Helter Skelter

By: Vincent Bugliosi, Curt Gentry

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 26 hrs and 33 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)

Everything I remembered about the case was wrong..

I was two years out of law school in 1969, working in the governor's office in Sacramento. In Northern California we were still living in fear over another monster, the Zodiac Killer -- another vicious apparently 'random' killer who was never identified. Unlike the Zodiac, Manson and his family were captured -- which made his case all that much more interesting, garnering the attention of almost everyone for months on end. I followed it closely -- or thought I did. I read Bugliosi's book soon after it came out and remember loving it, loving access to the details about the "family" he provided that I hadn't known before.

How time changes things. What I loved about the book in the 1970's were the personal elements, biographical details about the "family's" lives, who they were, how they got caught up in the insanity, much of which hadn't been widely available at the time.

Now, listening to Scott Brick's elegant, almost respectful, narration, I see something entirely different. Now -- in light of another judicial fiasco out of Los Angeles -- what captures my attention was the horrendous incompetence of the Los Angeles judicial system.

Now, all I can do is compare the Manson case to the O.J. Simpson case, in which (if you can believe this) bad as it was, the LAPD comes off looking pretty good as compared to Manson. In Manson, there were so much mismanagement, elemental mistakes, goofs and just plain incompetence of the LAPD, it's a wonder any of them were convicted of anything.

There's no question in my mind that if Manson went to trial today in LA, on the evidence available back then, he would never be convicted. Juries back then were, I think, more rational, more justice-based, than they are today. Today, I think the defense would be able to capitalize on the unbelievable errors, loose ends, mishandling of the evidence, incompetence in handling the evidence -- from everyone, the medical examiner, the police, and the detectives. Today, a jury would focus in on all those errors and mistakes. Back then, the jury focused on the big picture. Did these people do what they were alleged to have done? In short, they kept the defendants on trial. They didn't feel the need to try the LAPD instead.

Much credit goes to Vince Bugliosi himself, of course. His oft-repeated frustration with the total lack of trial support he was getting makes for fascinating reading. Working 14 hour days, being forced into doing much of the leg work himself after the LAPD failed or refused to do it -- or just lost it, after they did do it -- you get a real feel for the seat-of-the-pants lawyering that was possible back then. The world has changed. That wouldn't work anymore -- and on the whole, life in the US is the poorer and more dangerous for it.

All in all, "Helter Skelter" is a fascinating look at a monumental trial that still plays ranks high in legal mythology. It's a key part of American cultural history that's well worth reading, rereading or listening to.

63 of 64 people found this review helpful

Best inside scoop to a trial

This is an amazing story. The fact that it is true...never quite reaches believable. But it is. I was only 9 when the murders happened. I remember the pervasive fear. This book doesn't explain it all---How could it? Not even a book by Manson himself would accomplish that. But this book is as close the mark as we can get. It adds to the horror if one has actually heard Manson speak and realize how charismatic he could be. The authors turn the array of clues and facts into a compelling story. I think it's one of the best True Crime books out there and the audiobook is a job well done.

16 of 16 people found this review helpful

A familiar story from a unique perspective

Being of a slightly younger generation, I wasn't all that familiar with the Manson murders before I listened to this audiobook. I knew who Charles Manson was by reputation, of course, but otherwise came in fairly ignorant of the exact nature of his crimes and their impact on society. So if you already know a lot about the case, I suspect this review won't help you decide whether you want to give this book a try.

I tend to love nonfiction that gives the reader/listener insight into the author - particularly when the book is not an autobiography. Something about understanding the author's process of writing the book or connection to the work compels me more than if I feel the author is just trying to provide an accurate blow-by-blow description of an event. My reviews of Ron Chernow's biographies of Washington and Hamilton speak to this skill as well, in that Chernow inserts himself just enough into the narrative that you remember that someone with an opinion is there, someone who you can imagine pouring over the details to piece together this story.

Vincent Bugliosi brings this story to life in much the same way, but the experience is heightened by the author's unique role in the Manson case as the lead prosecutor. Thus, this is not just a rehashing of a crime scene - though Bugliosi does recreate the crimes in a way I found powerful and moving. Rather, this story is one only Bugliosi could have told. He describes his thought processes in detail as he tries to show us the challenge facing him in making a case against Manson that would convince a jury to not only put Manson away for life, but hand down a death sentence. I loved, loved, loved this perspective.

