What do you think?
Rate this book
Sharon Tate and the Manson Murders
In August 1969 Sharon Tate - the beautiful actress and wife of Roman Polanski - was brutally murdered in her Los Angeles home, along with her unborn son and four others. The residents of 10050 Cielo Drive were singled out by Charles Manson and in an act of crazed retribution he ordered members of his cult to break into the Polanski residence. Steven Parent died first - gunned down in his car. Sharon and her house-guests were herded into a room and terrorised. Before the brutal killing began, the victims were told 'I am the Devil, here to do the Devil's work'. Sharon Tate and the Manson Murders details the search for the killers, the sensational trials and the history to their thirty-year imprisonment.
Audiobook
First published January 1, 2000
376 people are currently reading
1082 people want to read
About the author
Greg King
35 books168 followersGreg King (born 1964) is an American author, best known for his biographies of prominent historical figures.
He is the author of eleven internationally published works of royal and social history, specializing in late Imperial Russia and Edwardian-era royalty, including The Fate of the Romanovs, The Court of the Last Tsar, and the UK bestseller The Duchess of Windsor. A frequent onscreen expert and commentator for historical documentaries, his work has appeared in Majesty Magazine, Royalty Magazine, Royalty Digest, and Atlantis Magazine.
Source: wikipedia.com & us.macmillan.com
He is the author of eleven internationally published works of royal and social history, specializing in late Imperial Russia and Edwardian-era royalty, including The Fate of the Romanovs, The Court of the Last Tsar, and the UK bestseller The Duchess of Windsor. A frequent onscreen expert and commentator for historical documentaries, his work has appeared in Majesty Magazine, Royalty Magazine, Royalty Digest, and Atlantis Magazine.
Source: wikipedia.com & us.macmillan.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
October 30, 2016
I have read one or two books about the Manson Murders before this; most notably, “Helter Skelter,” (which still remains the classic about this case in my eyes) and also “Restless Souls: The Sharon Tate’s Family’s Account of Stardom, the Manson Murders and a Crusade for Justice,” which covered much about both Sharon Tate’s life and the constant battle her family had to fight against appeals from members of the Manson Family. When I first saw this book I questioned whether I really needed to read another on this subject, but it was by Greg King, whose work I really enjoy and so I decided that I might learn something new.
Having finished this, I do not feel that I learnt much that was new. However, if you have never read a book about the Manson Murders before and do not want to tackle the, forensically detailed, “Helter Skelter,” then this is a good, biographical, general re-telling of events. It also focuses on the lives of those concerned, as well as the murders. Indeed, much of the beginning of this book is a general biography of Sharon Tate’s life, her early interest in acting and her relationship with Roman Polanski. This, eventually, leads to links with Charles Manson – including his visiting the house at Cielo Drive, where Sharon Tate, Jay Sebring, Voytek Frykowski, Abigail Folger and Steven Parent were killed. At one point, mere weeks before the murders, Charles Manson actually walked across the lawn of the house and was ordered off the property by Tate’s photographer, while Sharon Tate watched.
Although Greg King does not dwell on the murders, these obviously play a central part in the narrative. Both the killings at Cielo Drive and the LaBianca murders. I was interested to read of how the media reported the Tate killings in particular, with those murdered being almost blamed by the press for their own deaths – with wild theories and stories about everything from drug use to possible black magic and sacrifices being suggested as a reason for the slayings. It was the case that Sharon Tate and her guests had a lot of visitors and that many in Hollywood seemed to have surprisingly open houses. Manson’s attempts to gain a music contract led to him, and his followers, virtually moving into Dennis Wilson (of The Beach Boys) house at one point – stealing his clothes, cars and money while there. Certainly, when members of the Family first broke into Sharon Tate’s house, neither Abigail Folger was shocked at seeing strangers go past her bedroom; smiling and waving at them as she read in bed; while Sharon Tate and Jay Sebring never even noticed when the door to the bedroom they were chatting in was opened. Although the house was in an isolated location, security seemed fairly lax – doors and windows seemed to be left open and it was all too easy to gain access.
The notoriety of her murder saw Sharon Tate gaining the fame she had fought for, before rejecting it for impending motherhood. Having read, “Restless Souls,” I am aware of how much the family’s of al the victims have suffered. Greg King follows the story up to the present and writes with clarity and sensitivity about those involved. This is an interesting account of events, which certainly does involve some new interviews and facts, if not a huge amount of new material. Still, it is a very readable account of the events and the people involved, which both explores the era well and both sets the scene and gives us a great deal of background information. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
Having finished this, I do not feel that I learnt much that was new. However, if you have never read a book about the Manson Murders before and do not want to tackle the, forensically detailed, “Helter Skelter,” then this is a good, biographical, general re-telling of events. It also focuses on the lives of those concerned, as well as the murders. Indeed, much of the beginning of this book is a general biography of Sharon Tate’s life, her early interest in acting and her relationship with Roman Polanski. This, eventually, leads to links with Charles Manson – including his visiting the house at Cielo Drive, where Sharon Tate, Jay Sebring, Voytek Frykowski, Abigail Folger and Steven Parent were killed. At one point, mere weeks before the murders, Charles Manson actually walked across the lawn of the house and was ordered off the property by Tate’s photographer, while Sharon Tate watched.
Although Greg King does not dwell on the murders, these obviously play a central part in the narrative. Both the killings at Cielo Drive and the LaBianca murders. I was interested to read of how the media reported the Tate killings in particular, with those murdered being almost blamed by the press for their own deaths – with wild theories and stories about everything from drug use to possible black magic and sacrifices being suggested as a reason for the slayings. It was the case that Sharon Tate and her guests had a lot of visitors and that many in Hollywood seemed to have surprisingly open houses. Manson’s attempts to gain a music contract led to him, and his followers, virtually moving into Dennis Wilson (of The Beach Boys) house at one point – stealing his clothes, cars and money while there. Certainly, when members of the Family first broke into Sharon Tate’s house, neither Abigail Folger was shocked at seeing strangers go past her bedroom; smiling and waving at them as she read in bed; while Sharon Tate and Jay Sebring never even noticed when the door to the bedroom they were chatting in was opened. Although the house was in an isolated location, security seemed fairly lax – doors and windows seemed to be left open and it was all too easy to gain access.
The notoriety of her murder saw Sharon Tate gaining the fame she had fought for, before rejecting it for impending motherhood. Having read, “Restless Souls,” I am aware of how much the family’s of al the victims have suffered. Greg King follows the story up to the present and writes with clarity and sensitivity about those involved. This is an interesting account of events, which certainly does involve some new interviews and facts, if not a huge amount of new material. Still, it is a very readable account of the events and the people involved, which both explores the era well and both sets the scene and gives us a great deal of background information. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
June 18, 2009
Having read "Helter Skelter", I knew the background and facts of the Manson case and fortunately, this book wasn't just a rehashing of the events of August 9, 1969.
Yes, the murders are mentioned, in excruciating detail at the end of the book. I found the hair on the back of my neck standing up reading the minute by minute detail and can only imagine the horror the victims endured.
But the majority of the book is about Sharon Tate and her life as she lived it, not just how she died. While "Helter Skelter" is a stupendous book, well written and well researched, it deals primarily with the crimes, the arrests and the trial. There is very little background information on the people who lost their lives.
Now, finally, Mr. King has uncovered a wealth of information about those people, most particularly Ms. Tate. Hopefully with the addition of this book, she will be remembered more for her sweetness and her comedic flair than for her violent end.
While Mr. King does include updates on the murderers themselves, he also follows up with the family members of the innocent victims - - and it makes you realize how much pain and how much havoc was wreaked upon not just the victims, but their families.
Hopefully this book will give them, and their loved ones, some sense of justice - - that their daughter, sister, brother or son won't be remembered as just a "Manson victim" but a person in their own right who had a life, hopes and dreams before August 9, 1969.
