The murders on which In Cold Blood was based were committed in 1959 but the book wasn't published until 1966 as Capote had to wait to find out what ultimately happened to the murderers. A film version of In Cold Blood was made in 1967 and in 1996 a mini-series was made. In more recent years two films were made about Capote's experiences researching and writing the book - Capote and Infamous. His childhood friend Harper Lee (author of To Kill a Mockingbird, pictured) came with him to Kansas. The case certainly consumed Capote for those years and he considered the book the first non-fiction novel.
The Clutters were a wealthy faming family in Kansas. They were murdered by two criminals who met in jail and the book looks at their lives up until the murders and their relationship than enabled them to commit such a crime. It is a fascinating look into a small town in 1950s America, the criminal mind and powerful relationships. This book is an
RRL Book Club book and you can also find it in the non-fiction section of Wagga City Library with the call number 364.1523 CAPO. Truman Capote also wrote Breakfast at Tiffany's.
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