In Cold Blood

by Truman Capote

[Whitney @ First Impressions Reviews]

Holcomb, Kansas is a small town that could be compared to the likes of Mayberry. A friendly town who never locks their doors, always willing to loan their neighbor a cup of sugar.

Until November 15, 1959, when the Tayloresc family, the Clutters are murdered by blasts from a shot gun held only a few inches from their heads. This multiple murder case of Herb, Bonnie and their children Nancy and Kenyon Clutter becomes a case that would have had Barney Fife baffled.

Through Truman Capote's memorizing true crime account, we follow the case every step of the way. Beginning at the finding of the bodies and ending at the gallows. Not only does he skillfully craft this heinous crime but does so with the reader feeling empathy not only towards the Clutters but also their killers, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock. Describing their lackluster childhoods but the reader is brought back to Earth after reading Perry Smith's confession and once again as their bodies swing lifelessly from a noose.

Capote writes with such skill that it is sometimes forgotten that these heinous crimes were true and happened fifty years ago. In Cold Blood is a heart wrenching read that consumes your every being.