In Cold Blood is an extremely detailed account of the November 15, 1959 brutal murders of four members of the Cutter family who resided in Holcomb, Kansas. This captivating and highly informative narrative vividly describes every aspect of the actual murder. It delves into the meticulous investigation that followed, the painstaking efforts to track down and eventually capture Hickock and Smith. Moreover, it also provides a comprehensive account of their trial and subsequent executions. It is a truly sad true-crime story that leaves a lasting impact on the reader. However, despite its tragic nature, it is a worthwhile historical read as it offers a fascinating glimpse into a dark chapter of American history. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of violence and the importance of justice.

I know this book is regarded as a masterpiece.

It is widely believed that one should love it and be deeply moved by its revolutionary approach to the True crime genre.

However, for some inexplicable reason, I couldn't help but keep dozing off while reading it.

The novel delves into numerous crucial aspects regarding crime in the late 50s, such as our justice system and the pros and cons of capital punishment.

Nonetheless, I somehow got a bit lost in all the intricate details.

I'm glad that I read the book and had a chance to sample Truman Capote's work, but unfortunately, it didn't touch me as I had anticipated.

Perhaps it was the complexity of the subject matter or my own state of mind at the time of reading.

Despite this, I still appreciate the opportunity to have engaged with this renowned piece of literature.

Maybe upon a second reading, I will be able to better understand and appreciate its true essence.

Only time will tell.

In Cold Blood, a seminal work by Truman Capote, holds a unique position in the literary landscape. It is a masterpiece that not only belongs to the nonfiction novel and true crime genres but also stands apart from most of its descendants.

What makes this book truly remarkable is its ability to maintain a high level of compelling and suspenseful narrative, even when the outcome is already known, much like many crime dramatizations. However, what sets it apart is its outstanding writing quality. The literary excellence of In Cold Blood gives it a dimension that few other nonfiction novels can match.

The evolution of the nonfiction novel form since the publication of In Cold Blood has been nothing short of astonishing. It makes one appreciate the significant difference in the reading experience now compared to when the book was first released. Nevertheless, it is not a stuffy classic. Instead, this work has paved the way and made the world more receptive to nonfiction.

In conclusion, In Cold Blood is a must-read for anyone interested in literature or true crime. Its literary value, combined with its engaging story, makes it a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers to this day.

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote was described by its author as a non-fiction novel.

Published in 1965, this work introduced a fresh, new, and bold writing style that might even be considered the template for a new genre. Nearly 50 years later, the disturbing images it presents remain as vivid, vibrant, and malevolent as when the ink was first dry.

The style of writing has undoubtedly inspired generations of writers. However, their imitations have done little to reduce the power of Capote's work. Whether it is completely accurate or not is a matter for journalists and scholars to debate. But for the reader, his vision is captivating, and his perspective on the crime, especially as a character study and almost a biography of the criminals, is hypnotic.

Critics may object to Capote's sympathetic portrayal of the killers' situation. Perhaps this argument has great merit, considering the murderers showed no mercy to their victims. But Capote's contribution lies in his objective illumination of all the surrounding facts and details of the crime. The author started with the crime scene outlines of the victims stenciled on the floor of an upper-middle-class home in western Kansas and expanded his narrative to cover the lives, backgrounds, and family dynamics of the victims, their murderers, and the laws and cultures that produced both.

A staggeringly detailed account of a brutal slaying, Capote has left us with a rich literary gift that should be on a list of must-read books.

This was truly the best story regarding true crime that I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

Capote's description of these events is nothing short of riveting. It has the power to grip the reader from the very first page and keep them on the edge of their seat until the very end.

Whether one is a die-hard fan of books on true crime or not, this particular work is a must-read. It offers a unique and in-depth look into the minds and actions of the individuals involved in these real-life criminal events.

Capote's writing style is masterful, painting a vivid and detailed picture that allows the reader to almost feel as if they are a part of the story.

It is a work that will leave a lasting impression and is sure to be remembered long after the final page has been turned.

So, if you are looking for a captivating and thought-provoking read, look no further than this remarkable story of true crime.

Capote's writing in this work is truly remarkable.

He has an uncanny ability to paint perfect pictures of each and every character. You can almost sense their presence, as if they are breathing right beside you. Their thoughts, mannerisms, physique, and psyche are all vividly brought to life.

However, his painstaking description of every detail, with an abundance of commas and dashes, can be both impressive and tiring. It seems that Truman Capote held every interview detail dear to his heart, as a lot of unnecessary banter between townsfolk, relatives, and even minor characters was not omitted.

While reading, I couldn't help but think of Disney's famous editing principle: if it's not important in the telling of the story, cut it out. Of course, this work is far beyond the family-oriented themes of good ol' Walt. It is gruesome, shocking, and rightfully earns the accolade of the "true-crime" genre.

I love how Capote matter-of-factly drops sentences that depict the horror of the crime after a rather mundane recollection of events. Sentences like "I slit his throat" are truly chilling. The narratives of Nancy, Sue, and Al Dewey stand out, perhaps because they have a natural flow and don't sound like a police report. Mrs. Kidwell's dream, though briefly described and wildly unbelievable, is haunting.

