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Peace, Love, & Murder: The Charles Manson Story
The Summer of Love promised peace, freedom, and rebellion against the old ways-but hidden beneath the haze of music, drugs, and counterculture was a darkness waiting to explode.
In Peace, Love, and The Charles Manson Story, bestselling true crime author Alan R. Warren pulls back the curtain on one of the most notorious figures in American history. More than just another retelling of the Tate-LaBianca murders, this book reveals never-before-told details about Manson, his twisted ideology, and the people who followed him.
Warren explores how Manson could only have thrived in the unique atmosphere of 1960s San Francisco and Los Angeles-a turbulent backdrop of war protests, psychedelic experimentation, and a generation desperate for change. Alongside this cultural portrait, the book provides rare insight into the backgrounds of each member of the so-called "Family," showing how their vulnerabilities and desires made them susceptible to Manson's influence.
Chilling, thought-provoking, and meticulously researched, Peace, Love, and Murder goes beyond the headlines to ask the deeper how could a movement rooted in peace and love give rise to such horrific violence?
Shorter versions;
Peace and love turned to blood and fear.
Alan R. Warren uncovers never-before-told truths about Charles Manson, his followers, and why only the counterculture chaos of 1960s California could have birthed such horror.
In Peace, Love, and The Charles Manson Story, bestselling true crime author Alan R. Warren pulls back the curtain on one of the most notorious figures in American history. More than just another retelling of the Tate-LaBianca murders, this book reveals never-before-told details about Manson, his twisted ideology, and the people who followed him.
Warren explores how Manson could only have thrived in the unique atmosphere of 1960s San Francisco and Los Angeles-a turbulent backdrop of war protests, psychedelic experimentation, and a generation desperate for change. Alongside this cultural portrait, the book provides rare insight into the backgrounds of each member of the so-called "Family," showing how their vulnerabilities and desires made them susceptible to Manson's influence.
Chilling, thought-provoking, and meticulously researched, Peace, Love, and Murder goes beyond the headlines to ask the deeper how could a movement rooted in peace and love give rise to such horrific violence?
Shorter versions;
Peace and love turned to blood and fear.
Alan R. Warren uncovers never-before-told truths about Charles Manson, his followers, and why only the counterculture chaos of 1960s California could have birthed such horror.
- GenresNonfiction
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2025
4 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Alan R. Warren
58 books51 followersALAN R. WARREN is the Host of the Popular True Crime History Radio show 'House of Mystery' Heard in the NBC news talk radio network on KCAA 106.5 F.M. Los Angeles/Riverside/Palm Springs http://www.houseofmysteryradio.com/
Al Warren has his Doctorate in Religious Studies (DD), Masters Degree ( MM) in Music from the University of Washington in Seattle, Bachelor of Arts (BA ) Criminology from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, B.C. Canada and Recording & Sound Engineering Diploma from the Juno Award Winning Bullfrog Studios in Vancouver B.C. Canada. He got his start on Digital Radio for the Z Talk Radio Network and still produces several shows for them.
Al Started Writing for Articles in True Case Files Magazine and is still a Contributor and Serial Killer magazine. Since then he has completed 12 true crime books for two different publishers ( RJ Parker/Vronksy Publishing in Toronto, Canada & WildBlue Press in America)
His bestsellers include 'Above Suspicion' The True Story of Colonel Russell Williams, 'Blood Thirst' the true story of the Vampire Killer of Canada, 'Deadly Betrayal' the true story of Jennifer Pan , 'Last Man Standing' the true story of Jack McCullough, the man that was put away for the oldest unsolved murder case in America, and has since then been released as he did not do the crime. You can read more about him on his website.
A Special Note from the author...
"On Tuesday, April 2, this past Autism Awareness Day 2019, I decided to let my fans of both radio and writing that I myself am autistic. The struggle for me to speak the words that I could only read has taken many years of work and practice in order to fool broadcasters into hiring me for radio. Even then I kept is secret as I worked to allow the writer in my mind to be able to get those words on paper. I dedicate all of my public works to any others out there struggling with the same challenge that I have, as well as any obstacles you might have in accomplishing your dreams."
