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)

Detailed account

I’ve always heard of the Mason case, but it’s been so vague. People just expect you to know the details. I’m glad that I found this book and, while long, gave it a listen. The detail the author goes into is so in depth, be prepared for some gory details. At first the narrator was a bit hard for me because of his style of reading, but by the end any other voice would have been completely wrong. Glad to have this in my library.

Narration by the Devil himself

At first I hated this Narrator. I listened to a rip i found, on a (ahem) streaming video site of sorts, of an ancient book-on-tape and the narrator on that sounded like a dragnet-esque, investigative, 70's crime voice which felt so appropriate. Then, I decide I've got a credit lets toss it at this big beluga. Then this fucking voice hah... It's breathy and lets be honest a little perverted sounding. Kinda getting off on this little doing vocal smirks at lines. Then I'm like oh he's doing this in a horror-vibe? Instead of true-crime one? The Heck? It's probably one of the best true-crime novels of all time, lets be honest with ourselves. And the author/attorney on the case, Bugliosi, didn't write this with the preface 'on a dark and stormy night' you know? Yet, the story is so sensational it sort of allows it and a few hours in It didn't bother me. Actually sort of sounded like, and you gotta use your imagination for this, the narrator was a demonic archangel sort of smirking and watching the whole thing from Mount Sinai going though the events etc. If you have trouble with his inflections maybe try that one on for size.

Riveting and terrifying

The story really kicks into action once Bugliosi enters the story. Perhaps it comes off as a bit self-aggrandizing, but not enough to hurt the book. Great read

Mesmerizing

The graphic horror was mind blowing, even while relating only facts and lacking human emotion. This was written in thorough detail by the district attorney prosecuting the case.

My only complaint is that it feels like it jumps around a lot, repeating several times information previously stated. It’s hard to wrap your head around something this heinous, though the writer does a great job of making you feel like you’re right there in the court room with them.

It’s a very informative book, and if you’re interested in psychology, it’s 26 hours well-spent.

A good surprise

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would recommend this book to my friends. This book both captured and capitalized on one of the most fascinating episodes of crime in recent history. It seems to have it all, interesting & sympathetic victims, Hollywood stars, grotesque murders, a reprehensible criminal “mastermind,” slavishly devoted cult minions, sex, perverse motivations, rock and roll, witnesses and sources nearly as bazar as the family, dramatics in the courtroom, and, of course, the process of figuring out how it all worked.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Helter Skelter?

When Vincent Bugliosi reviews all of the unsolved murders that the Manson family may have been involved with, it really shows the potential of this group for both gratuitous killings and killings to protect the family. I believe Bugliosi said these folks, "liked killing," and I suspect he is correct.

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

I almost past this book by because of the narrator’s voice, which struck me as overly pained. I am glad I went ahead with this book. I not only grew accustomed to Mr. Brick’s voice and presentation, I grew to enjoy it. If you have the same trepidation when you listen to the short sample of the book, please forge ahead. I suspect your experience will be similar to my own.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were several instances in the book where the "girls" spoke of the people they murdered with such complete disregard for their victims' lives or suffering. It was far easier to dislike Susan Atkins than Charles Manson.

Good but longgggg

I enjoyed this, it was fascinating. It was a bit long and very procedural at points.

Peerless within the genre

Listen, for decades, I put ZODIAK by Robert Graysmith and The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule as my top two true crime novels
...FOR. DECADES.
Then I finally got around to digesting Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi.
HOLY EFFING JESUS: Helter Skelter is head and shoulders above those two otherwise fine books. In fairness, I went back and we visited both of them just to make sure the playing field was even.
But Bugliosi's genius is Godzilla level next to Graysmith's cold, 'on the spectrum' evesdropping and Rule's embellished and embossed, flowery telling is fine, especially considering her personal tie to Bundy.
But with Bugliosi, no detail is spared and his view of the entire story it's crystal clear from the inside of the investigation itself, with every record and piece of evidence cllected by L.A. County at his beck-and-call.

Sure, I have a calendar – I know what year it is - and I know everybody reading this probably read Helter Skelter by the time they were a Senior in High School, but on the odd chance that you, like me, never got around to it– let me tell you: you made a mistake. It is the High Holy Mountain of True Crime literature.

The audiobook is stunning.
The narration is pitch perfect.
I'm on my third listen.

And if you're a fan of Tarantino's Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, you will see just how much Tarantino relied on Helter Skelter to fill in the blanks with his Manson Family sub-plot.

Helter Skelter is peerless within the genre.
FIVE STARS.

Still scary after 50+ years

Exceptionally well written and very well read (it's Scott Brick, after all). There's so much to this story, that a short review seems difficult. I read this book probably 25-30 years ago. I almost didn't choose it in Audible - but I watched "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" and felt the need to give back some respect to the real victims. Very glad I did - the epilogue/afterward hadn't been written when I first read it, and it was scary and fascinating in and of itself. The idea of Manson damn near becoming some sick folk hero is mind boggling. If you are looking to learn about the Tate and LaBianca murders - and the incredible and vast effects that the US is still experiencing as a result, this is the book to read.

Worth a revisit

After reading this book years ago I decided to give it a listen. Worth the time!

Amazing!!

I was a young girl in Indiana when “Helter Skelter” took place and I do remember the events surrounding it being on the news. This book is an informative and in-depth depiction of this story. Mr. Bugliosli and Mr.Gentry brought this disturbing story back to life. I read this book around the original publication date an rereading it now takes me right back this very unsettling time in history