Tom O’Neill is an award-winning investigative journalist and entertainment
reporter whose work has appeared in national publications such as Us, Premiere, New York, The Village Voice and Details. His book, Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties was published by Little, Brown in the summer of 2019 (paperback in the summer of 2020).
To see original documents, video clips of archival material and to listen to selected audio excerpts of author’s interviews with subjects from the book, please go to Instagram or Facebook pages.
Instagram: chaoscharlesmanson
Facebook: ChaosTheBook
Twitter: chaosmansonbook
YouTube: @chaoscharlesmanson7342
Email: trmo@aol.com
Tom O'Neill 
i just wanted to add more congratulations to you and Dan for your work because I just saw on AMZ that a “good used” Hardcover of Chaos is selling for $649.95. They are sold out of new ones. It is great to see hard work rewarded and acknowledged. But I will be keeping my copy. For now. lol
I had to get this book after watching Candice Owens. It’s amazing 👏 what a dedicated and talented man. X
You literally typed the words on my mouth 😊 I’ve been listening to this book on Audible I just recently purchased it because man this book is so amazingly crazy thank you Candace Owens✊🏼
Are you planning on releasing this book in Spanish? My dad is an avid reader and we love to discuss books and ideas. He speaks English, but he’s more comfortable with Spanish. I think many non English speakers would be interested and would benefit from this book.
It was published in Spanish, but as far as I know you have to get it in Spain or through their Amazon site
In Spanish is the book name “Manson La Historia Real” or is that a different book? Thank you.
That’s it!
Except that Candace Owens is abusing the material in the book to shill for an extremist, violent agenda.
I’ve just recently learned about
oops. Now a comment:
I’ve recently learned about this book reading the comments section of an analysis by Spidey of The Behavioral Arts. I’m writing to you because Roger Smith is my late brother-in-law. He was married to my sister Carmen.
I just today got a copy. So I’ve just gotten through the prologue, I’m sure this is going to be an interesting read.
I met Carmen several times. Would love to hear what you think, either here or in an email: trmo@aol.com
Wondering what date Roger passed away. Any chance you have that? Thanks!
Tom- have you ever considered researching John P. Wheeler III? Would love to hear your take on this. I’ve tried researching this story to a small degree. It’s really quite fascinating!!
Christie Lawrence
lawrencechristie@hotmail.com
Years ago I had to handle a delicate situation regarding Tex Watson’s housing. I had to interview him and he kept dropping by my office to talk for several weeks. He told me several interesting things which I didn’t understand at the time. Having read your book I now view them in a whole new light. Capt T Emigh, retired
I’ve always found Watson to be the most perplexing character in all this based on the fact that he had a good, solid upbringing, and that he really didn’t spend that much time with Manson. I’m curious to know what interesting things he told you.
me too, but guessing he’s not gonna tell.
Captain Emigh,
Have you told Tom the details about these “interesting things” Tex told you? Are you free to reveal them here? Sounds like they could be significant.
A random observation that probably lacks originality, but isn’t it interesting that Bugliosi referred to Kanarek as the “Toscanini of Tedium”? Reminds me of Kenneth Anger bestowing the title of “Paganini of Piffle” upon Louella Parsons. Maybe that’s a “thing” I just don’t know about, or maybe these Hollywoodland-type weirdos all know each other.
Great job, Tom! I had read Helter Skelter many years ago and now I know a lot more. I appreciate that you avoid speculation but I will offer my speculation. It appears Charlie was a product of MKULTRA that went awry. He took their techniques and ran with it.
I’ve read 8 JFK assassination books plus one MLK and one Malcom X. I’m convinced Jack Kennedy was correct when he said “the CIA should be splintered into a 1000 pieces and scattered to the winds.”
The foundation of our judicial system is requiring people to tell the truth yet their “plausible deniability” mantra makes a mockery of this.
I’d recommend “Family of Secrets” by Russ Baker, if you haven’t found it already. “Family” being Bush. It covers a LOT of ground, mainly focusing on the senior George, with a lot of material on JFK. It’s at least 3 books on one – JFK, Watergate, George W. Bush.
He’s also here:
https://whowhatwhy.org/
I’d recommend “Family of Secrets” by Russ Baker, if you haven’t found it already. “Family” being Bush. It covers a LOT of ground, mainly focusing on the senior George, with a lot of material on JFK. It’s at least 3 books on one – JFK, Watergate, George W. Bush.
These days, Baker is also here:
https://whowhatwhy.org/
Tom, Great work on this book. It was fascinating – couldn’t put it down!
I’ve never read such a thoroughly researched book.
