How good was this?

This book is for anyone who likes those true crime stories, but without the usual sensationalism and prurience. It’s a long and detailed story of the end of the hippy dream and lifestyles, of the battle that prosecutors face in getting a case through the justice system, also of the mysteries of the human condition, belief and cult leaders.

I was initially shy of the “true crime” genre of this book, but it’s fantastic! The level of detail in the build up to the trials is obsessive and repetitive, but this only adds to the drama. It also, surprisingly, made me feel that as each iteration went forward, I was more and more in the know, an observer to the process as it unfolded.

I had this book on day and night till I finished it, and I can’t recommend it enough. As the book went on, I did begin to think about the story of the mechanics trial itself and the way that the other lawyers and judges were being portrayed, being told from the prosecutors point of view, was a bit one sided, but that don’t detract from the overall experience.

So it’s more jurisprudential than prurient, a cautionary tale of madness and gullibility rather than sensational, and overall an uplifting story of the court room process of getting justice from a situation where everyone on trial is being offered a fair trial, but is essentially involved in a conspiracy to protect their “god”. Manson himself is given little platform to do what he did best, but loads of details about his life and times is provided.

The performance is also clear, precise and it leads forward through the forest of details without you having to constantly be reminded that someone is performing this, as is often the case.

Loved it.

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Detailed and gripping

If you could sum up Helter Skelter in three words, what would they be?

Fascinating, engaging and detailed

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

The description of the two murder sites (and the casual way the killers acted then and in court). That is two really but hey.

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

No I have not listened to this narrator elsewhere

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

All the facts - balanced and delivered

Any additional comments?

If you enjoy 'true crime' then this is an important book for you. Even though the author was the prosecutor he gives a balanced account of the events and evidence. A good book well told.

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Brilliant

Very good narrator, incredibly interesting subject, well written and very informative. Definitely worth lustening to

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My Favourite Audio Book Ever

Fascinating, gripping & devastating! Beautifuly written and incredibly performed. My favourite audio book by a long way!

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gripping, informative.

gripping, informative. a macabre but intriguing insight to Charles Manson, the Manson family and their shocking crimes

narrated by Scott Brick who could turn the most mundane story into a must listen

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riveting

a seriously detailed an interesting read which could only have been written by someone involved

brilliant

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Good but longwinded

Interesting first hand information on the trial & after.Points of law and courtroom tactics were fascinating and much appreciated. Could have done with a ruthless editor. Far too much repetition & endlessly hammering home the same points. Trust the readers - they're really not so dumb.

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Authoritative

A humane and humble account that is never sensationalist but always detailed. If you're looking for lurid Manson myth-making, this isn't it. However, if a well-written and accurate version of the gruesome goings-on and particularly the trial that followed is of interest to you, look no further.

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Long but interesting

Bit overlong and so many names it was difficult to remember who was who, but really interesting and narrator great

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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.

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11 people found this helpful