Now, let me explain why I'm not entirely impressed. My biggest question is: would I have enjoyed this book if I didn't know it was real? Would it stand on its own without the decades of controversy surrounding it?

The answer lies within the text itself. The book feels like a novelized transcript of interviews. Truman Capote filled in the blanks with suppositions, questionable truths, and fictional drama. This wouldn't be an issue if he hadn't boldly claimed his work to be "non-fiction".

I believe Truman wanted to shock the mainstream with his empathic crusade for the murderers. He clearly had an affinity for Perry and Judge Tate and a distaste for Dick. Maybe during the interviews, Hickok was appalled by Truman's nosy intrusions and homosexuality, while Smith was more accommodating.

I'm not sure if I'm desensitized by the countless crime books, TV shows, and movies I've seen, but I didn't feel an ounce of pity for the criminals. Things might have been different if I had read this in the 60s or 70s when coverage of such crimes was bold and anti-Hollywood, and therefore "cool".

Forgive my natural tendency to reject what's popular. I just had too many moments where I thought, "Oh c'mon, how could you (Capote) have known that?" Based on further research, many of the characters deny that certain events in the book, like Mrs. Meir having a picnic with Perry in jail, actually happened.

If this had been categorized as a tale based on true events, I might have given it a higher rating. But if you claim this story is true and then fabricate pertinent details for "creative license", it not only doesn't help in telling the story but makes it something entirely different - a fictional one.

Hell, yeah...!!

Five stars!!

Five million stars!!

All the stars for this daring masterpiece!!

And it definitely deserves a place right next to Nabokov’s Lolita on my bookshelf.

Yes, that would make perfect sense, I think. Why? Well, because both authors had some of the biggest balls ever in the literary universe. And if boldness isn’t a big enough reason for you, what about adding some good writing? And I mean really, really good writing? Hum?

Yeah, sounds good, I know...

But let’s leave Lolita to one side for now and focus on this one.

In Cold Blood.

Nice title, isn’t it?

I think it’s great: sharp and so appropriate. One needs a lot of it (cold blood) to get through four hundred pages of terror, madness, superstition and the nasty tricks of destiny (or whatever you want to call it).

I’m perfectly aware of how strange it might sound to say that I loved this book but Capote really ticked all my literary boxes: writing, “characterisation”, structure, pace... Everything. It’s amazing.

And besides I love a good old road trip (Lolita again. Sorry not sorry).

Oh, and the way Capote switched between an omniscient narrator (himself) and first person narrators and different timelines was completely outstanding. It was pure genius.

Not to mention the dedication and love needed to come up with a literary work like this. Ah, if only I could... I would.

It’s been well over twenty years since I first became aware of this book but I can tell you right away that it’s not going to take me that long to read it again.

This is truly a masterclass in storytelling and a classic till the end of times.

For the longest time, I was firmly under the impression that this book was centered around the mob. The name Truman Capote simply had that kind of association for me.

It was my father-in-law who told me to read it and presented it to me, asserting that it was a true murder mystery that had taken place in KS. At the beginning, the story progressed rather slowly for me. All I really desired was to read about the murders and discover what had truly transpired in that house.

The story was structured into four sections, and there was a good reason for this, which I won't disclose for those who haven't yet read it. The Clutter family was indeed murdered in a truly heinous manner that makes one want to immediately lock all the doors and windows.

This book really tugged at my heartstrings. There were moments when I felt sick, angry, irritated, and then lonely, especially towards the very end. This book left me in a state of despair. Four members of a family brutally murdered, and yet what? Life simply continues on for the rest of us. I hope that someday in my life, I will be able to travel to Holcomb, KS and place flowers on the graves of the Clutters.

I had no knowledge of "In cold blood" until a few months ago when I came across some reviews on Goodreads.

Intrigued, I decided to listen to the audiobook. The narrator, Scott Brick, did a remarkable job overall. However, I wasn't overly fond of the slightly preachy tone he adopted while reading.

What truly amazed me was the depth to which Capote delved into the events and characters. This was possible due to his extensive research and years of interviews.

Despite the at times flowery prose, which I assume is a matter of personal taste and the style of the era, "In cold blood" has an irresistible grip. It makes you feel as if you were there, experiencing what the victims and, more significantly, the murderers went through.

Capote relocated to a small Kansas town upon hearing about the Clutter family murder and spent the next few years gathering information for his book. During this time, he even became acquainted with the convicted criminals.

Like any true crime writing, it is dark and disturbing. But in the end, thanks to the well-rounded and hyper-detailed portrayal of the criminals as real individuals, it serves as yet another example that capital punishment is a barbaric practice.

Until the last few chapters, "In Cold Blood" presents a remarkable reading experience that leans more towards the realm of a novel than a typical true crime account.

It is incredibly descriptive and poetic, painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind with its rich and detailed language. The character development is outstanding, allowing the readers to truly get to know and understand the individuals involved. The dialogue is fully fleshed out, adding authenticity and depth to the story.

However, the last bit - the trial and related events - became rather heavy with facts and details for me. This part felt more like a dry recitation of information rather than the engaging narrative that preceded it. As a result, I didn't enjoy that part as much.

Overall, despite this minor drawback, I highly recommend "In Cold Blood" to anyone interested in a well-written and captivating true crime story. It offers a unique perspective on a tragic event and showcases the author's remarkable storytelling abilities.

4.5 stars

This is truly a remarkable crime docudrama.

The characters were developed with such great detail and depth that they seemed to come alive on the screen. The narrative was a captivating exploration of Americana, drawing the viewer in and keeping them engaged from start to finish.

I have never come across a book or a story where the criminals were presented in such a multifaceted and interesting light. They were analyzed in a rational yet compassionate way, which made it possible to understand their motives and actions without condoning them.

What I really loved about this docudrama was the way the victims were given their own strong voices. Their deaths were not forgotten or brushed aside, but rather remembered, validated, and treasured. This added a layer of authenticity and emotional depth to the story.

The section where the criminals pick up a boy and his grandfather was particularly poignant for me. It was a powerful reminder of how fragile and lost we can all be, yet also how resilient. It made me cry buckets, and I suppose it was one of the most vivid portrayals of the human condition that I have ever seen.

I want to reiterate that this was an outstanding piece of work. It was well-written, well-acted, and had a profound impact on me. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in true crime or in exploring the darker side of human nature.

Damn this was Good!!!!

Question : IS THERE SUCH A THING AS FATE?

Answer : no, but there are things that happen that could convince a person that there was.

Like this…

In 1959, two guys doing short stretches in Lansing (aka Kansas State Penitentiary) shared a cell. Like all cons, they talked about their lives and maybe cooked up a plan or two for some future misdeeds. One guy, Floyd, told his cellmate Dick about the best job he ever had. It was working on a big old wheat farm in Kansas for a rich farmer. Floyd remembered the farmer as a kindly employer. The farm was in the middle of nowhere. Dick asked if the farmer was rich. Floyd said maybe they did ten thousand dollars of business every week. Dick then asked if Floyd had seen a safe in the farmhouse. Floyd sort of remembered there was something. Dick said he would rob the farmer and shoot all the witnesses. Floyd discounted this big talk.

In fact, there was no safe at all, and no cash kept in the farmhouse. Floyd got that part wrong. So when Dick and his friend Perry crept into the farmhouse a few months later, they only found thirty bucks. But they had already agreed there would be no witnesses, so they shot all four members of the Clutter family and left. They were careful and there were no clues.

Imagine Floyd’s surprise when a couple of days later, still in jail, he heard about this terrible crime on the radio. He was shocked. Dick and his pal actually did it! At this point, he realized that aside from the criminals, he was the only person who knew who had done it. What should he do? As every con knows, snitches get stitches. But on the other hand, there was a thousand dollar reward for information.

WAITING IMPATIENTLY FOR THE HANGMAN

Truman Capote did more than interview the two killers once they were caught. He visited them dozens of times, spent many hours with them, particularly liked Perry Smith, and sent them the maximum allowed letters and gifts of books and candy. The book was finished by 1963, all except for the last chapter, when the death penalty would be finally applied.

He could not finish his book until he had an ending, but neither could he put it aside and go on with something else. His frustration was made worse by his knowledge that, lying in front of him, missing only thirty or forty pages, was the best-seller that would change his life forever, that would make him rich. The success of In Cold Blood was as predictable as the future movements of the planets.

Imagine the strange mixture of hopeful anticipation and agonizing disappointment as Perry and Hickock went through appeal after appeal. Their busy lawyers petitioned for a new trial, which nearly gave TC a heart attack. He liked these miserable, deformed murderers, but why didn't they just go ahead and be hanged so he could get his book done and become rich and famous as was his destiny? Why were they torturing him with their endless appeals and delays? He was only human!

A MASTERPIECE

This is a great but strange book, a non-fiction novel. I can see where that odd phrase came from. It veers between reportage and entirely novelistic recreations of some scenes with dialogue and characters and all. In this way, it's the exact literary version of the "re-enactments" they do on some true crime shows. I hate those, but in Truman's hands, it never comes across as tacky.

Not everyone was attentive; one juror, as though poisoned by the numerous spring-fever yawns weighting the air, sat with drugged eyes and jaws so utterly ajar bees could have buzzed in and out.

So good is TC in this book that it's a real shame that this book made him and destroyed him at the same time. He spent the next 20 years dithering, writing bits and pieces, but there was never another novel or much of anything after this one. Then he died.

IN COLDER BLOOD

Three movies :

In Cold Blood (1966) – the film of the book, really excellent

Capote (2005)

Infamous (2006)

Both these biopics concentrate on TC’s weird relationship with Perry Smith, both are worth it

And Gerald Clarke’s biography of TC is really excellent.