I am almost finished reading Chaos, and feel like I have more questions than answers. I’m a younger GenX and have limited information about the Baby Boomers/Hippie generation. This gives a little more insight into what made them tick. I’ve purchased some of the books Tom referenced for future personal research and curiosity. Thanks for diving deep on this time period.
Thank you for your time and effort to put out the truth, I do feel like I have many more questions about this. Did you ever find connections directly placing Jolly on the ranch? If Manson went back with the unknown person why? What was the purpose? I saw there is a documentary coming out so I’m hoping you’ll be able to wrap up some more loose ends. Also have to give credit to Candice Owens for putting this book on my reading list… I am not a reader so Audible was my saving grace.
I read the book because of Candace Owens’ endorsement on her podcast. I liked it and appreciate your work. She mentioned how mind control was used to fake us out with the mission to the moon in July 1969 and was hoping that would be in the book but I must have misunderstood her. I still glad I bought the book and read it.
Just watched Tom”s excellent interview with Joe Rogan on Dawn189’s channel on Rumble.
I am going download the audiobook n Manson and listen to this when I have finished listening to Doug Valentines book on the CIA.
The reviews for ‘Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties” are outstanding and Tom comes across really well , articulate, passionate, intelligent ane enthusastic.
Cant wait!
I was at a book store scanning through Fred Otash’s biography The Fixer when I thought he made a reference to Reeve Whitson. I wasn’t sure, so later, Iwent back to the local Barnes and Noble to try to find the book, but couldn’t. I went on line though and found this quote concerning the last night of Marylyn Monroe, “While speaking with Otash, (Peter)Lawford sent Reed Wilson—an undercover associate for the CIA—to remove everything he found in the house and turn it over to Lawford. While there, Wilson found “a lot” of empty pill bottles. ” I didn’t know if you had seen it before.
Fascinating. Thanks. I may have to pursue this!
just listen to you on joe. Was thinking the whole time Ill run to my library and get it. Realized thats not going to help you at all.
book ordered. Will have it by Tuesday.
can’t wait!
thank you sir
corry Comeau
I recently sent you something I ran across in Fred Otash’s book concerning a certain ‘Reed Wilson’ who accompanied him to Marilyn’s Monroe’s house after she died. I was just listening to a Podcast about her death when one of the podcasters, talking about why it took four hours before they reported her death to the police, said something to the effect, “They (various agencies) needed the time to rip out all of the devices and take staged photographs of the scene. He goes on to state it was a common practice. I’m sure you get why I’m passing this on, but how about the possibility of removing listening devices?
I know that you are more interested in Reeve Whitson than Fred Otash, but I found something in the book Tripping on Utopia you might find interesting. in regards to the crash pad that George Hunter White set up in San Francisco with the purpose for the purpose of slipping LSD to unsuspecting kids, “The surveillance expert White hired to install the the concealed microphones was the best of the best; he would later consult on the Francis Ford Coppola film The Conversation.” The fact that both Manson and Jolly West are in SF during this time period ties it to your story, if nothing else, at least by filling in some of the background.
The book is very interesting. I highly recommend it. It answers some questions, but raises even more.
Have you seen the latest Lex Fridman podcast with Rick Spence? Chaos is mentioned (and complimented). Spence says the book caught his attention because Reeve Whitson was a name he had run into elsewhere in research, although he doesn’t say in what capacity. But he does mention that a decade after the murders he knows Whitson was a CIA officer in Central America. Have you two ever spoken?
Hi Tom,
Have you by chance watched the documentary about Jay Sebring titled, ‘Jay Sebring, Cutting to the Truth?” There is a segment of him doing a monologue at 0:58:00 and 0:59:03. Watch his hand gestures and also the upside down scissors that look a lot like Freemasonry symbols. I’d like to hear your take on this.
Thanks,
Susan
I could NOT put this book down! Tom you are extraordinary.. your tenacity to detail captivated me. Thank you for asking the hard questions. I pray you have some peace knowing you opened our eyes to the unseen, unwritten and unheard ugliness that has plagued us, and is still going on.
Fantastic work Tom O’Neill!!!
Incredible read. Thank you!!
I’m not quite halfway through the book, taking breaks having to tie my jaw closed from hitting the floor over and over. Who knew?!
Additionally, I thought I was the only one left with an AOL email addy😁🤣🤣
I got this after watching Candace as well. It was a great read, very informative.
Hi Tom
Send me an email briancatalina@yahoo.com
I will send you some good links to the NME
Sincerely
Brian Wixson
Have you ever looked deeper into Nixon’s statement that Esalen was somehow linked to the killings. Why did he think that?
I am currently reading this awesome book. What in depth research and rabbit hole to rabbit hole. I hope you do part 2.
