1.51k reviews for:

Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders

Curt Gentry, Vincent Bugliosi

4.05 AVERAGE

literallymya's review against another edition

3.0

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this was fine. way too long, in my opinion -- did we really need a play by play of the entire Manson investigation and trial? It is informative, for sure, but far less entertaining than I thought it might be.

colty_poore's review against another edition

4.5

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

bookdragon661978's review against another edition

3.0

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This was an interesting read, but a little too dry at times.

sunnie_gi's review against another edition

3.5

informative mysterious medium-paced

amara_baptist's review against another edition

4.0

dark informative sad slow-paced

devilsxdancex's review against another edition

5.0

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Wow. That was intense. I only knew vaguely of the details that occurred during that time, these details are really fascinating. I honestly don't understand how some of these officers and defense attorneys had jobs since they did it so poorly. Then again it was a different time so i need to keep that in mind.

I'm very impressed on Bugliosi's investigations on gathering evidence against the family. This whole book is amazingly put together and such a page turner.

cmhoff96's review against another edition

3.0

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2.5 stars rounding up. I listened to the audiobook.

emzufelt's review against another edition

2.5

dark informative reflective tense slow-paced

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I read this book, trusting that because of its status that the writing would be skillful. I intended to learn how to convey complex information from real events as a part of my own personal studies. I am sad to say I did not learn that at all, but instead found myself uncomfortable that the author took the opportunity to elevate himself in comparison to all others-- including fellow attorneys, investigators, and the judges. 

I found myself frustrated with the narrative that only the prosecutor did his job well and "for justice," while ignoring the fact that the other attorneys were likely scared for their lives (one was murdered, after all). 

The switch from third to first person narrative is also jarring, but I got over that after about 20 pages into the narrative switch.

Also, to those sensitive to REAL crime photos: they are scattered throughout the book without warning.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Torture, Violence, Murder

Moderate: Gun violence

Minor: Police brutality

holgerhaase's review against another edition

4.0

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Have been on a bit of a Charles Manson related kick this year and listened to a number of fascinating podcasts or watched some Manson inspired documentaries or movies so appropriate to finally visit one of the key works on the murders, written by the main prosecutor of the case.

delightfulmayhem's review against another edition

4.0

challenging dark tense fast-paced

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Murder, Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Child death, Gun violence, Racism

Minor: Pregnancy