If you're interested in the Clutter family murders,

[raccoon]

in the book MOCKINGBIRD (a bio of Harper Lee), in the chapter about Lee helping Capote research the crime, she had some interesting things to say about the Clutter family. They were an emotionally troubled family.
It sounds like Herbert Clutter was very controlling.

[mitchum]

1. I've always picked that up from "In Cold Blood"...

Herb suing the pilot who crashed into his precious apple trees. Also referenced as "Lord of the Clutter spread"

Bonnie the mother who lived in her bedroom like some kind of neurasthenic character in a Tennessee Williams play

Teenage Nancy who "had to" assume so many adult responsibilities due to her mother's withdrawal

The elder daughter who held her wedding early since all of the relatives were already in town for the funeral!

[raccoon]

2. That woman having her wedding early took the rag off the bush,

(if you'll excuse the expression :-) ) as far as I'm concerned, too.

And Nancy taking on so much responsibility and Bonnie's occasional spells of depression or whatever, it sounds like the same dynamics as a family where there is active alcoholism.

I'd forgotten the details you mentioned about Herb Clutter.

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

3. the mom had some kind of emotional problems.

I remember thinking that she had agro, er, agora. Shoot, what is it? Or maybe it was depression.

Also, the day of the murders, Capote lists all the daughters chores. I could have just gone back to bed if I was faced with that busy of a schedule.

And Clutter struck me as 'lord of the manner' too.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll have to read the book.

[calico1]

4. Anyone know what's become of the two

older Clutter children?

[calico1]

5. I found this article:

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2005/apr/04/sisters_family_surviving/

I find it kind of strange that on the one hand the daughters and Bonnie's brother are vehemently against Capote's portrayal of the family, yet on the other hand they have always refused to be interviewed or talk about it.