I'm not a lawyer, but I've edited the writing of many a lawyer, and I know how difficult it is for many lawyers to explain legal concepts, particularly details of court proceedings, in plain language - without boring the reader to death. Bugliosi is particularly skilled at making the reader understand why various legal details were both important and interesting.

Scott Brick is always good, and he's exactly the perfect narrator for this book. His stern voice is expressive without being emotional, which strikes the perfect tone for such a harrowing story.

Yes, the book is long. But I feel like you can probably tell if you're the sort of person who is going to enjoy a 27 hour story about the details of a grizzly, historically significant murder trial. You might not be, and that's okay. I would urge you though, if you're intrigued but unsure about whether the book can hold your attention that long, to give it a try anyway. You might zone out for parts of it, but I can promise there will be many, many sections you'll find so fascinating you won't want to stop listening.

10 of 10 people found this review helpful

Peace, love and butchery--what a contrast!

As someone who remembers the murders and the circus that followed, I was not sure that I would be able to sit through such a lengthy rendition of the story. When I saw that Scott Brick was the narrator, I knew it would be a breeze. His style and pace are brilliant. Even when I listen at double-speed on my iPhone, I can grasp every syllable, and in this book, every syllable is relevant.

Written during the time-period in which the crimes took place there is not a lot of time wasted setting up the ambiance of the time, which was quite unique. I think that this still comes across thirty-odd years later.

Never a fan of Vincent Bugliosi, finding him arrogant in most interviews I have seen, I have now learned to appreciate how much work and skill went into getting convictions in an impossible case. This is especially impressive when you realize the way the Tate investigators botched the case from the start.

The writers weave each thread into a tapestry that captures this dreadful part of history. I am so glad Audible made the unabridged version available.

30 of 32 people found this review helpful

What a great book.

This is one of those books that just grabs you and won't let you go. I've read it at least 3 times in the last 30 years and now I can just listen to it while I waste my life stuck on the freeway. And to have Scott Brick do the narration is awesome. He really keeps it alive, although the book itself is just plain fascinating. I've been holding out for the unabridged version and here it is. 10 stars!

57 of 62 people found this review helpful

Enthralling Listening

I must say that as an avid book reader, I was doubtful whether I could ever get used to audio books. But I have certainly done so. As someone who travels a lot as part of my job, listening to books in the car has made the trips so much more enjoyable - and this is an engrossing read! Helter Skelter is not the type of book I usually read, but I do vividly recall the Sharon Tate/LaBianca murders and thought it would be interesting - and how! Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry have done an excellent work on the entire tale from the awful murders to the final sentencing and beyond. Yes, it is a terrible thing which happened and the book doesn't flinch from that but overall one is left with a gripping and well-researched story which brings all the individuals involved to life.

By contrast with hardcopy books which one reads for oneself, the role of the Narrator is so vital in making an audio book enjoyable or not. Scott Brick does a masterful job at this. His reading speed is just right as is his tone and inflection. I would certainly look for books narrated by Mr Brick again. His reading is pivotal to the accessibility and overall enjoyment of this book. Five stars all around.

32 of 35 people found this review helpful

Masterful, start to finish

A compelling true crime tale is nothing unless it's told with the proper organization, discriminating and orderly presentation of details and all sculpted into a story arc. "Helter Skelter" sets the bar in each of these areas.

I read this book as a teen and it stuck with me these thirty-plus years. Seeing it on audio, I was wondering if I would be interested in giving it thirty hours of my life. Man, I'm glad I did.

It was so intense, at times I thought I'd have to stop listening. It gets in your head a bit. By turns, this book is horrifying, fascinating, sad, edifying and, ultimately a history lesson on crime in America, the 1960s, cults and the judicial system, not to mention Manson and his Family..

I can't recommend it highly enough. Just don't listen in the dark.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Engrossing book with fine narrator

I have read and reread this book many times, and have always been horrified, saddened, but have always had to read from end to end. Scott Brick's narration is clear, crisp, and well suited for the material. Excellent to have it finally on audio.

17 of 19 people found this review helpful

Thought you knew everything about Manson?

I thought this book might be old rehash. It was NOT. A total detailed factual account from A to Z on the case. Murders, investigation, trial and background. Few books have you sitting on the edge of your seat. This would be a great around the camp fire scary read. One of my best audible purchases I've made. Total addiction thru out the story. Can't wait to re listen cause you will no doubt want to go thru this at least twice. I don't know what was more shocking... the murders or the terribly botched up investigation that followed. So many hard clues, and so many people wanted to talk, but the detectives just did not care to listen. Shocking that this case was ever solved by such botched investigation.

10 of 11 people found this review helpful

Scary stuff!!

First read the book in the 70's when I was very young and the attraction was the Hollywood angle since I had just seen Sharon Tate in Valley of the Dolls. This re-read as an older woman gave chills when I understood the dark world of those lost creatures of the era. That I actually felt sorry for one of the women that recently died of cancer makes me realize how much I had forgotten about this story. Bugliosi gives very pertinent and detailed biographical accounts that help to understand what may have contributed to the moral disintegration of the murderers. But it's scary stuff when you think that there may be some more cults out there breeding this disregard for society. Fascinating read.

15 of 17 people found this review helpful

Evil: Step by Step

Would you consider the audio edition of Helter Skelter to be better than the print version?

In both print and on audio the book becomes more and more engrossing as it develops. It's length makes the audio version preferable for a second reading. There is so much detail only an unabridged version is acceptable.

What did you like best about this story?

The detail of the story, what might be described as the boring work of detection that a fiction thriller would leave out is the most compelling aspect of the story. Detectives, as they say, 'work the case' and in Helter Skelter it's clear what this really means. There's also a sense of people reacting to a murder in different ways,creating their own version of events when they don't know the truth, being unable to see the truth, because they have created their own narrative of the crime. What comes through step by step is the sense of evil: of people being able to decide and plan and want to murder, and to believe they have the right to murder. The facts of the case are famous, but the detail is what makes an engrosssing and morally insightful story.

Have you listened to any of Scott Brick’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I recognize the name Scott Brick, but don't track my audio books by performance. Brick's reading is slow and steady and clear. Some might say that this is not dramatic enough, but it would be a betrayal of the book to give it an over-dramatic reading. Brick also avoids any sort of accents or performance for the dialogue, which is also the right approach.

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

I read the book in print many years ago and decided to revisit it in audio. At 26 hours its not a book for a single sitting. Its a book I will listen to for an hour and then leave for some time, treating it more like a serial than single story. 26 parts is a long tale. Also there are a lot of people and events. Its more involving to mull over events, rather than consume them at one gulp. The book is structured to move slowly towards the killers, chronologically, this does work as a dramatic device. The public history means that you know who will be convicted, but the book recreates this process, giving you a sense that how things turned out were not always inevitable and clear.

Any additional comments?

A book like Donna Tartt's The Secret History, a fictional crime story, is lauded as a literary work, and this is justified. There's always some sense that a true crime story is more sensationalist and morally tawdry compared to true literature. There is badly written true crime, but Helter Skelter is written with the detail and diligence that makes it a great book. It's a social novel, about people who lived and worked in Hollywood in the sixties and a study of a 'cult'. Both these topics are often treated superficially, but in working from the facts, using the development as the investigation as an insight into the people, their motives and personality become understood.

19 of 20 people found this review helpful

Forensically detailed - but worth it

The book starts where the whole investigation would have begun - the discovery of the horrific crime scene of the Sharon Tate murders at 10050 Cielo Drive, Berkeley, LA. From there we are taken - via grisly descriptions - to the identification and subsequent clearing of early suspects, through to the growing signs pointing towards the Manson 'Family', the spreading investigation, and then arrests, trial and convictions of the killers.

Along the way we learn - as prosecutor and author Bugliosi would have learned - the backgrounds and psychology of everyone involved, from Manson himself through a whole cast of characters, some killers, some ordinary Family members, contacts, victims, people who 'just passed through' or - like Susan Atkins' cellmates - who were simply unwilling recipients of her crazed confession/boasts about the crimes.

