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sarahrigg's review against another edition
4.0
I read this as a preteen and was pretty freaked out by it. Thirty years later, I still remember parts of it vividly.
atkamryn's review against another edition
5.0
While Helter Skelter wasn’t a narrative I was initially interested in reading (I read it for a book club), the detail in it was incredible - it’s not hard to see why this is considered the #1 OG true crime book. It was slow starting for me, but I hit a point where I could *not* put it down and read 300-ish pages in a day (this edition was 670 pages of text, not including the index at the back or photographs printed in the middle).
I’m not sure I’d recommend it to just anyone, given how long it is and how graphic it is at moments, but it’s worth the time and brainpower required for those with at least a vague interest in this genre.
I’m not sure I’d recommend it to just anyone, given how long it is and how graphic it is at moments, but it’s worth the time and brainpower required for those with at least a vague interest in this genre.
lisab_natsfan_68's review against another edition
4.0
Vincent Bugliosi is, without a doubt, the kind of mind you want in charge of prosecuting criminals: brilliant, detail-oriented, surprised by nothing, always prepared, meticulous and fair-minded. I didn't know much about the details of this case other than Manson's notoriety, so I was unprepared for the details I read here. This is a dense and immense book. Well-written and exceedingly disturbing. He does a good job of balancing the facts of the case with the surrealism of the details.
lecybeth's review against another edition
4.0
Over the last several months, I've really been into reading true crime stories and was intrigued to take a closer look at the Manson murders. This book was written by the prosecuting attorney in the Charles Manson trial, so he had all the facts from that court case at his disposal. The whole idea of these four followers of Mason being essentially brainwashed and convinced to carry out these horrific acts is fascinating to me. This book did not disappoint.
jmpeck's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to get more of a feel of who Manson is and really inside his mind. This wasn't the book it do it
amusedmuse's review against another edition
4.0
When you get into true crime and history of cults narratives, inevitably "Helter Skelter" comes up as a classic. Prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi provides an account that is detailed, methodical and ultimately full of compassion for most of the people involved. Super engrossing and definitely worthy of its reputation.
jeffschaible's review against another edition
3.0
The case is fascinating. The account is detailed. But ultimately I struggled with the procedural writing style here; it was a bit of a struggle.
secw_10's review against another edition
3.0
It’s hard to know how to rate a book like this. The Manson murders were not only gruesome and terrifying at the time, but learning the history of what happened seems to be a cautionary tale for us now. Bugliosi does a decent job of telling the story with as much of an unbiased slant as a prosecutor probably can. And I do think it is an important piece of American history, and worth learning about, because it has had effects on our culture and society that most of us probably aren’t even aware of. Even today, in 2022, it’s easy to see how something like this could happen again. Still, a rather gruesome, fantastical story to listen to. Truth is stranger than fiction.
jessluvsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This book was fascinating and totally got in my head ... not recommended for reading late at night but definitely recommended for reading in general!