Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders

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Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders

3.91 of 5 stars 3.91 · rating details · 43,748 ratings · 1,308 reviews

A national bestseller—7 million copies sold.

Prosecuting attorney in the Manson trial, Vincent Bugliosi held a unique insider's position in one of the most baffling and horrifying cases of the twentieth century: the cold-blooded Tate-LaBianca murders carried out by Charles Manson and four of his followers. What motivated Manson in his seemingly mindless selection of victim...more

Paperback, 736 pages

Published December 17th 2001 by W. W. Norton & Company (first published 1974)

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Apr 08, 2013 Paul rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: true-crime

Exciting news - we're joining the Manson Family!

Today is a very big day for all of us at P Bryant Reviews Inc. As you may have seen on our blog, we are joining the Manson family.

I wanted to take this opportunity to say that we always appreciate your feedback here at P Bryant Reviews. Thank you for caring enough about us to tell us what you think!

Also, I wanted to assure you that P Bryant Reviews Inc and the team behind it are not going away. We have no plans to change the P Bryant Review exper...more

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Mar 25, 2008 Suzanna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: true-crime

This is one of the scariest things I have ever read--it kept me up a few nights, to be sure. However, it was really cool (and oddly reassuring) reading how the prosecuting attorney helped the LAPD close in on these people and bring them to justice. After reading this I understand why people often say that the Manson killings for them represented the death of the hippie era of peace and love. Despite the fact that the Manson Family was not comprised of hippies, people were much more fearful and s...more This is one of the scariest things I have ever read--it kept me up a few nights, to be sure. However, it was really cool (and oddly reassuring) reading how the prosecuting attorney helped the LAPD close in on these people and bring them to justice. After reading this I understand why people often say that the Manson killings for them represented the death of the hippie era of peace and love. Despite the fact that the Manson Family was not comprised of hippies, people were much more fearful and suspicious after August of 1969, and the fact that Manson bore even a passing resemblance to the long-haired vagabonds of Haight-ashbury (which by that time was in decline) didn't help.
I have to say I was severely disappointed in Trent Reznor after reading this book--the author mentions in his epilogue to the book (written much later than the original publication, in 1994) that Nine Inch Nails recorded their seminal album "The Downward Spiral" in the old Tate residence. When questioned about it, Reznor claimed that his real estate agent had failed to tell him that the house had been the site of the Manson murderers, but that smacks of dishonesty to me...especially because Reznor collaborated with Marilyn Manson on projects at that time, and shortly thereafter Marilyn Manson recorded "Portrait of an American Family" at the Tate residence as well! It's also sickening that despite his ludicrous, paranoid philosophy and blatant hatred for African Americans that Charles Manson is still widely regarded by young people in the United States and the UK as some kind of pop hero--or at least he was in the early 90s, as Bugliosi demonstrated through various examples. Apparently t-shirts with his image are still widely circulated, and he profits personally from their sale (only 10 cents a shirt, but I wouldn't give him a penny considering what he has done and convinced others to do!)
It's remarkable that a sketchy little guy like Charles Manson was (and probably still is) capable of. He believed women to be good for only two things--producing offspring and serving their men--and yet he managed to convince many young women (and some men) to do anything for him. (less)

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Jul 30, 2007 marki jones added it Recommends it for: rebellious teenagers on family trips who aren't actually psychopaths

