Truman Capote's first non-fiction novel. In Cold Blood is about the murder of a Kansas family, and the impact the tragic event had on the town. The most surprising thing about this book, was it follows the men responsible for the murders and the events leading up to their capture. Capote started writing this book when the men were apprehended, and during their trial. With accounts from both men about life struggles, fears, and remorse. Capote captures the sorrow one person can have on both good and evil. Beautifully written, the reader will not be able to put this book down, well written from start to finish.
With the publication of this book, Capote permanently ripped through the barrier separating crime reportage from serious literature. As he reconstructs the 1959 murder of a Kansas farm family and the investigation that led to the capture, trial, and execution of the killers, Capote generates suspense and empathy.