TOW #20- IRB Half of Helter Skelter

Many books which focus around murder mystery earn a badge which deem them "gripping" or "suspenseful", "Helter Skelter", by Vincent Bugliosi, is no exception. Throughout the first half of the story, Bugliosi guides the reader through different aspects of the Manson murders case. He explains the background of Charle's Manson, a maniac with a herd of followers to serve his every, radical whim, including murder. As a prosecutor against Manson, Bugliosi does a great job providing accurate and articulate facts which support his overall image of an unstable nation in the 1960's who

were often hypnotized by this man who's passion for destruction can only be compared to that of Hannibal Lecter himself. Bugliosi explains how many believed Manson had the power of mind control as he could successfully convince people to do his dirty work and make them feel like it was all their idea. However, Bugliosi also manages to lay out an credible theory of this mystifying quality which defeats the immortal reputation that Manson acquired. This theory shows how Manson gained followers by praying on the lonely, "self-seekers", who needed something to believe in. The chilling anecdotes within the story create a eerie, yet seductive story which drags all readers in.