My friend is obsessed with Charles Manson, so much so that I decided I needed to understand what the hell was going on. I got this book for my trip to New Hampshire with my family to stimulate myself while sitting in a condo wishing I had nine dollars to go see Harry Potter alone due to my sorta sick crush on the character who plays Ron Weasley.
I am learning about my new interest in terrible but insanely interrelated crimes committed by and against high-profile persons. I don't know what I am re...more My friend is obsessed with Charles Manson, so much so that I decided I needed to understand what the hell was going on. I got this book for my trip to New Hampshire with my family to stimulate myself while sitting in a condo wishing I had nine dollars to go see Harry Potter alone due to my sorta sick crush on the character who plays Ron Weasley.
I am learning about my new interest in terrible but insanely interrelated crimes committed by and against high-profile persons. I don't know what I am really learning from this. It makes me think about life, human weakness, pop culture, the mind of the mentally ill... Understanding the manipulation of the masses and blind ritualistic worship, power. How one person can have so much power over not only the people who are brainwashed/do to much acid/are actually insane and worship him or her, but also SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE. The motive behind the Manson murders is actually the most fascinating of all. I am not reading this book in any order. I just flip to a page and then flip to a picture and flip around again. Slowly I piece the puzzle together almost like I am trying to pretend I am investigating the case. It is written like a dramatic documentary and I can hear a man reading quotes aloud from the book to the images in my head. It is insanely detailed about the crime and the trials and I don't think anyone should read every word in this book unless they are completely obsessed with the murders. I can't stop thinking about reading the book. It is a good book to play Wikipedia click game. Wikipedia click game is: you type in one name and keep clicking on links without typing another word into the search and see where you end up. Last time I did that I ended up reading an entry about black energy. It is energy that doesn't exist or something and the constant expansion of the universe creating everything that exists, ever. Maybe I made that definition up. Little Wikipedia lies/possible truths are still fun. Also, it is fun to walk into a place and see the TV playing ET which happens to be featuring a 6 minute descriptive clip about Anna Nicole's child that night and walk by the TV while carrying "Helter Skelter" saying "why do they do this to me, why is this on TV" and then go out and buy a magazine spread on Keira Knightly. Maybe that will make sense if you read the book. I will never actually finish this book even if I read it all. THE TV MADE ME DO IT.

the end.

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Mar 02, 2009 Lauren rated it 4 of 5 stars

One of the most fascinating things about Jesus, if you ask me, isn't how he could have walked on water or was born of a virgin. Whether I believe that those thing happened or not is a different story. What is amazing (and completely proven) is that thousands of years ago Jesus was able to attract the attention of Jews and convince them that he was their savior -- and today, thousands of years later, that legend has survived. The question is, what exactly did Jesus do to make such an impact? The...more One of the most fascinating things about Jesus, if you ask me, isn't how he could have walked on water or was born of a virgin. Whether I believe that those thing happened or not is a different story. What is amazing (and completely proven) is that thousands of years ago Jesus was able to attract the attention of Jews and convince them that he was their savior -- and today, thousands of years later, that legend has survived. The question is, what exactly did Jesus do to make such an impact? The only answer that I can come up with is that, whatever it was, he must have been pretty fan-freaking-tastic. That's why I don't give a shit if he preformed miracles or not; I don't need them. I am convinced that Jesus was extraordinary based on his legend.

I asked myself the same question when reading about Charles Mason in Helter Skelter. Mason wasn't educated or famous; in fact, his life sucked from the very beginning, he had no guidance, and spent about 90% of his life in jail or in orphanages, foster homes, etc. But his skills in identifying with weak people (and then perfectly capitalizing on their weaknesses) allowed him to attract the following of hundreds of people with loyalty so strong they would murder for him without hesitation. Manson referred to himself as "MAN SON" and Jesus Christ, and it's impossible to ignore how much the two had in common.

Both were revolutionaries warning of change and an imminent Armageddon. Both carried incredibly unpopular messages that were very popular with a select few -- and in both cases some of the most devout followers were females. Both believed that all was one. Both said the only thing important is love. (Manson was quoted in Rolling Stone saying, "There has been no true love since the pharaohs. Except for J.C. He knew what love meant.") Both were put on trial. People have killed for both of them. I could keep going.

Similar results, as well: a hard-core following of people who are willing to kill and be murdered for their leader, and dedicate their lives to carry out their leader's message.

The biggest thing they didn't have in common is that they are actually TOTAL OPPOSITES. Manson was Christ-like in his attempt to be the Anti-Christ. Manson gained followers using sex, drugs, isolation, music, and his charismatic personality. Jesus carried only a powerful message. (And perhaps miracles. But if you don't believe in his miracles, the fact that people followed him so devoutly is even more notable.)

I think in order to gain control like Christ, Charles Manson and Hitler had, the stars really have to align. The environment has to be ripe for change. You have to be able to coerce enough weak people that you can save them. The Apocalypse is a great word to throw around. I'm trying to think... is Osama Bin Ladin like this? Or is it totally different?

