Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders

Any true crime buff will tell you that you must read this book, but no one ever says why, at least in my experience. It's on every list as a true crime classic, and it definitely deserves that spot. Bugliosi goes into extreme detail of the Manson murders, the investigation, the formation and dynamics of the Manson family (which I find to be a fascinating study of human behavior), and the trials. There is basically no answerable question left unanswered. Bugliosi even provides an in-depth “Cast of Characters” and timeline at the start of the book, so you may refer to it at any time to help remember who anyone is or where you are in time, even if it's been a while since you last put down the book. The length can be daunting and is the biggest criticism I have, if you can call it that.