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Manson Exposed: A Reporter's 50-Year Journey into Madness and Murder
American based Foreign correspondent Ivor Davis, delivers a gripping, "I was there" eye witness, inside story about the most notorious murder spree of the 20th century.
In Manson Exposed: A Reporter's Fifty-Year Journey into Madness and Murder, Davis is the brutally honest guide to this true crime horror story.
In this mix of personal memoir, criticism, and investigative journalism, Davis delivers a truly original take on the byzantine case that terrified and mesmerized the nation, including his new conclusion that THE BEATLES DIDN'T MAKE THEM DO IT.
Davis was on the front lines of the story and offers vivid, personal accounts, interviews and hitherto unknown details from the very beginning right up to the death of the blue collar psycho named Charles Manson.
He charts the tragic inside stories not only of the those murdered but of the long list of Collateral Damage victims: the rock star, the Oscar winning director and the entertainment legends, whose lives were also destroyed by Charles Manson and his crackpot acolytes.
In Manson Exposed: A Reporter's Fifty-Year Journey into Madness and Murder, Davis is the brutally honest guide to this true crime horror story.
In this mix of personal memoir, criticism, and investigative journalism, Davis delivers a truly original take on the byzantine case that terrified and mesmerized the nation, including his new conclusion that THE BEATLES DIDN'T MAKE THEM DO IT.
Davis was on the front lines of the story and offers vivid, personal accounts, interviews and hitherto unknown details from the very beginning right up to the death of the blue collar psycho named Charles Manson.
He charts the tragic inside stories not only of the those murdered but of the long list of Collateral Damage victims: the rock star, the Oscar winning director and the entertainment legends, whose lives were also destroyed by Charles Manson and his crackpot acolytes.
490 pages, Paperback
Published July 24, 2019
125 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Ivor Davis
12 books12 followersIn the summer of 1964, the Beatles embarked on a record-breaking pandemonium-inducing tour of America and Canada. The Beatles and Me on Tour presents the first chronicle of that tour told by an insider: author/journalist Ivor Davis, then a young British reporter for the London Daily Express. Ivor was the only British newspaper writer invited on the entire tour.
Through thirty-four days and twenty-four cities, Davis traveled with the Beatles watching them make rock history. He enjoyed unrestricted access to the four boys fresh from Liverpool—from their hotel suites to backstage at concert arenas to their private jet. He fended off excited girls, and their insistent mothers, attempts to hook up with the band. Ivor played all night games of Monopoly with John Lennon, became the ghostwriter of a newspaper column for George Harrison, and witnessed the night Bob Dylan “deflowered” the young marijuana virgins.
London-born Ivor Davis first came to America in the early sixties and was appointed West Coast correspondent for the 4-million-a-day circulation London Daily Express in l963.
Over more than four decades as a writer for the Daily Express and the Times of London, Ivor covered major events in North America. He penned a weekly entertainment column for the New York Times Syndicate for over 15 years, interviewing some of the biggest names in show business, from Cary Grant to Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton to Tom Cruise and Muhammad Ali.
In 1962 he was smuggled onto the campus of the riot-torn University of Mississippi when James Meredith was enrolled and three years later was in the front lines as Los Angeles’ Watts riots erupted.
Ivor covered Robert Kennedy’s 1968 presidential bid and was in the Ambassador Hotel the night Kennedy was assassinated. He was one of the Boys on the Bus chronicling the life of actor-turned-politician Ronald Reagan, first in his campaign for governor of California, then for president.
He was a co-author of the l969 political book Divided They Stand, which chronicled the Presidential election; and witnessed some of the biggest trials in American history: Sirhan Sirhan, convicted of killing Bobby Kennedy in 1969; black-power militant Angela Davis, acquitted of murder in l972; a year later, Daniel Ellsberg’s trial for leaking the Pentagon Papers, and, in 1976, he was in San Francisco to see heiress Patty Hearst convicted of robbery after being kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army.
In l969 he co-wrote Five to Die, the first book ever published about the Sharon Tate murders. (The book was updated in 2011.) As a foreign correspondent, he traveled throughout the western hemisphere covering riots, floods, earthquakes and politics. As Editor at Large for Los Angeles Magazine, he and his late wife Sally Ogle Davis wrote over 100 major magazine and cover stories. He has reported on four World Soccer Cups for CBS radio.