Anyway, Helter Skelter is an UNBELIEVABLE story told in a captivating way. I had a nightmare the first night after reading it and I have been super-suspicious of my new neighbors, who moved in the same day. I have spent an embarrassing amount of time spying on them through the peep-hole. This is a great story for any interested in law, human nature, religion, murder, The Beatles, Hollywood, and down right fucked-up-ed-ness. That all is there. Along with creeeEEEeeeepy pictures.

Something that also carried me through the book: Charles Manson was incredibly hot. That man had some lustrous locks!
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Cornelia Hain u scare me
Dec 26, 2012 02:52pm

Fenix Rose Interesting view. I dont think it is about the miracles either concerning Christ. They werent important to the first followers either. What was import...more
Mar 24, 2013 07:50am

Mar 31, 2013 Stephen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A too young divorced recent groom, I was still living alone in a log cabin on an East Tennessee ridgeline, when I chose to read two disturbing books back-to-back. “In Cold Blood” was the first, this one the second.

“Helter Skelter,” the story of the Manson family murders, is unbelievably disturbing. Unconsciously mad. Thinking about it today, so many years later, it is still so. Author Vincent Bugliosi was the prosecutor for the case and lays out the story as any good DA lays out his murder case....more

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Apr 10, 2013 Diana Cigher rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Diana by: Alison Mosshart

I came over "Helter Skelter" via a radio show. My favourite musician was playing some of her music and the theme was 'Highways and Outlaws'. She was going to play "Song for Charles Manson" by Fiji, but before she said a little story. She said that Manson was one of the most infamous criminals of America. And he was. She said that if any hadn't read Helter Skelter, they should.
And being my favourite musician, I thought "Why not?". So I got a friend to get me an e-book (I looked everywhere and the...more

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Jul 30, 2012 Laurel rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction, true-crime, psychology

So, here's my weird connection to Charles Manson: my mom very briefly knew Linda Kasabian. Linda was the key witness for the prosecution. She moved to my small hometown after the trial and that's how my mom got to know her a bit. She even came to our house once. Apparently, I met her too, though I was just a baby. My mom did not realize who she was until some time later - Linda had changed her name to hide/protect her identity. She only lived in our town a short time before moving out of state.

A...more

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Feb 26, 2013 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am a recent convert to the true-crime genre but I found this book to be fascinating. I didn't know much about the Manson case, so I was completely surprised and disgusted by the crimes. Granted, I had to sleep with the lights on for a few nights, but I couldn't put this book down. It's probably rare to have access to the lead prosecutor of such a high-profile investigations but I loved the way that Bugliosi explained all the strange coincidences that plagued this case. I preferred the investig...more

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Jul 02, 2008 Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: most people, actually

Recommended to Erin by: my mom

scary and amazing story. true crime isn't generally one of my interests, but this had been recommended to me numerous times. it was well-written, and managed to make almost all of the murderers far more sympathetic characters than i would have imagined possible. the part that frightens me the most, i think, is that manson's philosophy was based on such simple and easily accessible things as the bible and the white album. i mean, who hasn't heard a song that felt like it was written specifically...more

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Jul 03, 2008 Teri rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: anyone

Recommended to Teri by: a good friend

When a friend was readin g it while in the hospital, she highly recommended it, but I thought it would be too greuesome to read, but I went out and bought the book and absolutely devoured it. My parents couldn't understand how I could read such a gruesome book, but they read it, absolutely riveted with all the details. I would highly recommend this great true story to anyone that likes a true crime story, esp one that I was around for and lived within an hour of where this grisly event happened....more

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Apr 04, 2010 Scott rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read this book as a teenager. This is great book.

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Feb 15, 2009 Matt rated it 4 of 5 stars

"Truth is stranger than fiction" is a truism made so frequently it verges on becoming a platitude. Yet, there is a logic behind the maxim - fiction, by the very nature of it's unreality, must make a certain claim to believability. This rules out certain levels of absurdity, which would cause the fiction to be written off as fantasy. The real world, on the other hand, has no such restrictions.