- Alan R Warren
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 19, 2025
Review of Peace, Love and Murder by Alan Warren
I very rarely read true crime; however, Peace, Love and Murder by Alan Warren truly intrigued me. The book is exceptionally well-researched, with 198 references, and I found it both compelling and riveting. Warren takes the reader deep into the world of the Manson-Tate murders, exposing every layer of the story—from the horrifying crimes to the trial, and even the interference, threats, and deceits that followed.
Charles Manson himself remains one of the most disturbing and fascinating figures in modern crime history—a psychotic, a mad genius, or perhaps both. Warren explores Manson’s world in vivid detail, painting a full picture not just of the murders but of the people involved and the culture that surrounded them. I found the section describing the backgrounds of all the “family” members particularly interesting.
I remember the late 1960s—the protests, the free love movement, and the psychedelic music—but I was surprised to learn about the connections between Manson, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, the Folger coffee heiress, and even actress Candice Bergen. It’s striking how Manson was just three degrees of separation from fame and privilege—people who were, on the one hand, highly successful and civilized, and on the other, connected to a man who became infamous for his dark, destructive influence. Manson was a plague on society, and it’s clear he was deeply in need of help.
Warren’s writing style is engaging and thoughtful. He balances the immense detail with enough separation and pacing to keep readers involved without being overwhelmed. His exploration of the psychological profiles of Manson and his followers is particularly insightful. Manson’s manipulative power baffled me, yet his rambling courtroom testimony revealed an unstable mind with little self-control or true eloquence.
Overall, Peace, Love and Murder is a deeply researched, thought-provoking, and chilling true crime work. Readers who enjoy crime fiction may want to tackle Warren’s analysis of the “Manson formula” to experience the real story behind one of history’s most infamous crimes. I highly recommend this book to both true crime enthusiasts and those new to Allan Warren’s writing.
I very rarely read true crime; however, Peace, Love and Murder by Alan Warren truly intrigued me. The book is exceptionally well-researched, with 198 references, and I found it both compelling and riveting. Warren takes the reader deep into the world of the Manson-Tate murders, exposing every layer of the story—from the horrifying crimes to the trial, and even the interference, threats, and deceits that followed.
Charles Manson himself remains one of the most disturbing and fascinating figures in modern crime history—a psychotic, a mad genius, or perhaps both. Warren explores Manson’s world in vivid detail, painting a full picture not just of the murders but of the people involved and the culture that surrounded them. I found the section describing the backgrounds of all the “family” members particularly interesting.
I remember the late 1960s—the protests, the free love movement, and the psychedelic music—but I was surprised to learn about the connections between Manson, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, the Folger coffee heiress, and even actress Candice Bergen. It’s striking how Manson was just three degrees of separation from fame and privilege—people who were, on the one hand, highly successful and civilized, and on the other, connected to a man who became infamous for his dark, destructive influence. Manson was a plague on society, and it’s clear he was deeply in need of help.
Warren’s writing style is engaging and thoughtful. He balances the immense detail with enough separation and pacing to keep readers involved without being overwhelmed. His exploration of the psychological profiles of Manson and his followers is particularly insightful. Manson’s manipulative power baffled me, yet his rambling courtroom testimony revealed an unstable mind with little self-control or true eloquence.
Overall, Peace, Love and Murder is a deeply researched, thought-provoking, and chilling true crime work. Readers who enjoy crime fiction may want to tackle Warren’s analysis of the “Manson formula” to experience the real story behind one of history’s most infamous crimes. I highly recommend this book to both true crime enthusiasts and those new to Allan Warren’s writing.
October 19, 2025
I very rarely read true crime; however, Peace, Love and Murder by Alan Warren truly intrigued me. The book is exceptionally well-researched, with 198 references, and I found it both compelling and riveting. Warren takes the reader deep into the world of the Manson-Tate murders, exposing every layer of the story from the horrifying crimes to the trial, and even the interference, threats, and deceits that followed.
Charles Manson himself remains one of the most disturbing and fascinating figures in modern crime history: a psychotic, a mad genius, or perhaps both. Warren explores Manson’s world in vivid detail, painting a full picture not just of the murders but of the people involved and the culture that surrounded them. I found the section describing the backgrounds of all the “family” members particularly interesting.
I remember the late 1960s: the protests, the free love movement, and the psychedelic music, but I was surprised to learn about the connections between Manson, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, the Folger coffee heiress, and even actress Candice Bergen.