He currently lives in Southern California and is working on two new books: one about movies the other a true crime story.
Through thirty-four days and twenty-four cities, Davis traveled with the Beatles watching them make rock history. He enjoyed unrestricted access to the four boys fresh from Liverpool—from their hotel suites to backstage at concert arenas to their private jet. He fended off excited girls, and their insistent mothers, attempts to hook up with the band. Ivor played all night games of Monopoly with John Lennon, became the ghostwriter of a newspaper column for George Harrison, and witnessed the night Bob Dylan “deflowered” the young marijuana virgins.
London-born Ivor Davis first came to America in the early sixties and was appointed West Coast correspondent for the 4-million-a-day circulation London Daily Express in l963.
Over more than four decades as a writer for the Daily Express and the Times of London, Ivor covered major events in North America. He penned a weekly entertainment column for the New York Times Syndicate for over 15 years, interviewing some of the biggest names in show business, from Cary Grant to Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton to Tom Cruise and Muhammad Ali.
In 1962 he was smuggled onto the campus of the riot-torn University of Mississippi when James Meredith was enrolled and three years later was in the front lines as Los Angeles’ Watts riots erupted.
Ivor covered Robert Kennedy’s 1968 presidential bid and was in the Ambassador Hotel the night Kennedy was assassinated. He was one of the Boys on the Bus chronicling the life of actor-turned-politician Ronald Reagan, first in his campaign for governor of California, then for president.
He was a co-author of the l969 political book Divided They Stand, which chronicled the Presidential election; and witnessed some of the biggest trials in American history: Sirhan Sirhan, convicted of killing Bobby Kennedy in 1969; black-power militant Angela Davis, acquitted of murder in l972; a year later, Daniel Ellsberg’s trial for leaking the Pentagon Papers, and, in 1976, he was in San Francisco to see heiress Patty Hearst convicted of robbery after being kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army.
In l969 he co-wrote Five to Die, the first book ever published about the Sharon Tate murders. (The book was updated in 2011.) As a foreign correspondent, he traveled throughout the western hemisphere covering riots, floods, earthquakes and politics. As Editor at Large for Los Angeles Magazine, he and his late wife Sally Ogle Davis wrote over 100 major magazine and cover stories. He has reported on four World Soccer Cups for CBS radio.
He currently lives in Southern California and is working on two new books: one about movies the other a true crime story.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 20, 2019
I've read quite a few books on Manson and "the Family" over the years, some much better than others, but this is the one that I think will stick in my mind. The author is authoritative and knowledgeable and tells the story from beginning to end, giving the reader details that one usually does not get when reading accounts of the murders, trials and backgrounds of the individuals involved.
This was a fascinating book with a lot to keep the reader turning pages. Although it does tell the grizzly truth of the events without holding back or censoring the facts, it is told in a way that is respectful of the victims and honest about those who committed the crimes. The author's portrayal of Manson and his gang seemed true to life and made me feel as if I had been there first-hand, in court, watching the proceedings for myself.
Once you read this, you will not be able to simply set it down and forget about it. Partly, that is the writing style, which invites readers to see for themselves the depravity that can afflict humanity, but it is also the concise way that the facts are presented. This book is a testament to a side of society that people would rather not look at, not think about and prefer to altogether forget, not unlike the events of WWII. I applaud the author for not forgetting these victims and for writing this book to help those of us who were not there, to remember.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in this case. The best explanation you will ever get.
This was a fascinating book with a lot to keep the reader turning pages. Although it does tell the grizzly truth of the events without holding back or censoring the facts, it is told in a way that is respectful of the victims and honest about those who committed the crimes. The author's portrayal of Manson and his gang seemed true to life and made me feel as if I had been there first-hand, in court, watching the proceedings for myself.
Once you read this, you will not be able to simply set it down and forget about it. Partly, that is the writing style, which invites readers to see for themselves the depravity that can afflict humanity, but it is also the concise way that the facts are presented. This book is a testament to a side of society that people would rather not look at, not think about and prefer to altogether forget, not unlike the events of WWII. I applaud the author for not forgetting these victims and for writing this book to help those of us who were not there, to remember.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in this case. The best explanation you will ever get.
April 21, 2024
When I began listening to this book it seemed like a great journey however it turned out very dry and repetitive.
I had to give up as I found it a waste of time to continue.
