Manson and members of his mostly female commune killed nine people, including pregnant actress Sharon Tate. Now, drawing on new information, the author tells the definitive story of how this ordinary juvenile delinquent became a murderer whose crimes still shock and horrify today.

Charlie at the Whiskey -- Nancy and Kathleen -- Moundsville and McMechen -- Kathleen and Charlie -- McMechen again -- Prison -- Berkeley and the Haight -- Charlie in the summer of love -- L.A. -- Charlie and Dennis -- The ranches -- The Bible and the Beatles -- Thwarted dreams -- Tate -- LaBianca and Shea -- Death Valley -- Unraveling -- Charlie is famous -- The trial -- The wrong man in the right place at the right time -- Key people afterwards.