Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders

by Vincent Bugliosi, Curt Gentry

The #1 True Crime Bestseller of All Time – 7 Million Copies Sold.

In the summer of 1969, in Los Angeles, a series of brutal, seemingly random murders captured headlines across America. A famous actress (and her unborn child), an heiress to a coffee fortune, a supermarket owner and his wife were among the seven victims. A thin trail of circumstances eventually tied the Tate-LeBianca murders to Charles Manson, a would-be pop singer of small talent living in the desert with his “family” of devoted young women and men. What was his hold over them? And what was the motivation behind such savagery? In the public imagination, over time, the case assumed the proportions of myth.

The author, Vincent Bugliosi, was the attorney who prosecuted Manson and his demented “family” for their murderous spree. As a result, Helter Skelter offers a genuine insider’s feel that made it one of the most successful and influential true crime books in history. as Bugliosi revisits the murders and 41-week trial shedding light on the most infamous crimes of the 20th century.

Who was Vincent Bugliosi?

Bugliosi was born on August 18, 1934 in Minnesota, and died on June 6, 2015 at the age of 80 in Los Angeles, California. He attended the University of Miami graduating in 1956 and moving onto UCLA School of Law until 1964. He went on to be an attorney, known mostly for his prosecution of the Charles Manson murders in 1969. He was also an author writing several New York Times bestselling books throughout his career and life specializing in true crime, history, and politics.

Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders by Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry (1974) [Amazon Ad Link]

Reader Comments:

“I read this in high school. And I’ve never read a more skewed sense of theory that fed the media for decades now. Helter Skelter was never even a thing. I personally like Charles Manson In His Own Words much better. It speaks to his thoughts and brilliance in a weird way that no other book did.”
Elena, from Facebook

“Was bugs theory, truths and lies, Good bye Helter Skelter was better.“
Kathy, from Facebook

“It’s the pre-requisite to all that comes after.”
Dean, from Facebook

“I was so upset when I read it. I don’t know the victims but I cried so much for them I couldn’t believe how any of them could be so heartless. And shocked how they could kill a pregnant woman its so hard to mpr”
Carol, from Facebook

“True Story in who’s opinion – this was obviously written and printed on the back of all of the panic surrounding the evil Family! It was a shame that Bug was so hell bent on becoming a media superstar”
Emma, from Facebook

“I have read this about 6 yrs ago. Its a good read. I would not put too much in to it as a whole truth. There are 3 sides to every story (yours,mine and the real truth). Maybe this is like the rest of the Hollywood hype. Someone wanting to make a quick buck. Not everything is what it seems”
Louise, from Facebook

“My older brother read this book with me when I was 7, he was 19. I remember it well, especially the pictures. It sparked in both of us a fascination with Charlie and the Manson family that has lasted us forever. There’s better books but I’ll always love this one best.”
Kitty, from Facebook