In Cold Blood

Title: In Cold Blood

Author: Truman Capote

Pages: 343

Genre: Non-fiction

Letter Grade: B+

Synopsis: This is the story of the brutal killing of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas. The murders took place on November 15, 1959. The killers had entered the Clutter home and tied up all four members of the family. They were shot with a shotgun held a few inches from their faces. The only clues that were left were two bloody bootprints. No motive could be found. This is the story of the deaths of the Clutter family and their killers, Richard Hickock and Perry Smith.

My Review: It was hard to believe that this book was a non-fiction book. The story is incredible and the details that Mr. Capote was able to turn up are astounding. The book was somewhat disturbing. Hickock and Perry (the killers) show no emotion for what they did and its hard to believe that humans can be so detached yet so conscious of the crimes they commit. There were a few slow spots but most of the book was exciting and unexpected - even though you already know the outcome.

From the Book: (pg. 55, Spoken by Dick to Perry less than an hour before they arrived at the Clutters) Perry gripped the edge of the washbasin and hauled himself to a standing postion. His legs trembled; the pain in his knees made him perspire. He wiped his face with a paper towel. he unlocked the door and said, "O.K. Let's go."