The gruesome murders of the beautiful and talented actress Sharon Tate, her unborn child and four others that same night at the hands of the notorious “Manson family” rocked the nation. As one of the most horrific crimes in modern history, these atrocities, the trial and the subsequent conviction of Charles Manson and his followers caused a media sensation, spawning movies, documentaries and bestselling books, including the classic Helter Skelter. A defining moment in an era otherwise associated with radical peace, love and understanding, this incident is one that still resonates with millions today.
Yet while this crime left an indelible mark on society’s consciousness, it was, first and foremost, a shattering personal tragedy for those closest to Sharon—the loving family left to cope with the emotional devastation of her loss. Now, after nearly forty years, their story is finally revealed.
Compiled by close family friend Alisa Statman and Sharon’s niece Brie Tate, Restless Souls draws on a wealth of material including interviews with the Tates, personal letters, tape recordings, home movies, public interviews, private journals, and official documents to provide a powerful, poignant, and affecting four-decade, three-generation memoir of crime and punishment, anguish and hope, rage and love, that is both a chronicle of death and a celebration of life.
Extending beyond all previous accounts, Restless Souls is the most revealing, riveting, and emotionally raw account not just of these heinous murders, the hunt and capture of the killers and the behind-the-scenes drama of their trials, but of the torment victims families’ endure for years in the wake of such senseless violence.
Tate family members set the record straight, correcting media misinformation and delving well beyond the official storyline to provide information, much of it available for the first time. Intimate, honest, and heartfelt, Restless Souls remarkable details, including :
Told from the Tate’s extraordinary perspective Restless Souls offers a rare glimpse at the post-trauma survival of a family and their journey to find justice and ultimately, peace—a glimpse that couldn’t be more timely as Charles Manson comes up for parole again in 2012.
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"Excellent book! Finally someone has written about the victims family's point of view, how the crimes affected all of the family members & future generations. There is probably not a better case to do this then the Tate family. Now I have read just about every book about the Manson family. But I learned so many new things. Many that scared me, made me angry, & made me think. It is also a tribute to Doris Tate. I never knew how instrumental she was in getting laws changed and giving all victims families a voice that was heard. When Doris died her daughter Patti took up the fight despite her fears. And now Brie Tate, Sharon's niece, who was born after her murder has stepped up to take over. I highly recommend this book."
— Teddie (5 out of 5 stars)
“Haunting…It is rare to find a book about a famous crime that is written by members of the family, especially one that is so personaly, so intimate in its private revelations…A definite must-read for true-crime fans.”
— Booklist" Very interesting viewpoint from the family rather than observers to one of the most notorious crimes in history. It brought to light once again how influential Doris Tate was in advocating victims' rights. "
— Heather, 2/15/2014" More personal viewpoint of these murders, the never-ending pain of the family and friends, and their fight to keep the killers in jail...Helter Skelter was the first true crime book I ever read, and it led me to read this genre fairly regularly...this book was a nice companion to that bookk "
— Tracy, 2/8/2014" Totally new perspective on Sharon,the horrible crime and the family in it's aftermath. Very good read. "
— Amy, 2/7/2014" I likely wouldn't have picked this up if I'd realized how tabloidy it was; something about the cover or cover copy made me think it was a more intellectual/critical book than it is. (I look at it now and have no idea what I was thinking.) It adds another interesting perspective, though. "
— Wendy, 1/1/2014" Great book, though it does smack some what of exploitation. Great read, if you are interested in victim's rights and the impact of crime on families. Some parts were immensely moving. It troubled my sleep. "
— Ola, 12/6/2013" What an eye opener. It shows how society puts all the focus on criminals and we forget about the victims. I will never look at this case the same again. Rest in peace those whose lives were taken by these madmen. I hope your killers never see life outside of prison walls again. "
— Tari, 11/10/2013" Difficult to read. Gave me nightmares - not because of the writing but because of the subject. I thought it was well written and enjoyed the read but was glad when it was over. Not sure I'll ever feel safe again. "
— Monica, 7/7/2013" Interesting quick read. Did I believe every word of it? No. But I've yet to read anything that I'd consider to be 100% accurate on the subject. I did learn a couple of things that I had not read before. The (Tate) family's disdain for Debra Tate is obvious. The book left me wondering why. "
— Jen, 5/5/2013" Thoughtful, well written, deeply moving, sometimes profound on scope. Great read. "
— Janet, 3/13/2013" This was a terrific book. I was so surprised by this family's determination to see that justice was done in this case. Hopefully the Manson Family murderers will stay in jail till death. "
— Letitia, 2/24/2013" I think the book would be better in a condensed form. Who can blame the Tate family for fighting to keep the killers in prison and using their influence to bolster victim's rights and reduce rights and privileges of prisoners. "
— Ken, 12/5/2012" ok, interesting but the writing was a bit try hard "
— Jenny, 11/14/2012" Doris Tate is my hero. Very good book that provides the inside story of the Tate family experience. "
— Sharon, 8/17/2012" I liked the beginning and the end but thought the middle dragged. I think the book spent too much time on the killers' parole hearings and not enough on Sharon and her life. I really wanted to know more about her. "
— Michele, 3/28/2012Alisa Statman is a writer and Assistant Director in film and television. Her penchant for storytelling combined with her trusted relationship with the Tate family makes her a logical person to share with the world the most accurate and honest account of their story ever told.
Thérèse Plummer is an actor, award-winning voice-over artist, and counselor. She has won eighteen AudioFile Earphones Awards and has been a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. She has appeared in a variety of television and film roles. As a counselor for adolescents, she spent five years using drama therapy techniques in individual and group settings.
Gabra Zackman is an actress, author, and narrator who has won several AudioFile Earphones Awards. She was educated at Northwestern University. A classically trained actress, she has appeared in theaters all over the country as well as on film and television.
Eliza Foss is an actress who has appeared in numerous theaters in New York City and around the country. She has narrated over thirty books and short stories, been featured in AudioFile magazine, and won five AudioFile Earphones Awards for her narrations.
Ron McLarty is a veteran actor of television, film, and stage as well as an award-winning audiobook narrator. He has more than 100 television appearances to his credit, including as a series regular on Spencer for Hire and Law & Order. His film career began in 1977 with a performance in The Sentinel and continued with such films as The Postman, Flamingo Kid, and, most recently, How Do You Know? His stage credits include Broadway and other productions. He has narrated more than 100 audiobooks, earning nine Earphones Awards and recognition by AudioFile magazine as a Best Voice in Mystery & Suspense in 2009 and 2010. He has twice been a finalist for the prestigious Audie Awards and then won the award in 2001 for Best Mystery Narration. He is also an accomplished playwright and an acclaimed novelist.