This book would rate five stars in my opinion, except for the fact that a photo of Charles Manson was superimposed over the lovely picture of Ms. Tate on the front cover.
If you want to know more about Ms. Tate than just her sad end, this is a must read. Beware of the color crime scene photos - - not for the weak at heart.
Yes, the murders are mentioned, in excruciating detail at the end of the book. I found the hair on the back of my neck standing up reading the minute by minute detail and can only imagine the horror the victims endured.
But the majority of the book is about Sharon Tate and her life as she lived it, not just how she died. While "Helter Skelter" is a stupendous book, well written and well researched, it deals primarily with the crimes, the arrests and the trial. There is very little background information on the people who lost their lives.
Now, finally, Mr. King has uncovered a wealth of information about those people, most particularly Ms. Tate. Hopefully with the addition of this book, she will be remembered more for her sweetness and her comedic flair than for her violent end.
While Mr. King does include updates on the murderers themselves, he also follows up with the family members of the innocent victims - - and it makes you realize how much pain and how much havoc was wreaked upon not just the victims, but their families.
Hopefully this book will give them, and their loved ones, some sense of justice - - that their daughter, sister, brother or son won't be remembered as just a "Manson victim" but a person in their own right who had a life, hopes and dreams before August 9, 1969.
This book would rate five stars in my opinion, except for the fact that a photo of Charles Manson was superimposed over the lovely picture of Ms. Tate on the front cover.
If you want to know more about Ms. Tate than just her sad end, this is a must read. Beware of the color crime scene photos - - not for the weak at heart.
August 21, 2014
On August 9th 1969 Sharon Tate - the actress and wife of Roman Polanski - was brutally murdered in her Los Angeles home, along with her unborn son and four others.
While I have listed this book as True Crime, it is really more a biography, it just happens to be the biography of a person who was horribly murdered.
The synopsis on Goodreads, besides having a typo in it says the book is about "the search for the killers, the sensational trials and the history to their 30 year imprisonment." It is that and so much more. It is a detailed and comprehensive biography of Sharon Tate's life. Her childhood, her formative years. One thing emphasized is her drive to become a 'star', we also read of her great beauty, her wonderful personality and deep love for Roman Polanski. Also how excited she was to become a mother, something that would never happen.
Greg King's account is so detailed and expertly covered that by the time we get to August 9, 1969, we feel as if we know Sharon. We can almost feel her pain and fear as she realizes she is about to die. It makes an event that some of us may have only viewed in a historical capacity personal. He also goes into the fear that spread through Hollywood and Los Angeles after the murders. He gives a mini history of Manson and the family, minor coverage of the trial and what has happened with the perpetrators and the victim's families.
Two things I noticed about the book (physical copy), Charlie's face is superimposed on Sharon's bodice, I didn't notice this before someone mentioned it in another review, it is not that noticeable on my book. Also the author and one reviewer mentioned crime scene photos, these were not in my copy of the book, which I got from the library. This is just a heads up that you might see some disturbing pictures if you get this book. Like I said they were not in my book so I can't say for sure.
Also, I did some additional research into what has happened to the Manson family:
Susan Atkins has died, 9/24/2009 of brain cancer. She tried to get a compassionate release and was denied. She died in prison.
Patricia Krenwinkel is still in prison, her next parole hearing is in 2018.
Leslie Van Houten is still in prison, she has been denied parole 20 times.
Charles 'Tex' Watson is still in prison, he is next eligible for parole in 2016.
Bruce Davis was denied parole 27 times before being granted parole, only to have it denied by Governor Jerry Brown.
Bobby Beausoleil is still in prison. Davis and Beausoleil were convicted in the murders of Gary Hinman and Donald Jerome "Shorty" Shea.
I got some of this information from a website: Charles Manson Family and Sharon Tate-Labianca Murders. It appears to be very accurate and well maintained. Also I searched for an organization that Charlie founded "ATWA", it stands for "Air Trees Water Animals", they have a facebook page and a website. On the webpage with their mission statement is a link "Manson" where he is described as a "political prisoner" with a link to his website. You can go there and donate to his defense fund because he was wrongfully convicted, he never killed anyone. I also have some prime real estate in Florida for sale and a bridge that connects Brooklyn to Manhattan. I'll give you a real good deal on both.
