$8.69
Save $1.30
was $9.99
Buy Now, Pay Later
As low as
$2
/ mo
Learn more
- – 4-month term
- – No impact on credit to apply
- – Instant approval decision
- – Secure and straightforward checkout
Ready to go? Add this product to your cart and select a plan during checkout.
Payment plans are offered through our trusted finance partners Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay, Zip, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. No-credit-needed leasing options through Acima may also be available at checkout.
Learn more about financing & leasing here.
Free shipping on this product
30-day returns
Learn more
This item is eligible for return within 30 days of receipt
To qualify for a full refund, items must be returned in their original, unused condition. If an item is returned in a used, damaged, or materially different state, you may be granted a partial refund.
To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.
View our full returns policy here.
Availability:
20 left in stock
Arrives
within 30 days
Recently Viewed
At a glance
- Condition
- New
- Publisher
- W. W. Norton & Company
- Accessibility
- Learn more
- Publication date
- December 17, 2001
- Edition
- Reprint
- Language
- English
- File size
- 1.0 MB
Description
The 1 True Crime Bestseller of All Time—7 Million Copies SoldIn the summer of 1969, in Los Angeles, a series of brutal, seemingly random murders captured headlines across America. A famous actress (and her unborn child), an heiress to a coffee fortune, a supermarket owner and his wife were among the seven victims. A thin trail of circumstances eventually tied the Tate-LeBianca murders to Charles Manson, a would-be pop singer of small talent living in the desert with his "family" of devoted young women and men. What was his hold over them? And what was the motivation behind such savagery? In the public imagination, over time, the case assumed the proportions of myth. The murders marked the end of the sixties and became an immediate symbol of the dark underside of that era.Vincent Bugliosi was the prosecuting attorney in the Manson trial, and this book is his enthralling account of how he built his case from what a defense attorney dismissed as only "two fingerprints and Vince Bugliosi." The meticulous detective work with which the story begins, the prosecutor's view of a complex murder trial, the reconstruction of the philosophy Manson inculcated in his fervent followers…these elements make for a true crime classic. Helter Skelter is not merely a spellbinding murder case and courtroom drama but also, in the words of The New Republic, a "social document of rare importance." Read more
Specs 9
| Publisher | W. W. Norton & Company |
|---|---|
| Accessibility | Learn more |
| Publication date | December 17, 2001 |
| Edition | Reprint |
| Language | English |
| File size | 1.0 MB |
| Screen Reader | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Enabled |
No specs match.
Frequently asked questions
If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is:
within 30 days
Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.
To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.
View our full returns policy here.
To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.
View our full returns policy here.
- Klarna Financing
- Affirm Pay in 4
- Affirm Financing
- Afterpay Financing
- Zip Pay in 4
- Financing through Apple Pay
- Financing through Google Pay
Learn more about financing & leasing here.
Similar Products
Top Amazon Reviews
The Best True Crime Novel Of All Time
Format: Paperback
I have always been a true crime novel fan. I have devoured Ann Rule and Joe McGinniss. I am not alone. Over the holidays I had a conversation with another fellow true crime fan. She asked if I had ever read Vincent Bugliosi's novel, Helter Skelter, the true story of the Manson Family murders. I hadn't. Truth is, I had kind of been afraid to read it. When the murders took place I was only a toddler. I do however, remember the TV mini-series "Helter Skelter", based on the book and feeling, well, freaked out. I've had the book Helter Skelter on the back-burner of my brain for years to read. Well, I finally took the plunge. The book Helter Skelter embodies my two favorite reasons for reading true crime. Number one, I love to learn the psychology of the murders - why the murderers may have done what they did. Number two, I love to read how the prosecutors and detectives used their knowledge, experience, and hard work to solve the crimes and prosecute the criminals. For those unfamiliar to the case, and really, how could you be, The Manson Family headed by Charles Manson, went on a killing rampage in Los Angeles in August 1969 brutally murdering seven people. Vincent Bugliosi, the author of the book, was the prosecutor at the trial and investigator on the case. It was the most horrifying murder spree in US history and the longest, most grueling trial the country had seen to date. Some say the murders put an abrupt end to the 60's spirit of free love and ushered in a new more sated era. The book itself is a great read. It is well-written and tells the story of what occurred, how the case was solved, and how the case was successfully prosecuted. In addition, the writer provides the back story as well as reporting on the pulse of the country as the trial proceeded. It is a real glimpse in to the history of the country. I learned that my original perceptions of the case were not accurate. The book accomplishes the herculean task of sorting through hundreds of witnesses, several police department's participation, and reams of testimony while at the same time managing to keep readers interested and informed as the investigation and case unfolds in chronological order. I am particularly fond of the author, Bugliosi. He sounds like a brilliant guy who worked his tail off. His constant reference to the hours of preparation on both the investigation and each stage of the trial is inspiring. He mentions more than once the "100 pages of notes on yellow pads" reminding me in the words of James Michener, "It is not just talent alone, but disciplined talent that makes for success." Taking the time to be prepared is half the battle, isn't it? Although Helter Skelter was first written in 1974, more than 35 years ago, it is still very relevant. Why? As Vincent Bugliosi himself says in the book and I am paraphrasing here," The reasons behind the murders are so important to uncover because we do not want such a thing to happen again." That's true of all history, isn't it? Check out the book if you have the chance. It will teach you something, I promise you.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2010 by Claudine Wolk
Vincent Bugliosi said it best, “… The singularity of Manson’s evil and the ...
