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Helter Skelter: Part One of the Shocking Manson Murders
Part The Shocking Story of the Manson Murders. On August 9th 1969, seven people were found shot, stabbed and bludgeoned to death in Los Angeles at two different locations. Among them was Sharon Tate Polanski: Roman Polanski's heavily pregnant wife who was found with multiple wounds of the chest and back having been stabbed sixteen times. Before she was stabbed to death, Sharon was hanged from one of the rafters in the living room. Jay a popular figure in Hollywood circles, Jay was found with a bloody towel covering his face, a rope around his neck slung over rafters and tied to Sharon Tate on the other side. He was stabbed and shot. Cause of Exsanguination, the victim bled to death. Abigail Anne A coffee heiress, a civil rights devotee, volunteer and friend of the Polanski's, Anne was stabbed twenty-eight times. 'Woytek' a close friend of Roman Polanski, and an aspiring novelist, Woytek was shot twice, struck over the head thirteen times and stabbed fifty-one times. Part One gives a detailed account of the crime scene, the victims and the long wait to list the suspects. This was the crime that shook Hollywood and the world.
67 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2015
44 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Vincent Bugliosi
51 books1,137 followersAmerican attorney and author, best known for prosecuting Charles Manson and his followers for the murder of Sharon Tate and others.
In his books he claimed that O.J Simpson and Lee Harvey Oswald were guilty of the crimes they were accused of.
In his latest book he states that George W. Bush should be prosecuted for murder.
Bugliosi lived in Pasadena, CA.
In his books he claimed that O.J Simpson and Lee Harvey Oswald were guilty of the crimes they were accused of.
In his latest book he states that George W. Bush should be prosecuted for murder.
Bugliosi lived in Pasadena, CA.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 16, 2015
Many years ago, I recall reading this exhaustive account of the Manson murders and, when I came across this by chance, I was tempted into downloading it. In a way, it might have been a mistake, because I was so immediately drawn back into those events that I know I will be downloading further instalments of this ‘series’ version of the original book.
The book opens with the actual murders, which are difficult to read about even after so long. On Saturday 9th August, 1969, screams and gunshots were heard from 10050 Cielo Drive. The bodies of actress Sharon Tate, heavily pregnant, Abigail Folger, heiress to a coffee fortune, Voytek Frykowski, a playboy, Jay Sebring, a celebrity hair stylist and Steve Parent, only eighteen, and caught up in events after visiting William Garretson, who lived in the nearby guest cottage to keep an eye on things for the owner of the house and care for his dogs, were discovered the next day by housekeeper Winifred Chapman. Garretson had not even heard the shots or screams reported by nearby neighbours, possibly as he was playing music loudly, although he did recall that the handle of his door was turned down, as though someone tried to enter the property. Luckily for him, he escaped further notice, although by sheer fact that he was nearby, he was considered the prime suspect at the time.
On Sunday 10th August, Leno and Rosemary LaBianca returned home to Los Angeles after visiting Rosemary’s son in Lake Isabella. Dropping her daughter home, they picked up a newspaper from the stand and returned home. The next day their bodies were discovered when their son returned home and was concerned something was wrong at the house. Like the murders at Cielo Drive, the murders were savage and words were written, in blood, at the scene – including the infamous, “Healter Skelter,” (spelt incorrectly) at the LaBianca home.
In July of that year, a music teacher, Gary Hinman, had been stabbed to death at his home. Like the scene at Cielo Drive and at the LaBianca house, words had been written in blood. However, the connection between the murders were initially ignored. In fact, apart from connections not being drawn, there were mistakes made during the investigation – including police officers obliterating prints at the Tate house and a gun found in the area, and handed in, being logged and forgotten about. The detectives leading the Tate murders were experienced, but set in their ways. Those involved with the LaBianca murders were younger, better educated and, although less experienced, more open minded. Indeed, they were the first to link the LaBianca crime with the Tate murders and even suggested the words written at the scene were from the Beatles latest album, the “White Album.”
This short ebook takes us from August to October1969. We read of evidence gathered, interviews and the rumours, and fear, that swept Hollywood. There were suggestions that the murders at Cielo Drive were linked to drug use and the victims were looked at by the press as ‘freaks’ and their murders viewed with a lack of sympathy. Meanwhile, chillingly, a news report on the mass murder included both a short report on the murders of the LaBianca couple alongside mention of a raid on an isolated ranch owned by George Spahn. A group which had been stealing cars and converting them to dune buggies. At the very end of Part One of this book, the name Charles Manson is mentioned for the first time. This really is classic true crime and I look forward to reading further instalments of the book. If you download this first part, I predict you will also have to read on.
The book opens with the actual murders, which are difficult to read about even after so long. On Saturday 9th August, 1969, screams and gunshots were heard from 10050 Cielo Drive. The bodies of actress Sharon Tate, heavily pregnant, Abigail Folger, heiress to a coffee fortune, Voytek Frykowski, a playboy, Jay Sebring, a celebrity hair stylist and Steve Parent, only eighteen, and caught up in events after visiting William Garretson, who lived in the nearby guest cottage to keep an eye on things for the owner of the house and care for his dogs, were discovered the next day by housekeeper Winifred Chapman. Garretson had not even heard the shots or screams reported by nearby neighbours, possibly as he was playing music loudly, although he did recall that the handle of his door was turned down, as though someone tried to enter the property. Luckily for him, he escaped further notice, although by sheer fact that he was nearby, he was considered the prime suspect at the time.
On Sunday 10th August, Leno and Rosemary LaBianca returned home to Los Angeles after visiting Rosemary’s son in Lake Isabella. Dropping her daughter home, they picked up a newspaper from the stand and returned home. The next day their bodies were discovered when their son returned home and was concerned something was wrong at the house. Like the murders at Cielo Drive, the murders were savage and words were written, in blood, at the scene – including the infamous, “Healter Skelter,” (spelt incorrectly) at the LaBianca home.
In July of that year, a music teacher, Gary Hinman, had been stabbed to death at his home. Like the scene at Cielo Drive and at the LaBianca house, words had been written in blood. However, the connection between the murders were initially ignored. In fact, apart from connections not being drawn, there were mistakes made during the investigation – including police officers obliterating prints at the Tate house and a gun found in the area, and handed in, being logged and forgotten about. The detectives leading the Tate murders were experienced, but set in their ways. Those involved with the LaBianca murders were younger, better educated and, although less experienced, more open minded. Indeed, they were the first to link the LaBianca crime with the Tate murders and even suggested the words written at the scene were from the Beatles latest album, the “White Album.”
This short ebook takes us from August to October1969. We read of evidence gathered, interviews and the rumours, and fear, that swept Hollywood. There were suggestions that the murders at Cielo Drive were linked to drug use and the victims were looked at by the press as ‘freaks’ and their murders viewed with a lack of sympathy. Meanwhile, chillingly, a news report on the mass murder included both a short report on the murders of the LaBianca couple alongside mention of a raid on an isolated ranch owned by George Spahn. A group which had been stealing cars and converting them to dune buggies. At the very end of Part One of this book, the name Charles Manson is mentioned for the first time. This really is classic true crime and I look forward to reading further instalments of the book. If you download this first part, I predict you will also have to read on.
July 30, 2023
I picked this book up after the release of Leslie Van Houten, as an English person I needed to understand the outrage at her being released. I understand it now.
Although, the case is horrific the book is an amazing read. Not only do you learn about the murders, but the law process used to bring these killers to justice.
If you are into True Crime this is a must read, not sure what took me so long to get to it.
Although, the case is horrific the book is an amazing read. Not only do you learn about the murders, but the law process used to bring these killers to justice.
If you are into True Crime this is a must read, not sure what took me so long to get to it.
June 16, 2015
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/mini-rev...
When I requested this review copy (and part two, of eight parts), I was hoping the other parts would be put up for review as well. Alas, no, so I’m left having read half a book, and I’m tempted to buy the full book so I can read the rest of it. Anyway, we’ve all heard of the Manson Murders – seven people got shot one night on two different locations back in 1969 in Los Angeles. The two murders seemed to have no connection, until police traced it all back to Charles Manson and his followers. The book’s true strength is how detailed it is. Obviously, a lot of research went into it. This is the first installment, so it touches in detail on the murders, and only mentions Charles Mansion in passing. The book works chronologically, establishing a time line starting with the murders, and then linking it to possible suspects. It’s a bit of a slow read (hence the 4 stars) but overall, definitely intriguing enough to make me want to pick up the sequel.
When I requested this review copy (and part two, of eight parts), I was hoping the other parts would be put up for review as well. Alas, no, so I’m left having read half a book, and I’m tempted to buy the full book so I can read the rest of it. Anyway, we’ve all heard of the Manson Murders – seven people got shot one night on two different locations back in 1969 in Los Angeles. The two murders seemed to have no connection, until police traced it all back to Charles Manson and his followers. The book’s true strength is how detailed it is. Obviously, a lot of research went into it. This is the first installment, so it touches in detail on the murders, and only mentions Charles Mansion in passing. The book works chronologically, establishing a time line starting with the murders, and then linking it to possible suspects. It’s a bit of a slow read (hence the 4 stars) but overall, definitely intriguing enough to make me want to pick up the sequel.
April 17, 2020
I was born more than a decade after the Manson murders, and on the other side of the Atlantic, so I didn’t know very much about the case before I picked up this book. I’d seen pictures of Charles Manson, and there have been references to him and his crimes, on film and television, as far back as I can remember. But apart from a few key names, I started reading this with very little knowledge of what happened.
A true crime story, this articulate account of the notorious 1969 murders was written by the prosecutor in the case against Charles Manson. Mr. Bugliosi explains how the bodies were discovered, how the evidence and witnesses were discovered and treated, and how the two death houses - of Sharon Tate-Polanski and Mr and Mrs LaBianca were not connected for a startlingly long time.
The writing is considered and profound. It is clear that certain elements of the investigation were mishandled, and that the press, originally given rather too much detail about the crime scenes and the evidence collected, later found themselves with no further information forthcoming, and started indulging in harmful speculation.
Mr. Bugliosi writes about each of the victims with understanding and careful attention to detail, explaining the patterns of their lives. What emerges are stories of artistic young people, starting out in their lives, not quite having established themselves in their chosen fields. He then punctuates the story with a dispassionate account of the appalling injuries which led to their deaths. It left this reader with a very profound feeling of loss but a deep desire to know that justice was served.
Not for the faint of heart but definitely recommended.
A true crime story, this articulate account of the notorious 1969 murders was written by the prosecutor in the case against Charles Manson. Mr. Bugliosi explains how the bodies were discovered, how the evidence and witnesses were discovered and treated, and how the two death houses - of Sharon Tate-Polanski and Mr and Mrs LaBianca were not connected for a startlingly long time.
The writing is considered and profound. It is clear that certain elements of the investigation were mishandled, and that the press, originally given rather too much detail about the crime scenes and the evidence collected, later found themselves with no further information forthcoming, and started indulging in harmful speculation.
Mr. Bugliosi writes about each of the victims with understanding and careful attention to detail, explaining the patterns of their lives. What emerges are stories of artistic young people, starting out in their lives, not quite having established themselves in their chosen fields. He then punctuates the story with a dispassionate account of the appalling injuries which led to their deaths. It left this reader with a very profound feeling of loss but a deep desire to know that justice was served.
Not for the faint of heart but definitely recommended.
September 17, 2021
Somente li a primeira parte deste livro, mas me deixou com um gostinho de quero mais! Não vejo a hora de ler logo a parte dois.
Estou impressionada com a riqueza de detalhes que este autor trouxe, sobre simplesmente tudo de ambas as histórias (tanto dos Tate's quanto dos LaBianca's), te informando os horários de cada acontecimento, as dificuldades das investigações e a sua evolução, quais eram as pessoas que as vitimas tiveram contatos, quem era cada pessoa, o que estava vivendo na época, etc., seguindo uma cronologia impressionante, que te faz entender direitinho sobre todo o contexto ao redor deste massacre.
Acredito que este esteja sendo o melhor livro de true crime que li até hoje!!
Ps: e que massacre! Muito triste tudo isso que aconteceu com essas pessoas, e a crueldade dessa seita do Charles Manson!
Estou impressionada com a riqueza de detalhes que este autor trouxe, sobre simplesmente tudo de ambas as histórias (tanto dos Tate's quanto dos LaBianca's), te informando os horários de cada acontecimento, as dificuldades das investigações e a sua evolução, quais eram as pessoas que as vitimas tiveram contatos, quem era cada pessoa, o que estava vivendo na época, etc., seguindo uma cronologia impressionante, que te faz entender direitinho sobre todo o contexto ao redor deste massacre.
Acredito que este esteja sendo o melhor livro de true crime que li até hoje!!
Ps: e que massacre! Muito triste tudo isso que aconteceu com essas pessoas, e a crueldade dessa seita do Charles Manson!
March 20, 2022
A book that gives you everything you could want and more about the Charles Manson murders, Bugliosi walks through his experience as the prosecutor for this case. He gives an incredible amount of information on the trial, the murders, his prosecution for the motive, and the aftermath. An interesting read on an incredibly tragic yet interesting case, asides from the standard information that I expected to find, I really enjoyed seeing how a case like this is presented in court. Much better than a tv show this book does justice to the long drawn out nature of a criminal court case with many twists and turns as evidence is found.
January 15, 2020
It was ok. Not the best read on Manson murders. Glad it was short and cheap. To be honest wouldn’t want to pay more than I did. Although, I do think would be a great book to start out reading about any serial killer!! A great book for a newbie to the genre.
October 10, 2023
Although 670 pages total, a very easy read. Vincent Bugliosi is such a master at taking the reader step by step through the crimes and then the court trials, even following up with where everyone is now. Masterful true crime writing.
August 4, 2023
It's a historical text, definitely important to read if interested in true crime or law trials.
April 1, 2024
Very well written and good introduction for me to non fiction books. Easy to read and pick up the facts
January 16, 2015
For me this was brilliant! I am a massive fan of anything that covers true crime and I wasn't disappointed with this one. The author was involved with the actual prosecutions so it contain a lot of excellent detail. This is the first in a series that has been written to give an indepth insight in to the murders that were viewed to be some of the most shocking in Hollywood at the time, and by most still to this day. This first installment introduces us to the victims and the initial mistakes by the police force who were tasked to deal with the murder enquiries, they were such shocking and tragic crimes, reading it you can't help but feel for Sharon Tate and her family, she was sadly lost only two weeks before she would have reached full term for her pregnancy, she never got to meet her baby boy as he was also taken too soon. I have the second downloaded already and can't wait to get started. I received a free digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2015
I haven't read many true crime books, but this is a fascinating and really well written book. I knew very little about the Manson family before I read it.
I really enjoyed this book, it reads like a novel and I will read the second part of the series.
I really enjoyed this book, it reads like a novel and I will read the second part of the series.
July 9, 2022
Great account of what really happened. The police made tragic mistakes in that case. That's why they took them so long to find the truth. The rumours also didn't help the case.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews