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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
Fascinating account of the Manson murders as told by the prosecutor.
WARNING: This book should not be read alone, in the dark, before bedtime...This was the darkest book I've ever read, but it was expertly written, as well it should be having been written by the prosecutor himself! Mr. Bugliosi keeps the reader on the edge of their seat with his startlingly detailed account of the (Tate-LaBianca) Manson trial. I thought I was somewhat familiar with this case and the monster that is Manson (yep, he's still alive; chilling, right?!). I was WRONG. There was so much more to this case than I ever knew! Not only were the murders more gruesome and horrifying than I had imagined, Manson himself was a more disturbing character too. From manic monster to misguided guru, Manson had a face for every occasion and his behavior was rarely predictable. Only the most gritty, intuitive and experienced of prosecutors could have seen through the smoke and mirrors. Thank God (literally) that prosecutor was Mr. Bugliosi. Anyone else probably would not have understood or presented Helter Skelter, and Manson might still be on the street alongside his vapid but violent followers. At least that's how Mr. Bugliosi presents the facts, and I'm inclined to believe him. I gave this book 4 stars because it is quite long. I found myself bogged down in some of the trial details and jargon, but Mr. Bugliosi does a fair job at explaining everything for the average layperson. I'll say this too - I hope that California laws and the LAPD have dramatically improved since Tate-LaBianca...there were so many balls dropped and so many stipulations as to put the court at the mercy of every whim of whomever was speaking! And given the circus put on by the defense lawyers...well, let's just say I now understand why people make so many jokes about lawyers. Wow...
All around a fantastic, fascinating read for those interested in criminal psychology, the justice system, or even just wanting to know more about one of the most infamous criminals of all time.
All around a fantastic, fascinating read for those interested in criminal psychology, the justice system, or even just wanting to know more about one of the most infamous criminals of all time.
One of the best books I’ve read this year. I could not put it down. The insane murders and even more insane psyche of the murderers is unlike anything I’ve ever read. Shit was BONKERS. The PERFECT spooky szn book
I'm surprised I hadn't already read this as I've always been interested in the Manson murders. I just can't comprehend how someone could convince other people to kill for him, without at least some sort of authority like patriotism or safety. I've always been more interested in the girls - who did they do it? This provides details from the prosecutor and focuses more on the investigation and trial than analyzing why they did it. I didn't realize how close they came to not solving the murders. The police in the different jurisdictions weren't working together and ignored many leads. If a couple of people hadn't started blabbing who knows what would happened. People are terrifying.
Wow! This book by Vincent Bugliosi was so dark, twisty, and detailed. Wouldn’t you expect that from a book about a murderer? One of the reasons this book took me so long to read is because it was very detailed! I can only imagine the detailed accounts from the court proceedings. If you are a fan of true crime, this book is for you!
Classic true crime. Vincent Bugliosi may have a generous ego, but this book about his prosecution of Charles Manson confirms that he also had an unbending work ethic and even, at times, a sense of humor.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Well done...short, but informative...bet it would be a lot more gruesome if was written today...I'm guessing editing was a bit different when this was written...scary how the crazy can lead...
Having lived through the nightmare that was Manson Family Murders, and having seen so many documentaries about the subject, I finally decided to read the book that started it all.
Very in depth and graphic, not to mention disturbing.
Very in depth and graphic, not to mention disturbing.
“Now is the time for Helter Skelter.”
I remember staying home from school "sick" and reading this - while in elementary school. I was clearly a curious, disturbed kid but...hey, we didn't have internet yet then!
I did really like the photos and the evidence midway in the book as I think, as a kid, it helped me piece together to story and make it more real. I also appreciated the book felt book together easy for me to read and understand and be horrified but not so awful I couldn't finish it.
I remember staying home from school "sick" and reading this - while in elementary school. I was clearly a curious, disturbed kid but...hey, we didn't have internet yet then!
I did really like the photos and the evidence midway in the book as I think, as a kid, it helped me piece together to story and make it more real. I also appreciated the book felt book together easy for me to read and understand and be horrified but not so awful I couldn't finish it.