on her to stay single for a bit and see if she can live her own life, not as a victim and not as a woman who *needs* a man all the time.
Having said ALL OF THIS, I would still highly recommend this book to anyone.
July 20, 2022
This is an eye-opening Dirty John-type of true story about a dating nightmare. I think the author did a good job at telling the story in her own words. The writing flowed and I really gained a feel for what she went through and the toll this kind of abuse/ crime takes. It was a similar tale in many ways to Sleeping with a Psychopath by Carolyn Woods. With this sort of crime, it is so personal and layered, and there’s no easy route to justice (unlike with scams on large corporations.) Yet in hindsight, you can see a pattern that is enacted with razor-like precision on unsuspecting victims time and time again.
I recommend for anyone interested in these type of true stories of slippery, cunning characters, manipulation, and the danger of online dating.
I recommend for anyone interested in these type of true stories of slippery, cunning characters, manipulation, and the danger of online dating.
September 12, 2022
Super quick easy read. As someone who reads mainly fiction I wasn't a fan of the writing style. The first half of this book which is supposed to give backstory of the author and her relationships was lacking emotion and just seemed to focus on class and what people were worth financially, which came across a little cold. In the second half the writing style made a little more sense and drove the story forward at a good pace.
The story itself is an interesting one. The lengths that Christine went to to ensure justice were very impressive, I think a lot of people in her situation would have just sit back and let the authorities handle it. Overall, I would say if you are interested in these kinds of stories then you would probably enjoy this book.
The story itself is an interesting one. The lengths that Christine went to to ensure justice were very impressive, I think a lot of people in her situation would have just sit back and let the authorities handle it. Overall, I would say if you are interested in these kinds of stories then you would probably enjoy this book.
September 5, 2022
Another brave tale from a woman taken in by a manipulative lying fraudster. I have read a few true crime books on the same subject now and some of them read so similarly that you almost know exactly what’s coming next but still it’s intriguing and educating to read them and stay aware of the red flags that we need to watch out for. Well done Chrissy for bringing him to justice, getting your life back on track and getting your story out there!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2023
Frustrating read. Just want to give the main character a shake.
June 30, 2022
4 stars
This memoir of the author is one that simply rivets readers from the start all the way to the end. It was a story of maturing, finding love and finding mistrusts. The fact that this is based off of real life makes you think how cruel the world can be and not every one that steps into your life, is there to stay. In fact, there are some you wish that could just leave, and there are others you wish that you could prevent from leaving, but life never goes according to how you planned it. Christine Handy recalls the course of her life, who she met and what she did. At first, it's a bit like everyone else's, then it's more like uniquely hers. Sadly, her sociopath of an ex, has a lot to do with it.
okay, wait..
What a ride! This is a brilliant story that keeps you gripped at every second of, what's next? Is Chrissy going to stand up for herself, is Alexander going to fess up? The suspense was just there!
Although this book is written in past-tense, it is quite an easy ready. In fact, there is not much dialogue, nor is their any plot piece that the narrator, Chrissy herself, didn't explain.
In fact, at the end of the book, Chrissy keeps the readers updated - what actually happened to Alexander in the end, which makes for a satisfying finish.
so, to read or not to read?
If memoirs and biographies are your thing, this is totally for you! It was a great retelling of Chrissy Handy's life that should not be missed if that happens to catch your interest!
Thank you for NetGalley and Team for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
Find me on Bookstagram @1ndreads and on BookTok @1ndd13
June 10, 2023
Interesting read..finished the book in 2 days!
March 12, 2024
A wise warning to everyone to avoid being scammed
March 2, 2025
True story. 😱Great book , easy read. Be careful who you let into your life. Pretty scary.
July 31, 2022
It was a straightforward book to read and made me want there to be a good ending. I wanted Chrissy to get all her money back, this she did not, but she did get happiness, which is more important.
When I first started reading the book I thought it was a work of fiction, it was hard to believe that there could be such evil people out there.
When I first started reading the book I thought it was a work of fiction, it was hard to believe that there could be such evil people out there.
October 24, 2024
Good story, although frustrating to read at times.
July 3, 2025
It was an engaging audiobook to which I listened on my long work commute. My attention certainly didn’t waiver as I heard the tale of this incredibly, stupid woman gamble away her childrens’ lives. She married rich and was determined not to work a day after her first pregnancy with Clive. I simply could not feel sorry for her.
Presumably she was intelligent. I doubt she would have fallen for Alexander if he hadn’t presented himself as a successful businessman with degrees out the ying-yang which our sweet, simple Chrissy couldn’t be bothered to check out. She just was looking for another free ride so she didn’t have to work. Throughout her story, she keeps writing how motherhood keeps her from seeking employment which is as disrespectful to all the working mothers of the world which far outnumber the deadbeats like Chrissy.
