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Helter Skelter  By  cover art

Helter Skelter

By: Vincent Bugliosi, Curt Gentry
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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Publisher's summary

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 20th 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 victims, and what was his hold over the young women who obeyed his orders? Now available for the first time in unabridged audio, the gripping story of this famous and haunting crime is brought to life by acclaimed narrator Scott Brick.

©1974 Curt Gentry and Vincent Bugliosi, Afterword 1994 by Vincent Bugliosi (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

“One of the best crime stories ever written.” (Chicago Sun-Times)

Featured Article: The Best True Crime Audiobooks for Your Inner Detective


The best true crime audiobooks will have you on the edge of your seat—whether the story divulges details about well-known serial killers or unidentified villains of unsolved crimes. You won’t be able to stop listening as each mystery unravels, especially when these fascinating, gripping tales are read by some of the most captivating voices in audio. Here are the best true crime audiobooks to get your heart racing.

Editor's Pick

The real story of the Manson Family
"Fifty years after the Manson murders, there are still a lot of questions to unpack. How did a man who never killed anyone himself become known as one of the 20th century’s most infamous murderers? What motivated his young followers to do his evil bidding, and why did the trial end up in the annals of legal history? Prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi’s legendary book on the trial remains the definitive source on the case—and Scott Brick’s pitch-perfect narration will hold your attention the whole way through."
Kat J., Audible Editor

What listeners say about Helter Skelter

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Distraught and well told

I read the book for a book report snd i am glad i picked this one. It is well told and represents what happened before, during, and after the trail

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

I couldn't stop listening

I loved this book. it was so very interesting Hearing a case from prosecution side. we here too many stories of Injustice where the prosecution is the bad guy. Bugliosi does an amazing job of getting inside the mind of Manson.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Fascinating story

Really good and fascinating story told by the the attorney who prosecuted Manson. Scott Brick is awesome as always.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A classic of true crime

There's something about this story that holds the reader spellbound. Bugliosi's impeccable research and storytelling keeps the reader riveted from beginning to end.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Slow yet intriguing

The book feels like it just drags on and on and on (like the trial) but it still manages to hold my attention (that isnt easy). Bugliosi did a great job. Facts were made clear. Time lines were not confusing or scattered. Details were just right, he didn't go overboard (a lot of true crime books, in my opinion, overload on details) Best of all, I learned some things and overall enjoyed the book

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Bazinga

I read this in paperback 24 years ago. It was gr ed at then. I listened to it now and it was just as I remembered it. Vincent Bugliosi does a phenomenal job with the details. The murders, trial, and aftermath are all highly detailed. This is probably the best true crime book I've read. The narrator was great. I recommend to any True Crime fan.

Disclaimer: My enjoyment of the narrator is based on my listening speed. I only leave 5 stars for books I've listened to multiple times. If you like this review please consider giving it a Helpful Vote below.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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WOW

Couldn't put it down, the author has a very unique view of information in the case. Lots of documentaries to watch during or after listening, which makes the experience come to life.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Scott Brick Does Amazing!

"Charlie was always preaching love. Charlie had no idea what love was. Charlie was so far from love it wasn't even funny. Death is Charlie's trip. It really is."

I went into this one thinking I already had a good understanding of this case.. but wow, was I ever wrong about that. The members of the Manson Family truly are abhorrently evil individuals. This true crime classic is definitely disturbing but is also fascinating.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Yes please

Give me more! More! What a stellar explanation. So much information told professionally. Every gory/sexual detail told as evidence. Learned a bunch I didn’t know as a person who is truly fascinated by true crime. 10/10 again and again!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Extremely Interesting and Intriguing

The author does a wonderful job of letting you see the case through his eyes, after setting the stage of who the victims are and who the alleged killers may be. It's certainly not his fault, but there are so many names and people involved that I was confused at least 25% of the time about who-did-what, which is only made worse by nicknames being used to describe some people. Again, no one's fault, but just be aware of that frustration. The final few hours also dragged with life updates on key players that was interesting but went on far too long in my opinion. Scott Brick is phenomenal as always and it's solely because of him that I even decided to try this one out. Overall, I'm very glad I did!

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