Title: Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders
Author: Vincent Bugliosi
First published January 1, 1974
689 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780393322231 (ISBN10: 0393322238)
Rating: 4.06
Overview
Vincent Bugliosi, the prosecutor in the Manson trial, takes readers on a chilling journey through one of the most notorious murder cases in history. In Helter Skelter, Bugliosi provides an insider’s perspective on the brutal Tate-LaBianca murders, which were carried out by Charles Manson and his followers.
With meticulous attention to detail, Bugliosi delves into Manson’s twisted psyche and examines the disturbing hold he had over his followers, particularly the young women who carried out his orders. This gripping true crime account is accompanied by 50 pages of black and white photographs that bring the story to life.
Prepare to be captivated and horrified by this haunting tale of senseless violence and the search for justice.
About the Author
Vincent Bugliosi was an accomplished attorney and writer who gained notoriety for successfully prosecuting Charles Manson and his followers for the murder of Sharon Tate and others. He authored several books where he boldly claimed that individuals such as O.J. Simpson and Lee Harvey Oswald were indeed guilty of the crimes they were accused of.
In his latest work, he takes aim at former President George W. Bush, arguing that he should be held accountable for murder.
Bugliosi called Pasadena, CA home for a period of time.
Editoral Review
Vincent Bugliosis Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders is a work of non-fiction that reads like a gripping crime thriller. First published in 1974, the book is widely considered a masterpiece of its genre and remains a seminal work on the Manson family murder case, which shocked America in the late 1960s.
Vincent Bugliosi, a former prosecutor, served as the lead prosecutor in the Manson family trial and wrote the book with the help of journalist Curt Gentry. Helter Skelter is a meticulous, no-holds-barred investigation into one of the most heinous crimes in American history.
The book is a riveting account of the Manson family murders, which brutally claimed the lives of nine people in California in 1969. Bugliosi is a master storyteller, who weaves a complex web of characters, motives and events, leading readers step by step through the mind-boggling maze of the Manson familys orgy of violence.
The book opens with the grisly discovery of the Tate-LaBianca murders and takes readers through the police investigation and the trial, which lasted for months. Bugliosis writing is deft, clear and engaging.
He provides vivid descriptions of the crime scenes, the victims, and the perpetrators, drawing readers into the story with his sharp attention to detail. The author also provides a lot of context, detailing the social and cultural landscape of America in the late 1960s, which was ripe with political unrest, counter-culture movements and drug abuse, lending to the atmosphere of chaos and nihilism that fueled the Manson familys killing spree.
The book is not without its flaws, however. At times, Bugliosis detailed account of the trial proceedings can be overwhelming and may seem repetitive to some readers, while others may find his overly dramatic style somewhat distracting.
There are also instances where the author comes across as condescending or sexist, particularly in his treatment of female witnesses or suspects. Nonetheless, Helter Skelter stands out as a seminal work on true crime, and a must-read for anyone interested in the genre.
The book is a masterful piece of investigative journalism, which offers a sobering glimpse into the darkest corners of humanity, while also raising important questions about the nature of evil, justice, and the human psyche. In conclusion, Helter Skelter is highly recommended for true crime enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in the Manson family case.
While the book may not be for the faint of heart, it is nonetheless a gripping, well-written tome that offers unparalleled insight into one of Americas most infamous criminal cases. 4/5 stars.
