Reviews - Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders

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Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders

If there is a true testament to an engrossing crime novel, it's Vincent Bugliosi's 'Helter Skelter'. One of the most thorough chronicles of the arduous legal battle following the infamous Manson murders, it is a compelling deep dive into the machinery of criminal law courtrooms that attracts both the ardent law and order enthusiasts and lurid true crime devourers.

While many true crime narratives provide ample detail about the sinister acts themselves, Bugliosi, who served as the prosecuting attorney in the Manson case, offers readers a front-row seat to the ensuing courtroom drama. The narrative is an account of justice in action, offering a detailed guide through the labyrinthine intricacies of the legal system.

Bugliosi's investigative prowess and storytelling skills coalesce spectacularly in recreating this high-profile case. His account busts through Manson's defense, laying bear the loop-holes, strategy, and overwhelming evidence that led to Manson's conviction. This is complemented by his keen sense of observation and insightful commentary, presenting an enjoyable mixture of legal phenomena and human drama.

Personally experiencing the tension, chaos, and exhausting days in the courtroom, Bugliosi's emotional stakes are mirrored in the narrative. Through intricate layers of judicial process, exhausting investigative work, and strategic navigation of the accusatory landscape, the reader gains a vicarious satisfaction in the dismantling of Manson's defense.

‘Helter Skelter’ is a seminal work in the true crime genre, apt for those curious about real-life horror and the judicial procedures that follow. This magnum opus offers an exhaustive exploration of a legendary case, leaving readers wholly satiated yet craving more of the fascinating macabre world of true crime. Undoubtedly, 'Helter Skelter' is a must-read for anyone seeking a comprehensive and engrossing courtroom narrative.

katierose17's review against another edition

2.0

challenging dark slow-paced

Written in tedious self aggrandizing cop speak

johnny_the_ginger's review against another edition

4.0

Creepy. I would have liked this book a lot more if it had given in depth details of Manson’s cult, but it was still a gripping read.

kgierz's review against another edition

3.0

adventurous dark informative slow-paced

mal8181's review against another edition

4.5

dark informative tense medium-paced

chocosam90's review against another edition

4.0

This book literally took me the whole summer to read! With that being said, this is one of the best true-crime books I have ever read. I didn't know a lot about Charles Manson before reading this book, this book went into a lot more detail of his life and trial than I expected! This book was incredibly thorough--I truly enjoyed it! Definitely recommend, especially if true-crime and cults are your prerogative.

gcyoder's review against another edition

LOVE

carolineinthelibrary's review against another edition

4.0

dark informative tense medium-paced

This is the second book I've read written by a prosecuting attorney on a well known case. I thought Helter Skelter was well written and rich with detail. It's presented as you'd expect a prosecuting attorney to write about a case - very clinically and with as much detail as they likely used in the courtroom. If you're looking for something a little more sensationalized, this is probably not the one, but if you don't know much about the Manson case or you want to hear from someone close to the case, this is a solid read!