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Helter Skelter
- The True Story of the Manson Murders
- Narrated by: Scott Brick
- Length: 26 hrs and 29 mins
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Reclaiming History
- The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy
- Written by: Vincent Bugliosi
- Narrated by: Edward Herrmann
- Length: 18 hrs and 6 mins
- Abridged
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Polls reveal that 85 percent of Americans believe there was a conspiracy behind Lee Harvey Oswald. Some even believe Oswald was entirely innocent. In this encyclopedic, absorbing audiobook, Vincent Bugliosi shows how the public has come to believe such lies about the day that changed the course of history. Bugliosi has devoted almost 20 years of his life to this project, and is determined to show that, despite the overwhelming popular perception, Oswald killed Kennedy and acted alone.
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This was an experience
- By Dave Raynould on 2020-11-03
Written by: Vincent Bugliosi
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I Am Legend
- Written by: Richard Matheson
- Narrated by: Robertson Dean
- Length: 5 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
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In I Am Legend, a plague has decimated the world, and those unfortunate enough to survive are transformed into blood-thirsty creatures of the night. Robert Neville is the last living man on earth. Everyone else has become a vampire, and they are all hungry for Neville's blood. By day, he stalks the sleeping undead, by night, he barricades himself in his home and prays for the dawn.
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Excellent
- By Jen Anderson on 2019-02-25
Written by: Richard Matheson
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And the Sea Will Tell
- Written by: Vincent Bugliosi, Bruce Henderson - contributor
- Narrated by: David Colacci
- Length: 28 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Alone with her new husband on a tiny Pacific atoll, a young woman, combing the beach, finds an odd aluminum container washed up out of the lagoon, and beside it on the sand something glitters: a gold tooth in a scorched human skull. The investigation that follows uncovers an extraordinarily complex and puzzling true-crime story. Only Vincent Bugliosi, who recounted his successful prosecution of mass murderer Charles Manson in the best seller Helter Skelter, was able to draw together the hundreds of conflicting details of the mystery and reconstruct what really happened....
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Very interesting and well written
- By T. Durden on 2023-01-10
Written by: Vincent Bugliosi, and others
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Dangerous Dozen
- Notorious USA True Crime Box Set
- Written by: Gregg Olsen, Katherine Ramsland, Rebecca Morris, and others
- Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
- Length: 25 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
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A true-crime collection culled from the crime files of the New York Times best-selling series, Notorious USA.
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Perfect for true crime lovers!
- By Geeky Mama on 2020-02-18
Written by: Gregg Olsen, and others
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Springfield Confidential
- Jokes, Secrets, and Outright Lies from a Lifetime Writing for The Simpsons
- Written by: Mike Reiss, Mathew Klickstein
- Narrated by: Mike Reiss
- Length: 7 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
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Story
Four-time Emmy winner Mike Reiss - who has worked on The Simpsons continuously since episode one in 1989 - shares stories, scandals, and gossip about working with America’s most iconic cartoon family ever. Reiss explains how the episodes are created and provides an inside look at the show’s writers, animators, actors, and celebrity guests. He answers a range of questions from Simpsons fans and die-hards and reminisces about the making of perennially favorite episodes.
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8 Simple Reissons For Rating Mike's Audio book
- By Niko on 2018-06-27
Written by: Mike Reiss, and others
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Fight Club
- Written by: Chuck Palahniuk
- Narrated by: Jim Colby
- Length: 5 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
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When a listless office employee (the narrator) meets Tyler Durden, his life begins to take on a strange new dimension. Together they form Fight Club - a secretive underground group sponsoring bloody bare-knuckle boxing matches staged in seedy alleys, vacant warehouses, and dive-bar basements. Fight Club lets ordinary men vent their suppressed rage, and it quickly develops a fanatical following.
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Love Fight Club
- By K. Robins on 2020-11-07
Written by: Chuck Palahniuk
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Reclaiming History
- The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy
- Written by: Vincent Bugliosi
- Narrated by: Edward Herrmann
- Length: 18 hrs and 6 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Polls reveal that 85 percent of Americans believe there was a conspiracy behind Lee Harvey Oswald. Some even believe Oswald was entirely innocent. In this encyclopedic, absorbing audiobook, Vincent Bugliosi shows how the public has come to believe such lies about the day that changed the course of history. Bugliosi has devoted almost 20 years of his life to this project, and is determined to show that, despite the overwhelming popular perception, Oswald killed Kennedy and acted alone.
