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Customer Review
- Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2012I've read this book twice, once in the late 1970's, and again recently after having gotten interested in this disturbing incident once again. Without question it is the best insight into the mind of Charles Manson, his followers and their ideology, as would be expected from the man (Vincent Bugliosi) who is largely responsible for putting them behind bars.
Scanning some of the 1-star reviews, I'm reminded why 1-star reviews cannot always be relied on for accurate review, with some making ludicrous assertions about the case including the accusation that Bugliosi "made up" the Helter Skelter motive and making his interviews with Manson Family members reflect the results he was looking for.
One read through this book puts that nonsense to rest. Bugliosi is not only a talented writer but his brilliance as a prosecutor may be unrivaled by any of his contemporaries. Throughout the trial he demonstrated over and again his ability to adapt to the efforts of this murderous cult to lie and deceit their way out of being held accountable, anticipating arguments of the defense attorneys and devoting no small part of his life to seeing these cut throat killers were put away for good.
Through the writing you get a complete impression of the madness that is Charles Manson, and understand more fully how he was able to manipulate and control the disgruntled youth he reprogrammed to do his bidding. Manson was the product of an era in American history that was unique; a tipping point between a relatively polite and orderly society to one more dominated by political chaos that evolved as a result of youthful rebellion, drugs, and competing political interests that were unique to the era of the late 60's.
If you have ever held a passing interest in the morbidity of the Manson murders and have not read this book yet, be forewarned...it is not only chilling and disturbing in its comprehensive outline of this killer cult, but you will find it extremely difficult to put down until you have read through to the end.
