Rating: 
Summary: Disturbingly real
Review: I have a love/hate relationship with this novel: it remains the one work that has frightened and disturbed me more than any other novel, and it is the reason I stopped reading true crime accounts! I find that I can handle even the most bizarre horror novel over the true evils that human beings actually commit.
I think we will always have a fascination with the Manson Family and their acts. The Tate/LaBianca murders remain some of the most bizarre and violent acts this country has ever seen. Bugliosi paints a realistic portrait of Manson's childhood, his gathering of his "family" and of the final murders themselves. It is chilling, it is disturbing. I will forever carry the image of Manson and his followers "creepy crawling" through people's houses (I slept quite restlessly for weeks after reading this). Bugliosi does not romanticize these people. Manson and his followers are presented as the disturbed, disillusioned people that they were/are. If you like true crime, if you are at all interested in Manson, and if you have nerves of steel, I recommend this one as one of the best true-crime accounts ever written.
Rating: 
Summary: The weirdest plot ever and it's all true.
Review: I remember last year around Halloween I read an article about the best books to read for Halloween. Even the article's author conseded that this was a strange choice (it's not fiction) but had a good point. The first 10 pages of this book are truly terrifying and I guarantee you will be affected. It is also very hard because you can't help but feel desperate for the victims because terror was a part of what these killers meant to put into their last moments of life. And as most who know about this case it was one of the most horrible crime scenes to ever be discovered.
Rating:
Summary: Depravity makes for most compulsive reading, yes?
Review: Whether or not you know anything about the Tate-LaBianca murders, you should read "Helter Skelter," an amazingly thorough account of the killings, the events leading up to and after the events, the completely deranged fantasies of Charles Manson, how he converted a legion of sheltered, middle-class kids into his lackeys and (in many cases) killers, and how they were convicted and sent to Death Row (sentences later commuted to life imprisonment). Though Prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi's high-minded moralizing can get a bit annoying (but when has a prosecutor not been shrill and annoying?), one can only marvel at the sheer volume of work put into compiling the difficult-to-obtain evidence against Manson and the other killers. They should have had Bugliosi prosecute O.J. After you read the book, try to hunt down "Manson," a 1972 documentary film about the Family that was nominated for an Oscar. It's out of print, but more off-beat video places may have it in stock.
Rating:
Summary: YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK
Review: THIS AN AMAZING BOOK, I WAS VERY SPELLBOUND WHEN I READ THIS. ICANT BELIVE HOW ONE PERSON COULD BE SO SICK IN THE HEAD AND ALL THEKIDS HE HAS HAD IT IS GROSS. I HAVE DONE SO MUCH RESURCH ON MANSON FOR A CLASS PROJECT THAT I KNOW MORE ABOUT HIMSELF THAN HE DOES. THIS IS A WONDERFUL BOOK IT WILL LEAVE YOU AMAZED. END
Rating:
Summary: One of my all time favourites
Review: When i tell people that this is one of my favourite books, i often get weird looks, because they know that it is about the Charles Manson murders. This is the main focus throughout the book, but it is so much more as well. Helter Skelter is spellbinding, and keeps you entranced throughout the book, from the murders, to the 'motive' to the courtroom scenes, as well as everything in between. It was recommended to me because i am a Beatles fan, and it is interesting to see how it was interpreted and twisted by Manson. With all the talk about violence in the media, violent toys, etc, causing these spectacular school schootings, it is interesting to see how the Beatles' music could be interpreted as being one of the causes to these murders.
Rating:
Summary: A shocking look at the Manson Killings
Review: This book is the definitive read on the Manson Killings.It traces the roots of the Manson Clan and its various members, and manages to show its machinations behind the murders. Bugliosi is prone to rambling, especially in some of his other works, but in this book he does not which is a real relief. This is the sort of book that you will find difficult to put down and despite the sheer amount of facts that are put across it reads smoothly and sensibly. It shows yet another instance of police buffoonery too - the police search for one of the murder weapons in the Tate Murders, finding out that they had it for months. Thankfully though justice was served eventually and the Trial segment of the book is fantastically well written with enough twists and turns to satisfy any Perry Mason fan. A must buy!
Rating:
Summary: You can't put this book down
Review: My favorite book of all time. This one has it all,from the Beatles,to the the most beutifull women of all time,Sharon Tate. Vincent Bugliosi gives you a inside look into the murder of Sharon,her unborn baby,and all of the unlucky house guest that terrible August night.This could have been the murder of Candace Bergman and her boyfriend,Doris Days son,Terry ,but they moved out months before. We also get to read about the Beatles music from the "White Album." Charles Manson thought they were telling him to get ready for the African American's taking over The country. The songs,"Helter Skelter,Sadie,BlackBird," and alot of the other Beatles records are mention.The Beatles were even questioned about there music. Even Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys has his house taken over by the Manson Gang. The person I fill sorry for the most was the young man who happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time,Steven.Nothing has ever been written about him,or his family. One of the greatest women,Sharon Tates Mom,Delores Tate,has fought for years untill her death to make sure none of these murders ever get out of prison. Sharon Tates Sister has taken over her quest.This is a long book,but even if you hate to read,you can't put this one down.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Incredible. You have to read it to believe it.
Review: Helter Skelter goes into great detail of how graphic and horrific the Tate/LaBianca murders were. Bugliosi does an excellent job describing the crime scene and recalling how the murders occured. The Trial portion of the book is incredible. Bugliosi does a superb job on piecing together an airtight case for the prosecution. Bugliosi made a great sacrifice of his personal life while putting in time working on this case. Helter Skelter really helps explain how Manson created his "Family" and how he brainwashed his followers into believing his deranged philosophies. The only thing more riviting than this book is idea that their are still people who believe in Manson's teachings.
Rating:
Summary: Sleep with the lights on.
Review: This book has all the painfull details of the most gripping crime of the pass 100 years. Not scent jack the ripper has there been anything more wacked out. It is a real page turner that you will not be able to put down. You will never think of the word "Family" or "Love of Family" the same way again. This is NO bedtime story. You will be checking your doors and sleeping with the lights on after the first 5 pages. This as got to be one of the best true crime books you will ever read.
Rating:
Summary: America's best prosecuting attorney is also a great author.
Review: This is an excellent book on one of the most horrific crimes ever committed even by today's standards. The research, details, and explanations are absolute top-notch. It is evident that Vincent Bugliosi is one the greatest prosecuting attorneys ever to step into the courtroom. The way he can rationally reconstruct the events of a crime and get into the heads of the criminals and lay out their motives is just amazing. The courtroom drama is re-created in dramatic detail so you can feel the tension, suspense and horror all throughout the trial. We also learn alot about cult psychology and how people can be driven to extreme bahavior. What's even scarier is that there are people in this world like Charles Manson's fanatical followers ready to do his darkest bidding.
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