Devin NagelK. JamesCollege Comp IIMarch 31, 2014Summary Review: In Cold BloodThis novel takes place in Holcomb, Kansas. The Clutters live locally at River Valley Farm. It's very clear from the book's introduction that they are going to be murdered. The story takes place between this family and Perry Smith and Dick Hickock. The Clutters continue their daily activities, having no idea what awaits them. Dick and Perry slowly make their way to the Clutter farm, with an evil plan to carry out. As they head towards the farm, the duo makes stops for supplies. Perry came up on parole, but finding no old friend, he agrees to work with Dick. Capote goes back and forth between characters, without any correlation, only to find out who is more important at any given point in the case. Dick and Perry finally arrive at the Clutter house. Capote leaves the murders aside for the moment and instead focuses on the city. As the murders are announced throughout the city, everyone is afraid and no one feels safe. Meanwhile, Perry sleeps in a hotel and Dick visits his family, intending to escape as soon as possible. Also introduced is Alvin Dewey, the KBI's lead investigator. Dewey becomes extremely stressed about the case, as Dick and Perry begin their spree of writing bad checks in an attempt to make a quick buck. Dick and Perry head to Mexico, where they intend to hide. They end up living in a hotel in Mexico City and are completely broke, so they eventually have to leave to avoid further charges. Perry is also deeply developed, as the novel looks back at his family background, through old letters. His entire family is in ruins, but he has always been closest to his...... middle of paper ......ies explained, Dick and Perry's execution is all that remains to happen . Capote objects to the death penalty, all but pleading that Perry is insane. Since the psychologist does not know whether Perry is crazy or not, the court quickly closes this escape route. The impending death of Perry and Dick makes the reader feel divided between the two, where they would prefer Dick to put to death and let Perry live, if the reader chooses for Perry to be insane. Capote completes the novel twice; once through newspaper articles, then again through Dewey's eyes. Capote attempts to suppress the feelings the reader has developed with Dick and Perry by referring to them only by their last name. As the executions are recounted, Perry shows signs of insanity and is subsequently hanged. This leaves the reader feeling the pathos that Capote used to construct the Perry character in question...