Nothing illustrates this better than Helter Skelter, an account of the investigation of the Tate-LeBianca...more

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Dec 15, 2008 Julie Suzanne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: nonfiction-reading-to-learn

This was an irrisistable story from the first page. Being extraordinarily busy as a first-year teacher with absolutely no free-reading time, I chose this book from my to-be-read pile because it seemed like one I could read in small pieces over an extended period of time. However, I was unable to stop once I had started, and I felt it unfortunate that it was so LONG and I'm such a slow reader! So my schoolwork suffered a little bit as I indulged night after night in the recreation of the solving...more

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May 10, 2013 Matt Schweitzer rated it 2 of 5 stars

The authors purpose in this book was to inform the reader. I say this because this a story about the infamous Murder cases of Charles Manson and his 4 follower. The prosecution attorney told him the terrible and horrific details of the evidence inside the case.
Themes are not always easy to see inside a book but there is always a lesson in every book because anyone can learn something new from it and learn how to live there life in a certain way. The lesson or theme in this book is do not commi...more The authors purpose in this book was to inform the reader. I say this because this a story about the infamous Murder cases of Charles Manson and his 4 follower. The prosecution attorney told him the terrible and horrific details of the evidence inside the case.
Themes are not always easy to see inside a book but there is always a lesson in every book because anyone can learn something new from it and learn how to live there life in a certain way. The lesson or theme in this book is do not commit crimes. The reasoning behind this is that this book was in the eyes of the prosecution they are telling the details of the evidence they found against Charles Manson and his followers that are now considered an icon of evil because of their serial killing rampage that had a whole town in fear.
Another reason i say the theme is not to commit crimes is because Charles Manson and the followers are now all convicted and they all were found guilty of all the crimes they did together and they still have no regrets of what they did. That is why I think this is the theme
This type of writing was a exposition. I say this because the events had all ready happened and the state prosecution is just retelling the story of events and giving evidence of what happened in this horrifying murder trial and what these terrible and merciless people had done to the people they had murdered in cold blood.
The opinion i have of this book is not very high. I did not like this book that much because it gets boring in some parts just like every other book but these parts are just longer than normal books so i got easily bored with it. The thing i liked about this book was the historical events that actually took place. Then to think of the victims that had lost their life's because this group of people think it is right in their eyes and god's eye. It reminded me how the kkk worked and how the ruthlessly and mercilessly took away African-American's and lynched them in cold blood because they believed that god did not like them because of the color of their skin. That is what i thought about The story of the Manson murders. (less)

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Apr 04, 2013 John Frazier rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is another of those "classics" I should've read well before now but, nearly 40 years after its publication, its impact can neither be diminished nor overestimated. While, as a society, we have become largely inured to such gruesome and seemingly inexplicable acts of violence due to their seemingly commonplace occurrence and 24/7 news media coverage, the visceral nature of these crimes and subsequent investigation still resonate deeply.

Vincent Bugliosi was a young prosecutor for the LA Dist...more This is another of those "classics" I should've read well before now but, nearly 40 years after its publication, its impact can neither be diminished nor overestimated. While, as a society, we have become largely inured to such gruesome and seemingly inexplicable acts of violence due to their seemingly commonplace occurrence and 24/7 news media coverage, the visceral nature of these crimes and subsequent investigation still resonate deeply.

Vincent Bugliosi was a young prosecutor for the LA District Attorney's office when he was given the assignment of solving the (until then) unspeakable slaughters that took place at the Tate and LaBianca residences in neighboring sections of LA on consecutive nights in the fall of 1969, pretty much at the zenith of free love, flower children and drug experimentation, all of which collided with deadly impact in the form of Charles Manson's "family," a group of wayfaring wanderers vulnerable to the aberrant and misguided musings of a man who believed that blacks were going to seek and assume power over whites (a concept he labeled "Helter Skelter"), a movement he could forestall and quell by sending his minions to slaughter well-to-do white folks. (His thinking was that this would then direct the authorities' attention toward a black uprising. Interestingly enough, there was nothing left or planted at either of the crime scenes that gave any suggestion of black perpetrators.)

Given the forensic capabilities of today's investigators, I often found myself wanting to suggest techniques that weren't even available then. None of which excuses the bumbling collection (and ignorance) of evidence that Bugliosi and his colleagues had to contend with, not to mention all the various law enforcement agencies and departments, none of whom seemed capable of talking or sharing vital information with each other. (Talk about an argument for a centralized criminal database.)

Collecting and chronicling evidence was one huge obstacle. Establishing a plausible motive ("Helter Skelter") for the crimes was quite another, and Bugliosi took no shortcuts in trying to establish and understand the mindset of Manson and his followers.