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This was an experience
- By Dave Raynould on 2020-11-03
Written by: Vincent Bugliosi
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I Am Legend
- Written by: Richard Matheson
- Narrated by: Robertson Dean
- Length: 5 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
In I Am Legend, a plague has decimated the world, and those unfortunate enough to survive are transformed into blood-thirsty creatures of the night. Robert Neville is the last living man on earth. Everyone else has become a vampire, and they are all hungry for Neville's blood. By day, he stalks the sleeping undead, by night, he barricades himself in his home and prays for the dawn.
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Excellent
- By Jen Anderson on 2019-02-25
Written by: Richard Matheson
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And the Sea Will Tell
- Written by: Vincent Bugliosi, Bruce Henderson - contributor
- Narrated by: David Colacci
- Length: 28 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Alone with her new husband on a tiny Pacific atoll, a young woman, combing the beach, finds an odd aluminum container washed up out of the lagoon, and beside it on the sand something glitters: a gold tooth in a scorched human skull. The investigation that follows uncovers an extraordinarily complex and puzzling true-crime story. Only Vincent Bugliosi, who recounted his successful prosecution of mass murderer Charles Manson in the best seller Helter Skelter, was able to draw together the hundreds of conflicting details of the mystery and reconstruct what really happened....
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Very interesting and well written
- By T. Durden on 2023-01-10
Written by: Vincent Bugliosi, and others
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Dangerous Dozen
- Notorious USA True Crime Box Set
- Written by: Gregg Olsen, Katherine Ramsland, Rebecca Morris, and others
- Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
- Length: 25 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
A true-crime collection culled from the crime files of the New York Times best-selling series, Notorious USA.
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Perfect for true crime lovers!
- By Geeky Mama on 2020-02-18
Written by: Gregg Olsen, and others
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Springfield Confidential
- Jokes, Secrets, and Outright Lies from a Lifetime Writing for The Simpsons
- Written by: Mike Reiss, Mathew Klickstein
- Narrated by: Mike Reiss
- Length: 7 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Four-time Emmy winner Mike Reiss - who has worked on The Simpsons continuously since episode one in 1989 - shares stories, scandals, and gossip about working with America’s most iconic cartoon family ever. Reiss explains how the episodes are created and provides an inside look at the show’s writers, animators, actors, and celebrity guests. He answers a range of questions from Simpsons fans and die-hards and reminisces about the making of perennially favorite episodes.
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8 Simple Reissons For Rating Mike's Audio book
- By Niko on 2018-06-27
Written by: Mike Reiss, and others
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Fight Club
- Written by: Chuck Palahniuk
- Narrated by: Jim Colby
- Length: 5 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
When a listless office employee (the narrator) meets Tyler Durden, his life begins to take on a strange new dimension. Together they form Fight Club - a secretive underground group sponsoring bloody bare-knuckle boxing matches staged in seedy alleys, vacant warehouses, and dive-bar basements. Fight Club lets ordinary men vent their suppressed rage, and it quickly develops a fanatical following.
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Love Fight Club
- By K. Robins on 2020-11-07
Written by: Chuck Palahniuk
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The Road
- Written by: Cormac McCarthy
- Narrated by: Tom Stechschulte
- Length: 6 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
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America is a barren landscape of smoldering ashes, devoid of life except for those people still struggling to scratch out some type of existence. Amidst this destruction, a father and his young son walk, always toward the coast, but with no real understanding that circumstances will improve once they arrive. Still, they persevere, and their relationship comes to represent goodness in a world of utter devastation.
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My first, only, audible review.
- By OL on 2019-04-03
Written by: Cormac McCarthy
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Member of the Family
- My Story of Charles Manson, Life Inside His Cult, and the Darkness That Ended the Sixties
- Written by: Dianne Lake, Deborah Herman
- Narrated by: Dianne Lake
- Length: 12 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
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In this poignant and disturbing memoir of lost innocence, coercion, survival, and healing, Dianne Lake chronicles her years with Charles Manson, revealing for the first time how she became the youngest member of his Family and offering new insights into one of the 20th century's most notorious criminals and life as one of his "girls". While much has been written about Charles Manson, this riveting account from an actual Family member is a chilling portrait that recreates in vivid detail one of the most horrifying chapters in modern American history.
