Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders

by Vincent Bugliosi, Vincent Bugliosi with Curt Gentry
Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders cover
Good Books rating 4.44
True Crime
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Paperback • £10.99–£12.99
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  • ID: 869
  • Added: 2025-09-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781446493342
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2014-07-31
  • Formats: 44
  • Reviews: 4

Helter Skelter is the definitive account of the Tate-LaBianca murders, penned by the prosecutor who secured Charles Manson's conviction. This harrowing book delves into the mind of Manson and his 'family,' exploring how he manipulated young followers into committing unspeakable acts. The book won a Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award in 1975 for Best Fact Crime Book and has remained a controversial and gripping read for decades./n/nThe book not only recounts the gruesome details of the murders but also answers the haunting questions about Manson's influence and the lack of remorse shown by his followers. It provides a deep dive into the psychological and social factors that led to these crimes, making it a seminal work in true crime literature.

Reviews
Powell's Books · 2025-10-15
informative 4.75

The book is recommended for true crime connoisseurs due to its detailed evidence and eyewitness accounts. It's a perfect read for those who enjoy in-depth true crime stories.

The reviewer at Powell's Books highly recommends this book for true crime enthusiasts, praising its detailed evidence and eyewitness accounts that piece together the Manson story. They found the book to be a perfect read for those who enjoy in-depth true crime stories, highlighting how it provides a comprehensive look at the case. The reviewer appreciated the way the book builds the narrative piece by piece, making it a compelling and informative read. They also noted that it's a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the intricacies of the Manson murders.

Quick quotes

    Piece by piece, the story of Manson is put together based on evidence and eyewitness accounts.

    It's the perfect book for true-crime connoisseurs.

    The book provides a comprehensive look at the Manson case, making it a valuable resource for understanding the events.

Reddit - r/books · 2025-10-15
captivating 4.50

The book captures the terror of the Manson case and its lasting impact, though some readers might find the length overwhelming. It's a detailed account that stays with you long after finishing.

This reviewer found the book to be a gripping account of the Manson murders, highlighting how it captures the terror and the lasting impact of the case. They appreciated the detailed evidence and eyewitness accounts that piece together the story. However, they noted that the book's length can be overwhelming at times, but it's a compelling read for true crime enthusiasts. The reviewer also mentioned how the book delves into the movement created by the Manson family long after the trials, making it a multifaceted exploration of the events.

Quick quotes

    Bugliosi does an excellent job capturing the terror that this case held within in it, but also the movement it created long after it was over.

    I definitely recommend it to anyone who's interested in the Manson Family case or true crime in general.

    It's a long read, but it's worth it.

ebay.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-09-26
impressed 4.50

The reviewer initially approached Brian Levy's 'Good & Sweet' with skepticism due to the prevalent narrative around sugar but found the book to be a refreshing exploration of alternative sweeteners. They appreciated the detailed ingredient analysis and the innovative recipes that use fruits and other whole foods to create satisfying desserts.

The reviewer initially felt hesitant about Brian Levy's 'Good & Sweet' due to the common narrative that sugar is unhealthy and the push for alternative sweeteners. However, they found the book to be a unique and valuable resource that focuses on exploring ingredients rather than promoting a health agenda. Levy's thorough explanation of how different ingredients contribute to sweetness, texture, and flavor was particularly appreciated. The reviewer enjoyed the variety of recipes and the detailed head notes that explain the sweetening elements in each dish. They also found the book well-organized and practical, with useful sections on equipment and ingredient substitutions. Overall, the reviewer was impressed by Levy's careful recipe development and the complex, satisfying flavors achieved without traditional sweeteners.

Quick quotes

    There was no single understudy that could swoop in to cover all those roles. A lot of auditioning was going to be required. I had to focus on breakthroughs: There were things I couldn’t do for want of sugar (meringue!), but it was amazing how many things I _could_ make without it.

    The flavour profiles are more complex too. Take the _Date, Rye and Olive Oil Brownies_ for example: rich and fudgy like a traditional brownie, the dates (nearing a pound in weight) offer both a sweet flavour and chewy texture but they also highlight the subtle nuttiness of the rye flour and bitter umaminess of the cocoa powder.

    The recipe has very few ingredients — canned coconut cream, gelatin powder, dates, finely ground coffee beans, and vanilla extract — but, when tasting the set panna cotta, you’d think there was more!

Hardcover · Hailey · 2024-01-22
fascinating 4.00

The book places a heavy emphasis on the legal proceedings, which are fascinating but may not be for everyone. The detailed and in-depth nature of the book makes it a valuable resource for those interested in the legal aspects of the case.

This book is noted for its heavy emphasis on the legal proceedings, which are found to be fascinating but may not appeal to everyone. The detailed and in-depth nature of the book makes it a valuable resource for those interested in the legal aspects of the Manson Family case. The comprehensive coverage of the evidence and the legal process provides a unique perspective that is highly appreciated by readers who enjoy true crime stories with a legal focus. However, the length and complexity of the book can be challenging for some.

Quick quotes

    It places a very heavy emphasis on the legal proceedings, which I thought were fascinating, but it's probably not for everyone.

    It was incredibly in depth and detailed. It was very hard to keep track of names.

    The movie was good and did explain what happened, the trial and the aftermath. But this book has more information than could be fit into the movie.

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