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Hunting Charles Manson: The Quest for Justice in the Days of Helter Skelter
"Hunting Charles Manson the best true crime book you will ever read....Lock your doors, keep the night lights on, and read this book." - Linda Fairstein, New York Times bestselling crime novelist
In the late summer of 1969, the nation was transfixed by a series of gruesome murders in the hills of Los Angeles. Newspapers and television programs detailed the brutal slayings of a beautiful actress--twenty six years old and eight months pregnant with her first child--as well as a hair stylist, an heiress, a businessman, and other victims. The City of Angels was plunged into a nightmare of fear and dread. In the weeks and months that followed, law enforcement faced intense pressure to solve crimes that seemed to have no connection.
Finally, after months of dead-ends, false leads, and near-misses, Charles Manson and members of his "family" were arrested. The bewildering trials that followed once again captured the nation and forever secured Manson as a byword for the evil that men do.
Drawing upon deep archival research and exclusive personal interviews--including unique access to Manson Family parole hearings--former federal prosecutor and Fox News legal analyst Lis Wiehl has written a propulsive, page-turning historical thriller of the crimes and manhunt that mesmerized the nation. And in the process, she reveals how the social and political context that gave rise to Manson is eerily similar to our own.
In the late summer of 1969, the nation was transfixed by a series of gruesome murders in the hills of Los Angeles. Newspapers and television programs detailed the brutal slayings of a beautiful actress--twenty six years old and eight months pregnant with her first child--as well as a hair stylist, an heiress, a businessman, and other victims. The City of Angels was plunged into a nightmare of fear and dread. In the weeks and months that followed, law enforcement faced intense pressure to solve crimes that seemed to have no connection.
Finally, after months of dead-ends, false leads, and near-misses, Charles Manson and members of his "family" were arrested. The bewildering trials that followed once again captured the nation and forever secured Manson as a byword for the evil that men do.
Drawing upon deep archival research and exclusive personal interviews--including unique access to Manson Family parole hearings--former federal prosecutor and Fox News legal analyst Lis Wiehl has written a propulsive, page-turning historical thriller of the crimes and manhunt that mesmerized the nation. And in the process, she reveals how the social and political context that gave rise to Manson is eerily similar to our own.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2018
158 people are currently reading
4414 people want to read
About the author
Lis Wiehl
26 books631 followersLis Wiehl is a New York Times bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction books, a journalist, an attorney, and a legal expert. She is the former legal analyst for Fox News, former co-host of WOR radio's “WOR Tonight with Joe Concha and Lis Wiehl,” and was an anchor for the Law & Crime network (a multi-media live trial network). Lis Wiehl hosted the podcast Pursuit of Justice with Lis Wiehl and until recently was an adjunct professor of Law at New York Law School. Lis is the author of eighteen books, including the first in The Hunting Series, Hunting Charles Manson: The Quest for Justice in the Days of Helter Skelter, out in paperback from Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins on June 25, 2019.
Lis Wiehl is one of the nation’s most highly regarded commentators and legal experts. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Wiehl practiced law in a private law firm in Seattle where she also wrote by-lined articles on legal issues for The New York Times. From there she went on to become a third generation federal prosecutor (her grandfather and her father — an FBI agent — were also federal prosecutors) in the US Attorney's Office in Seattle. She served as the Deputy Chief Investigative Counsel for Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee during President Clinton’s impeachment. From 1995 to 2001, she was a tenured law professor at the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle, where she ran the Trial Advocacy Program, which won several national awards during her tenure.
During her time at the University of Washington, Wiehl also stepped deeper into journalism by working as a reporter and legal analyst for NPR's All Things Considered, MSNBC/NBC News, and locally at KIRO, the CBS network affiliate in Seattle. After MSNBC and National Public Radio, Wiehl moved to the Fox News Channel where she served as a legal analyst and reporter for over fifteen years. During her time at the Fox News Channel, she appeared on numerous shows including The O'Reilly Factor, Your World with Neil Cavuto, The Kelly File with Megyn Kelly, Lou Dobbs Tonight, and the Imus morning show. Wiehl also hosted the Legal Lis radio show and the Wiehl of Justice podcast.
In 2005, Wiehl released her first book, Winning Every Time: How to Use the Skills of a Lawyer in the Trials of Your Life. Two years later she released The 51% Minority: How Women Still Are Not Equal and What You Can Do About It which was awarded the 2008 award for Books for a Better Life in the motivational category. Since then, Wiehl has continued to write bestselling books of fiction and non-fiction.
Lis Wiehl continues to appear in the media as a legal expert and commentator for organizations including CNN, CBS, NBC, and NPR among others. She regularly lectures at colleges and universities, appears as a keynote speaker, and speaks at bookstores, conferences, and literary festivals.
Wiehl earned her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, her Master of Arts in Literature from the University of Queensland, and a bachelor’s degree from Barnard College, Columbia University.
Lis Wiehl currently lives near New York City.
For more information please visit www.liswiehlbooks.com.
Lis Wiehl is one of the nation’s most highly regarded commentators and legal experts. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Wiehl practiced law in a private law firm in Seattle where she also wrote by-lined articles on legal issues for The New York Times. From there she went on to become a third generation federal prosecutor (her grandfather and her father — an FBI agent — were also federal prosecutors) in the US Attorney's Office in Seattle. She served as the Deputy Chief Investigative Counsel for Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee during President Clinton’s impeachment. From 1995 to 2001, she was a tenured law professor at the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle, where she ran the Trial Advocacy Program, which won several national awards during her tenure.
During her time at the University of Washington, Wiehl also stepped deeper into journalism by working as a reporter and legal analyst for NPR's All Things Considered, MSNBC/NBC News, and locally at KIRO, the CBS network affiliate in Seattle. After MSNBC and National Public Radio, Wiehl moved to the Fox News Channel where she served as a legal analyst and reporter for over fifteen years. During her time at the Fox News Channel, she appeared on numerous shows including The O'Reilly Factor, Your World with Neil Cavuto, The Kelly File with Megyn Kelly, Lou Dobbs Tonight, and the Imus morning show. Wiehl also hosted the Legal Lis radio show and the Wiehl of Justice podcast.