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Honest.
- By Kimberly on 2023-05-17
Written by: Dianne Lake, and others
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The Greatest
- My Own Story
- Written by: Muhammad Ali, Richard Durham
- Narrated by: Dion Graham
- Length: 16 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
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In his own words, the heavyweight champion of the world pulls no punches as he chronicles the battles he faced in and out of the ring in this fascinating memoir edited by Nobel Prize-winning novelist, Toni Morrison. Growing up in the South, surrounded by racial bigotry and discrimination, Ali fought not just for a living, but also for respect and rewards far more precious than money or glory. He was named Sportsman of the Century by Sports Illustrated and the BBC.
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timeless
- By Nathan Rothstein on 2020-09-18
Written by: Muhammad Ali, and others
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Five Families
- The Rise, Decline, and Resurgence of America's Most Powerful Mafia Empires
- Written by: Selwyn Raab
- Narrated by: Paul Costanzo
- Length: 33 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
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Genovese, Gambino, Bonnano, Colombo, and Lucchese. For decades these Five Families ruled New York and built the American Mafia (or Cosa Nostra) into an underworld empire. Today, the Mafia is an endangered species, battered and beleaguered by aggressive investigators, incompetent leadership, betrayals, and generational changes that produced violent, unreliable leaders and recruits.
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very long and great history but boring at times
- By Amazon Customer on 2019-01-16
Written by: Selwyn Raab
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Churchill
- Written by: Roy Jenkins
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 38 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
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In this magisterial book, Roy Jenkins' unparalleled command of the political history of Britain and his own high-level government experience combine in a narrative account of Churchill's astounding career that is unmatched in its shrewd insights, its unforgettable anecdotes, the clarity of its overarching themes, and the author's nuanced appreciation of his extraordinary subject.
Written by: Roy Jenkins
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Darkness Under the Sun
- Written by: Dean Koontz
- Narrated by: Steven Weber
- Length: 1 hr and 32 mins
- Unabridged
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There once was a killer who knew the night, its secrets and rhythms. How to hide within its shadows. When to hunt. He roamed from town to town, city to city, choosing his prey for their beauty and innocence. His cruelties were infinite, his humanity long since forfeit. But still... he had not yet discovered how to make his special mark among monsters, how to come fully alive as Death. This is the story of how he learned those things, and of what we might do to ensure that he does not visit us.
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Brilliant writing - Too Short
- By Langer MD on 2020-11-06
Written by: Dean Koontz
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Jim Henson
- The Biography
- Written by: Brian Jay Jones
- Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne
- Length: 21 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
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He was a gentle dreamer whose genial bearded visage was recognized around the world, but most people got to know him only through the iconic characters born of his fertile imagination: Kermit the Frog, Bert and Ernie, Miss Piggy, Big Bird. The Muppets made Jim Henson a household name, but they were just part of his remarkable story.
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Wonderful walk through Hanson’s life
- By Daniel on 2021-04-05
Written by: Brian Jay Jones
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Zodiac
- The Shocking True Story of the Nation's Most Bizarre Mass Murderer
- Written by: Robert Graysmith
- Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
- Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
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After Jack the Ripper and before Son of Sam there was only one name their equal in terror: the deadly, elusive, and mysterious Zodiac. Beginning in 1968 the hooded mass murderer terrified the city of San Francisco and the Bay Area with a string of brutal killings. A sexual sadist, his pleasure was torture and murder.
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A Good Overview, But Don't Assume All Correct
- By Books by BJ Thompson ~ Weaving Words on Either Side of Cocktail Hour on 2021-12-01
Written by: Robert Graysmith
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Wild and Crazy Guys
- How the Comedy Mavericks of the '80s Changed Hollywood Forever
- Written by: Nick de Semlyen
- Narrated by: Curtis Armstrong
- Length: 12 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
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The behind-the-scenes story of the iconic funnymen who ruled '80s Hollywood - Bill Murray, Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, and Eddie Murphy - and the beloved films that made them stars, including Animal House, Caddyshack, and Ghostbusters.