It’s striking how Manson was just three degrees of separation from fame and privilege; people who were, on the one hand, highly successful and civilized, and on the other, connected to a man who became infamous for his dark, destructive influence. Manson was a plague on society, and it’s clear he was deeply in need of help.
Warren’s writing style is engaging and thoughtful. He balances the immense detail with enough separation and pacing to keep readers involved without being overwhelmed. His exploration of the psychological profiles of Manson and his followers is particularly insightful. Manson’s manipulative power baffled me, yet his rambling courtroom testimony revealed an unstable mind with little self-control or true eloquence.
Overall, Peace, Love and Murder is a deeply researched, thought-provoking, and chilling novel about true crime. Readers who enjoy crime fiction may want to tackle Warren’s analysis of the “Manson formula” to experience the real story behind one of history’s most infamous crimes. I highly recommend this book to both true crime enthusiasts and those new to Alan Warren’s writing.
Charles Manson himself remains one of the most disturbing and fascinating figures in modern crime history: a psychotic, a mad genius, or perhaps both. Warren explores Manson’s world in vivid detail, painting a full picture not just of the murders but of the people involved and the culture that surrounded them. I found the section describing the backgrounds of all the “family” members particularly interesting.
I remember the late 1960s: the protests, the free love movement, and the psychedelic music, but I was surprised to learn about the connections between Manson, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, the Folger coffee heiress, and even actress Candice Bergen.
It’s striking how Manson was just three degrees of separation from fame and privilege; people who were, on the one hand, highly successful and civilized, and on the other, connected to a man who became infamous for his dark, destructive influence. Manson was a plague on society, and it’s clear he was deeply in need of help.
Warren’s writing style is engaging and thoughtful. He balances the immense detail with enough separation and pacing to keep readers involved without being overwhelmed. His exploration of the psychological profiles of Manson and his followers is particularly insightful. Manson’s manipulative power baffled me, yet his rambling courtroom testimony revealed an unstable mind with little self-control or true eloquence.
Overall, Peace, Love and Murder is a deeply researched, thought-provoking, and chilling novel about true crime. Readers who enjoy crime fiction may want to tackle Warren’s analysis of the “Manson formula” to experience the real story behind one of history’s most infamous crimes. I highly recommend this book to both true crime enthusiasts and those new to Alan Warren’s writing.
October 24, 2025
(3.0*)
“Peace, Love, & Murder” aims to go beyond the standard re-telling of the Tate–LaBianca murders we have typically gotten in the past.
Our author here, Alan Warren, presents Manson not only as a criminal figure, but as someone who thrived and contributed to the 60s era’s chaos. Warren links the “peace”, “love”, “freedom” of the era with how it also created vulnerabilities or burdens — drug experimentation, communal living, generational rebellion — that Manson took part in. This allows the reader a deeper, richer understanding of WHY such crimes may have happened then and there, rather than simply HOW. Even though there is a lot of information regarding social context, cult dynamics, murders, trial, aftermath, etc., the author keeps things readable and keeps the information flowing.
One thing I really liked about this true crime book was the focus we had on the individual “Family members” backgrounds, rather than treating them as anonymous victims or followers. The book devotes attention to their personal histories, their needs, their search for belonging, their prior trauma or instability, what they did while part of Manson’s family, their sentences, and aftermath — giving context to the who, what, where, when, why.
Overall, “Peace, Love, & Murder” is a good true-crime book, having engaging, thoughtfully framed, and accessible information to readers who care about the Manson case and 1960s America. However, it is not super informative in terms of breaking entirely new ground or deeply analysing cult psychology and/or criminal investigation.
“Peace, Love, & Murder” aims to go beyond the standard re-telling of the Tate–LaBianca murders we have typically gotten in the past.
Our author here, Alan Warren, presents Manson not only as a criminal figure, but as someone who thrived and contributed to the 60s era’s chaos. Warren links the “peace”, “love”, “freedom” of the era with how it also created vulnerabilities or burdens — drug experimentation, communal living, generational rebellion — that Manson took part in. This allows the reader a deeper, richer understanding of WHY such crimes may have happened then and there, rather than simply HOW. Even though there is a lot of information regarding social context, cult dynamics, murders, trial, aftermath, etc., the author keeps things readable and keeps the information flowing.
