Rating: 
Summary: A frightening, destructive close to the idealistic 60's
Review: "If this was not a proper case for the death penalty, no case ever would be." In that one sentence, Vincent Bugliosi sums up exactly how horrific, senseless and sadistic these murders were. This is definitely not a case study for the squeamish, and Bugliosi leaves no stone unturned in his prosecution, as well as his investigation, of the Manson murders. Co-author Curt Gentry narrates the first half of the book in the omniscient third-person, informing readers of the stark facts. On August 9, 1969, 10050 Cielo Drive went from being Sharon Tate's "love house" to a slaughter house where 5 victims (Tate, her friends Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger, Voytek Frykowsky, and an unknown bystander, Steven Parent) were stabbed repeatedly, and in some cases, shot. The most horrifying image is the death of Sharon herself, who was nearly nine months pregnant, and in her most vulnerable state. The following night, August 10, Rosemary & Leno LaBianca were the victims of the massacre. Aside from the graphic nature of the crimes, messages had been printed in blood. Among them was a mispelled one: "Healter Skelter". Gentry gives details on the LAPD investigation. At times, the police come off as the Keystone Kops with their obvious mistakes (for instance, an officer presses the gate buzzer at the Tate residence, obliterating the bloody fingerprint originally left there). In other instances, some officers are shown to be thorough in their interviewing techniques and investigations (most notably Dianne Lake, a former member of the Manson family). When Gentry begins to unravel the horrors of one Charles Manson, a small-time pimp and criminal who had spent most of his life in federal prison, the narration is at its most compelling. Eventually, one of the perpetrators of the "Helter Skelter" murders, Susan Atkins aka Sadie Mae Glutz, blabs to her cellmates once too often, and (thankfully) gets the killers arrested. Bugliosi gets assigned to the case. Bugliosi apologizes for the abrupt change in the narration, since he picks it up in the first person singular. However, his ability to relate the details of the case, the personalities of the killers and victims, the forgotten clues, interviews with understandably frightened witnesses, and his analysis of the dynamics of the Manson Family will soon make the reader forget this change in the "voice". Bugliosi is a trial lawyer who puts 150% into his work, and to read his account of why he had to prove motive, how he got the maximum amount of information from his witnesses, etc., is to read a masterpiece. It's rare to see any lawyer that dedicated to his job. Bugliosi not only has an eye for details that are seemingly unimportant at first, he also has the ability to articulate the main points of the case in a manner which is easily understood by someone unfamiliar with criminal law--a rare combination. The trial was almost as bizarre as the murder, with the defendants behaving as if they were unruly students in a classroom, and laughing at inappropriate times. The most unforgettable moment would have to be Manson's attempted attack on the judge, as his co-defendants admiringly looked on. Those 3 women, as well as the other Manson family members (including the prosecution witnesses), believed that Charlie had magic powers. Considering that he and his four co-defendants were found guilty and got the death penalty, only to have the death penalty overturned by the U. S. Supreme Court, it would seem that maybe Manson DID. In the afterword, Bugliosi goes on to name other unsolved murder cases in which the Manson family members are suspects (there are possibly about 40 victims in all, or even more). His eloquent trial arguments are a reminder of what could have happened if this case had been assigned to a lawyer who DIDN'T always have his eye on the ball. The scariest thing about these cases is that Manson could have easily walked, given the initial lack of concrete evidence. Bugliosi is probably the all-time champion prosecutor when it comes to circumstantial evidence cases. For another one of these books, check out another one of his books, "Till Death Us Do Part". His final argument is so concise and thorough in the way it covers every possible issue, it must certainly rank among one of the finest arguments in U. S. history.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Book I've Ever Read...
Review: Helter Skelter is the best book I've ever read. Written by the prosecuter himself, this book gives a very in-depth summary of the entire Manson "Family" story. **Also includes lots of legal info., especially CA state law, for those intrested.
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Summary: "Helter Skelter" The greatest book ever written
Review: I loved this book. I could not put this book down. I'm only 16 years old, but I still understood everything. It made me wonder how it was back in the '60's, in Manson's family.
Rating: 
Summary: Good, informative, enjoyable.
Review: Loved it all. Read it in a couple of hours I was that drawn in.
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Summary: Outstanding Tale of the Manson Murders
Review: This book is THE best ever written about the horrific deaths caused Charles Manson and his "familiy". After reading it, one understands how a criminal investigation works and how a prosecutor puts together a successful case. Even in the jaded '90's, "Helter Skelter" still ranks as frightening piece of true crime literature.
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Summary: the most intriguing accout of the manson murders ever
Review: bugliosi recreates the events of the manson murders and the trial in expicit detail and reiterates them nemerous times, although never becoming redundant or boring. helter skelter warrants the title of the best-selling crime book ever. bugliosi creates an incessantly fascinating timeline of the events occuring in the life of possibly the most dangerous man of our time--manson. you must read this book!!!!!
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Summary: It "scared the hell out of me" all four readings!
Review: I've read Helter Skelter four times now and every time " Hell has been scared out of me ". It's a must read for anyone who loves true crime.
Rating:
Summary: A scary, captivating tale
Review: This book is certainly not a Pulitzer prize winner, but it is definitely a must read for any true-crime fans. I found myself unable to put the book down for hours. Bugliosi carefully unwinds the horrific details that surround these infamous murders. This book is much more than a gruesome exploitive account. I found myself understanding the late sixties as the tumultuous period that could host this episode in history.
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Summary: Excellent Book!
Review: I first read this book a number of years ago and have re-read it several times since. It is a superb account of the Manson Family and their crimes, written by Vincent Bugliosi in the brief period before all his books became "I love me" tales of his legal brilliance. There is no doubt that Mr. Bugliosi is indeed a superb legal mind as well as a brilliant author, and this book was written before he let the knowledge of this deter from his talent.
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Summary: It's comforting to know we have someone like Bugliosi.
Review: I have read this book several times(Helter Skelter.) I know that may sound silly, but the truth was I knew there were little things I was missing. Each time I read it, I discovered something new. It was like reading a whole new story each time. Mr. Bugliosi is one hell of a storyteller, and I feel I can rest better knowing there is someone like him who cares enough to free us from the sick, perverted, and twisted criminal while putting his own life in jeapordy. Of course, I wasn't at the trial; I wasn't even 5 years old when it ended. But the more I heard about the "Manson Family", the more I struggled to get my parents to let me read about it. Once I was old enough, my mother bought me the book. I have never experienced anything like it since! I felt as if I was in the courtroom with Mr. B. during the trial. I could actually picture where I would be sitting. I only wish I could have been the judge the day of sentencing. I would have ordered the ex! ! ecution for the very same day. Mr. Bugliosi brought so many things to light about the trial so when a discussion starts about Manson, I feel as if I'm the expert. I felt as if I was sitting right in front of him(Mr. B.) and he was just telling me the story as it happened. I'd like to find other books written by Mr. B., and hear of other cases he has prosecuted. I'll tell you this much: Mr. Bugliosi would make one hell of a defense attorney! Way to be MR. B.!!! Sincerely, and millions of thanks for your dedication and drive, Jeanine
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