Not just an explanation of the facts, or the criminal justice system.
Mr. Bugliosi will take you back with such reality, you will believe you are in the time these crimes were committed. An inner view to some of the most heinous acts in the last century. After reading this historic work, will understand why, many of these individuals will never be released from prison. ( )

Helter Skelter is the first real crime book that I have read. The only books that I have read that are similar are a couple of legal thrillers by John Grisham. I didn’t even plan to read Helter Skelter either. The red letters on the spine of the book just jumped out at me as I was walking among the bookshelves. For my first factual crime book, I found Helter Skelter horrifying, interesting, and very educational. Before reading this book I only knew bits and pieces about the Manson murders such as; Charles Manson was the leader, it took place in the 60s, he had a bunch of female followers, and that they had committed a few murders. Little did I know how horrendous those murders actually were.
From the several and excessive stab wounds, to the bloody writing on the wall, it was like stepping into a horror movie. Vincent Bugliosi, the author, had written Helter Skelter like a murder and legal thriller all in one. Although this all happened way before my time, when I read this book, I felt like it was all happening now and that I was a fly on the wall witnessing everything. The book was exciting and I didn’t want to put it down. It was intriguing reading about the powerful Charles Manson and his brain washed robot and zombie like followers. It was amazing what people can and will do for love or faith. How someone can murder a woman who was 8 months pregnant and cannot see nor feel any wrong or guilt for what she did.
Helter Skelter has opened a new genre of literature to me. I know want to read and learn more. Maybe I will read about Jeffrey Dahmer or other serial killers or psychopaths. It’s interesting to see, or at least try to see what makes these terrifying people tick. ( )

read it twice a long time ago. Only if you like true crime books. ( )

1436 Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders, by Vincent Bugliosi with Curt Gentry (read 6 Mar 1977) The author was the chief prosecutor of the persons directed and inspired by Charles Manson to commit the seven murders on Aug. 8 and 9, 1969 of Sharon Tate and others. The first part of the book, telling of the crimes, was absorbing, but the book goes on for 664 pages and really told me more than I wanted to know about a person as bizarre and goofy as Manson. The same goes for his girls. ( )

What do you say about a book that has sold 7 million copies? That is so unbelievable it has to be true? A name that 40 years later still strikes terror into people? That is the problem I am having as I am sitting here thinking about this review, I just don't know what to say.

Before I read this, I thought I knew a lot about Charles Manson. I mean, I DID know a lot, but I didn't know as much as I thought I did. Everyone who has told me they read it has said it affected their life. That is was a compelling read, but they wouldn't read it again. I don't understand that. I think I will there is more to be learned. Mr. Bugliosi is an excellent writer, he tells not just what happened, but details his search to find out the motive behind it. He explains what Manson believed "Helter Skelter" was. The influence the Beatles had on him (one of the things I didn't know). In an afterward written 25 years after the case, he writes his beliefs about why "the nation continues to be fascinated with the Manson murder case. The five year anniversaries of the murders, are marked by articles, news reports, and television specials internationally." He also talks about how other mass murderers and serial killers, the mention of their names does not have the profound effect that the name "Charles Manson". Even today, his crime stands out.

The book is written in eight parts (I think, I can't check because Tigger has absconded with my copy, he wants to read it and couldn't wait for me to write this). It logically progresses from the murders, to the investigation, then the killers, then gives background on Charles Manson and his 'family', his 'girls' as he called them. We read about his opinion of the establishment(no surprises there), other races and women. His total control over the people who followed him, who believed he was JC(Jesus Christ) to the extent of who was their lawyers, what they did and said in court. The book has tons of pictures, drawings, maps and about 10 pictures of Manson, each different from the other, including the most famous one, the one that caused his family to say, "Charlie made the cover of Life!".

Before I read this, someone told me, any fan of True Crime books should read Helter Skelter, and I agree with that statement. I recommend this book.