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Helter Skelter cover art

Helter Skelter

By: Vincent Bugliosi, Curt Gentry
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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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)

What listeners say about Helter Skelter

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Good listen!

enjoyed the book, the narrators voice made me think it was the author. Worth it

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Most Bizarre True story I have ever listened to :)

This is the most bizarre true story I have ever listened to. If they did not say based on a true story you would think it's fantasy. It has an inside look at the court system in America, attention to detail on a whole other level. Scott Brick did an amazing job narrating it!! Well done to Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry !!!!

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  • mr
  • 30-08-16

A detailed and fairly harrowing account

Would you listen to Helter Skelter again? Why?

I don't think it would survive a repeat listen, it kept me interested throughout - but now I know the story I'm not sure i'd want to repeat the experience

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

Yes, I plowed through this quickly and kept finding ways to continue listening as it is an enthralling story.

Any additional comments?

I hadn't really known much about the Manson case, so it was good to get such a detailed history and analysis of the events.

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interesting

i found out loads i didnt know in this book, it reads like a fictional story which keeps you engaged i loved it

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True crime classic

I first read Helter Skelter in 1994 when the 25th anniversary edition came out. I found it absolutely gripping then and I still rate it very highly today. Bugliosi was ideally placed to write a comprehensive book about the case, and, because of his personal involvement, was able to give his own opinions and impressions without any loss of immediacy or pace. His insights into the various people involved are very illuminating. The descriptions of the crimes are matter-of-fact.

The book is highly critical of the police investigations into the Manson family crimes, and Bugliosi doesn’t pull any punches when describing the court process, either. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the trials, which highlight the difficulties the prosecution faced in bringing home the crimes to the defendants, and Bugliosi’s ambition, skill and determination as a prosecutor, of which he is rightly (and very clearly!) proud.

The audio version is excellent, with a superb narrator in Scott Brick, capturing the tone of the book to perfection.

I highly recommend this to anyone interested in true crime books, as it is an outstanding example of the genre as well as being a gripping read. One comes away with a feeling of sadness and horror at the tragic destruction and waste of so many lives, but also with admiration for many of the people involved, not least Bugliosi himself.

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The best story I've ever listened to

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

If was fiction it would be way too far fetched

What did you like best about this story?

Absolutely everything, I have listened to it several times, totally riveting

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

Very good, perhaps the best narrator I have heard on Audible

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

For me this was the only option, you just can't stop

Any additional comments?

Just get it

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First review but Lon time listener

This was excellent from start to conclusion. A really in depth and fascinating look at this notorious event. Very well read by narrator…

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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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