The author praising Roman Polanski over and over was cringe. Especially if you know what he did later in life. Besides it has been described in other books how he was unfaithful to Sharon Tate even on the night she was murdered.
*this review has been shared on multiple platforms
I had to give up as I found it a waste of time to continue.
The author praising Roman Polanski over and over was cringe. Especially if you know what he did later in life. Besides it has been described in other books how he was unfaithful to Sharon Tate even on the night she was murdered.
*this review has been shared on multiple platforms
January 24, 2024
interesting and very detailed but quite dry and repetitive at times.
February 17, 2024
Ivor Davis's "Manson Exposed: A Reporter’s 50-Year Journey into Madness and Murder" is an enthralling and insightful delve into one of the most notorious figures in modern American history. As a reader, I found myself captivated from the very first page, drawn into Davis's vivid recounting of his experiences covering the Manson family saga over five decades.
Davis's firsthand accounts and meticulous research offer a fresh perspective on the Manson phenomenon, shedding light on the complex web of personalities, motivations, and events that led to the tragic murders that shocked the world. His writing is both engaging and empathetic, providing valuable context and humanizing the individuals involved, even as he confronts the darkness at the heart of the story.
What sets "Manson Exposed" apart is Davis's commitment to uncovering the truth behind the sensational headlines. His journalistic integrity shines through as he navigates the labyrinthine twists and turns of the case, challenging assumptions and confronting uncomfortable truths along the way. In doing so, he not only provides readers with a comprehensive account of the Manson saga but also offers valuable insights into the nature of evil, the workings of the criminal justice system, and the power of redemption.
Despite the dark subject matter, there is a sense of hope and resilience that pervades Davis's narrative. Through his encounters with survivors, law enforcement officials, and others touched by the Manson legacy, he highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for healing and transformation. Ultimately, "Manson Exposed" is a testament to the enduring power of journalism to shine a light on even the darkest corners of society and to inspire meaningful change.
In conclusion, I highly recommend "Manson Exposed" to anyone interested in true crime, journalism, or the human condition. Ivor Davis's masterful storytelling and unwavering commitment to truth make this book a must-read for anyone seeking to understand one of the most enigmatic and disturbing figures of the 20th century.
Davis's firsthand accounts and meticulous research offer a fresh perspective on the Manson phenomenon, shedding light on the complex web of personalities, motivations, and events that led to the tragic murders that shocked the world. His writing is both engaging and empathetic, providing valuable context and humanizing the individuals involved, even as he confronts the darkness at the heart of the story.
What sets "Manson Exposed" apart is Davis's commitment to uncovering the truth behind the sensational headlines. His journalistic integrity shines through as he navigates the labyrinthine twists and turns of the case, challenging assumptions and confronting uncomfortable truths along the way. In doing so, he not only provides readers with a comprehensive account of the Manson saga but also offers valuable insights into the nature of evil, the workings of the criminal justice system, and the power of redemption.
Despite the dark subject matter, there is a sense of hope and resilience that pervades Davis's narrative. Through his encounters with survivors, law enforcement officials, and others touched by the Manson legacy, he highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for healing and transformation. Ultimately, "Manson Exposed" is a testament to the enduring power of journalism to shine a light on even the darkest corners of society and to inspire meaningful change.
In conclusion, I highly recommend "Manson Exposed" to anyone interested in true crime, journalism, or the human condition. Ivor Davis's masterful storytelling and unwavering commitment to truth make this book a must-read for anyone seeking to understand one of the most enigmatic and disturbing figures of the 20th century.
August 17, 2023
Having read a good bit about Manson over the years and seen many of the documentaries, I thought that I'd reached a point of saturation. However, this book offers a fresh and incisive perspective on the story by weaving in loads of plot points that had remained barely scratched or entirely unexplored.
The author himself was a courtroom observer during the trials and in the decades since the infamous murders, he continued to track and to interview key players. Consequently, the story doesn't end after the verdicts are read; instead, Davis leads the reader into the fascinating world of Manson's incarceration as well as that of the other family members. Accounts of his conduct during incarceration paint new colors into his story, including moments where he found himself getting a taste of his own medicine.
The Tate/Labianca murders have long stood as the culmination of the Manson family's deranged vision but in "Manson Exposed," the author shines a bright light on other murders and crimes committed by Manson and his followers. Amassing mountains of evidence in support of his conclusions, Davis leaves little doubt that Manson's protests that he never murdered anybody were patently false.
Immaculately-researched, wholly devoid of self-serving agendas and broken down into fascinating subplots, this stands as the definitive account of the life and crimes of Charles Manson and his followers.
The author himself was a courtroom observer during the trials and in the decades since the infamous murders, he continued to track and to interview key players. Consequently, the story doesn't end after the verdicts are read; instead, Davis leads the reader into the fascinating world of Manson's incarceration as well as that of the other family members. Accounts of his conduct during incarceration paint new colors into his story, including moments where he found himself getting a taste of his own medicine.
The Tate/Labianca murders have long stood as the culmination of the Manson family's deranged vision but in "Manson Exposed," the author shines a bright light on other murders and crimes committed by Manson and his followers. Amassing mountains of evidence in support of his conclusions, Davis leaves little doubt that Manson's protests that he never murdered anybody were patently false.
Immaculately-researched, wholly devoid of self-serving agendas and broken down into fascinating subplots, this stands as the definitive account of the life and crimes of Charles Manson and his followers.
March 14, 2023
If ever there was an example of using way too many adverbs and adjectives, this book would be it.
The book is written in a very gossipy, sensationalist tone that detracts from the seriousness of the topic. Davis often strays away from the subject with issues unrelated to the Manson murders, such as a lengthy piece about Roman Polanski's crimes.
Most of all, Davis seems to have a very clear and personal animosity towards Vincent Bugliosi, Manson's prosecutor. His remarks regarding Bugliosi's character are so harsh and uncalled for that you can't help but wonder if he feels jealous of the acclaim the late prosecutor received. It's also important to note that he waited until Bugliosi died before he wrote this book.
While a few interesting facts emerge, the prose is overstuffed and snide, creating a worse reflection of the author than he might realise.
Bugliosi's Helter Skelter is a more detailed and less sensationalistic account of what happened.
The book is written in a very gossipy, sensationalist tone that detracts from the seriousness of the topic. Davis often strays away from the subject with issues unrelated to the Manson murders, such as a lengthy piece about Roman Polanski's crimes.
Most of all, Davis seems to have a very clear and personal animosity towards Vincent Bugliosi, Manson's prosecutor. His remarks regarding Bugliosi's character are so harsh and uncalled for that you can't help but wonder if he feels jealous of the acclaim the late prosecutor received. It's also important to note that he waited until Bugliosi died before he wrote this book.
While a few interesting facts emerge, the prose is overstuffed and snide, creating a worse reflection of the author than he might realise.
Bugliosi's Helter Skelter is a more detailed and less sensationalistic account of what happened.
January 20, 2020
Good book. I especially appreciated Davis's account of time spent at Spahn after the arrests. The information gleaned from Watkins and Poston was insightful. A lot of information wasn't new to me, but Davis did include a number of details that were. At this point, unless Watson or perhaps Beausoleil reveal something huge, that's about the best followers of this case can hope for.
May 18, 2023
A good refresh for me about the Manson Family and the murders. Also I enjoyed learning the new details.
However, I felt like there were a lot of details and not all of them were relevant. Sometimes it felt like a slog to get through. I did like all the new pictures, some of them I don't remember seeing.
However, I felt like there were a lot of details and not all of them were relevant. Sometimes it felt like a slog to get through. I did like all the new pictures, some of them I don't remember seeing.
October 29, 2023
Every so often I like to throw in a True Crime novel to my mystery reading. This overview of the crimes by a reporter who covered the trial is a nice overview from an observer. It was a worthwhile gym read. I watched the mini-series Helter Skelter alone on a college campus in the middle of a blizzard in the 90's. Sounds a little like the start of one of the novels I have been reading lately.
March 25, 2025
2025 Favorites List! I loved this book so much more than Helter Skelter. This not only goes into the crimes of the Manson family but also a deep dive into the family members and the victims. This book goes into it all. In this book, it sheds a new light on the trial and the attorneys. I highly recommend it for all true crime fans.
October 4, 2023
Fascinating read
I really loved this book. It's full of interesting stories about all the main players. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down. A really good read.
I really loved this book. It's full of interesting stories about all the main players. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down. A really good read.
March 10, 2020
I have read several books about Manson and his family and I wasn't sure I would gain any new information from this. I did learn a few things that I did not know and did enjoy his writing styler.
August 11, 2019
This book was all sorts of a mess....I read his first book about Manson ages ago and it's long been out print. I thought it was good so I figured that I would give this one a try since it was on sale for $1.99. There isn't much new to learn if you are as familiar with the case as I am but he did find a few bits that caught my attention and made it an appealing read at times BUT, there is also a lot wrong with it that could have been fixed with the help of something authors call an editor. I mean at times, it's just pathetic because there are mistakes within a page or two of each other about the exact same person or event or just plain errors about things.
The author lists Shorty Shea with 2 different ages at the time of his disappearance/murder a page apart. He does the same with Dianne Lake who is still alive and only 66 years old and not 68 like it says a few pages later. She was also not dropped off by her parents at the gates of Spahn Ranch as the author states in the book. The author mentions when the family was at the Spahn Ranch that George Spahn was 86 years old but the only problem with that is that he didn't even live to be that age so once again, another simple and fixable mistake.
There are times when some events are mentioned in full detail over and over like the elderly author (nothing harsh intended) forgot that he already discussed it pages or even chapters prior. This is the most evident with the shoot out that took place involving several 'family members' after the death sentences were handed down to Manson and the murderers. They wanted to rob a gun shop to get a way to break Manson out of prison and it ended terribly but shockingly no one was killed but some did get shot and went to prison for this incident. The author talks about this in nearly full detail every time he mentions it in the book and it was just ridiculous after the first 5 times times or so.
This could have been a really good book but sadly, it's just another book that the author put together as dozens seem to be doing for the 50th year of the murders.
The author lists Shorty Shea with 2 different ages at the time of his disappearance/murder a page apart. He does the same with Dianne Lake who is still alive and only 66 years old and not 68 like it says a few pages later. She was also not dropped off by her parents at the gates of Spahn Ranch as the author states in the book. The author mentions when the family was at the Spahn Ranch that George Spahn was 86 years old but the only problem with that is that he didn't even live to be that age so once again, another simple and fixable mistake.
There are times when some events are mentioned in full detail over and over like the elderly author (nothing harsh intended) forgot that he already discussed it pages or even chapters prior. This is the most evident with the shoot out that took place involving several 'family members' after the death sentences were handed down to Manson and the murderers. They wanted to rob a gun shop to get a way to break Manson out of prison and it ended terribly but shockingly no one was killed but some did get shot and went to prison for this incident. The author talks about this in nearly full detail every time he mentions it in the book and it was just ridiculous after the first 5 times times or so.
This could have been a really good book but sadly, it's just another book that the author put together as dozens seem to be doing for the 50th year of the murders.
November 6, 2019
For as notorious as Manson is, I knew surprisingly little about the facts involved in the gruesome murders. I also didn’t know that Manson did not take part in the killings. A serial killer that never technically killed anyone? I have to say, that as a cold blooded killer he’s kind of a let down....but as a master manipulator and con artist, he’s got skills. I also never really understood the whole Beatles and Beach Boys connection. Also, how pathetic was Mansons wannabe rockstar angle........People are crazy!!! I’m definitely in agreement with the author in that the only reason Manson became so infamous was because (although being sentenced death) he got out of the death penalty. His 5 minutes of fame And glorification by the media every several years during his life in prison gave him unwarranted notoriety. Honestly, I don’t get why anyone thinks Manson is anything special. How hard can it be to convince a bunch of drugged out hippies to follow you? This was definitely an interesting read!
August 21, 2019
Highly recommend for anyone who is curious about Manson but knows nothing or those who already follow the case intently! Davis offers a unique perspective as a reporter who was there, interacting with members of the Family, victim's families, and even the Beatles as the story unfolded.
August 18, 2019
Fascinating. The thought that so many could be taken in by his strange and inhumane behavior is unbelievable. It's sad to think that so many could be played like they were. The defense attorneys were manipulated by a master puppeteer. This mad man truly knew how to prey on people.
September 9, 2019
I liked this from a personal historical view. Tells a lot about all of the people involved.
From that standpointit was very interesting
From that standpointit was very interesting
October 3, 2019
One Of The Best
Lots of fascinating new details from an insider journalist. True crime readers and Family aficionados: Don't miss this one - it's a great new read!
Lots of fascinating new details from an insider journalist. True crime readers and Family aficionados: Don't miss this one - it's a great new read!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews