This work of nonfiction tells the story of a murder in Holcomb, Kansas. On November 15, 1959, four members of the Clutter family were savagely killed by blasts from a shotgun held a few inches from their faces. There was no apparent motive for the crime, and there were almost no clues. As Truman Capote reconstructs the murder and the investigation that led to the capture, trial, and execution of the killers, he generates both mesmerizing suspense and astonishing empathy. In Cold Blood is a work that transcends its moment, yielding poignant insights into the nature of American violence.

Topics covered in this book include violence, self-image, family dynamics, love, socioeconomic status, loss/loneliness, and mental illness.

Genre: Nonfiction

Lexile Measure: 1040L

Attention: Please preview. Many novels contain topics, themes, and language that you, students, parents, or school administrators may deem inappropriate.

©1994. High school. 5 x 8 inches. Softcover. 343 pages.