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)

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

Wow

Insane book and true story. Makes me want to do some investigating of my own.

Long, scary & so many questions answered

The story is just unbelievable, yet true. Manson embodied Hitler - his army was just smaller.

Shocking and honest

This was a difficult audiobook to listen, it’s quite raw, specially the firsts chapters. Shocking an honest, as I’m really curious about the cults on USA and true crime, it still got to me, made me feel a little anguished everytime. Good listen.

Probably the Best Audio Book Ever

I knew the story of The Manson Family and always wanted to read Helter Skelter but never had the time. Thanks to the glory of audiobook and Scott Brick’s flawless narrative, I was finally able to jump in. The story is so incredible it could be fictional, but it is not. This book is an American history icon and will be reviewed for generations to come.

MANSON TRIAL UPCLOSE~ long but very good~ wow~!~

PLOT: NON fiction account of the Trail of Charles Manson and the FAMILY.

1969~ young Vincent Bugliosi is assigned the job of prosecuting Charlies Manson and Family Members for Murder. this is about 25 hours long. Gives you background Charles Manson who spent half his life behind bars. with the serial killings TATE and LaBianca killings. the police believe the main motive is DRUGS. But a fingerprint leads them to the Spahn Ranch and a group of HIPPIES living there. As Manson and his "FAMILY" a group hippie type kids who live for drugs, free love and *thrive* under the direction of Manson, they are soon released for lack of evidence on a car theft charge. Charlies moves his Family to the BARKER RANCH and destroys an earth moving machine and soon are back in POLICE custody. As Bugliosi gathers the evidence to prove Manson is involved in the killings he seeks the MOTIVE FOR MURDER. Manson believes he is the Jesus Christ and hears MESSAGES from the Beatles White Album to make Helter Skelter (war) and the ONLY surviors will be HIM and HIS family. With the testimony of family member Linda Kessabian the Trial moves forward. the trial takes over 8 months and Bugliosi is excellent as he pieces the motivies and proof of why and how the family were *managed and motivated* by Manson do his deadly deeds. This is first facinating how the poorly educated Manson learned the clever art of manipulation. and he was a master at it. BASED on the court documents we hear things not seen in any of the movies about Manson. This is a very good audio about the events leading up to and conviction of the Family. the reader is also very good. FACINATING~~~ A REVEALING LOOK A THE MIND AND MOTIVE OF CHARLES MANSON AND HIS KILLING FAMILY.

Excellent

This is one of those books where you fall right into the story without even trying, and you want to stay there, as horrible as it is. Very easy to "read", fascinating and sad, and as a parent it really made me recommit to keeping our family close and loving so that neither of our kids ever felt the need to run off and join a "family" like Charlie's.

The story I never knew.

While we have all got some knowledge of the Manson murders, this book gave all the background to how everything came together, and I was fascinated.