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A great listen about a great time in comedy
- By Anonymous User on 2023-05-15
Written by: Nick de Semlyen
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Working
- Written by: Robert A. Caro
- Narrated by: Robert A. Caro
- Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
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From the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Power Broker and the Years of Lyndon Johnson series: an unprecedented gathering of vivid, candid, deeply revealing recollections about his experiences researching and writing his acclaimed books.
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Very informative
- By yo on 2021-09-22
Written by: Robert A. Caro
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The House of Morgan
- An American Banking Dynasty and the Rise of Modern Finance
- Written by: Ron Chernow
- Narrated by: Robertson Dean
- Length: 34 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
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A gripping history of banking and the booms and busts that shaped the world on both sides of the Atlantic, The House of Morgan traces the trajectory of the J. P.Morgan empire from its obscure beginnings in Victorian London to the crash of 1987. Ron Chernow paints a fascinating portrait of the private saga of the Morgans and the rarefied world of the American and British elite in which they moved. Based on extensive interviews and access to the family and business archives, The House of Morgan is an investigative masterpiece.
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legendary book does not disappoint
- By Amazon Customer on 2018-03-28
Written by: Ron Chernow
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Tough Sh-t
- Life Advice from a Fat, Lazy Slob Who Did Good
- Written by: Kevin Smith
- Narrated by: Kevin Smith
- Length: 5 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
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Take one look at Kevin Smith: He's a balding fatty who wears a size XXL hockey jersey, shorts, and slippers year-round. Not a likely source for life advice. But take a second look at Kevin Smith: He changed filmmaking forever when he was twenty-four with the release of Clerks, and since then has gone on to make nine more profitable movies, runs his own production company, wrote a best-selling graphic novel, and has a beautiful wife and kids. So he must be doing something right.
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Wonderfully inspiring.
- By Brandon Bartholomew on 2023-03-30
Written by: Kevin Smith
Publisher's Summary
Prosecuting attorney in the Manson trial Vincent Bugliosi held a unique insider's position in one of the most baffling and horrifying cases of the 20th century: the cold-blooded Tate-LaBianca murders carried out by Charles Manson and four of his followers. What motivated Manson in his seemingly mindless selection of victims, and what was his hold over the young women who obeyed his orders? Now available for the first time in unabridged audio, the gripping story of this famous and haunting crime is brought to life by acclaimed narrator Scott Brick.
What the critics say
“One of the best crime stories ever written.” (Chicago Sun-Times)
Featured Article: 20 Best True Crime Audiobooks for Your Inner Detective
There is nothing more thrilling than the unfolding tale of a true crime story. Whether an unsolved mystery, a deep dive into a criminal mastermind, or a look at an infamous serial killer, true crime is gripping, captivating, and engrossing. The best true crime audiobooks will have you on the edge of your seat, anxious for more. Add to that an emphatic and powerful narrator, and you simply won't be able to stop listening. Here are the 20 best true crime audiobooks to satisfy your inner detective.
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What listeners say about Helter Skelter
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Tony
- 2018-02-21
Great "read"
Well written. Well paced. Interesting. The narration was good. This book has faults but I really think it does so much right that it negates any major issue. Really good book. Highly Recommend.
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I am adding an expansion to this review to give credit to the narrator. This is a 26 hour book (that I already stated was well performed in my short review above) in which the narrator must narrate in his own voice as well as differentiate, in small ways, the voices of many characters.
Those of you familiar with the Mason family, the victims and the trial know there were a great many people involved. After listening to quite a few books since my original review, I have noticed how not all narrators are able to make a clear distinction from one person to another at all times. This narrator, however, generally only makes small changes to evoke a new person speaking. He is not portraying them as a character actor would but he is giving them a voice that is distinct in the moment it is being read, and often times maintains it throughout the book.
The lawyers are more stern. Manson is a dude. The girls are soft. Everyone is provided a voice that makes this book easy to digest. I have listened to some books that are full on narrations with very little characterization and others with far too much, bordering on caricature. It is always his voice in this book but I found that the effort put into making the voices distinct is a major asset to this title and one you may not appreciate until you hear others who can't or don't make the attempt.