August 29, 2012
There have been so many books written about the “Tate-LaBianca” Manson murders, most famously Helter Skelter. But these books seemed to focus on the actual murders and murderers, not upon the victims and who they were. What was Sharon Tate really like? Her husband, friends and family? Who was she really? And let’s not forget Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger, Voyteck Frykowski, and Steven Parent? Leno and Rosemary LaBianca? They were people too with lives, loves, careers and families. This book leads you into their lives, their loves and troubles, wants and desires. They were people such as you and I, not just victims.
I found this book interesting as it told the life story of Sharon Tate. She was very much like you and I, except blessed with stunning beauty. A Military brat that had many of the same insecurities that many of us acquire when brought up with this type of life of being a tumbleweed. A marriage to a narcissistic man, and eventually her death at the hands of Tex Watson, Patricia Krenwinkle and Susan Atkins.
The second half of the book tells of the murders, the aftermath, the trial and the effect upon the victims that were left without their loved ones. How they coped with the tragedy that had fallen upon Sharon and the others, and them. The book grabs your gut and makes you want to cry. It’s hard to imagine that such evil people exist in our midst. It will make you want to lock your doors, and not be so open to people you really don’t know. Despite some typo’s, the book is a winner. A must read for people who want to know who Sharon Tate really was, and the people around her.
As for the Manson clan, these murderers should never see the light of day again. No rehabilitation can ever dismiss their heinous crimes. I cannot imagine the horrors the victims went through, and the willing participation of these people who perpetrated these crimes.
I found this book interesting as it told the life story of Sharon Tate. She was very much like you and I, except blessed with stunning beauty. A Military brat that had many of the same insecurities that many of us acquire when brought up with this type of life of being a tumbleweed. A marriage to a narcissistic man, and eventually her death at the hands of Tex Watson, Patricia Krenwinkle and Susan Atkins.
The second half of the book tells of the murders, the aftermath, the trial and the effect upon the victims that were left without their loved ones. How they coped with the tragedy that had fallen upon Sharon and the others, and them. The book grabs your gut and makes you want to cry. It’s hard to imagine that such evil people exist in our midst. It will make you want to lock your doors, and not be so open to people you really don’t know. Despite some typo’s, the book is a winner. A must read for people who want to know who Sharon Tate really was, and the people around her.
As for the Manson clan, these murderers should never see the light of day again. No rehabilitation can ever dismiss their heinous crimes. I cannot imagine the horrors the victims went through, and the willing participation of these people who perpetrated these crimes.
February 20, 2021
there are lots of books about the Manson Family and the Tate /Labianca Murders. But very few of them concentrate on the victims. This book elevates Sharon Tate from the two dimensional beautiful victim and makes her a real person.
The author juxtaposes events in Sharon's life with the activities of the Manson 'family'
He goes beyond the trial and sentencing, he explores the impact Sharon's death had on her family, on the persistence of her family to make sure her killers never went free.
The book is over 20 years old but the author doesn't white wash Polanksi basically painting him as a womanizing creep even during his marriage to Sharon.
This book is well researched and well written
The author juxtaposes events in Sharon's life with the activities of the Manson 'family'
He goes beyond the trial and sentencing, he explores the impact Sharon's death had on her family, on the persistence of her family to make sure her killers never went free.
The book is over 20 years old but the author doesn't white wash Polanksi basically painting him as a womanizing creep even during his marriage to Sharon.
This book is well researched and well written
February 12, 2016
This includes much, much more than they were able to cover in HELTER SKELTER. Talks about the impact on the victims' families, goes much deeper in explaining who the Mansons killed, and goes on to tell you what happened to a lot of the people involved years after the trial ended. This book is a major tearjerker, I warn you.
March 1, 2013
In my opinion, the best thing about this book is the author's ability to place the reader inside the house on Cielo Drive on the night of the murders.
