In cold blood

In Cold Blood is a non-fiction novel written by American author Truman Capote. Published in 1966, the book details the 1959 murders of four members of the Herbert Clutter family in the small farming community of Holcomb, Kansas.

Plot Summary

The story begins with the introduction of the Clutter family, a well-respected and prosperous family in the small farming town of Holcomb, Kansas. The family consists of Herbert Clutter, his wife Bonnie, and their two children, Nancy and Kenyon.

The narrative then shifts to the two murderers, Richard "Dick" Hickock and Perry Smith. The two men, both ex-convicts, had heard about the Clutter family's wealth from a fellow inmate and planned to rob the family's home. However, the robbery goes awry, and the two men brutally murder all four members of the Clutter family.

The rest of the novel follows the investigation led by Kansas Bureau of Investigation agent Alvin Dewey, the capture of Hickock and Smith, their trial, and their eventual execution.

Literary Significance and Reception

In Cold Blood is often regarded as a pioneering work in the genre of the true crime novel. Capote spent six years researching and conducting interviews with the people of Holcomb and the investigators involved in the case. The novel is known for its detailed and empathetic portrayal of both the victims and the murderers.

The book was an instant success, becoming a bestseller and earning Capote widespread acclaim. However, it also sparked controversy due to its graphic content and the ethical questions it raised about the author's relationship with the murderers.

Adaptations

In Cold Blood has been adapted into several films and television series, including a 1967 film directed by Richard Brooks and a 1996 miniseries starring Anthony Edwards and Eric Roberts.

See Also

• Truman Capote
• True crime
• Herbert Clutter
• Richard "Dick" Hickock
• Perry Smith

References

• Capote, Truman. In Cold Blood. New York: Random House, 1966.