I don't think you can say you know what Manson sounds like by listening to the narrators version, but with the book's writing behind it it goes a long way in selling the whole. Great work. Still highly recommend.
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13 people found this helpful
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- jolene
- 2018-05-29
long and satisfyingly
i was wondering if a book of such length about court cases would be a finnisher. It is! so much information in laymen terms but not like a lecture. worth it
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8 people found this helpful
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- Patrick C.
- 2018-01-30
A classic well-read
A True Crime classic that birthed Bugliosi as an author (check out his books on the Kennedy murder) and Scott Brick doesn’t overdo being Scott Brick.
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3 people found this helpful
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- Jason Campbell
- 2021-05-09
leadership???
I have always been a fan of courtroom dramas like Matlock, Perry Mason..etc. Over this last week I indulged in a real life courtroom. That is the trial of Charles Manson in Helter Skelter.
My interest was not in Manson, but in what it took to convict a man who told others to kill for him. Vincent Bugliosi is the prosecuting attorney for the people, auth of this book. According to this book. he was a major key player in putting the pieces together to build a case for crimes that shook the world.
For a real world, this book has everything sensational that you would find in a made up fiction. From sleazy lay who used every stall tactics to draw out and prolong justice, incompetence on some law enforcement, competence in others, escape attempts, murder, and so much more.
As for Manson, I find him no different then any self serving political or religious leader. A hypocritical intelligence willing to lie, steal, durg, and use fear to brainwash already damaged people. An all to common trait in our leadership.
Manson is a byproduct of the system that raised him. Yes he is an evil person. He was also forged by jail and the Institution. Admittedly before he started to gather his group of "special followers". He was in jail and said he never wanted to leave.
I do thank everyone involved in making this audiobook available from the author to narrator and everyone involved.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Lilly
- 2022-04-21
I think I understand my parents a little more
It was a long book and hard to follow sometimes, every name but Manson, the Beatles, and the Beach Boys being the only ones I recognized. However, I think the author knew this would be an issue and had laid out the book thoughtfully.
It’s like a Phoenix Write game in novel form lol
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1 person found this helpful
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- Starlene Harris
- 2021-02-06
Hard to follow
Very thorough. Enjoyed the follow up 25years after the killings. However it was difficult to follow due to the numerous names and nicknames. I feel reading the book would have been easier to keep everyone straight.
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- Anika
- 2023-12-01
Excellent listen
Some details are not for the faint of heart but I thought this was excellent. A lot of details in this book makes my hatred of the Manson family more justified than it already was
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- Anonymous User
- 2023-04-16
The story couldn't play regularly,
couldn't hear, picked up in random places, some times replayed wasn't worth it. can refund it for some reason
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- OMNISKYS
- 2023-03-03
Great book
One of the most fascinating books I have ever read or listened to. Very well written and narrated.
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- Roberta W
- 2022-12-24
The DA’s perspective
I put off listening to this book, even though I read it many years ago, simply because the crime details are so gruesome. Once you get past that part the rest of the book is well written- and as it is from the District Attorney’s perspective- very thorough. I appreciated the updates. Was left wondering about the impact on the jurors though.
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- karen
- 2012-06-22
Everything I remembered about the case was wrong..
I was two years out of law school in 1969, working in the governor's office in Sacramento. In Northern California we were still living in fear over another monster, the Zodiac Killer -- another vicious apparently 'random' killer who was never identified. Unlike the Zodiac, Manson and his family were captured -- which made his case all that much more interesting, garnering the attention of almost everyone for months on end. I followed it closely -- or thought I did. I read Bugliosi's book soon after it came out and remember loving it, loving access to the details about the "family" he provided that I hadn't known before.
How time changes things. What I loved about the book in the 1970's were the personal elements, biographical details about the "family's" lives, who they were, how they got caught up in the insanity, much of which hadn't been widely available at the time.
Now, listening to Scott Brick's elegant, almost respectful, narration, I see something entirely different. Now -- in light of another judicial fiasco out of Los Angeles -- what captures my attention was the horrendous incompetence of the Los Angeles judicial system.
Now, all I can do is compare the Manson case to the O.J. Simpson case, in which (if you can believe this) bad as it was, the LAPD comes off looking pretty good as compared to Manson. In Manson, there were so much mismanagement, elemental mistakes, goofs and just plain incompetence of the LAPD, it's a wonder any of them were convicted of anything.