May 10, 2019
heart breaking true story - happened in my area of Calf. So tragic....so Awful
October 25, 2016
This is a well-crafted cross between true crime and biography. King decided not to focus on the murderers but on the victims, particularly Sharon Tate, without victimizing her. Actual rating: 3.5. Thank you Netgalley and Open Road Integrated Media for the ARC! Full review on my blog.
Esta es una cruza entre crimen real y biografía que está muy bien realizada. Me gustó que King prefiriera no enfocarse en los asesinos sino en las víctimas, particularmente en Sharon Tate, sin victimizarla. Reseña completa en mi blog.
Esta es una cruza entre crimen real y biografía que está muy bien realizada. Me gustó que King prefiriera no enfocarse en los asesinos sino en las víctimas, particularmente en Sharon Tate, sin victimizarla. Reseña completa en mi blog.
July 19, 2022
Well written, fact based with quite a bit of biographical information on all the people directly involved in this horrific crime. I had never before read anything about Sharon Tate other than the facts of her murder along with her friends that August night in 1969, this book gave me a real person to go along with the tragic details of her death. I learned how how her mother, father and younger sisters were able to go on to live their lives with dignity and love for Sharon pushing them to advocate for victim's rights in the state of California for years. Such a good read and interesting information I hadn't known....I couldn't put it down.
August 19, 2019
Really well done, with a respectable focus on Sharon as a person and the fight her mother, sister, and relatives fought for victims’ rights long after her death.
September 6, 2020
Manson ini psychonya nggak ketulungan.
November 25, 2016
The first book I ever read about Sharon Tate and the crime that took her life and seven others (although I read "Helter Skelter" very soon afterwards). On the whole, this is a good book, although the typos are more than a bit distracting. Greg King did a lot of research, and it shows. Yes, there is a bibliography and sources are cited, but it is true that there are very few photos of Sharon, too much of the Manson "family" and the death photos are disturbing, although it gives the reader an idea of just how brutal the crime was and how the victims suffered. However, King regularly described photos but didn't show them, which is somewhat disappointing.
I appreciated the insight into Sharon's life and career, and that she was such a gentle and loving person. It's terrible that her murder and that of the other victims in this case is what they seem to be remembered for, rather than anything they did in life. They all had futures ahead of them and had people who cared about them. Sharon never got to experience motherhood and she was clearly anticipating that with great joy, despite the turmoil in her marriage and that she may have well been considering divorce at the time of her death due to Roman Polanski's constant philandering. Sharon did gain a lot of respect in the industry among her peers, and they all seem to have glowing retrospectives about her, all of which come across as genuine and affectionate. Her career too, had promise, especially as a comedienne, which her last two films show. Also touching is how devoted her former boyfriend Jay Sebring, the men's hairstylist, was to her. To the end, he defended her and truly loved and appreciated her in a way that her husband did not.
The other victims are also well represented, and that's a refreshing change. Of course the murders and the killers are also in the book at length but King obviously was trying to show how the crimes changed the 60s decade and how Doris Tate and her daughter Patti fought for the rights of victims and their families. The book was published before Patti lost her battle with breast cancer and it would be nice to have it updated, with more photos as well, since the book is now out of print.
Recommended.
I appreciated the insight into Sharon's life and career, and that she was such a gentle and loving person. It's terrible that her murder and that of the other victims in this case is what they seem to be remembered for, rather than anything they did in life. They all had futures ahead of them and had people who cared about them. Sharon never got to experience motherhood and she was clearly anticipating that with great joy, despite the turmoil in her marriage and that she may have well been considering divorce at the time of her death due to Roman Polanski's constant philandering. Sharon did gain a lot of respect in the industry among her peers, and they all seem to have glowing retrospectives about her, all of which come across as genuine and affectionate. Her career too, had promise, especially as a comedienne, which her last two films show. Also touching is how devoted her former boyfriend Jay Sebring, the men's hairstylist, was to her. To the end, he defended her and truly loved and appreciated her in a way that her husband did not.
