Rating: 
Summary: It didn't have to happen
Review: In cold Blood it was a terrible mishap to the Clutter family. The family was brutually murdered in their Kansas home by two outsiders for no apparent reason. Truman Capote brings the facts of this tradedy that happenend in 1959 to today's society. It was a thrilling novel with non-stop action In the end Perry and Dick finally get what they deserve and victory is unto the Clutter family.I highly recommend this novel. If you like thrilling action this definity is book for you.
Rating: 
Summary: Capote at His Best
Review: In my English Honors class this semester, we were assigned to read a book of our choice. At first, I told myself I would pick out the shortest book acceptable and read it the last night before it was due. I asked my mom for advice on a good book that would keep my attention. She handed me her copy of In Cold Blood that she read in high school. I decided to give it a try as it caught my attention because it took place in my home state of Kansas. The first night after starting the novel, I couldn't put it down. It kept my attention through most of the first section, but it failed to hold my interest towards the end. I felt that it wasn't necessary for Truman Capote to dig so deeply into Dick and Perry's past. I found myself skimming the unncesseary parts in which Capote gives us their background. I think Capote could have explained more of the events that took place the night of the murder, and everything leading up to it. I did like that way Capote added his own input to make it a semi-fictional novel. In the novel, I can see Capote trying to stick up for the murderers, especially Perry smith. There is actual evidence in which it is said that while Perry Smith was on death row, he became friends with Capote. An unusual and very interesting book, Capote's In Cold Blood proved to be a compelling novel. Capote's insight into the minds of the characters demonstrated writing excellence. Even though the events in question took place over forty years ago, the novel still creates a remarkable story line that is able to keep anyone's attention.
Rating: 
Summary: An Exploitation of a Tragedy
Review: I was intrigued by In Cold Blood when I first heard that it took place in Kansas. But I have to admit I was a little disappointed by the book. I didn't like Capote's choice of Perry as the main character and was bored by Capote's long tirades about the justice system and his in-depth description of Perry's background.I feel that the real horror of the Clutter family murders was overlooked by Capote and he just used the shock value of the murders as a lure for readers. The real story wasn't about the Clutters, Holcomb, or the investigation, but about Perry, who I personally disliked. I believe that the story could have been written better by another author who didn't exploit the murder of an innocent family to attract readers.
Rating:
Summary: Too Much Fact
Review: This was carefully reseached and filled with facts. Maybe too many facts. Sometimes the plot was bogged down with factual information and we lost interest in the Clutter's or the Killers. Truman Capote does a wonderful job in keeping this story true but it seems that it would have been more interesting to read if the plot had been paid more attention. It's still quite a good book one that I recommend to the true crime fans.
Rating:
Summary: An extraordinary achievement
Review: Never has a book so completely enveloped an era, a culture and the effect of a horrific tragedy upon it. Few people do not know about the murder, the conviction and the result. Some might know about the investigation, the names, or the places. However, these factual nuggets are but trivia now half a century later and do not begin to describe the depth and soul of Capote's account. The murders would undoubtedly be horrific even today, although without the sharp sting of novelty they must have had then. However, while central to the story, are woven into the tapestry of the book with such subtlety, such remarkably constructed restraint and objectivity that the trap of sensationalizing the event is avoided. Yes, this is the story of four cold-blooded murders, but more than that, it is the depiction of an era, the reasoning behind what makes good men bad, the impact of tragedy upon normality and the deconstruction of black and white, or open and shut. It is a remarkable achievement that Capote manages to wrestle a measure of sympathy from his readers for all involved, from the Clutters, to Dewey and his men, and yes, even the killers. Capote bled this book out of his system for five years and it was not without it's price. For his pains, he created one of the best books of the twentieth century.
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Summary: Truth, fiction, or both?
Review: "In Cold Blood" still produces a tremendous impact, despite the forty years that have passed since its first publication. This account of a Kansas family's murder and the ensuing results commanded much attention when it was first published, attention that continues today. Capote's technique of interweaving facts with embellished details was innovative for its time. He fills in what he obviously can't know, such as the thoughts of the soon-to-be-murdered victims. Since this book's publication, many imitations have followed, but "In Cold Blood" still stands out. What Capote does best is the cultivate an interest in, and even sympathy for, all involved, not just the murdered Clutter family and their grieving friends, but also their two murderers, especially the sensitive soul, Perry Smith. Capote is a master of his form. As any writer does, he manipulates the slippery truth, pinning down one version of reality that will remain in the minds of readers.
Rating:
Summary: A True Gem
Review: Although I would classify John Douglas' Mindhunter the very best of this genre, In Cold Blood would be a very close second. The lyrical phrases and economy of words Capote used in this book suggests genius. In case some of you have merely read the book, I would also suggest the brilliant movie which adeptly gives a visual adaptation to the book...Yes, it's that faithful.
Rating:
Summary: The first few chapters were mesmerizing
Review: I read it six years ago and haven't read it since, although I would like to again. The most I remember about the book was its first few chapters, on the murder of the Clutter family. How Nancy's friend ran out screaming, "Nancy's dead!" About Nancy's stuffed bear. How the teacher who entered the Clutter house and recognized Kenyon even though he had been shot in the face. All of these were hauntingly descriptive. The second half was about the trials, but I was more hooked on the first half. Even though it happened more than 40 years ago, I know the Clutter family are at peace and so are the people who knew the family when they were young. The Cold War ended, Vietnam came and went, techonological revolution took place, but the story of the Holcomb murders will never be altered.
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Summary: Or, perhaps, The Smell of Death!
Review: Reviewer is author of NOT GUILTY BY REASON OF INSANITY, (which is also on Amazon.com). Take two criminals, an alleged "bag of money," a shotgun, a few shotgun shells, etc., add three innocent victims, and procede to mix them up, accordingly. Then, get out your shovel, water hose, etc., in order to clean up the funky mess. And, oh yeah, don't forget your puke-bag! In Cold Blood! is, in fact, top-of-the-line "crime literature!"
Rating:
Summary: Captivating
Review: In this exposé of a murderer's mind, Truman Capote paints a vivid montage composed of juxtapositional stories. As the actors in Capote's Drama, the residents of Holcomb are portrayed alongside the facinorous killers, creating a collage of thoughts and emotions, which clash together but ultimately concoct a novel exploring the depths of the human metaphysic. Capote used his words to convey the despair of the town, the adulation of the Clutters, the desperation of the investigators and so forth. Capote, while not placing himself within the novel, gives the reader the same sense of ambivalence he must have felt as his acquaintances walked up to the noose. We are given a sense of realism which was previously unmatched. This radically new and groundbreaking style, which was unique to Capote at the time, introduced a new genre: the nonfiction novel. This book is not for those who are in search of an action-packed afternoon read. This a meticulously crafted portrait of the corruption of America and the American Dream, and is thought provoking to say the least. I enjoyed it greatly, largely due to the previously unseen style in which this novel was written. It has a very, very slow pace, but is an ultimately rewarding read.
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