Take a photo of a barcode or cover
1.5k reviews for:
Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders
Curt Gentry, Vincent Bugliosi
4.05 AVERAGE
1.5k reviews for:
Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders
Curt Gentry, Vincent Bugliosi
4.05 AVERAGE
I have now almost finished the close to 700 page epic that is Helter Skelter; and it has not been a light undertaking. In many ways, this book is everything one could want and expect from a good crime novel, except that its basis in true events adds to the impact of the story. It's not comfortable reading, and I felt saddened and chilled as I made my way through it.
The author was the prosecuting DA on the case against Manson and the Family for the Tate/LaBianca murders in 1970, and as such, the density of legal and factual detail is relentless. There are excerpts from court transcripts, crime scene reports, and the like, and these serve to make the text all the more compelling.
But ultimately, Helter Skelter is most memorable as an indirect biography of Charles Manson, and the mystery surrounding both his motives, and his charismatic hold over the Family. Fascinating reading for lovers of (true)crime, and anyone who's interested in such an iconic figure.
The author was the prosecuting DA on the case against Manson and the Family for the Tate/LaBianca murders in 1970, and as such, the density of legal and factual detail is relentless. There are excerpts from court transcripts, crime scene reports, and the like, and these serve to make the text all the more compelling.
But ultimately, Helter Skelter is most memorable as an indirect biography of Charles Manson, and the mystery surrounding both his motives, and his charismatic hold over the Family. Fascinating reading for lovers of (true)crime, and anyone who's interested in such an iconic figure.
dark
informative
slow-paced
dark
informative
slow-paced
A little long and rambly at points and often felt very self-serving. But the detail about the investigation and how the police butchered it was very interesting. I was pleased there was a heavy focus on that side of things rather than glorifying the gruesomeness of the crimes themselves.
challenging
dark
fast-paced
Of its time. Free and easy style but thoroughly researched. Much better than Bugliosi's Manson book.
I couldn't get through it. Maybe it was the way the story was told. I never felt like I was getting a sense of the people who joined the Family, or why they did.
challenging
dark
informative
slow-paced
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
thrilled at the prospect of having nightmares about Susan Atkins for the rest of my life
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
So much information!! Seeing everything from the prosecutors side was very interesting. Also I will never get over how terrible the police were in the 60-70's.