Fortunately for readers, Bugliosi's patience and doggedness is matched only by his ability to chronicle this watershed trial with clarity and fluidity as he takes us stage-by-stage through the backgrounds, investigation, arrests and trials of all involved. (It's particularly fascinating to learn how much power Manson wielded while incarcerated.) His attention to detail as a prosecutor is no less evident in his role as an author, and readers are granted an invaluable insight as a result.

Accompanied by several telling photos (judiciously edited for publication), this is a revealing and riveting read that I highly recommend for fans of true crime and history alike.(less)

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Oct 22, 2012 Alison Strachan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Soooooo creepy!!! I had a really hard time finishing this book, at least the first half of it where they were discussing the crime scene details. Once I got to the second part where they told about the trial, it was a little easier for me to stomach but overall I found the book fascinating and was blown away by the darkness of some peoples' souls.

This was the true story of the Manson murders of 11 innocent people and how Charles Manson was able to manipulate and gain mind control over a group of...more

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Aug 24, 2012 Martin rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was often frustrated in the middle of this book but it ultimately redeemed itself through a detailed and unfortunately entertaining account of the Manson trial. I learned more about how a trial works as well, often due to the obstructionist defense attorney Kanarek, Bugliosi's real nemesis in the book, or due to the Family's antics during the penalty phase of the trial. The book follows a chronology hewing to the discovery (unnerving) and investigation (dumbfounding) of the murders. The victim...more

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Jun 07, 2012 Neil rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is bad. Well, not just slightly bad, but TERRIBLY bad. How anyone can believe this tripe is truly beyond all realms of imagination. Get Marlin Marynick's 'Charles Manson Now' and Schrecks new and updated 2011 book 'The Manson File: Myth and Reality of an Outlaw Shaman' from his website.

This book is terribly bad. So much nonsense it's almost embarrassing. I suggest getting 'Charles Manson Now' by Marlin Marynick (read the Star review on the Amazon page for it) and Nikolas Schrecks' new...more

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May 29, 2012 Paige Sterken rated it 4 of 5 stars

I never actually finished reading Helter Skelter, but this book follows the murders done by the infamous Charles Manson and his crew. It started as just a few, random murders, but soon the Tate-LaBianca murders were tied to Manson. Charles said he believed in Helter Skelter which was an apocalyptic race war, and the name of the famous Beatles song. As more murders aroused, Manson was tried and convicted as the man behind the murders. The book Helter Skelter was written by Manson's prosecuting at...more

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Apr 28, 2012 Robert added it

I cannot believe Bugliosi is still cashing in on this terribly misunderstood and unjust case. I have researched this case for many years ( this book being the first I read) and can safely say that his book is far removed from the truth .
A true investigator will research all available materials and unfortunately it has taken many years for the real story to spill out. Bugliosi was given far too much credence with his ridiculous theory by a greedy media seeking to sell sex/murder and mayhem to the...more

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Mar 25, 2012 Karin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: true-crime, nonfiction, biography, incarceration-prison-jail, justice-system, justice, murder, mind-control, cults, borrowed-from-the-library, audio-edition, violence, court-room-drama, lawyers, law, criminal-activities, crime-scene-investigation

Vincent Bugliosi was the prosecuting attorney in the case the state of California brought against Charles Manson in the 1970s. Helter Skelter is his account of the events surrounding the Manson murders, how they came to light, and the subsequent trials of Charles Manson and 4 of the women from the Manson “Family” who helped him and gleefully killed on his command. Seemingly random, the brutal murders were a response to a racial war that Manson believed was coming – he planned to use music and mu...more Vincent Bugliosi was the prosecuting attorney in the case the state of California brought against Charles Manson in the 1970s. Helter Skelter is his account of the events surrounding the Manson murders, how they came to light, and the subsequent trials of Charles Manson and 4 of the women from the Manson “Family” who helped him and gleefully killed on his command. Seemingly random, the brutal murders were a response to a racial war that Manson believed was coming – he planned to use music and murder as his own personal brand of racial cleansing, which he called “Helter Skelter.” He spent his early life in and out of various institutions and was surprisingly persuasive and manipulative, eventually sweet-talking quite a number of individuals into joining his “family” or cult. Manson and the women were eventually sentenced to die, but before the sentence could be carried out, California eliminated the death penalty, and they were spared. All are currently serving life sentences (costing taxpayers an estimated $20,000/year each – and probably more since Buglosi’s book was published).