One thing I really liked about this true crime book was the focus we had on the individual “Family members” backgrounds, rather than treating them as anonymous victims or followers. The book devotes attention to their personal histories, their needs, their search for belonging, their prior trauma or instability, what they did while part of Manson’s family, their sentences, and aftermath — giving context to the who, what, where, when, why.
Overall, “Peace, Love, & Murder” is a good true-crime book, having engaging, thoughtfully framed, and accessible information to readers who care about the Manson case and 1960s America. However, it is not super informative in terms of breaking entirely new ground or deeply analysing cult psychology and/or criminal investigation.
December 21, 2025
I read, watch and listen to a lot of true crime. Most of what I consume is more recent cases. I’ve known about Charles Manson and the murders for a while, but have never taken a deep dive into it.
I had the opportunity to read this book, and took it as a sign that this was something that I would want to read. I knew it may be heavy. I knew it may be disturbing at times. But I knew I would probably enjoy the story. I jumped right in.
Wow is the first word that comes to mind. The book is a fast pace, but a good pace, to tell the story. I was kept very engaged throughout. It honestly felt like I was reading fiction, or watching a movie, as I learned more and more about the Manson story. Gosh this guy was ridiculous.
I never knew that USA in the late 60s was anything but peaceful. I need to learn more.
I was left at the end frustrated with all the cult members and Manson himself. How did they all believe him and his ideas, just blindly following him? But I’m left here wanting to read more of this kind of content. Alan R Warren, you have a new fan. I’ll be searching for more of your books and content. 5 Stars all around.
I had the opportunity to read this book, and took it as a sign that this was something that I would want to read. I knew it may be heavy. I knew it may be disturbing at times. But I knew I would probably enjoy the story. I jumped right in.
Wow is the first word that comes to mind. The book is a fast pace, but a good pace, to tell the story. I was kept very engaged throughout. It honestly felt like I was reading fiction, or watching a movie, as I learned more and more about the Manson story. Gosh this guy was ridiculous.
I never knew that USA in the late 60s was anything but peaceful. I need to learn more.
I was left at the end frustrated with all the cult members and Manson himself. How did they all believe him and his ideas, just blindly following him? But I’m left here wanting to read more of this kind of content. Alan R Warren, you have a new fan. I’ll be searching for more of your books and content. 5 Stars all around.
November 26, 2025
I have read many books on this subject - in fact - Helter Skelter was the first "true crime" book that I ever read (I was 15 when it came out) and it hooked me on the genre ever since. Whereas Helter Skelter tells the story from the pov of the prosecutor, Vincent Bugloisi, this book tells the story without bias. I found it well written, researched and informative. I especially enjoyed the synopsis at the end of each of the other family members. I was surprised, however, that there were no pictures included. For those not really familiar with this tragic piece of history it may behoove the author to include. Even if you think you know all there is to know about this case - you will definitely learn more. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 30, 2025
I became fascinated with the story of Charles Manson and the Manson Family after reading Helter Skelter many years ago. Since then, I have read several books and seen most of the documentaries. I wasn't sure there was anything left for me to discover, but this book added some new pieces to the puzzle. I loved learning some new details, such as a whole chapter with Charlie's testimony in court. I learned things about society at that time and how it connected to everything that happened. I also liked reading about each of the family members--their background, their involvement, and where they are now. The only reason I didn't rate it higher is that I found some parts repetitive. I would read about an incident in one chapter then read about it again in the next chapter. The book was well-researched. I highly recommend for anyone interested in learning more about this story.
September 22, 2025
A deep dive into the life of Charles Manson and his infamous group of followers. They lived in remote desert locations, allowing Manson to dominate his Family through drugs, sex, and persuasive rhetoric. The story covers the murders, trial, and the chaotic aftermath of their actions. It left a lasting impact on society in 1969, spreading fear across the nation.
October 30, 2025
I enjoyed some of the information in this book. I lowered the book to three stars because I felt that some of the information in the book was disorganized and repeated multiple times. I did enjoy the information about the family members and I felt that the book held my attention. I do think if you haven’t read anything about Charles Manson this is a good starting book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews