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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

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Excellent true crime storytelling and narration

I read Helter Skelter as a teenager and then decided to get the audible version as I was going to be doing a lot of driving and wanted a distraction beyond music. I’m so glad I did. Vincent Bugliosi tells the true story of the Tate and LaBianca murders in detail and in a way where the reader gets a good understanding of all the different personalities involved, the motive, the life of the family Manson as society hating young adults, the level of drug use by the Family, and various other matters relating to the case including great detail about the trial itself. But what really kept me listening was Scott Brick. What a perfect narrator for this story. His voice is perfect for narrating stories and I believe this so much that I just bought three more audibles that he narrates as I’ve finished Helter Skelter and I need another audible distraction for my drive from UC Davis to San Diego.
I would have to say of all the true crime books I’ve read or listened to this one is the best in book form and audible form.

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Very informational

I really liked it. I learned alot and it kept my interest through the whole book. I would definitely recommend!

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Fascinating Listen

I really enjoyed this audiobook. This was my first time learning about the details of the Charles Manson murders, and it was not boring! This book does a great job in walking you through the details from start to finish. Its well told and narrated. Definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys a good true crime documentary.

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Once upon a time.....

And I thought Stephen king’s books were scary...and this is true! Listened while self quarantined..it’s scary now too.. what was I thinking..really made me appreciate me Tarantino’s..once upon a time in ...I did tons of fact checking and eerily rewatch movie again..prosecution’s counsel and author ,I think he’s brilliant..and the judge was also noble...refreshing. This was a difficult listen because of its content so I’d have to stay away a bit then come back..the jurors were heroes as well...I read this in college and then ,though being so unnerved,..forgot about it and as I listened it was just as vivid as JFKs assasination, and even ww2 Nazi germany...very thought provoking



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Astonishing!

Totally one of the best books ever that covers the complete truth of Manson, along with everything the family has done! So many murders they were responsible for! Not just the Tate/LaBianca murders, but for so many more poor souls! The author is a great one too, since it was the prosecutor Vincent boulliousie himself! Scott brick can do no better as always!

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Gripping from start to finish

Great book I couldn't stop listening . I have read it before but wanted to read it again now that Manson is dead

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Very Intriguing

Rarely do I wish to leave a full review. However, this book was exceptionally well written and performed. It was gripping and kept my attention for the entire narration.

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Captivating

A lot of this story is familiar but the complexity and the width of it was a surprise. Great performance.

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The definitive work on Manson

the definitive work on the 1969 Manson Atrocities as well as the trial. the author openly acknowledges that the first part of the book, the murders, is hearsay as he was not there. the trial portion is obviously true, at least mostly, as he was there and wrote based on memory and court recordings. Bugliosi does a fair job of trying not to point fingers or bash others, although he also doesn't mention any mistakes he might have made. Great read and well worth the length if you are interested in knowing what really happened, and why.

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Wow

This book is amazing from the opening of this book Scott brink grabs your attention and doesn’t let go!!!

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