Enjoyable read, Tom. Thank you for your efforts, it was an enjoyable read and I am amazed at your tenacity.
Have you read “Weird Scenes Inside the Canyon” by David McGowen. Sadly, he “died mysteriously” but his work on covert ops and the 60’s music scene dovetails nicely with your work and mentions Manson more than a few times.
Also reading “Sinister Forces” by Peter Levenda which goes a bit more into Mansons youth as a ward of the state and speculates that the deep state got their hooks into him from an early age. He also mentions Peter Sellers and Yule Brenner as the two men on the Cielo Drive movies–not sure where he sourced that from and don’t have the book in front of me. But he looks into it from the angle of the occult, which may provide some insight.
Best of luck! Look forward to reading whatever comes next (Hope you pick up where McGowen left off and have the Laurel Canyon Scene be your next obsession!)
I bought Chaos yesterday (new paperback) and was up until 1am reading it. I have been hooked on Manson (the story) going back to ‘72 when I read Sanders’ The Family. Definitely some new stuff and “angles” in Chaos. Much more interesting than the Guinn book. I’m a retired federal agent and have never been much of a fan of the “Bug” (Bugliosi). Some of “law fare” re. Susan Atkins initial testimony is fascinating. Some unethical BS the attorneys got away with. Melcher demonstrated very little class or honesty.
Bugliosi and Polanaski share birthdays (I think Aug 18, 1934 & 1933). Charlie born 11-12-1934. Kind of the triangle of the story. Not the best human beings in the world.
I just want to know about the CHAOS part 2 you teased on Rogan in 2020? Will we get the follow up…pretty please?
Still a ways away
Had this book for several months based on Candace Owens’ recommendation, but just couldn’t pick it up because I knew it was going to be dark. Having picked it up three days ago, I couldn’t put it down because your exhaustive research and connecting so many dots was truly mind blowing. I can’t imagine how you maintained your sanity doing this work while exposed to so much evil and corruption. Congratulations on this masterpiece of investigative journalism. I do wish you peace and God’s blessings, Tom
Hi! Loved your book! Currently re-reading it for the third time.
I have a few questions:
Could you give me the title of the paper where DE Smith writes about “frenzied attacks of unrelenting rage”? (mentioned on page 313 of your book). I am not finding anything when searching for it.
2. Is there a pdf or an image somewhere of the letter Jolly West wrote where he says “It has been found to be feasible to take the memory of a definite event in the life of an individual and, through hypnotic suggestion, bring about the subsequent conscious recall to the effect that this event never actually took place, but that a different (fictional) event actually did occur.” He’d done it, he claimed, by administering “new drugs” effective in “speeding the induction of the hypnotic state and in deepening the trance that can be produced in given subjects.”?
3. Is there a pdf or image somewhere of the memo (mentioned on page 220 of your book) that talks about the PFP giving financial assistance to the Black Panthers?
Best
Per
Hi! Loved your book! Currently re-reading it for the third time.
I have a few questions:
Could you give me the title of the paper where DE Smith writes about “frenzied attacks of unrelenting rage”? (mentioned on page 313 of your book). I am not finding anything when searching for it.
2. Is there a pdf or an image somewhere of the letter Jolly West wrote where he says “It has been found to be feasible to take the memory of a definite event in the life of an individual and, through hypnotic suggestion, bring about the subsequent conscious recall to the effect that this event never actually took place, but that a different (fictional) event actually did occur.” He’d done it, he claimed, by administering “new drugs” effective in “speeding the induction of the hypnotic state and in deepening the trance that can be produced in given subjects.”?
3. Is there a pdf or image somewhere of the memo (mentioned on page 220 of your book) that talks about the PFP giving financial assistance to the Black Panthers?
Best
Per
Greetings,
Just watched the beginning portion of your Joe Rogan interview regarding CHAOS, very interesting. We just ordered CHAOS, hopefully just the book.
One question:
You credit the John Marks book, “The Search For The Manchurian Candidate”, which appears to have been published in 1979, with being the first to deal with this subject.
We knew Walter Bowart, with whom you may be familiar, very well from 1981 until his death. His work, “Operation Mind Control”, was published in 1978. This may seem insignificant, but would that not make “Operation Mind Control” the first on the subject?
By the way, we were in the counter culture in San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, and Carmel from 1972 – 1990, and were “experienced”.
All best wishes
Greetings,
Just watched the beginning portion of your Joe Rogan interview regarding CHAOS, very interesting. We just ordered CHAOS, hopefully just the book.
One question:
You credit the John Marks book, “The Search For The Manchurian Candidate”, which appears to have been published in 1979, with being the first to deal with this subject.
We knew Walter Bowart, with whom you may be familiar, very well from 1981 until his death. His work, “Operation Mind Control”, was published in 1978. This may seem insignificant, but would that not make “Operation Mind Control” the first on the subject?
By the way, we were in the counter culture in San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, and Carmel from 1972 – 1990, and were “experienced”.
All best wishes
I know you live in California, I’m hoping and praying you haven’t been affected by the recent fires. Stay safe
Good Evening Tom,
After seeing many of your interviews about your book Chaos. My wife bought me your book for Christmas and I just finished it. It’s one of the most fascinating books I’ve ever read. I have a question for you.
Do you think Charles Manson was under mind control until the day he died? I’m asking this bc whatever happened to him in 1967-1968 forever changed his persona until the day he died. Nobody knows when this program ended. And I understand some say he was a career criminal but many people steal cars but they don’t become killers or cult leaders believing their Jesus unless somebody made them believe that. Maybe that’s why Manson never admitted he was under mind control or if he ever worked with people from the CIA bc he really did think he wasn’t but he really was.
Sorry for the rant just wanted to get your thoughts.
Pretty sure
“Reed Wilson” wired the Polanski residence.
You ever wonder if Manson might have been hypnotized?
Douglas. Manson claimed he was first hypnotized at the National Training School for Boys in Washington DC in 1951 by a psychiatrist named Dr. Donald Bloch.
Bloch (who came out of the nearby Chestnut Lodge facility) was known to have psychoanalyzed Manson over a period of time at the Training School.
It goes beyond that however. Manson also claimed Dr. Bloch actually taught him techniques in hypnotism. This probably explains how he was able to use those techniques on fellow inmates at the LA County jail in early 1961.
Charlie apparently put his new skills to work:
part4 of the released FBI documents:
pg7of551: “He(Manson) had a certain smile that would always get to people. He would try to hypnotize people. He always got people to supply him with the necessities.” —ex-convict friend from McNeil Island.
1951 is a time that fits the MKULTA narrative. So, does using the traumatized, outcasts of society. I just saw recently something that said that Hollywood stars, like Cary Grant were being used by the FBI, and N. Shreck says that Grant, an admitted user of LSD, was at the Tate house on the night of the murders. I’m also thinking now that the Spahn Raid was a cover to clear out the recording devices.
I just heard on a Professor Hamamoto (a little out there, but good source material) podcast something that I like, which was something to the effect that we need to quit staring at a single dot and widen our perspective till we see all of the dots.
Errol Morris hung your limited hangout out of caution on his career of making limited hangouts for the national security state. Not a mention of Bugliosi’s lies, crimes, and evasions beyond his ego inflation and giving Bobby Beausoleil the last word on a summary to set you up on a clip you probably never expected there. I expected about that from him. I awaited your next round of podcasts. I watched them all.
Candace Owen’s and or Megyn Kelly had mentioned this book and story on their shows, ima try get me a copy now!
I’m getting a copy right now after realising the Netflix show is based on the writings I saw Candace and Megyn Kelly, (MK in particular rave about)
can’t wait to receive it
Thanks first to Candace Owens for reccomending your book and thanks to you as well Tom your hard work on this and dogged determination are awesome inspiring. I have worked hard to reccomend it to as many other readers as speak to. Truly your work is something to be forever proud of.
Tom – how old are you?
I remember watching a parole hearing for Manson in 1992 I think where he said the FBI would house him if he was released. Do you think he had links to the COINTELPRO programme?
Thank you, Tom, for all your hard hard work on this book! I just finished it and I found it so very interesting and compelling. I met you years ago with my brother and his mutual friend, Mary Catherine. I still don’t watch TV😉and your book found it’s way into my world – Bravo! Meg R.
Mr. O’Neill, I have just read your book and listened to the podcast episode you did with Joe Rogan. A thousand thanks for such stellar work; your vested interest in the truth and the tenacity it takes to find it (or at least get close enough to it) is a testament to your integrity. If another book gets published, I will certainly buy it. I’m sure many of your readers (myself included) would LOVE a follow-up to Chaos. Wishing you all the best!
I have an obsession with word combinations capable of conjuring up the sharpest of imagery in my mind. No writing has reached the level of mental resolution as Tom’s sentence slicing.
My new word hero.
Wow, how did I miss Chaos in 2019. Friend recommended it, the the Rogan interview. Kinzer’s almost hagiography of Gottlieb is such crap, but of course gets the publicity. I hope you can do a book on the RFK murder – please!
Another Candace Owens fan here. Am reading your book. CANNOT put it down.
If we survive, it’ll be because of you.
Candace Owens sent me. Thank God for both of you!
Tom, I miss the old days when you were more active on here. Give us some good news.