The book is very long and full of forensic detail right from the very start. It is at times very repetitive as we hear the same things from different witnesses, and then repeated again in Bugliosi's and others' reports, and brought out yet again at the trial. Although the Tate and LaBianca murders are the central crimes, there is also much attention paid to other victims thought to have been killed by Manson Family members.

You might think that all this fine detail and repetition would make for a boring account... but no, it grips relentlessly and won't let you go. Compelling, hypnotic, revolting, but never boring. It's only towards the end that you realise it was written in 1974, but there is a lengthy 'Afterword' by Bugliosi which brings the story up to 1994, tells of the unexpected public obsession with Manson, and the subsequent fate of everyone involved in the matter including judge, attorneys, and prosecutors.

Scott Brick's reading is steady, authoritative yet undramatic, and suits the subject matter perfectly.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

great book

have to agree with previous reviewer, a great book well read and detailed, well it would be it was written by the prosecuting attourny 'vincent bugliosi' i enjoyed every minite of the almost 27 hours and will deffinatly be giving it another listen, would recomend this book to anyone curious of how/why sheep follow loonies and see them as gods.

13 of 14 people found this review helpful

Absolutely fascinating study of evil

Really brilliant book and very well narrated. I was sad to see it come to an end. For such heavy and horrific subject matter it is written in a way that gives an amazing insight into the 'mind' of evil and the power of cults...a really good buy, wouldn't hesitate to recommend to those who like true crime.

13 of 14 people found this review helpful

Very interesting

I loved this audio book. Being a novice crime buff, I'd heard of Charles Manson, but never really knew what had happened. This book opened up to me what he was accused of and how it was purported that he committed the murders.

Well read and we'll written, I was never bored whilst listening.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Amazing

This is a great opus from Vincent Bugliosi, the man who got this dreadful band of maniacs convicted against the odds. It's dense, so strictly for those who like their detail; it's not sensationalist, either, so go elsewhere for that. The grim detail is delivered factually and without relish. This man got right inside the workings of the family and the human insights and explanations as to the hurdles facing the prosecution in trying to convince a jury on highly circumstantial evidence are fascinating. Bugliosi tells the whole thing in an expert, professional and ultimately compassionate way. The narration was great: never once distracted from the story and he saw no need to put in voices for the characters as some do with tie curling results. A tour de force.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Very detailed

Meticulous in its detail - without being gratuitous. That's a difficult line to walk. A very interesting book that goes into life in 'the family', the crimes, police bungling of parts of the investigations, the trial etc. There's also a where-are-they-now afterword, written 25 years after the murders. A long, well-written book. People who watch crime documentaries, enjoy learning about new age 'religions' and the destructive influence of such groups, will gain the most from reading it.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Sensational

A fabulously compelling audiobook, well read and so skilfully written that I've listened to it 4 times over so far

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Too much unnecessary detail, Hardwork!

This is a very detailed account, not that it is explicit with violence, but it's rather difficult to follow, it is 51 chapters, I had to buy the e-book in order to keep track.Each victim is described chronologically and the same with the court,, so you feel like you are back at the beginning all the time, you will notice this by chapter 5, by chapter 12 it will be annoying as the narrator is fairly monotomous. If you are studying this for a thesis, you will find every explicit unemotional deatil here. but If you are interested in the event, and it's repercussions on those left behind, I would highly recommend Restless Souls by Brie Tate, it's better written, well narrated and uses source material direct from the Tates journals

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Overly long history that lacks analysis

I was very interested in finding out more about these infamous murders linked to the cult figure Charles Manson but I have been disappointed by this book. Firstly it seems I knew more than I thought, so for the first half of the book which detailed the murders and those involved, I didn't learn anything new. When it switched to cover the trial of those accused, I just found it frustrating. The whole book was told from a law enforcement perspective with no analysis of other viewpoints or attempts to get inside the reason for the behaviour and action of the young people that night. I think it was probably written several years ago and as a one dimensional history it is okay, although overly long at 26 hours (I'm not quite finished yet). The narrator made a good job of reporting events in a serious tone which suited the subject matter, although if listening for a long period it did become somewhat tedious. If you know nothing about the case it may be of interest but it is not gripping or engaging at all.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful