Helter Skelter

The True Story of the Manson Murders

By: Vincent Bugliosi, Curt Gentry

Narrated by: Scott Brick

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)

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.

I don't WANT to be fascinated, but I am...

I read this book back when I was about 18. I remember thinking it was a good book but I was not old enough to really be impacted by it. When I saw it was on sale at Audible, I thought I would revisit it. Wow...what a difference 22 years makes! I don't want to be fascinated by this story but I am. Let's face it, the story is old now...ancient history...but here is why I think this audiobook is outstanding.

- The story is what it is but Vincent Bugliosi is a master story teller.
- The story not only delves a little bit into the twisted mind of M and his followers but it also provides a fairly robust snapshot of an era.
- Scott Brick sets the gold standard performance-wise. I have heard good audio book performances and I have heard very bad performances. I think Scott's is the best I have experienced. His inflection is perfect.

The book is disturbing and, at times, VERY hard to listen to. But it is so very worth it. Five stars across the board.

Monsters Really Do Exist

I have no idea why I have always found this crime and time in history so intriguing. At the time of the crime I was a child living in the UK. I remember it vividly. I could never forget my parent's horror of a crime so unbelievable. Subsequently I have read as many books and articles, plus watched every documentary (and there are plenty arn't there?) that I could get my hands on. I think that people who share my curiosity are not macarb but trying to figure out WHY. To the sound mind this crime is totally inconceivable.

Helter Skelter is researched to incredible depths. So many details about the crime so please be aware that Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry do not sugar coat the horrendous details.

I learned so many very interesting details about Manson's followers. Most of them were the type of young people I would have known in my youth. A part of the 'love generation'.

I have always been confused as to why Manson was imprisoned for life. Oh yes he deserved it but for the Tate murder he was not even there but I now understand that this was an excellent example of the law of parties even in his absence.

Even though parts of this book are so shocking they are palatble due to perfect performance of the brilliant Scott Brick.

Now after listening to Helter Skelter my question of WHY has been answered. Evil just pure evil and monsters really do exist.

A brilliant history of a one of the most notorious cults that ever existed.

Great Story, Great Narrarator, Great REAL Villain!

If there's such a thing as giving Charles Manson a "fair shake", this book does it. It presents the facts of the case in an entertaining way that had to be incredibly challenging to do. Manson is a creature in a category all his own, and I think this book captures that. The reader is fantastic.

A Story of Terror

The penultimate book on the Manson murders by the man who prosecuted him for his crimes. It details the history of all the victims as well as many members of the Manson "Family." An ego the size of a Hollywood star is perhaps to be anticipated from a man who practiced in LA, his entire career. Bugliosi details all the investigations as well as all the arguments Bugliosi used to convict the killers. One chapter is devoted almost exclusively to the crimes that occurred in the vicinity of where the family was at the time.

Fun Facts Central

This book was really fascinating. The detail was incredible. The author has a predisposition to rambling, which is extremely evident at the end of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to all facts and learning more about the actual Manson case.

Riveting!!

Positively riveting from beginning to end! Bugluiosi has got to be up there now with Jim Garrison among the ranks of my legal heros.

Fantastic behind the scenes look

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

Although it would be a bit weird to recommend a book on the Manson murders, if anyone wanted to know this is a great resource. It can be a little hard to follow with so many names being mentioned but they start to click after a little while.

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

N/A

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Helter Skelter seen though the eyes of the man who was able to stop it.

Great book, great reader

I was surprised by how much I was engaged by this book. Bugliosi must be THE world's best lawyer turned author. Really, an amazing writer.

Knew little going in and feel well versed now

Born in 1975 I only had a vague concept of what these murders involved. Now I feel like I have a good idea. Next time I see some kid with a Manson shirt I might just hit him.
Well written in a unique perspective. The lawyer who tried the case. It came across a little arrogant on the author's part but he clearly announces the facts from "conjecture".