Format: Kindle
Vincent Bugliosi said it best, “… The singularity of Manson’s evil and the particular brand of demonic murders he authored have not again been inflicted upon our nation. We can only hope that the ensuing years will be the same.” He wrote those words in June 1994. It appears in the afterword of the currently available version of “Helter Skelter”. We continue as a society to be fascinated by the actions of Charles Manson and his followers, who are collectively known as ‘The Family’. And who better to tell that story than prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi himself? Although Vincent himself has passed away, his story lives on. In my humble opinion, works like “helter-skelter” are absolutely important to the future of society as a whole. As my mother would say, those who failed to observe the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them. Although, I’m sure she took that quote from someone else. Vincent Bugliosi, the prosecutor in the Manson trial, does an excellent job laying out for the reader all of the important elements of the crime, the prosecution, and the defense’s actions during that famous trial. You cannot separate an understanding of Charles Manson and an understanding of the trial. The two are inseparable. The vivid descriptions of the witnesses, crime scenes, evidence, and the courtroom drama served to encapsulate one of the longest and most expensive trials to ever take place in US history. I would argue that without Mr. Bugliosi’s book, a gaping hole in the recollections and recounting of the Manson trial would exist. We would also lose a haunting look at the mind of a madman and those who would unquestioningly follow him. Truth in advertising, I’m an author who writes about serial killers. Because of this, the studies of the most infamous killers of the world is an important aspect of what I do. No serious study of violent crime in the US would be complete without looking at Charles Manson and The Family. They say that time heals all wounds. However, I don’t think the nation ever completely recovered from the wounds inflicted by Charles Manson and his followers. We still seem to be just as fascinated today with what happened on those two days back in 1969 as the nation was during the time of the trial. I’m not sure if that’s a testament to our love of the macabre or fascination with courtroom drama. For anyone interested in Charles Manson and the events surrounding the Tate and LaBianca murders, “Helter Skelter” is a must-read. I found it to be well-written and chock full of detail that no movie could ever quite cover as well is Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry did.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2017 by Tanya Nowak
Although unspectacular, the definitive story on one of the most famous crime sprees in American history
Format: Paperback
Incredibly detailed. Often cited among the all-time best reads of the "True Crime" genre, "Helter Skelter" is the definitive story on the Tate-LaBianca murders of 1969. Authored by Vincent Bugliosi, who was able to successfully prosecute Charles Manson and three other members of his "Family" for the killings, he is able to piece together for the reader the background story of what led up to a tragic episode in American pop culture -- one which signaled the end of the free-wheeling era of the 1960's. Over 600+ pages, Bugliosi lays out the case against Manson and his gang, who acted seemingly at random in their homicidal spree over an August weekend in Los Angeles. Bugliosi is meticulous in detailing the facts. He was a lawyer by trade, and while he became a successful author following the success of Helter Skelter, his prose does tend to be on the dry side. The book can drag in parts just because there are so many characters involved -- both at the heart of the story and on the periphery -- that at times, it's hard to keep all the names straight. Despite those shortcomings, this is still the go-to book on the subject of Manson if the subject fancies you. Before reading this text, I was quite familiar with the mythical status of Manson and the fact that one of the victims of these killings was actress Sharon Tate. But aside from that, I really didn't know much more. I assure you that this book will provide you with all the knowledge you wanted to know on the topic -- and then some.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2017 by That History Guy
Excellent value
Format: Paperback
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This used paperback copy of Helter Skelter was in great condition and an excellent value. The book is a fascinating and detailed true-crime read that kept me engaged from beginning to end. The pages were clean, and the binding held up well. A great addition to any true crime collection!
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2026 by Bernadette Stevens
Part murder case, part courtroom drama. All Manson.
Format: Paperback
Part murder case, part courtroom drama. All Manson. There’s no doubting those that claim Helter Skelter: The True Story of The Manson Murders by Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry is one of the best true crime books ever written. It was compelling, terrifying, factual, and easy to follow despite being well over 500 pages in length. The book follows the murders spearheaded by Charles Manson that took place in Los Angeles in the summer 1969. Starting with the morning after the Tate murders, the book outlines the step by step process from murder to trial to post-trial. It also gives detailed backgrounds of each of the victims, witnesses and the accused, as well as insights and speculation about Charles Manson and the Family. The book ends with an afterward written twenty five years post-trial with updates on nearly all people introduced in the book. The book started in third person with the introduction of the murder case up until the case was handed to Vincent Bugliosi to prosecute. From there, it’s a first person perspective from the attorney. I listened to it on audio narrated by Scott Brick and was so immersed that I picked up the hard copy to read as well. Even now, fifty years later, the crimes and murderers who committed them left me terrified. The book went over tons of details I was unaware of despite my familiarity with the crime. I found the courtroom component fascinating and felt it gave this book a unique edge over so many others out there—especially since it was written by Bugliosi himself. It is by far the best true crime book I’ve ever read and one that any true crime fan needs to read in his or her lifetime.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2021 by Lauren Peterson
Exactly as described
Format: Paperback
Even though I knew the story, I did not know the whole story. Very good read.
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2026 by Joanne Lippincott
Every young woman...
Format: Kindle
...from puberty to 25 should study this book. The Manson Family is a cautionary tale about young people, especially girls, being manipulated & subjugated by a grown man, 35, petty criminal turned hippie cult pimp.
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2026 by Mao Dom
Great Chronicle
Format: Paperback
To begin this review, I must explain that I do not normally read books in the True Crime genre. In fact, this is the first and only True Crime book I have read. My reading interests are traditionally geared towards philosophical, religious and historical texts. I became interested in Charles Manson after watching some of his interviews about spirituality on YouTube. I picked up Helter Skelter because it appeared to be the most critically acclaimed text on the subject of Charles Manson. If you are someone who is simply looking for a gripping, page-turning story about murder and mayhem, BUY THIS BOOK. It is a well-written and accurate factual chronicle of the Manson murders that is every bit as good as all the other reviews on Amazon say. (Be aware, however, that this book is dated. A lot of information about the murders have come out since this book was published, and even the updated new versions don't cover the new material in any great depth.) If I were reviewing this book strictly on the quality of the story told, I would award it 5-stars. Having said that, this book could have been much more engaging. It is simply that, a well-written factual chronicle of the Manson murders. For some reason, the book opens on the day after the Sharon Tate murder. The author (the attorney who prosecuted Manson) presents the facts chronologically, with many many exceptions, in the same order that detectives working the case learned of them. This means that the book is less the story Charles Manson and his family, and more the story of prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi. This manner of story-telling brings to the forefront the limitations of the author. Again, Bugliosi is an attorney with a mind only for the concrete facts. If you are hoping for a critical examination of Manson, the control he had over his followers, his beliefs, his childhood, etc., choose a different book. On the few occasions the author attempts to stray from a factual account of the murders in order to address the more abstract ideas and implications surrounding the murders, he gets it wrong. (Browsing Amazon, I see that Bugliosi has recently published a book on religion. Read the reviews of that book and you will see that, even forty years after writing Helter Skelter, Bugliosi is apparently still unqualified to write about more abstract topics.) My advice is to read this book if you want a purely factual account of the Manson slayings, or are just looking for some good entertainment. However, if you are also interested in the psychology behind Manson and his family, you will need to supplement Helter Skelter with other reading. Finally, be aware that, at 700+ pages, this book will likely take at least a few weeks to finish.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2012 by DG