Karen's Reviews > In Cold Blood

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Rate this book
Clear rating

by
149694522
“Like the waters of the river, like the motorists on the highway, and like the yellow trains streaking down the Santa Fe tracks, drama, in the shape of exceptional happenings, had never stopped there.”

Catching up…

I know. This is a book that has been around for a while. But when it became a donation to my Little Free Library Shed recently, I knew it was time to re-visit it and share my thoughts.

This book actually began as a New York Times murder story that transformed itself into spine-tingling suspense. Can you imagine picking up your newspaper and devouring this headline story with your breakfast coffee?

Capote felt he could tell the story of this Midwest killing that featured sinister murderers in a way that would capture readers’ interest.

A 4-member family of a prosperous farming family are viciously murdered at close-range with a shotgun. No apparent motive. Limited clues. A local FBI investigator, Alvin Dewey is shocked at how meaningless and cruel the crime appears. Who would do this and why? And, how could Capote get the details he needed to write his story beyond headline grabbers?

“Imagination, of course, can open any door – turn the key and let terror walk right in.”

He turned to friend and fellow author, Harper Lee, obviously known for “To Kill a Mockingbird.” She had a way of penetrating the silence that seemed to be protecting the remote Kansas community entrenched in the murders.

Once he was in, Capote conducted his own investigation which would encompass the manhunt, arrest and trial of the culprits. Capote shared…

“…the greatest intensity in art in all its shapes and sizes is achieved with a deliberate, hard and cool head.”

It truly is a real-crime drama that captivates as readers turn pages. And, even if we think we know the story already, probably through endless documentaries we have watched, it still is a privilege to read Capote.
75 likes · flag

Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read In Cold Blood.
Sign In »

Reading Progress

Finished Reading
May 1, 2023 – Shelved (Paperback Edition)
Started Reading (Paperback Edition)
September 1, 2024 – Shelved
September 1, 2024 – Shelved as: to-read
September 1, 2024 – Shelved as: book-discussion-perfect
September 1, 2024 – Shelved as: brilliant
September 1, 2024 – Shelved as: captivating
September 1, 2024 – Shelved as: complex
September 1, 2024 – Shelved as: conversational
September 1, 2024 – Shelved as: creates-questions
September 1, 2024 – Shelved as: educating-moments
September 1, 2024 – Shelved as: engaging
September 1, 2024 – Shelved as: excellent
September 1, 2024 – Shelved as: gripping
September 1, 2024 – Shelved as: intriguing
September 1, 2024 – Shelved as: makes-you-think
September 1, 2024 – Shelved as: page-turner
September 1, 2024 – Shelved as: realistic
September 1, 2024 – Shelved as: thought-provoking
September 1, 2024 – Finished Reading (Paperback Edition)

Comments Showing 1-25 of 25 (25 new)

dateDown arrow    newest »

Mark Porton Great review and loving those 5 stars, Karen. I thought this book was superb!


Jayme This one was chilling! Terrific review!


Debbie Y I remember how captivated I was while reading it, many moons ago. Fantastic review, Karen!


Stacey B Karen,
Great review of true crime.


Casey A quite memorable book!


message 6: by Canadian Jen (new)

Canadian Jen Fab review for a classic, Karen!


Karen Mark wrote: "Great review and loving those 5 stars, Karen. I thought this book was superb!"

Thank you so very much Mark! 🥰


Karen Jayme wrote: "This one was chilling! Terrific review!"

I know what you mean, Jayme. But such historical value! Thank you. ☺️


Karen Debbie Y wrote: "I remember how captivated I was while reading it, many moons ago. Fantastic review, Karen!"

Thank you so much Debbie! 🙂


Karen Casey wrote: "A quite memorable book!"

Oh yes, Casey! 🙂


Karen Canadian Jen wrote: "Fab review for a classic, Karen!"

Thank you so much, Jen! 🥰


message 12: by Eric (new) - rated it 5 stars

Eric Richards Capote's writing is beautiful. I loved this book.


message 13: by Zaynab (new)

Zaynab Wonderful review Karen 💙


message 14: by TL (new)

TL 👏


Karen Eric wrote: "Capote's writing is beautiful. I loved this book."

Yes, Eric. So glad you did, too! 🙂


Karen Zaynab wrote: "Wonderful review Karen 💙"

Thank you so much Zaynab! 🙂


Karen TL wrote: "👏"

🙂


message 18: by Linda Lpp (new)

Linda Lpp I read this years ago, and have thought of rereading it again. Glad you found it interesting again. Classic for sure, like reading Charles Manson or Ted Bundy true crimes and the names could go on...


message 19: by Nora (new) - added it

Nora Currie Wonderful and thrilling review, Karen! I am looking forward to reading this book sometime in the future!


Karen Linda Lpp wrote: "I read this years ago, and have thought of rereading it again. Glad you found it interesting again. Classic for sure, like reading Charles Manson or Ted Bundy true crimes and the names could go on..."

I know what you mean Linda. But it also makes a difference who writes them, right? Thank you for your comments. 🙂


Karen Nora wrote: "Wonderful and thrilling review, Karen! I am looking forward to reading this book sometime in the future!"

Thank you so much Nora. I hope you enjoy it, too. (In the future, of course!) 🙂


message 22: by JackieBeau (new) - added it

JackieBeau Book addict not recovered Excellent review ! Never read the book but saw the movie. Philip Seymour Hoffman version . Very good but traumatizing! Philip was excellent portraying Truman Capote !


Karen Jackie wrote: "Excellent review ! Never read the book but saw the movie. Philip Seymour Hoffman version . Very good but traumatizing! Philip was excellent portraying Truman Capote !"

Thank you Jackie. Yes, he was...🙂


Dennis I read this years ago, when I was still in elementary school. (Do you remember the school book clubs, where you ordered books from the classroom? I'm sure you do!) I probably didn't understand it completely but the idea of two strangers in real life entering my house and murdering my family was scarier than any thriller! What is more interesting now is the stories of how Capote may have manipulated and /or stolen parts of the story from one of the murderers. Also, Capote never took notes, saying he had a perfect memory; one of the Manson Family killers who he interviewed also claimed distortion and invention. (This was after "Music for Chameleons.") A great book, true crime with a "?" attached to it.


Karen Dennis wrote: "I read this years ago, when I was still in elementary school. (Do you remember the school book clubs, where you ordered books from the classroom? I'm sure you do!) I probably didn't understand it c..."

You bring up some interesting history, Dennis. I guess we will never know...😳


back to top