Helter Skelter

The True Story of the Manson Murders

By: Vincent Bugliosi, Curt Gentry

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 26 hrs and 29 mins

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)

Long and Very Detailed but worth it.

When you purchase an audiobook with a running time of over 25 hours you know it's going to be a long haul. Upon starting this book I did not know that the prosecutor of the case was the author. The Manson case and Tate/LaBianca murders were well before I was born. This book is incredibly thorough, the first third of it goes through Manson's life before 1969. While part of it seemed to drag, I realized that without all of that background and cursory knowledge you don't get the entire picture of Charles Manson and how one man could lead so many people to do such horrific crimes. The narrator was wonderful, and kept me involved at times when I was fading from the amount of overwhelming knowledge in this book. Now knowing that the author was in fact the prosecuting attorney, many thoughts and opinions makes sense. His frustration with the Los Angeles police department, his point of view in reference to the case, and at times his unbearable arrogance come through clearly. What I love most about it though, is the fact that the author goes out of his way not to show favoritism to either side of the story. He spends as much time on the Manson family's perspective as he does his own. This is a very intense and long book, but if you're looking for a real in-depth case study on Charles Manson and his 'family' this is it.

A fascinating, detailed insider

account of a monstrous crime, a fiendish leader and his depraved followers. Fast paced and absorbing it is not without shortcomings, for most of which is the fact that the author has a difficult time reigning in his own ego and chest thumping. He is - because he tells you so - the hardest working, most ethical and greatest prosecutor in the history of man... and although these not so subtle insinuations may or may not be true, it would sound a lot better coming from someone else. Nevertheless, this is a first rate telling of a horrific event and the perpetrators that is bound to keep the reader ghoulishly mesmerized.

Very very interesting !

Would you listen to Helter Skelter again? Why?

No. I just don't do that. There are too many other books to listen to.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

One of my top five books so far.

I couldn't put it down!

What did you love best about Helter Skelter?

Incredible story. I was totally pulled in. Fantastic narration by Scott Brick. I was worried that I wouldn't get through such a long book but I finished it in 10 days! The writing as well as Brick's performance are so compelling that I wasn't bored for a moment.

very heavy subject matter, but good.

the facts displayed in such a clear way, and by first hand accounts of the most qualified person to write this book

Kept me intrigued the whole 26 hours!

This was such an intriguing story that I was engrossed the entire 26 hours! Although it included a lot of details, they were all fascinating and the story was well organized and the performance was so believable that I never felt that it was too detailed or at all dull. Great insider perspective on this crazy moment in history.

Cursive and well documented

A little too long of a listen but it was worth every minute. Maybe the world will never know what really happened, but this book makes a pretty good case of explaining at least the knowned facts.

Incredible Book.

I read many of the Manson books but if for some reason had not gotten around to reading this one the performances really good keeping my mind on track through such a large volume of information. the book itself gives more information on the victims and the murders themselves than I had seen in many volumes and many documentaries I would highly recommend this book

Very intriguing!

The book was well written and shed light on what actually happened. As a person who was born decades after the events took place, I was unaware of much of the timeline leading up to the murders, as well as court proceedings. The author broke down the events and interviews in such a way that I was easily able to understand not only the events that occurred, but also the context in which they occurred (ie cultural nuances of the time). The performance was clear and concise. I would recommend this book and author to any true crime reader.

Amazing!

Beautifully done!! Well worded and the narration and was astounding. One of the best audible books I have listened to!