Capote compiles information about the Clutter family murders that happened in Holcomb, Texas. He writes a thorough examination of what happened, the lives of the criminals, and their journey to death row.

What was mesmerizing to me is that even though Capote is "telling" this story (rather than showing it - he's using real excerpts from interviews, this is my understanding) he still has this ability to draw you in. There are just enough details, but not too many. You're still reading a story even though parts of it are just reports.

Capote shines in the various literary symbols (the wheat, the cats, the yellow bird) along with how he makes us sympathize with the criminals, and how he in particular singles out Nancy (the girl living at home who was murdered) and Perry (the one who did most of the killing).

Not an easy book to read, but recommended.