Starting off with the murders and the investigation, this reads like mystery – no one could figure out who had committed the murders, and even when they had Manson in custody, they were stumped for a motive. Although Bugliosi goes into the details of Manson’s life, it’s difficult to understand what made Manson tick – and maybe we don’t want to know. Creepy.

I wonder what it’s like to be in Bugliosi’s shoes – he had to work on the Manson case for several years. It was his life. How does that affect one? And Manson seemed to have a weird sort of respect for Bugliosi – even wanted to keep in touch with him after the trial ended and he was incarcerated. Does it make his skin crawl knowing Manson is still alive? Locked up, but still a potential threat? Still crazy? In an afterword, Bugliosi says that Manson has achieved a cult following (beyond what he had when he was on the outside) and regularly communicates with people who share his views. This is also disturbing. What rights should a walking dead man have?(less)

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Oct 13, 2011 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am so crazy I can remember almost exactly when I read this. It was either November or December of 2007.

I think it's 4 stars, maybe 4 and a half. I did love it but I think my only problem with it was I wanted to know more about the case. I know the author wrote this huge book about his personal involvement with the case(he was the prosecutor in the Manson trials)

I guess I really wanted to know everything about what happened in that cult. Something about the Manson family has always intrigued m...more

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Oct 02, 2011 Hinch rated it 5 of 5 stars

Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders is quite possibly the definitive work of true crime literature. At over 700 pages, and written by Vincent Bugliosi, who served as the prosecution attorney, the book not only provides an exceptionally detailed account of the now infamous Tate/La Bianca murders, and the subsequent investigation and trial, but also a deep insight into the mind and philosophy of Charles Manson.

Motivated by diverse influences including Scientology, the Book of Reve...more Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders is quite possibly the definitive work of true crime literature. At over 700 pages, and written by Vincent Bugliosi, who served as the prosecution attorney, the book not only provides an exceptionally detailed account of the now infamous Tate/La Bianca murders, and the subsequent investigation and trial, but also a deep insight into the mind and philosophy of Charles Manson.

Motivated by diverse influences including Scientology, the Book of Revelation, and the Beatles White Album, Manson predicted "Helter Skelter" - an apocalyptic war that would see the "black man", angered by a history of oppression, rise up and overpower white society. Yet having gained control, the black man would prove incapable of leading; leaving the way for Manson (who with his followers would escape the war in a secret underground city) to take the seat of authority over the world. Frustrated that his vision was not taking form, Mason sent out his devoted "family" to commit heinous murders that he intended to be attributed to the black man, thereby acting as the kindle to ignite his prophetic race war.

The book delicately intertwines this disturbing philosophy with the equally bizarre events underpinning the murder trial. The proceedings, which lasted for over 9 months, generated over eighty million words of transcript, and resulted in the murder of one of the defence attorneys. If it were not real, the case alone could easily be assumed fantastical.

The events surrounding the crime are recounted with stunning clarity; and whilst the level of detail is staggering, Bugliosi weaves the minutiae into a gripping tale that will leave you spellbound. The book is not just a barrage of raw fact, but also a considered appraisal of the psychology behind the murders and their cultural significance.

There are passages in which Bugliosi elects to identify as a beacon of common sense in the company of gross incompetence, but this grand rhetoric does little to detract from the esteem of the book.

Part suspense, part mystery, this is more than just a work of historical record; for in seeking to explain how one man can so completely control the minds of others, to the point where his followers gleefully murder upon his command, the book succeeds in scaring the shit out of us all.(less)

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Jun 01, 2011 Beth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Published in 1974, Helter Skelter tells the story of the 1969 Manson murders from the perspective of the district attorney who prosecuted the case against Charles Manson and three female members of his cult known as "The Family." Bugliosi begins his book by detailing the Tate-LaBianca murders themselves; he successfully puts the crimes into context using witness interviews together with a factual blow-by-blow of events to describe the environment in which the crimes occurred, the backgrounds of...more Published in 1974, Helter Skelter tells the story of the 1969 Manson murders from the perspective of the district attorney who prosecuted the case against Charles Manson and three female members of his cult known as "The Family." Bugliosi begins his book by detailing the Tate-LaBianca murders themselves; he successfully puts the crimes into context using witness interviews together with a factual blow-by-blow of events to describe the environment in which the crimes occurred, the backgrounds of both victims and killers, the motive for the seemingly senseless killings, and the subsequent investigation and trial of Manson, Leslie Van Houten, Susan Atkins, and Patricia Krenwinkel.