She prioritized a new man over her three children. She left a convicted sex offender with these children. If that wasn’t enough she got pregnant with a fourth child supposedly at Alexander’s insistence. No question Alexander is a despicable man but I highly doubt he pressured her into getting pregnant. What would be the advantage to him? He wouldn’t have wanted a child. More likely, she thought she could get pregnant to hold on to him.
She wasn’t entitled to any money back from a legal perspective since she had given it freely and only demanded paperwork after. Instead of coming to terms that she was a vain, idiot who fell for a con man and buckling down to figure out how to raise her children when she’d sold their home out from under them, she pursued Alexander through the courts wasting even more money.
Presumably she was intelligent. I doubt she would have fallen for Alexander if he hadn’t presented himself as a successful businessman with degrees out the ying-yang which our sweet, simple Chrissy couldn’t be bothered to check out. She just was looking for another free ride so she didn’t have to work. Throughout her story, she keeps writing how motherhood keeps her from seeking employment which is as disrespectful to all the working mothers of the world which far outnumber the deadbeats like Chrissy.
She prioritized a new man over her three children. She left a convicted sex offender with these children. If that wasn’t enough she got pregnant with a fourth child supposedly at Alexander’s insistence. No question Alexander is a despicable man but I highly doubt he pressured her into getting pregnant. What would be the advantage to him? He wouldn’t have wanted a child. More likely, she thought she could get pregnant to hold on to him.
She wasn’t entitled to any money back from a legal perspective since she had given it freely and only demanded paperwork after. Instead of coming to terms that she was a vain, idiot who fell for a con man and buckling down to figure out how to raise her children when she’d sold their home out from under them, she pursued Alexander through the courts wasting even more money.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2022
True story about Chrissy, a mother of 3, who is taken in by a man she meets at a coffee shop one day. I’m going to be kind about it and say she was highly naïve.
I kind of got it (very kind of). Unlike the online scammers who follow a similar script, Chrissy has actually met Alexander, and a lot of his family too. That must have given a false sense of security. However, there did come a point where I couldn’t believe she kept going with it. The first few loans and investments, yeah, okay, but not to the point she was running out of money.
Ditto to the pregnancy. I mean, seriously?
I sound harsh, I actually quite liked her. I don’t think she was a gold digger or anything like that. Maybe a woman that can’t be without a man despite her comments otherwise (further backed up by she’s onto her second partner since Alexander).
This was well told and interesting. I admired her strength fighting what had been done and going public. I guess opening herself up to people like myself who have opinions!
I do think these stories are important. They fascinate me, but are not “for” me. They are for people (men too) who are less aware of these liars and their methods.
I kind of got it (very kind of). Unlike the online scammers who follow a similar script, Chrissy has actually met Alexander, and a lot of his family too. That must have given a false sense of security. However, there did come a point where I couldn’t believe she kept going with it. The first few loans and investments, yeah, okay, but not to the point she was running out of money.
Ditto to the pregnancy. I mean, seriously?
I sound harsh, I actually quite liked her. I don’t think she was a gold digger or anything like that. Maybe a woman that can’t be without a man despite her comments otherwise (further backed up by she’s onto her second partner since Alexander).
This was well told and interesting. I admired her strength fighting what had been done and going public. I guess opening herself up to people like myself who have opinions!
I do think these stories are important. They fascinate me, but are not “for” me. They are for people (men too) who are less aware of these liars and their methods.
June 5, 2023
I gave this book 4 stars because it was a quick, compelling and easy read. I’ve also been interested in sociopaths and their astonishing trickery and ability to con people since one preyed on my boss years ago. That sociopath was indeed a carbon copy of Alexander deRothschild in this book. I’m also maliciously fond of stories where a character is gullible and makes stupid decisions. Don’t ask me why, just being honest. Chrissy definitely fits the bill because she ignored and explained (to herself) every doubt and suspicion she harbored for her boyfriend for nearly four years. The flimsy, outlandish tales he spun whenever he felt like coming around to see her, didn’t seem like anything any reasonably sensible person would take at face value. When she finally woke up, £500,000 and a baby later, she went after the conman with a vengeance, losing even more money on lawyers, PIs and travel to/from New York, while collecting housing benefits for her rent and ultimately getting evicted from one house. Somehow she also blamed the banks where he deposited the money she gave him every time he asked, like the bankers should have policed his account and protected her. Good one!
November 13, 2022
4.5 stars This true story should be read by all women who are looking to find partners especially on online dating. This is a very fast paced, well written short read. I have had interactions with at least 4 sociopaths that I am aware of. They have no conscience and therefore are very good liars. They are practiced at it. They have been doing it their whole lives and are very good at it. To any Goodreads readers who have been approached by men on this site looking to "get to know you better" do not be flattered. Be on your guard. These men are not looking for love; they are after your money. They are looking for victims. I encourage you to report them to Goodreads immediately. Yes I know they will just come back with another fake profile but we need to try to protect ourselves and others who may become victims like Chrissy.
Chrissy I am very sorry for what happened to you and for all your losses especially Philip. I hope that you will find some peace, happiness and financial security for the rest of your life. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
Chrissy I am very sorry for what happened to you and for all your losses especially Philip. I hope that you will find some peace, happiness and financial security for the rest of your life. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
September 14, 2022
This book reminded me of Dateline x2. Gosh, I felt so so so defenseless while reading it. I liked knowing the intimate details of one of the main character’s life, but I do feel like it was repetitive at times. After hearing most of the scandalous information, the second half of the book was less interesting. At times, there was so much going on, intertwining with so many characters, that it got slightly confusing to remember who everybody was. The details that were shared, however, kept me gripped and flipping pages like my life depended on it. Knowing that this was based on a true story made it all the more interesting. The content of this book was amazing, I just wish it was written a little differently to emphasize the parts that should have been given some more attention.
June 23, 2022
Wow! What a book, what a story….Except its not, it’s the actual life of a woman and her family who were tricked by an experience conman.
I read this in less 24 hours, the writing had be gripped from the beginning. The initial chapters outlines Chrissy’s carefree life up to and including her marriage into the wealthy Handy family, her becoming a wealthy divorcee with 3 children and the delves into the incredible story of how she was manipulated into believing some outrageous and crazy lies before losing everything.
Would recommend highly, this could be fiction!
I read this in less 24 hours, the writing had be gripped from the beginning. The initial chapters outlines Chrissy’s carefree life up to and including her marriage into the wealthy Handy family, her becoming a wealthy divorcee with 3 children and the delves into the incredible story of how she was manipulated into believing some outrageous and crazy lies before losing everything.
Would recommend highly, this could be fiction!
May 25, 2023
I don’t know what to make of this book because it was engaging and an insightful story. I also applaud the writer for sharing such a difficult and intimate detail of their life. That being said, it just felt like a really long take a break story. I also found it so frustrating with all the red flags. How anyone can trust a man they’ve barely spent 2 nights with, with all their savings, is surprising to me and highly naive of them. So many red flags missed but alas love is blind. I’m happy she got a happy ending though.
January 11, 2023
Knowing alex's family reading this book was an eye opener. the way she has portreyed his family is not the same people we know. I was shocked with what he done but also find the fact she lets males in to her life quickly is not fitting for a woman who was totally conned if i had been conned like that i certainly would not be getting involved with another male so quick. IT makes for a good read and warning to others though.
September 14, 2022
Amazing true story of a truly horrible sociopath. He has no feelings as he destroys women, purely for financial gain. I was astonished by the lengths Chrissy was forced to go through to try and stop him hurting others, and to get some justice.
Highly recommend to any woman to read and also anyone interested in, or studying, true crime.
Highly recommend to any woman to read and also anyone interested in, or studying, true crime.
March 5, 2024
I totally didn't realize that this is a true story until halfway through the book! It was one I picked up at a thrift store because the title caught my eye. Halfway through, things started to spark my brain where I decided to Google it and realized that it's a true story! Made it even crazier. Not something I normally read, but it was actually very interesting and had me hooked!
May 13, 2025
a good read but the subject matter astounded me! I can understand how this woman may have been 'taken in' to begin with but this went on & on & on, plus his lifestyle & family seemed so questionable, surely warning bells should have rung MUCH earlier.before she begins to query the conman. All of this really annoyed me as the author is apparently an intelligent woman.
March 19, 2023
The writing is simplistic but well organized. Easy to read and quick to finish. I liked that this had way more to do about the victim for once. I also really enjoyed the energy and courage of all that she did to try and bring him to justice.
October 1, 2022
Not a good read
That’s all I have to say about that 🥺
That’s all I have to say about that 🥺
October 19, 2022
Loved this book!! Didn’t even realize it was a true story until the end 😮 filled with lots of suspense
December 15, 2022
A true story, the story unfolded pretty good!
December 18, 2022
Wow. What a horrible situation to endure.
January 15, 2023
Not my favourite. Long and drawn out. Story line interesting...writing simplistic.
September 2, 2023
umm no thank you, never again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews