** spoiler alert ** 
 The focus on the killers was interesting, as was Capote's understanding of how much past experiences play into the actions we take - whether good or bad. 
 SPOILERS 
 I was surprised when it emerged that Perry was the one who did the killing. Of the two killers, Perry seemed throughout the book to be the more appealing of the two in that Dick was always so repellent and crude in what he said and in what he did, or alternatively so slick. Perhaps that crudeness was part of why I judged him more harshly - while I'm not a prude or prig, I'm also not a fan of crude or crass behavior or speech. I'm also not a fan of that slick con-man who takes advantage of the kindness/goodness in others. But as the picture of Perry emerged toward the end of the book, he was frightening. That capacity to "snap" is chilling. 
 The format of, in some sense, reading like a novel was fine with me in that I knew that Capote had done considerable research and had spoken to these men. He knew how they talked, so even if the quotes are retrospective paraphrasing, I can believe that they represent what the men said and how they felt. In some ways, this is an instance where the movie Capote provides some insight - the lengths to which the author worked to get things right. 
 However, the book (and movie) raise the question of what Capote brought to the story, besides considerable writing skill. Did he slant or bend the story to fit his own perspective? Perhaps. But, then, how much did Perry and Dick skew the events to come out looking better? A fair amount, I would guess. 
 Trying to understand the people who commit such violent crimes is challenging. One of the most compelling parts was the emerging distinctions between the two killers - there were many differences between them, as well as differences between them and people who are able to control their anger and violent impulses. 
 The impact of the murders on the lives of so many people was also fascinating. I was so happy for Al Dewey - he was finally able to solve the case (with others, of course) and move on with his life. It was interesting to hear so little from the surviving Clutter daughters, but completely understandable. It was nice to see that Nancy's friends seem to have moved forward in life. 
 It was a fascinating read. I give it 4.5/5 stars.