Helter Skelter is as much a testament to the heinous crimes committed in the name of Manson as to the bumbling ineptitude of law enforcement. Throughout the book, Bugliosi makes clear references to the ways in which the LAPD, LASO (Sheriff's Office), and other agencies mishandled evidence, failed to pass on pertinent information, and otherwise hindered the criminal investigation.

Having just done quite a bit of research on the 1967 Detroit riot and other so-called "race riots" occurring during the '60s in the U.S., the concept of "Helter Skelter" was particularly interesting to me. Although Bugliosi only made a passing reference to the Watts Uprising that had taken place in LA several years prior to the crimes detailed in the book, the motive that he detailed behind the killings really resonated with the volatility of the era. Manson's belief that a full-blown race "revolution" was imminent seems extreme by today's standards, but by taking into consideration the context in which violent uprisings were breaking out in hundreds of urban locales across the US, his ideas, in some ways, seem to become products of their time.

Bugliosi's epilogue was particularly intriguing in which he suggested that Manson's philosophy was an amalgamation of various influences including, among others, Hitler, a cult known as "The Process," the "Church of Satan," and, interestingly, Scientology. I have seen several books on Amazon written by one-time confidants of Manson and I look forward to reading, at some point, Charles Manson's take on both the crimes themselves and the way in which the world operates--a necessity, I believe, in truly understanding how his enigmatic personality and unorthodox beliefs attracted a cult following.

Although a lengthy book, Helter Skelter was well worth the read and maybe even a re-read down the road! (less)

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Oct 22, 2010 Rob rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: true-crime

Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry’s HELTER SKELTER is one of the most recognizable true crime titles in American history alongside Truman Capote’s IN COLD BLOOD and Anne Rule’s THE STRANGER BESIDE ME. It’s also one of the most in-depth because it’s written by the chief prosecutor who put the mercurial madman, Charles Mason away. Because he began writing this book just after the conclusion of the case, the details were not only fresh in his mind, but he had access to every ounce of evidence surrou...more Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry’s HELTER SKELTER is one of the most recognizable true crime titles in American history alongside Truman Capote’s IN COLD BLOOD and Anne Rule’s THE STRANGER BESIDE ME. It’s also one of the most in-depth because it’s written by the chief prosecutor who put the mercurial madman, Charles Mason away. Because he began writing this book just after the conclusion of the case, the details were not only fresh in his mind, but he had access to every ounce of evidence surrounding the case. While this is a long, dense read, it’s also one you cannot drag yourself away from. As thoroughly horrifying as these crimes are—as well as the people who perpetrated them—they are equally captivating, holding you with rapt attention every step of the way.

Nothing can convey the social significance of the Manson murders when they transpired. The hippie movement of the 60s was coming to an end and the Vietnam conflict was beginning. It’s safe to say that with possible exception of the Lindberg Kidnapping, no single criminal case captivated the attention and fear of the public in the history of America. The effect the crimes had on Los Angeles during those years was equally traumatic. The murders were so savage, terrifying and random that people immediately began locking themselves inside their houses, arming themselves to the teeth, and moving away in droves. When Manson and his “family” were apprehended, the mindless and desultory reasoning behind these crimes were almost impossible to fathom. How sweet faced youths in their late teens and early twenties could be so callous and indifferent about the taking of human life seemed beyond belief. Even more frightening was that many of these “followers” came from prosperous and loving families.

Helter Skelter is an intense and thoroughly engrossing read. There are about a zillion details in this book that I never could have imagined. Bugliosi does a great job bringing killers and victims to life. Perhaps the most shocking elements are the confessions of Susan Atkins, aka Sadie Mae Glutz, a 21 year old, pretty girl who cooly, calmly stabbed her victims over and over again until they were dead and then discussed it as if their lives meant nothing. It's truly stunning to hear her abject indifference. Clearly Manson was mad, but this girl was a monster of a whole other order.