The other victims are also well represented, and that's a refreshing change. Of course the murders and the killers are also in the book at length but King obviously was trying to show how the crimes changed the 60s decade and how Doris Tate and her daughter Patti fought for the rights of victims and their families. The book was published before Patti lost her battle with breast cancer and it would be nice to have it updated, with more photos as well, since the book is now out of print.
Recommended.
May 23, 2017
*I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
This is one of the most difficult books that I have ever read. I have long been fascinated with Sharon Tate as an actress (Valley of the Dolls is one of my favorite movies), but didn't know much about her except her being murdered by Charles Manson's "Family." Now I kind of wish that I didn't know so much about her life prior to the murders, because that makes her story all the more heartbreaking. She was a sweet, wonderful person, who just wanted a happy life, whether it be through acting or raising a family, even though Roman Polanski treated her horribly.
The author also provides an extensive background of Charles Manson and his Family, and the events leading up to the night that he ordered 4 of his disciples to go to the Polanskis' house and kill everyone inside. Gruesome details are given of the deaths of Sharon, Abigail Folger, Jay Sebring, Voycek Frykowski, and Steven Parent, and then Leno and Rosemary LaBianca the following night. You'll want to cry. You'll want to vomit. You'll wonder how anyone could possibly be sick and twisted enough to commit such atrocious acts.
The aftermath is also difficult to get through. It seems that Manson and the others saw the trials as one big joke, and the author goes to great lengths to show that they are unrepentant for their actions. Although all members involved initially received the death penalty, their sentences were commuted to life imprisonment when California overturned the death penalty in the 70s. Every single one of them has been up for parole numerous times and thankfully they have all been denied. The two main offenders, Tex Watson and Susan Atkins, even had the audacity to state that they should be released because they were reformed Christians!
All in all, this is an excellent biography of a tragic actress, and a very in-depth study of one of the most publicized murders in American history. It is a must-read for anyone with an interest in either of them.
This is one of the most difficult books that I have ever read. I have long been fascinated with Sharon Tate as an actress (Valley of the Dolls is one of my favorite movies), but didn't know much about her except her being murdered by Charles Manson's "Family." Now I kind of wish that I didn't know so much about her life prior to the murders, because that makes her story all the more heartbreaking. She was a sweet, wonderful person, who just wanted a happy life, whether it be through acting or raising a family, even though Roman Polanski treated her horribly.
The author also provides an extensive background of Charles Manson and his Family, and the events leading up to the night that he ordered 4 of his disciples to go to the Polanskis' house and kill everyone inside. Gruesome details are given of the deaths of Sharon, Abigail Folger, Jay Sebring, Voycek Frykowski, and Steven Parent, and then Leno and Rosemary LaBianca the following night. You'll want to cry. You'll want to vomit. You'll wonder how anyone could possibly be sick and twisted enough to commit such atrocious acts.
The aftermath is also difficult to get through. It seems that Manson and the others saw the trials as one big joke, and the author goes to great lengths to show that they are unrepentant for their actions. Although all members involved initially received the death penalty, their sentences were commuted to life imprisonment when California overturned the death penalty in the 70s. Every single one of them has been up for parole numerous times and thankfully they have all been denied. The two main offenders, Tex Watson and Susan Atkins, even had the audacity to state that they should be released because they were reformed Christians!
All in all, this is an excellent biography of a tragic actress, and a very in-depth study of one of the most publicized murders in American history. It is a must-read for anyone with an interest in either of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2017
I thought I knew just about everything about the Manson family murders and their victims before I read this book. It was so well researched and written I have added other books by Mr. King onto my "to read" list. Highly recommended.
March 14, 2017
Interesting backstory into Sharon Tate's life
I have read several books over the years since the 1969 murders, most notably "Healtee Skelter". This book truly told Sharon's story from well before she met Roman. It gives the reader the human side of her, not just the actress we all heard about. As a true crime story person, I found it very informative as it gave more insight into the others, who, like Sharon, were brutally murdered for no real reason other than trying to starting Manson's idea of a race war.
