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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
I started this book knowing absolutely nothing about Charles Manson. As a fan of true crime, my dad brought this book to me and said, “This reminded me of you,” which sounds a little odd, but I’m super glad he did. This book caused me to have to write notes about who everyone mentioned was. In fact, I had to go back and forth so many times that it probably added another two weeks on my reading time. Well worth it though since it is such a bizarre, interesting, horror story. Well-written and crazy enough to keep you interested throughout the entire read- it is kind of a long one. I have read multiple books on Charles Manson and the Manson murders since reading this but Helter Skelter is for sure my favorite.
Fascinating account of the Manson Family Murders. A deep dive into the nitty gritty facts to paint a terrifying picture of a cult and its leader. Well written and clearly well researched.
This is the single most frightening book I have ever read.
Bleh. This was too long and too detailed. I love a true crime story as much as anyone else but there is a point where we want to just know the important facts. I don't care who thinks they saw who through what window and how long it took you to find that person because they "disappeared". Just get on with it dude!
This might possibly be some of the craziest 689 pages I've ever read. The story of the Manson Family and the Tate-Labianca murders is so twisted and outlandish that at times it's hard to believe the people who were part of The Family went along with all of Manson's requests.
I decided to pick this book up since while I had a rough idea of who Charles Manson was, I wasn't really sure what really happened, and what lead to his noteriety. Here's a little background care of Wikipedia...
"Charles Milles Manson is an American criminal and musician who led what became known as the Manson Family, a quasi-commune that arose in California in the late 1960s. He was found guilty of conspiracy to commit the murders of seven people, actress Sharon Tate and four other people at Tate's home, and the next day, a married couple, Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, all carried out by members of the group at his instruction."
The story though goes beyond that, with multiple other murders linked to The Family, and details the culture and life that Manson created in the desert. Written by the prosecutor, Vincent Bugliosi, he's able to give us in in-depth view of the whole story, starting with Manson's early childhood, and how his years in the correctional system lead to him not being able to function properly in society. Though the discovery of the Tate murders and how to police were lead to question and finally arrest Manson and others from his Family.
While the Wikipedia article gives a good overview of what happened, this book is a great look at the smaller details of the case and the life of Charles Manson.
I decided to pick this book up since while I had a rough idea of who Charles Manson was, I wasn't really sure what really happened, and what lead to his noteriety. Here's a little background care of Wikipedia...
"Charles Milles Manson is an American criminal and musician who led what became known as the Manson Family, a quasi-commune that arose in California in the late 1960s. He was found guilty of conspiracy to commit the murders of seven people, actress Sharon Tate and four other people at Tate's home, and the next day, a married couple, Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, all carried out by members of the group at his instruction."
The story though goes beyond that, with multiple other murders linked to The Family, and details the culture and life that Manson created in the desert. Written by the prosecutor, Vincent Bugliosi, he's able to give us in in-depth view of the whole story, starting with Manson's early childhood, and how his years in the correctional system lead to him not being able to function properly in society. Though the discovery of the Tate murders and how to police were lead to question and finally arrest Manson and others from his Family.
While the Wikipedia article gives a good overview of what happened, this book is a great look at the smaller details of the case and the life of Charles Manson.
dark
informative
medium-paced
I don't often read real life crime books but I never knew much about Manson and for some reason this book has been calling to me.
The story is compelling and I enjoyed the structure of the recounting of the trial. My complaint is that Bugliosi goes on too long in certain sections, perhaps cursed by a lawyer's need for thoroughness. Other than that, I haven't been this engrossed in a book in some time.
The story is compelling and I enjoyed the structure of the recounting of the trial. My complaint is that Bugliosi goes on too long in certain sections, perhaps cursed by a lawyer's need for thoroughness. Other than that, I haven't been this engrossed in a book in some time.
Exceptionally detailed- this makes you appreciate how much passion and effort was required by Bugliosi to bring Manson to justice.
I'd suggest this to anyone who is considering a career in criminal law, as it really puts into perspective how much the gruesome crimes take over (and certainly endanger) your whole life.
I'd suggest this to anyone who is considering a career in criminal law, as it really puts into perspective how much the gruesome crimes take over (and certainly endanger) your whole life.
Update:after reading Tom O'Neills "Chaos" , I've changed my rating from 4 to 1 star,simply because apparently Helter Skelter is more fiction than reality.
Original review:
A bit repetitive,but other than that awesome read. Very detailed description by the District Attorney and how he caught Charles Manson. I did like the ending of Tarrantinos "once upon a time in Hollywood" more
Original review:
A bit repetitive,but other than that awesome read. Very detailed description by the District Attorney and how he caught Charles Manson. I did like the ending of Tarrantinos "once upon a time in Hollywood" more
Hands down the scariest thing I have ever read.
In addition to the chilling material, the book is well paced and kept me in the edge of my seat. It is also an illuminating look at our justice system from the inside. Very well done.
In addition to the chilling material, the book is well paced and kept me in the edge of my seat. It is also an illuminating look at our justice system from the inside. Very well done.