Two things really stick out at me after reading this book. How the late 60s were such a different time - maybe the last time of real innocence - and how these murders might have been the death rattle of it. Secondly, it still surprises me how vulnerable people are. I don't mean the victims. We all live in a society built on rules and order. While there's always some level of violence and discontent, you rarely see these kinds of evil come to fruition. When I say "vulnerable," I actually mean Manson's followers. Granted, they lived in a time of heavy drug use and emtoional experimentation. but their story only underscores how suggestible, desperate and lonely people really are, and how in the absence of love and self-worth, their minds and hearts can be so easily twisted.

As the world's population continues to grow, I expect we'll see more "soft-minded" individuals looking for something to belong to. Let's hope that perfect conflagration of people/place/time/society doesn't give them another Manson to follow. (less)

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Jun 02, 2010 Debbie Williamson added it

I am not even sure of how to rate this book. I only read it because my mother was a juror on the Tate Labianca Murder trial. I needed to understand her fears when she returned home after close to a year. She had a nervous breakdown shortly after the trial was over, I was twelve and mom never talked about what she went through. When I was in my twenties I bought this book. After I finished it I cried at the thought of my mother sitting as a juror and having to witness this horrible truth. Charles...more

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Apr 15, 2010 Kaela rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book scared me so badly. It was a strange sort of scared though, that left me wondering and left me wanting so badly to read more and more. Having an interest in criminal justice, I found this was a very intriguing true crime story about one of the most notorious cult leaders and killers of our century. The details were sickening and very well, detailed as to what went down before during and after the crimes were committed. The personal biography about Manson, while interesting, still did n...more

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Aug 25, 2009 Rob rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read ugly, crazy and unbelievable news stories every day but this story is just too incredible. I don't remember ever having nightmares because of something I'm reading until I read this book. And not just scary nightmares but the book just totally got into my dreams. Beyond the unbelievable, twisted and horrible crimes committed by Manson and his family - and the insanely twisted fact that an army of twenty-somethings were willing to butcher innocent people on command - the cool part of this...more

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Aug 23, 2009 Tiffany rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of true crime books, pop-culture, or biographies.

Recommended to Tiffany by: my friend who had just read it first

Shelves: non-fiction, pop-culture, first-person, true-crime

This is the best true crime/courtroom drama I have ever read. The story is amazing, creepy, detailed, unparalleled, eerie, horrifying, and so well-told by the prosecuter of the Mason trials, it was hard to put it down. I have recently re-read this book, after many years of thinking about it and telling people to read it. If one doesn't want to get pulled into such groups, one must know about them. I read it when I was 16, and was looked upon very strangely by the extended family, and my mother w...more

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Aug 23, 2009 Nicola rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: crime, recommended, non-fiction

'Enjoyed' is clearly the wrong way to categorize my response to Helter Skelter, but I can say that I was utterly consumed by it. For the five days I was reading the book, I just wanted to blow off the rest of my life, so that I could obsessively keep reading. There's a reason Helter is considered the 'best' true crime book; it makes for incredibly powerful reading.

Helter starts off in typical true crime style, with rather unpleasantly-graphic descriptions of the crime scenes where the Tate and L...more

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About Vincent Bugliosi

American attorney and author, best known for prosecuting Charles Manson and his followers for the murder of Sharon Tate and others.

In his books he claimed that O.J Simpson and Lee Harvey Oswald were guilty of the crimes they were accused of.

In his latest book he states that George W. Bush should be prosecuted for murder.

Bugliosi lives in Pasadena, CA.

More about Vincent Bugliosi...

Books by Vincent Bugliosi

Till Death Us Do Part: A True Murder Mystery

Outrage: The Five Reasons Why O.J. Simpson Got Away with Murder

The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder

Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy [With CD]

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“I may have implied on several occasions to several different people that I may have been Jesus Christ, but I haven't decided yet what I am or who I am.” — 10 people liked it

“For a lawyer to do less than his utmost is, I strongly feel, a betrayal of his client. Though in criminal trials one tends to focus on the defense attorney and his client the accused, the prosecutor is also a lawyer, and he too has a client: the People. And the People are equally entitled to their day in court, to a fair and impartial trial, and to justice.” — 8 people liked it

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