While reading this, I could deeply feel the strain that the victims families all went through. I am sure that even now the wounds in their hearts have not healed, nor will they until every Family member is dead.
Why continue to waste tax payers money by keeping them all still alive (except for Susan Atkins who died of semi natural causes. I've always believed their death sentences should have been reinstated when CA brought it back. None of them deserve to still be alive. Why should they still live when innocent lives have been rotting in their graves all these years.
Life truly isn't fair. My prayers to the victims families who are still with us today. My those who suffered in death rest in eternal peace.
I have read several books over the years since the 1969 murders, most notably "Healtee Skelter". This book truly told Sharon's story from well before she met Roman. It gives the reader the human side of her, not just the actress we all heard about. As a true crime story person, I found it very informative as it gave more insight into the others, who, like Sharon, were brutally murdered for no real reason other than trying to starting Manson's idea of a race war.
While reading this, I could deeply feel the strain that the victims families all went through. I am sure that even now the wounds in their hearts have not healed, nor will they until every Family member is dead.
Why continue to waste tax payers money by keeping them all still alive (except for Susan Atkins who died of semi natural causes. I've always believed their death sentences should have been reinstated when CA brought it back. None of them deserve to still be alive. Why should they still live when innocent lives have been rotting in their graves all these years.
Life truly isn't fair. My prayers to the victims families who are still with us today. My those who suffered in death rest in eternal peace.
October 30, 2016
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
While I feel like I should know all about the Tate/LaBianca murders because of the multitudes of books, movies, etc. that I've seen on the subject, this book was different. This book explores Sharon Tate, the person, and not just the victim. The murders are definitely written about, but the majority of the book is about Sharon. Her family background, her insecurities, her talent - these I knew nothing about. There were also so many celebrity tie-ins that I knew nothing about - from Candice Bergen to Jane Fonda.
I also liked that the book spent time at the end talking about the impact that these deaths had on the victims' families and updated what has occurred to them in the aftermath. My copy of the book didn't have pictures so I was spared looking at those again, although I understand they are in the published version.
Hopefully Sharon Tate's legacy will be the one that was fought for by her family - to fight for the victims in these crimes.
Well worth the read.
While I feel like I should know all about the Tate/LaBianca murders because of the multitudes of books, movies, etc. that I've seen on the subject, this book was different. This book explores Sharon Tate, the person, and not just the victim. The murders are definitely written about, but the majority of the book is about Sharon. Her family background, her insecurities, her talent - these I knew nothing about. There were also so many celebrity tie-ins that I knew nothing about - from Candice Bergen to Jane Fonda.
I also liked that the book spent time at the end talking about the impact that these deaths had on the victims' families and updated what has occurred to them in the aftermath. My copy of the book didn't have pictures so I was spared looking at those again, although I understand they are in the published version.
Hopefully Sharon Tate's legacy will be the one that was fought for by her family - to fight for the victims in these crimes.
Well worth the read.
May 15, 2014
This book is the first to actually give us more than a true crime expose. I liked it a lot except for two things. The superimposing of Manson's face on Sharon's chest for the dust jacket. I think having "The Manson Murders" in red would have caught the readers eye. Secondly, a death scene photo of Sharon was uncalled for. Sadly you can look up photos of Sharon on Google or Bing and come up with those unwanted images. King does a decent job but dedicates more pages to the murders than to Sharon's life. One thing that was mentioned is even though Hollywood is a bitchy town, no one who actually knew Sharon had anything bad to say about her. A young mother to be was cut down in the prime of her life. A promising film career left with so many "what if's". Recommended
May 19, 2009
Sharon Tate was so young when she was murdered -- only 26. Who was she? Her family and friends recall her as sweet and somewhat naive, but if you're looking to find out who she really was, this book doesn't really delve deep enough as biography. It spends 2/3 of its length on the Manson Family and the historic murders and does a good job of illustrating the mood of the world in 1969 as culture was shifting. Sharon becomes a personification of the innocence of youth (hers and the United States')turned violent and bloody. The Manson Family background and trials are covered here extensively, but does not top Vincent Bugliosi's "Helter Skelter."