There's no question in my mind that if Manson went to trial today in LA, on the evidence available back then, he would never be convicted. Juries back then were, I think, more rational, more justice-based, than they are today. Today, I think the defense would be able to capitalize on the unbelievable errors, loose ends, mishandling of the evidence, incompetence in handling the evidence -- from everyone, the medical examiner, the police, and the detectives. Today, a jury would focus in on all those errors and mistakes. Back then, the jury focused on the big picture. Did these people do what they were alleged to have done? In short, they kept the defendants on trial. They didn't feel the need to try the LAPD instead.
Much credit goes to Vince Bugliosi himself, of course. His oft-repeated frustration with the total lack of trial support he was getting makes for fascinating reading. Working 14 hour days, being forced into doing much of the leg work himself after the LAPD failed or refused to do it -- or just lost it, after they did do it -- you get a real feel for the seat-of-the-pants lawyering that was possible back then. The world has changed. That wouldn't work anymore -- and on the whole, life in the US is the poorer and more dangerous for it.
All in all, "Helter Skelter" is a fascinating look at a monumental trial that still plays ranks high in legal mythology. It's a key part of American cultural history that's well worth reading, rereading or listening to.
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164 people found this helpful
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- Laura
- 2013-11-26
A familiar story from a unique perspective
Being of a slightly younger generation, I wasn't all that familiar with the Manson murders before I listened to this audiobook. I knew who Charles Manson was by reputation, of course, but otherwise came in fairly ignorant of the exact nature of his crimes and their impact on society. So if you already know a lot about the case, I suspect this review won't help you decide whether you want to give this book a try.
I tend to love nonfiction that gives the reader/listener insight into the author - particularly when the book is not an autobiography. Something about understanding the author's process of writing the book or connection to the work compels me more than if I feel the author is just trying to provide an accurate blow-by-blow description of an event. My reviews of Ron Chernow's biographies of Washington and Hamilton speak to this skill as well, in that Chernow inserts himself just enough into the narrative that you remember that someone with an opinion is there, someone who you can imagine pouring over the details to piece together this story.
Vincent Bugliosi brings this story to life in much the same way, but the experience is heightened by the author's unique role in the Manson case as the lead prosecutor. Thus, this is not just a rehashing of a crime scene - though Bugliosi does recreate the crimes in a way I found powerful and moving. Rather, this story is one only Bugliosi could have told. He describes his thought processes in detail as he tries to show us the challenge facing him in making a case against Manson that would convince a jury to not only put Manson away for life, but hand down a death sentence. I loved, loved, loved this perspective.
I'm not a lawyer, but I've edited the writing of many a lawyer, and I know how difficult it is for many lawyers to explain legal concepts, particularly details of court proceedings, in plain language - without boring the reader to death. Bugliosi is particularly skilled at making the reader understand why various legal details were both important and interesting.
Scott Brick is always good, and he's exactly the perfect narrator for this book. His stern voice is expressive without being emotional, which strikes the perfect tone for such a harrowing story.
Yes, the book is long. But I feel like you can probably tell if you're the sort of person who is going to enjoy a 27 hour story about the details of a grizzly, historically significant murder trial. You might not be, and that's okay. I would urge you though, if you're intrigued but unsure about whether the book can hold your attention that long, to give it a try anyway. You might zone out for parts of it, but I can promise there will be many, many sections you'll find so fascinating you won't want to stop listening.
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- Larry
- 2011-09-16
What a great book.
This is one of those books that just grabs you and won't let you go. I've read it at least 3 times in the last 30 years and now I can just listen to it while I waste my life stuck on the freeway. And to have Scott Brick do the narration is awesome. He really keeps it alive, although the book itself is just plain fascinating. I've been holding out for the unabridged version and here it is. 10 stars!
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- California Vegan
- 2011-10-20
Peace, love and butchery--what a contrast!
As someone who remembers the murders and the circus that followed, I was not sure that I would be able to sit through such a lengthy rendition of the story. When I saw that Scott Brick was the narrator, I knew it would be a breeze. His style and pace are brilliant. Even when I listen at double-speed on my iPhone, I can grasp every syllable, and in this book, every syllable is relevant.
Written during the time-period in which the crimes took place there is not a lot of time wasted setting up the ambiance of the time, which was quite unique. I think that this still comes across thirty-odd years later.
Never a fan of Vincent Bugliosi, finding him arrogant in most interviews I have seen, I have now learned to appreciate how much work and skill went into getting convictions in an impossible case. This is especially impressive when you realize the way the Tate investigators botched the case from the start.
The writers weave each thread into a tapestry that captures this dreadful part of history. I am so glad Audible made the unabridged version available.
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- Sandra
- 2011-10-06
Enthralling Listening
I must say that as an avid book reader, I was doubtful whether I could ever get used to audio books. But I have certainly done so. As someone who travels a lot as part of my job, listening to books in the car has made the trips so much more enjoyable - and this is an engrossing read! Helter Skelter is not the type of book I usually read, but I do vividly recall the Sharon Tate/LaBianca murders and thought it would be interesting - and how! Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry have done an excellent work on the entire tale from the awful murders to the final sentencing and beyond. Yes, it is a terrible thing which happened and the book doesn't flinch from that but overall one is left with a gripping and well-researched story which brings all the individuals involved to life.
By contrast with hardcopy books which one reads for oneself, the role of the Narrator is so vital in making an audio book enjoyable or not. Scott Brick does a masterful job at this. His reading speed is just right as is his tone and inflection. I would certainly look for books narrated by Mr Brick again. His reading is pivotal to the accessibility and overall enjoyment of this book. Five stars all around.
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- J. Hasley
- 2011-09-28
Best inside scoop to a trial
This is an amazing story. The fact that it is true...never quite reaches believable. But it is. I was only 9 when the murders happened. I remember the pervasive fear. This book doesn't explain it all---How could it? Not even a book by Manson himself would accomplish that. But this book is as close the mark as we can get. It adds to the horror if one has actually heard Manson speak and realize how charismatic he could be. The authors turn the array of clues and facts into a compelling story. I think it's one of the best True Crime books out there and the audiobook is a job well done.
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- Barry Traub
- 2011-09-18
It Does Not Get Any Better Than This!
Even though it's a story and outcome I thought I was totally aware of, the act of proving Charles Manson guilty proved to be an all-encompassing story; a story that Scot Brick's unparalleled narration, turned it into a masterpiece. As Scott Brick is my favorite male narrator*, it took me little more than 15 minutes to go from reading the email-announcement of Scott Brick's Reading of Helter Skelter, to the act of purchasing and downloading it.. 30 minutes later I began listening to chapter 1 of part one and could do little more than to listen until I reached the story's conclusion. I reacted so quickly because I believe Scott Brick to be the industry's #1 male narrator.
Barry
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- Erdahl
- 2011-09-21
Engrossing book with fine narrator
I have read and reread this book many times, and have always been horrified, saddened, but have always had to read from end to end. Scott Brick's narration is clear, crisp, and well suited for the material. Excellent to have it finally on audio.
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- randall
- 2011-10-09
Thought you knew everything about Manson?
I thought this book might be old rehash. It was NOT. A total detailed factual account from A to Z on the case. Murders, investigation, trial and background. Few books have you sitting on the edge of your seat. This would be a great around the camp fire scary read. One of my best audible purchases I've made. Total addiction thru out the story. Can't wait to re listen cause you will no doubt want to go thru this at least twice. I don't know what was more shocking... the murders or the terribly botched up investigation that followed. So many hard clues, and so many people wanted to talk, but the detectives just did not care to listen. Shocking that this case was ever solved by such botched investigation.
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- Diana
- 2011-10-05
Scary stuff!!
First read the book in the 70's when I was very young and the attraction was the Hollywood angle since I had just seen Sharon Tate in Valley of the Dolls. This re-read as an older woman gave chills when I understood the dark world of those lost creatures of the era. That I actually felt sorry for one of the women that recently died of cancer makes me realize how much I had forgotten about this story. Bugliosi gives very pertinent and detailed biographical accounts that help to understand what may have contributed to the moral disintegration of the murderers. But it's scary stuff when you think that there may be some more cults out there breeding this disregard for society. Fascinating read.
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