In 2005, Wiehl released her first book, Winning Every Time: How to Use the Skills of a Lawyer in the Trials of Your Life. Two years later she released The 51% Minority: How Women Still Are Not Equal and What You Can Do About It which was awarded the 2008 award for Books for a Better Life in the motivational category. Since then, Wiehl has continued to write bestselling books of fiction and non-fiction.
Lis Wiehl continues to appear in the media as a legal expert and commentator for organizations including CNN, CBS, NBC, and NPR among others. She regularly lectures at colleges and universities, appears as a keynote speaker, and speaks at bookstores, conferences, and literary festivals.
Wiehl earned her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, her Master of Arts in Literature from the University of Queensland, and a bachelor’s degree from Barnard College, Columbia University.
Lis Wiehl currently lives near New York City.
For more information please visit www.liswiehlbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
October 12, 2018
3.5 Many years back, I spent a summer addicted to true crime. Started when I read Ann Rules book on Bundy and rnded with Helter Skelter. Haven't read too many since, until the book on the Golden State killer was picked for the monthly read in one of my groups and a buddy read in another. Addictions sometimes only hide before rearing their heads once more, because after reading that one I picked up this one.
The ultimate bogey man for the ages, not many have not at least heard of Charles Msndon snd his cult followers, nor the horrific murders they committed. As I ssid, I have read Helter Skelter, but this one was an updated accounting of what and how. Though there were few surprises there, the last several chapters were a look at what happened to his members since. Very interesting, of course Manson is dead, but many of the others are still in prison. Many married and even had children while serving their life sentences. Doesn't seem right to me somehow, but it made for interesting reader.
This is a well documented, well written accounting of before, during and after. Will I read more true crime, no we thst my interest has again been peaked? Never say never.
The ultimate bogey man for the ages, not many have not at least heard of Charles Msndon snd his cult followers, nor the horrific murders they committed. As I ssid, I have read Helter Skelter, but this one was an updated accounting of what and how. Though there were few surprises there, the last several chapters were a look at what happened to his members since. Very interesting, of course Manson is dead, but many of the others are still in prison. Many married and even had children while serving their life sentences. Doesn't seem right to me somehow, but it made for interesting reader.
This is a well documented, well written accounting of before, during and after. Will I read more true crime, no we thst my interest has again been peaked? Never say never.
August 23, 2018
This is a new book about the Manson murders by Lis Wiehl and Caitlin Rother. An updated look, It does cover much of the same ground as many other books have, but I was pleased to find new material. It covers things like Manson’s children and grandchildren's lives, his death and the fight for his body and estate, and also things like ATWA and his near-marriage to Star, along with much more.
Definitely worth a read, for sure if you are curious about the whole topic, into true crime and have read many of the other books on the crimes as I have. I also found things I didn’t remember hearing about that had happened, like when Manson had been lit on fire and badly burned by another prisoner back in 1984. Which was understandable, as I'd been rather busy in '84 having moved twice and having my only child at the end of it. An advance digital copy was provided by NetGalley, authors Lis Wiehl with Caitlin Rother, and the publisher for my unbiased review.
Thomas Nelson Books Published June 5th, 2018
My Bookzone blog at Wordpress: https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
Definitely worth a read, for sure if you are curious about the whole topic, into true crime and have read many of the other books on the crimes as I have. I also found things I didn’t remember hearing about that had happened, like when Manson had been lit on fire and badly burned by another prisoner back in 1984. Which was understandable, as I'd been rather busy in '84 having moved twice and having my only child at the end of it. An advance digital copy was provided by NetGalley, authors Lis Wiehl with Caitlin Rother, and the publisher for my unbiased review.
Thomas Nelson Books Published June 5th, 2018
My Bookzone blog at Wordpress: https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
June 11, 2018
I was very excited to read this book, because I thought someone was going to provide fresh insights into the psyche of Charles Manson unexplored in previous works, like those of Jeff Guinn and Vince Bugliosi.
Instead, what I got was a complete and total rehashing of everything previously written about Manson; most of the book read like a report written by a high school sophomore who isn’t polished enough yet to figure out how to include analysis or commentary. It’s mostly just a 200-page synopsis of “Healter Skelter.”
Save your money
Instead, what I got was a complete and total rehashing of everything previously written about Manson; most of the book read like a report written by a high school sophomore who isn’t polished enough yet to figure out how to include analysis or commentary. It’s mostly just a 200-page synopsis of “Healter Skelter.”
Save your money
April 3, 2021
Out of all the true crime and cult stories out there, Charles Manson and The Family is the story that fascinates me the most. I don’t know what it is but I can get enough of the story, it blows my mind how so many people could fall under the spell of such a bizarre little man and commit such unspeakable acts under his direction. And because of this fascination I will devour any book that promises new of different information so I jumped on the chance to read this one when I saw it. While it’s presented in a different way than Helter Skelter by Buglioso it doesn’t really offer any new information. It was mostly all stuff I already knew, rehashed in a different writing style but I did appreciate the less clinical approach very much. I especially like the second half where we got to see more of what happened after the arrests of Manson and the other Family members. So while it didn’t blow my mind with new information like I hoped, I did still enjoy this book very much!
June 9, 2018
Wow! I have to give this book the ultimate complement: I'd be proud to have my name on its cover. Stellar job.
A fresh and fascinating look at the crimes that caused a wave of panic across the nation. Updates on the Family gave new perspective and raised more questions about the individuals involved. It serves as a warning to our country today: a population filled with scared and angry people can give birth to barbaric crimes.
A fresh and fascinating look at the crimes that caused a wave of panic across the nation. Updates on the Family gave new perspective and raised more questions about the individuals involved. It serves as a warning to our country today: a population filled with scared and angry people can give birth to barbaric crimes.
July 7, 2018
For the full review and more, check out lucieninthestars.ca
I'm going to make this a quick review for a few reasons. The first is that this is obviously non-fiction and about Charles Manson. The second is that I was not fond of this book at all and, if I'm being entirely honestly here, I ended up skimming most of it. Lis Wiehl's book Hunting Charles Manson: The Search For Justice in the Days of Helter Skelter is bland and includes many things that I question.
The first red flag for me was the author stating in the Author's Note that she is a prosecutor and reporter who believes in a Christian brand of justice. It seems like an irrelevant thing to bring up in a book about a cult who was fairly against organized religion that didn't centre around Charlie himself. Not only that but several times throughout the book, some of the profanity is censored out and some of it isn't, causing me to question what facts have been twisted for the sake of the story and the author's personal opinions.
Next up is that she doesn't automatically use the names of the victims in the murders on Cielo Drive (aka. The Tate Murders), instead saving them for the following chapter when the "survivor" in the guest house in brought into the mix. It felt disrespectful to me and most people my age probably don't know what the victims looked like (other than Sharon Tate) so only using descriptors felt like an odd choice. Not only that, but when Wiehl does go into the life of William Garretson, she focuses a lot on his drug habits and his friendship with the immigrant groundskeepers of the property. In other words, there's a lot of irrelevant information here.
I'm not going to say any more because, quite frankly, I'm really disappointed. This time period that helped spark the Satanic Panic while also doing so much politically is fascinating to me, but this author does not do a good job of getting her points across, instead choosing to rehash the facts in a way that feels censored and manipulated. Not to mention that unless readers are truly familiar with the members of the Family - meaning both their names and their "Family names" - it can be confused to remember who is who.
If you want a good read about the cult, I highly recommend you read Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi, The Manson Women and Me by Nikki Meredith, and Manson by Jeff Guinn.
I'm going to make this a quick review for a few reasons. The first is that this is obviously non-fiction and about Charles Manson. The second is that I was not fond of this book at all and, if I'm being entirely honestly here, I ended up skimming most of it. Lis Wiehl's book Hunting Charles Manson: The Search For Justice in the Days of Helter Skelter is bland and includes many things that I question.
The first red flag for me was the author stating in the Author's Note that she is a prosecutor and reporter who believes in a Christian brand of justice. It seems like an irrelevant thing to bring up in a book about a cult who was fairly against organized religion that didn't centre around Charlie himself. Not only that but several times throughout the book, some of the profanity is censored out and some of it isn't, causing me to question what facts have been twisted for the sake of the story and the author's personal opinions.
Next up is that she doesn't automatically use the names of the victims in the murders on Cielo Drive (aka. The Tate Murders), instead saving them for the following chapter when the "survivor" in the guest house in brought into the mix. It felt disrespectful to me and most people my age probably don't know what the victims looked like (other than Sharon Tate) so only using descriptors felt like an odd choice. Not only that, but when Wiehl does go into the life of William Garretson, she focuses a lot on his drug habits and his friendship with the immigrant groundskeepers of the property. In other words, there's a lot of irrelevant information here.
I'm not going to say any more because, quite frankly, I'm really disappointed. This time period that helped spark the Satanic Panic while also doing so much politically is fascinating to me, but this author does not do a good job of getting her points across, instead choosing to rehash the facts in a way that feels censored and manipulated. Not to mention that unless readers are truly familiar with the members of the Family - meaning both their names and their "Family names" - it can be confused to remember who is who.
If you want a good read about the cult, I highly recommend you read Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi, The Manson Women and Me by Nikki Meredith, and Manson by Jeff Guinn.
June 5, 2018
Wow. HUNTING CHARLES MANSON is one of the best true crime novels I've ever read. The author does a fantastic job of placing the reader in 1969, with chilling details of how Manson recruited his "Family" as well as a behind-the-scenes look at life at the Stahl ranch. Before I read this book I thought I knew all about Manson and his band of misfits, but Wiehl went beyond the public's awareness, deep-diving into Manson's psychology, his so-called "relationships" and the way he was able to command full control over the Family ... a fact that alluded me till now. At times, I almost felt bad for some of the female members—keyword being "almost." It's frightening to think the same conditions exist in modern society, as the author notes.
The other reason HUNTING CHARLES MANSON is such a riveting thrill-ride is because it's written a lot like fiction, with sensory details and a nail-biting investigation. If you enjoy true crime, don't miss this one. Highly recommend. I eagerly await the next book in the series.
Please note: With no promise to review, the PR company sent me an ARC paperback. The book was so amazing, I'm leaving a review so others don't miss adding HUNTING CHARLES MANSON to their must-read list.
The other reason HUNTING CHARLES MANSON is such a riveting thrill-ride is because it's written a lot like fiction, with sensory details and a nail-biting investigation. If you enjoy true crime, don't miss this one. Highly recommend. I eagerly await the next book in the series.
Please note: With no promise to review, the PR company sent me an ARC paperback. The book was so amazing, I'm leaving a review so others don't miss adding HUNTING CHARLES MANSON to their must-read list.
August 8, 2018
“Nearly half a century after the murders that made him infamous, Charles Manson is still everywhere, woven into the fabric of our culture”
So much material about Charles Mansion has been produced over the past fifty years that the public suffers from information overload. People think they have read, heard, seen everything there is to know about the cult leader and murderer.
“Hunting Charles Manson” by Caitlin Rother and Lis Wiehl is different, very different. Much in pop culture, tabloid and conventional news, is superficial and incomplete, the same old story repackaged for a bloodthirsty audience.
The deeper story of Charles Mansion is much more frightening.
“Hunting Charles Manson” takes an in-depth look at the villain in the context of both the past and the present. It explores what previous books have missed by giving a global view of the person, the crimes, the pursuit, and the wreckage he left in his wake, including the emotional toll on all those who encountered him or his followers.
The book is loosely organized in a chronological sequence, starting early and laying the foundation for the horror that is to come. The participants and how they changed along the way are chronicled through information was not publically known at the time of the original tragedies. The failings of law enforcement, the failings of family, and the failings of society are revealed.
Rother and Wiehl explore the paths that brought people together and the unintentional, unimportant, or otherwise trivial acts that had disastrous consequences. The authors bring into shocking focus the unexpected tragedies that occurred as the result of unplanned encounters and causal meetings.
“Hunting Charles Manson” book is both unsettling and compelling to read. It reveals with terrifying clarity how drugs, lack of self-esteem, and the power of suggestion can give rise to terror, murder, and unspeakable horror. Read and learn.
May 20, 2019
Even though I have watched every documentary and read what seems like every book on this case I enjoyed this book a lot. It was very thorough and I even learned some new things! I love it when the author researches so much that you learn more. Thank you to netgalley for allowing me to review this book.
January 24, 2020
Since reading Helter Skelter at 13 I have read everything I could get my hands on about Manson and his family. This book has gone into so much detail and exposed facts I have never known before. Fast flowing and well written. Clear and concise this book clearly answers was Manson guilty of murder?
September 28, 2018
I've read at least five other books about Charles Manson, his family, and the Tate/LaBianca murders, so I'm pretty well versed in the family and their crimes. I was hesitant to read this only because how much more could there be for me to learn about the crimes at this point? I was pleasantly surprised that this contained plenty of information I had either forgotten or never knew in the first place.
I've seen this book referred to as a "regurgitation of Helter Skelter" and I completely disagree, for a few reasons. Probably the biggest one is the perspective. Vincent Bugliosi had a very rigid stance when it came to the Manson family, especially as far as the motive of "Helter Skelter" and how the killings were carried out to incite a race war. The author of Hunting Charles Manson, Lis Wiehl, had a more open minded approach, thoughtfully examining all the possibilities. There is a convincing argument made for the crimes being part of a drug burn instigated by Charles "Tex" Watson. It certainly gave me more to think about.
Helter Skelter is a very detailed book, whereas Hunting Charles Manson is broader and less specific in scope. For example, in this book you're not going to be overwhelmed by a rehashing of the 1970 trial, which is merely outlined. I appreciated this approach because for one, I learned more about different circumstances and killings that, in my recollection, weren't as detailed in Helter Skelter (the deaths of Gary Hinman and Shorty Shea, for example). There is also a lot more current information included as well, although up until and immediately following Manson's death in 2017.
It's obvious that Hunting Charles Manson was thoughtfully researched and reviewed. I think it would be a great choice for those who aren't familiar with the case as well as those that already have vast knowledge on the crimes.
I've seen this book referred to as a "regurgitation of Helter Skelter" and I completely disagree, for a few reasons. Probably the biggest one is the perspective. Vincent Bugliosi had a very rigid stance when it came to the Manson family, especially as far as the motive of "Helter Skelter" and how the killings were carried out to incite a race war. The author of Hunting Charles Manson, Lis Wiehl, had a more open minded approach, thoughtfully examining all the possibilities. There is a convincing argument made for the crimes being part of a drug burn instigated by Charles "Tex" Watson. It certainly gave me more to think about.
Helter Skelter is a very detailed book, whereas Hunting Charles Manson is broader and less specific in scope. For example, in this book you're not going to be overwhelmed by a rehashing of the 1970 trial, which is merely outlined. I appreciated this approach because for one, I learned more about different circumstances and killings that, in my recollection, weren't as detailed in Helter Skelter (the deaths of Gary Hinman and Shorty Shea, for example). There is also a lot more current information included as well, although up until and immediately following Manson's death in 2017.
It's obvious that Hunting Charles Manson was thoughtfully researched and reviewed. I think it would be a great choice for those who aren't familiar with the case as well as those that already have vast knowledge on the crimes.
June 15, 2018
I wasn't sure what I was going to be getting into when I decided to read yet another Charles Manson book. Since I am old enough to remember when the Tate-LaBianca murders were actually committed and having read a good majority of anything written concerning Charles Manson over the past 49 years, I was very pleasantly surprised. This book contains a lot of information that I did not know previously about the case beginning with my previous knowledge of the Spahn ranch. There was also a lot of new information that I was not familiar with concerning the key players involved in the murders, their backgrounds and the parts they played in the daily ranch living, the murders, police work and arrests, trials, prison life and what has happened to the key players n the last few years. If you think you have read everything possible about the Manson murders, you are going to be in for a surprise when you read this book.
July 9, 2019
A fascinating true crime book about the notorious Charles Manson and the Manson Family! This described the whole investigation and how Manson would manipulate young vulnerable women and men into following him and committing heinous acts. Find out where the investigation went wrong, from not collecting evidence to miscommunication between departments to waiting three DAYS to serve a warrant, thus letting all of the Manson family escape! Additionally, I was fascinated to learn about the effects of the Manson Family in society even today and how his children and grandchildren fared in life. An in-depth true crime novel you do not want to miss!
Thank you to Nelson Books for this free gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to Nelson Books for this free gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
October 19, 2020
Very recent (2018) re-examination of the Manson case. The authors used many source materials. What is surprising is how reluctant the LAPD and the LASD are to turn over their documents, sometimes citing open murder cases that may be related to the Family. In addition, some court transcripts were incomplete, interesting considering that I just watched "The trial of the Chicago 7" on Netflix and saw how that kangaroo court operated.
There is no doubt that the justice system let Manson violate parole over and over again. When he and his Family did commit crimes, there were failures in intra- and inter-agency communications as well as failures to connect the dots.
New details include looking at Charles' known children and grandchildren, at least the ones who would be interviewed and the recent parole hearings for other members of the Family. Much detail is given about Manson's life prior to the family and about his devotees once he is in prison. He supposedly received 10000 letters every 3 months while he was alive.
The chilling lesson in all this of course is the way that a charismatic leader was able to convince his followers to commit acts of murder while keeping his own hands relatively clean, a lesson that needs to be re-told given today's world.
There is no doubt that the justice system let Manson violate parole over and over again. When he and his Family did commit crimes, there were failures in intra- and inter-agency communications as well as failures to connect the dots.
New details include looking at Charles' known children and grandchildren, at least the ones who would be interviewed and the recent parole hearings for other members of the Family. Much detail is given about Manson's life prior to the family and about his devotees once he is in prison. He supposedly received 10000 letters every 3 months while he was alive.
The chilling lesson in all this of course is the way that a charismatic leader was able to convince his followers to commit acts of murder while keeping his own hands relatively clean, a lesson that needs to be re-told given today's world.
September 29, 2019
Hunting Charles Manson, while a decently written book, pretty much provides the same information as Helter Skelter. It’s like a friendly, shorter version of the same story. Hunting Charles Manson discusses the events of murders before and after, extending to the parole of the jailed members, Manson’s legacy, and his death. The only alternative theory that is brought to the table comes from Manson’s friends who believe that the Tate murders happened because of a drug deal gone wrong with Tex Watson, and the LaBianca murders were a hit so their daughter Suzan could get money from their estate.
Also, the author has a terrible problem letting their own personal morals and politics reflect in their writing, and it has no reflection on the subject matter. it’s irrelevant. The books ends with a weird AF epilogue about how the murders can be blamed on marijuana and other drugs causing our innocent and poor little “white, upper-middle-class” youth to have “weird thought patterns” and commit crimes
Also, the author has a terrible problem letting their own personal morals and politics reflect in their writing, and it has no reflection on the subject matter. it’s irrelevant. The books ends with a weird AF epilogue about how the murders can be blamed on marijuana and other drugs causing our innocent and poor little “white, upper-middle-class” youth to have “weird thought patterns” and commit crimes
February 5, 2020
An excellent overview of the Manson family and the crimes committed under the leadership of Charles Manson. The research is impeccable; the creation of every scene in the book makes you feel that you have been to that location. Wiehl treats these sensationalized murders with respect and dignity for the deceased, painting a picture of the step-by-step process used to discover the perpetrators of these terrors before the use of DNA and other modern tools. I was a teen when they happened and had forgotten, for instance, that when Sharon Tate and her friends were first found, Tate was treated more as a suspect than as a victim --- wild rumors alleged her involvement in black magic and implied that is what had led to her gruesome death. Although Manson’s motive(s) are still hazy, Wiehl unveils the criminal backgrounds of his followers as one act leads to another, and makes it possible to recognize every aspect of Manson’s sinister motivations.
If you are a true crime buff, this is a must-add to your reading collection.
If you are a true crime buff, this is a must-add to your reading collection.
September 1, 2021
It's hard to say I liked this book. It should never have had to be written. There should never have been a story to tell.
Given that what happened did unfortunately happen, the book takes a detached view in creating a fairly comprehensive narrative of the murders, the court cases, and the fall-out clear up until Manson's death in 2017. Not enough is said about the victims themselves, though there are other books that do. There is, interestingly, a fair bit of information about Manson's background that contributes to more of an understanding—though not a sympathetic one. It's grist for the 'nature vs. nurture' debate certainly.
Overall impression is that I would recommend the book for those who have heard of Manson or the Family, and who want more than a Wikipedia entry narrative in order to understand what happened, and what resulted. Obviously, it's not a book you read for sheer entertainment, but more because you need to know. This is a good book for those who want to know.
Given that what happened did unfortunately happen, the book takes a detached view in creating a fairly comprehensive narrative of the murders, the court cases, and the fall-out clear up until Manson's death in 2017. Not enough is said about the victims themselves, though there are other books that do. There is, interestingly, a fair bit of information about Manson's background that contributes to more of an understanding—though not a sympathetic one. It's grist for the 'nature vs. nurture' debate certainly.
Overall impression is that I would recommend the book for those who have heard of Manson or the Family, and who want more than a Wikipedia entry narrative in order to understand what happened, and what resulted. Obviously, it's not a book you read for sheer entertainment, but more because you need to know. This is a good book for those who want to know.
February 8, 2019
It's been ages since I read Bugliosi's Helter Skelter, so it's difficult for me to compare this account to that one. Wiehl and Rother mention that they wanted to look at the Manson Family's crimes from the ground up and gain a new perspective on the events of 1969. It's unfortunate that they weren't able to access as many court records as they'd hoped, but it's still a thorough account. The most notable divergence is the discussion of motivation for the crimes; Wiehl and Rother take the stance that the 'Helter Skelter' narrative was mostly constructed by Bugliosi for the purposes of the trial, and the actual motivation for Manson and his followers might have been more mundane, or less well organized. It's an interesting take on the story, and one applicable to more than just this crime spree.
January 18, 2021
I knew almost nothing about the Manson family before picking up this book. I walked by it in a bookstore and thought it would be an interesting read.
Some readers are disappointed that it doesn’t have any fresh takes, but I appreciate the general overview since I don’t have much knowledge of the case.
I did find it a bit hard to follow, especially, in the beginning because there were just so many names, places, and events. On top of that, it’s not really in perfect chronological order.
I did enjoy hearing updates about what’s happening with the group today. I was very interested and was planning on googling all of that after finishing the book. I didn’t have to, though, since that’s what the book concluded with!
Some readers are disappointed that it doesn’t have any fresh takes, but I appreciate the general overview since I don’t have much knowledge of the case.
I did find it a bit hard to follow, especially, in the beginning because there were just so many names, places, and events. On top of that, it’s not really in perfect chronological order.
I did enjoy hearing updates about what’s happening with the group today. I was very interested and was planning on googling all of that after finishing the book. I didn’t have to, though, since that’s what the book concluded with!
July 3, 2019
This is very much a basic book on the Manson case - perhaps a good introduction or a good overall book for those who want to know about the case but aren't overally interested? It's clear and simple and retells the story in a very easy to understand kind of way. Probably the book for those who need information on Manson for a school report but want to skip the theories, dramas and more gruesome details.
However - if you've ever read another book on Manson this is a fairly pointless read. There's no new or original research and with no particular point of view to present it's not going to tell you anything you don't already know. It feels like reading a long Wikipedia entry.
However - if you've ever read another book on Manson this is a fairly pointless read. There's no new or original research and with no particular point of view to present it's not going to tell you anything you don't already know. It feels like reading a long Wikipedia entry.
July 4, 2019
What a master manipulator...to. the. end.
This is the first book I have ever read about Charles Manson and his "Family," and I was blown away by how he and the rest of his people got away with so much before they were finally caught.
Definitely worth the time to read this intriguing biography. It even included up-to-date details that some of his "Family" admitted to before being released from prison.
This is the first book I have ever read about Charles Manson and his "Family," and I was blown away by how he and the rest of his people got away with so much before they were finally caught.
Definitely worth the time to read this intriguing biography. It even included up-to-date details that some of his "Family" admitted to before being released from prison.
June 25, 2018
As Helter Skelter was the first true crime book I ever read, and one that will permanently sit on my list of best true crime books, I have a lifelong interest (sounds better than fascination) in the so-called Manson murders. No book can truly be held up to Helter Skelter, nor should it.
Hunting Charles Manson is a notable and strong entry of the books on the infamous summer of 1969. It doesn't cover as much ground as Helter Skelter, which gives us a lot of information on the criminal trial, but it also doesn't have its intimidating (for some) page count.
Hunting Charles Manson starts with background information on Manson himself, giving the reader an exploration of his home life, mindset and how he started down the road that would lead him to the Haight-Ashbury and the birth of "The Family." I found the sections of the inception of The Family particularly interesting; the result is beneficial insight into why he managed to attract so many females to his coterie who remained loyal to him for years.
Many of his Family members are also given page time. Rather than being portrayed as merely Manson's bloodthirsty minions, the authors demonstrate they were real people with real lives before becoming part of Manson's contingent. It will make you think about what might have happened had they never met up with him; was the Family was little more than a drug-addled cult? The authors' descriptions of daily life on Spahn Ranch are extremely well done. I could visualize the hot dust blowing on the old movie sets and Family members grouped around, listening to Manson playing guitar. It brings on a wistfulness -- even sadness -- that this communal living, instead of bringing love and peace, spawned violence and death.
The murders themselves are each recounted. The details, if you are sensitive, can be agonizing to read and envision. Gary Hinman, Steven Parent, and Donald "Shorty" Shea are often given the short-shrift of the verified Manson victims; Parent is the forgotten victim of the Tate-LaBianca crimes while Hinman and Shea are very nearly forgotten as victims at all. More details are provided on Hinman and Shea as people versus just murder victims; it makes their loss, and the violent actions of Manson and the Family, all the more poignant and effective. Thanks to this book being recent and published after Shea's body was discovered, a long-held legend within the Family that Shea had been "chopped up" into pieces and scattered in multiple graves can be discounted as well as providing a solid account as to Shea's final movements and day of life and who was involved in killing him.
The convicted killers' convoluted and tangled web through the legal system is also explored and this is one of two points in the book that I didn't agree with. Sections on Charles "Tex" Watson, the man involved in every murder save Gary Hinman and the self-professed "right hand man" of Charles Manson, read almost sympathetically. Even if you do believe that Watson is paying his debt to society and has become a born-again Christian, I cannot forget that he brutally stabbed to death Sharon Tate, who begged for the life of her unborn child, and then went on to marry and father four children while incarcerated. I find that particular irony distasteful and revolting. While Watson may have taken so many illegal drugs as to hinder his thinking, it didn't affect his ability to torture and kill and I simply cannot grant any sympathy to him; only to his victims.
The other point in the book that I didn't agree with - - and this is more my opinion than anything else -- is a motive for the Tate murders put forward in Hunting Charles Manson. I've heard of the motive previously and this book does an excellent job in breaking it down and presenting it. The problem I have with it is that it doesn't explain how and why Steven Parent became a victim, if you believe that Parent was the first person on Cielo Drive to die that night. (And there has never been evidence to suggest otherwise.) But again, that's simply my opinion and motive is something we may likely never get a firm answer on, especially now that Manson is dead.
Hunting Charles Manson does something that many books in the Manson library have not been able to do and that's provide a fresh look on crimes that have been written about, debated and dissected for nearly fifty years. I appreciated the view inside Manson's life for the last ten or so years of it -- something rarely written about. I also like that Ms. Wiehl and Ms. Rother showed the determination and strength of Debra Tate, Anthony DiMaria and Kay Martley as they attend and have attended parole hearings for years, speaking not so much of the ugliness their loved one experienced at the hand of Manson, et al. but of the precious memories they have of the precious people that were.
Hunting Charles Manson is an excellent resource for exploring the psyche of Manson in our quest to answer why. Why did he turn out the way he did? Why did he want strangers butchered? Why does he continue to fascinate today?
I have been a fan of Caitlin Rother's books for years and made it a point to get this book solely based on her as an author. As with her previous books, Ms. Rother presents the story and attempts to get into the mind of madness and answer the questions that puzzle those of us who have been fortunate enough to remain distant from the crime. She is always respectful of the victims and their survivors, not glorifying the violence or the offender, and that is one reason I am a fan. She's also a darn good writer. For more information on Caitlin Rother and her books, go here.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Hunting Charles Manson for true crime buffs or readers looking for information on Manson and his crimes. The fact the book features information from as recent as early 2018 is a bonus.
Hunting Charles Manson is a notable and strong entry of the books on the infamous summer of 1969. It doesn't cover as much ground as Helter Skelter, which gives us a lot of information on the criminal trial, but it also doesn't have its intimidating (for some) page count.
Hunting Charles Manson starts with background information on Manson himself, giving the reader an exploration of his home life, mindset and how he started down the road that would lead him to the Haight-Ashbury and the birth of "The Family." I found the sections of the inception of The Family particularly interesting; the result is beneficial insight into why he managed to attract so many females to his coterie who remained loyal to him for years.
Many of his Family members are also given page time. Rather than being portrayed as merely Manson's bloodthirsty minions, the authors demonstrate they were real people with real lives before becoming part of Manson's contingent. It will make you think about what might have happened had they never met up with him; was the Family was little more than a drug-addled cult? The authors' descriptions of daily life on Spahn Ranch are extremely well done. I could visualize the hot dust blowing on the old movie sets and Family members grouped around, listening to Manson playing guitar. It brings on a wistfulness -- even sadness -- that this communal living, instead of bringing love and peace, spawned violence and death.
The murders themselves are each recounted. The details, if you are sensitive, can be agonizing to read and envision. Gary Hinman, Steven Parent, and Donald "Shorty" Shea are often given the short-shrift of the verified Manson victims; Parent is the forgotten victim of the Tate-LaBianca crimes while Hinman and Shea are very nearly forgotten as victims at all. More details are provided on Hinman and Shea as people versus just murder victims; it makes their loss, and the violent actions of Manson and the Family, all the more poignant and effective. Thanks to this book being recent and published after Shea's body was discovered, a long-held legend within the Family that Shea had been "chopped up" into pieces and scattered in multiple graves can be discounted as well as providing a solid account as to Shea's final movements and day of life and who was involved in killing him.
The convicted killers' convoluted and tangled web through the legal system is also explored and this is one of two points in the book that I didn't agree with. Sections on Charles "Tex" Watson, the man involved in every murder save Gary Hinman and the self-professed "right hand man" of Charles Manson, read almost sympathetically. Even if you do believe that Watson is paying his debt to society and has become a born-again Christian, I cannot forget that he brutally stabbed to death Sharon Tate, who begged for the life of her unborn child, and then went on to marry and father four children while incarcerated. I find that particular irony distasteful and revolting. While Watson may have taken so many illegal drugs as to hinder his thinking, it didn't affect his ability to torture and kill and I simply cannot grant any sympathy to him; only to his victims.
The other point in the book that I didn't agree with - - and this is more my opinion than anything else -- is a motive for the Tate murders put forward in Hunting Charles Manson. I've heard of the motive previously and this book does an excellent job in breaking it down and presenting it. The problem I have with it is that it doesn't explain how and why Steven Parent became a victim, if you believe that Parent was the first person on Cielo Drive to die that night. (And there has never been evidence to suggest otherwise.) But again, that's simply my opinion and motive is something we may likely never get a firm answer on, especially now that Manson is dead.
Hunting Charles Manson does something that many books in the Manson library have not been able to do and that's provide a fresh look on crimes that have been written about, debated and dissected for nearly fifty years. I appreciated the view inside Manson's life for the last ten or so years of it -- something rarely written about. I also like that Ms. Wiehl and Ms. Rother showed the determination and strength of Debra Tate, Anthony DiMaria and Kay Martley as they attend and have attended parole hearings for years, speaking not so much of the ugliness their loved one experienced at the hand of Manson, et al. but of the precious memories they have of the precious people that were.
Hunting Charles Manson is an excellent resource for exploring the psyche of Manson in our quest to answer why. Why did he turn out the way he did? Why did he want strangers butchered? Why does he continue to fascinate today?
I have been a fan of Caitlin Rother's books for years and made it a point to get this book solely based on her as an author. As with her previous books, Ms. Rother presents the story and attempts to get into the mind of madness and answer the questions that puzzle those of us who have been fortunate enough to remain distant from the crime. She is always respectful of the victims and their survivors, not glorifying the violence or the offender, and that is one reason I am a fan. She's also a darn good writer. For more information on Caitlin Rother and her books, go here.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Hunting Charles Manson for true crime buffs or readers looking for information on Manson and his crimes. The fact the book features information from as recent as early 2018 is a bonus.
June 22, 2022
Having read Helter Skelter and The Family many years ago, I had some familiarity with the infamous California killings. Lis Wiehl adds more previously undisclosed information and I was intrigued enough to finish the book in one day. Charlie had spent the majority of his life in prison, and at thirty-two, the diminutive Svengali was able to recruit an off beat"family" of misfits who looked up to the aspiring musician as a Jesus like figure. Drugs played a major part in Manson's ability to seduce a good number of young women into his lair. He sired at least three sons with various women, including a wife. Tex Watson and three of the acolytes committed the murders but Charlie was seen as the mastermind behind the slaughter. Sharon Tate had the misfortune of being present with Jay Sebring and Voytek Frykowski, well known local drug dealers. One theory has the murders occurring during a robbery gone wrong. Overall, Hunting Charles Manson is a compelling story of sex, drugs and rock and roll. I highly recommend the book.
May 19, 2023
Hunting Charles Manson was a very good book. Upon reading this book. I have learned a lot about the murders of the Tate and the other families and what the consequences that finally caused their downfall.
June 16, 2022
Goes over the same old stuff.
June 3, 2018
I have been fascinated by the Manson family since in first read Helter Skelter over fifteen years ago. It is a classic study in how if just one thing had gone differently, the entire thing could have been blown open long before it did. It is also nothing short of incredible how this one man was able to warp the minds of so many young people to the point they would murder for him.
When it comes to this version of events, I found the timeline to be laid out in a way that may be a bit confusing to anyone who is reading about these crimes for the first time. For example, the authors detailed the crimes before they detailed Manson's early years. I would have thought it would be more helpful to discuss the man himself before delving into all that he was accused of.
I also found it enlightening how close law enforcement came to actually capturing them, had they only been a bit more forthcoming with one another. The intriguing counter arguments explored in this book were also something that I had not known about before, and therefore had not considered (for example, I did not know that two of the people murdered alongside Sharon Tate had been well known to the drug scene).
Overall, I believe this story presents a well-rounded, and deeply research account of events (not only including the murder and trial, but also the subsequent parole hearings as well). This is a great read for anyone who is interested in not only the Manson murders, but also in true crime novels.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
When it comes to this version of events, I found the timeline to be laid out in a way that may be a bit confusing to anyone who is reading about these crimes for the first time. For example, the authors detailed the crimes before they detailed Manson's early years. I would have thought it would be more helpful to discuss the man himself before delving into all that he was accused of.
I also found it enlightening how close law enforcement came to actually capturing them, had they only been a bit more forthcoming with one another. The intriguing counter arguments explored in this book were also something that I had not known about before, and therefore had not considered (for example, I did not know that two of the people murdered alongside Sharon Tate had been well known to the drug scene).
Overall, I believe this story presents a well-rounded, and deeply research account of events (not only including the murder and trial, but also the subsequent parole hearings as well). This is a great read for anyone who is interested in not only the Manson murders, but also in true crime novels.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
January 5, 2020
Unlike the book Helter Skelter, this book gave a great deal of background on the major players in the Mason Family. This includes information from interviews with Family members, Parole Hearings and Police screw-ups from the original investigation into the Tate-Lobianca murders. It also delves into murders that occurred during the Family’s time at Spahn Ranch.
This is a comprehensive telling of the story of the Manson Family; but it has done nothing to alleviate the feeling I hold that Charlie Mason was the poster boy for the justice system to wipe out people’s rights.
I know people become agitated when I say things like this; but prior to Manson there had to be physical evidence linking a person to a crime scene. I am not insinuated that Charlie Manson held no blame; I am simply saying that he was an evil genius and having grown up and listened to the news accounts and read newspaper and magazine articles, I would have forever been frightened if he was not imprisoned but I have always wondered if he wasn’t railroaded because of who was murdered.
I will be forever grateful to the people who take time to provide a thorough investigation before writing such a book. I simply wish someone had the answer to my concern.
This is a comprehensive telling of the story of the Manson Family; but it has done nothing to alleviate the feeling I hold that Charlie Mason was the poster boy for the justice system to wipe out people’s rights.
I know people become agitated when I say things like this; but prior to Manson there had to be physical evidence linking a person to a crime scene. I am not insinuated that Charlie Manson held no blame; I am simply saying that he was an evil genius and having grown up and listened to the news accounts and read newspaper and magazine articles, I would have forever been frightened if he was not imprisoned but I have always wondered if he wasn’t railroaded because of who was murdered.
I will be forever grateful to the people who take time to provide a thorough investigation before writing such a book. I simply wish someone had the answer to my concern.
April 1, 2020
When I saw this book on NetGalley, I was so stoked because I'm a huge true crime buff and I figured it would shed some new light into the Charles Manson and the family case, but it was all the same information that has been put out in numerous other books and interviews.
One of the things that tuned me off was the author and her author's note about how she was part of the "Christian Tradition" when it comes to the justice, that right there is a biased view and really it wasn't necessary to put your religious beliefs out there. It made me skeptical to even continue reading. As I continued reading I became more angrier. She decided to not name the victims as they have been everywhere else when she was describing them. And what in the blue is with the censoring of the curse words. I'd like to think we're all adults here and we can see curse words without having some asterisk being put in place. I just saw that to be childish and unnecessary.
I wanted to like this book, I really did but, It just didn't do it for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
One of the things that tuned me off was the author and her author's note about how she was part of the "Christian Tradition" when it comes to the justice, that right there is a biased view and really it wasn't necessary to put your religious beliefs out there. It made me skeptical to even continue reading. As I continued reading I became more angrier. She decided to not name the victims as they have been everywhere else when she was describing them. And what in the blue is with the censoring of the curse words. I'd like to think we're all adults here and we can see curse words without having some asterisk being put in place. I just saw that to be childish and unnecessary.
I wanted to like this book, I really did but, It just didn't do it for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
did-not-finish
June 7, 2019I am 16% through this book and I am going to have to dnf (did not finish) it. I had very high hopes for this book. When I read the description I knew I needed to read it. Charles Manson has always fascinated me. I've always had a morbid obsession with true crime so I was ecstatic when I was approved for this book. Unfortunately this book just wasn't for me. I found the timeline in the book to be weird and a little hard to follow. I've only read Helter Skelter so maybe I needed to have more of a background on Charles Manson to be able to fully follow the story. The other thing that I didn't like was how graphic the details were. Lis Wiehl & Caitlin Rother have a way with putting you in the story. Unfortunately with how graphic this book was, I had to put it down.
September 7, 2018
Good overview
This is a good introduction and overview of the Manson Family and Tate-LaBianca murders. Other books often jump into deep detail right away, which can be confusing. This book offers a clear look at Charlie and his history, and that of the main members of his Family. It's easy to follow what murders happened when and how and (sort of) why.
This book doesn't have new information. But it does organize the facts well. The writing is interesting. For the real deal, for the story from the prosecutor, absolutely nothing beats Bugliosi's "Helter Skelter." For a closer look at Manson, read Guinn's biography.
This is a good introduction and overview of the Manson Family and Tate-LaBianca murders. Other books often jump into deep detail right away, which can be confusing. This book offers a clear look at Charlie and his history, and that of the main members of his Family. It's easy to follow what murders happened when and how and (sort of) why.
This book doesn't have new information. But it does organize the facts well. The writing is interesting. For the real deal, for the story from the prosecutor, absolutely nothing beats Bugliosi's "Helter Skelter." For a closer look at Manson, read Guinn's biography.
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