January 11, 2011
I checked it out at the library 3 times until I managed to find a copy on eBay for 20 dollars. Being a huge Sharon Tate fan, I was pleased to find how much more insight the book gave Sharon as a person and not just a murder victim. This book follows her from the time she was a child, to her rise to stardom, marriage to Roman Polanski, then the last days of her life. I really recommend this book! It's a must for any Sharon fan. Be warned, though. There is a photo of Sharon in death in it.
On a side note, I wad disappointed to learn that Greg King didn't really do much research on a few things therefore a few statements in the book are not accurate.
On a side note, I wad disappointed to learn that Greg King didn't really do much research on a few things therefore a few statements in the book are not accurate.
October 2, 2015
Since I was a kid I was obsessed with Sharon Tate and the Manson murders ; I've read everything about the murders ; this and Helter Skelter ( Vincent bugliosi) the attorney who prosecuted the Manson family are the two best books about the whole thing not just the murders but in particular the young pizza delivery boy named Stephen , her friends jay Sebring and Abigail folger and her polish boyfriend ( his name forsakes me at the moment ) but they had all gotten lost within the Manson murders their lives just fodder for Manson this book brings to life all of these people it's hard to find but well worth the money if you can. Excellent
August 6, 2017
It does stand out in that it is the only true in-depth biography of Sharon Tate, but the dragging pace, excruciating detail (especially in the description of the Cielo Drive house), and frequent misspellings can make this book a chore. I did learn a few things, but it also felt as though this author was paid either by the word or by the page, because it's significantly longer than it needs to be, there are better sources for information on Manson and the trial, and good heavens does this man need an editor or five.
October 4, 2012
Although truely horrific , this is a piece of showbiz history. The beautiful, talented Sharon Tate - unloved and cast aside in her final days by her philandering husband, Roman Polanski, had her life cut short by twisted fate ..... The Manson 'Family' , sadly, ended up becoming infamous for their depravity whereas SharonTate and her unborn child became just another one of Charles Manson's victims. Graphically written - a compelling read.
Mj x
Mj x
July 19, 2012
This is a definitive companion book to Vincent Buglioisi's Helter Skelter, revealing much information not included in the latter. More important, the tome lets not only Sharon Tate's wonderful character shine, but also her family's and the Labiancas', fighting against the Manson family's parole. May those scumbags never get out.
January 30, 2017
Well done
Greg King is a superb author of true crime. This page turner is an excellent example of his writing. This crime needs to be remembered for the tragedy that it was. Sharon Tate was a lovely real person with a good family and this true story reflects that with gruesome details and also with respect to her memory.
Greg King is a superb author of true crime. This page turner is an excellent example of his writing. This crime needs to be remembered for the tragedy that it was. Sharon Tate was a lovely real person with a good family and this true story reflects that with gruesome details and also with respect to her memory.
June 3, 2007
I've read Helter Skelter countless times, but actually learned new things in this book. It's very good and gives a little insight behind the families of the victims.
Also some nice pictures I had never seen before.
Also some nice pictures I had never seen before.
December 19, 2010
About the grisly murders of several people near Beverly Hills by the Charles Manson Family. These people were mentally corrupt and stoned. I can't understand their reasoning and actions. Story told by Susan Atkins AKA Sadie Mae Glutz--family member. Gory.
March 16, 2013
This book was interesting but failed to shed new light on any of the facts of the cases. It was well written and very readable. I expected, however, to learn previously unpublished particulars of the murders
March 10, 2013
Pohled na život Sharon Tate, Charlese Mansona a nejbrutálnější vraždu, jakou Hollywood pamatuje. Knihu jsem si půjčovala, abych aspoň trochu pochopila, proč se to stalo, ale nakonec zjišťuju, že vůbec nemam tucha a Manson je podělanej psychouš. :D
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews