New book may change how the world reads “In Cold Blood”

TULSA — In 1959, four members of the Herb Clutter family were brutally murdered in their Holcomb, Kansas home - a case which became the subject of a work by Truman Capote, entitled “In Cold Blood.”

It remains the second-best selling “true crime” book ever written, but a lot of evidence has surfaced that it actually contained a number of factual errors and even fabricated scenes and conversations.

Now, a new book is out detailing some of the more disturbing questions about the murders, and the subsequent investigation.

The title of “And Every Word is True” is taken from a quote by Capote about his book.

[Hear our entire interview with Ron Nye HERE, or click on the audio player below]

It was written by Gary McAvoy, a dealer in memorabilia and historic documents, and Ron Nye, the son of former Director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation Harold Nye.

[Hear our entire interview with Gary McAvoy HERE, or click on the audio player below]

Ron Nye lives in Oklahoma City, and became well known for his work with survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing.

Harold was one of the primary investigators of the Clutter murders, and he took copious notes on every aspect of that investigation.

He was never happy with how the case was portrayed by Capote, nor with the subsequent film based on Capote’s book.

When Ron Nye decided to sell his father’s case notes, along with two first-edition copies of Capote books inscribed by the author, he approached McAvoy.

The KBI learned about the pending auction, and sued - trying to block the copies of case files, and Harold Nye’s notes, from becoming public.

That, in turn, led McAvoy into an investigation of the contents of those notes and materials, and he’s reached some startling conclusions about what may have been the true motivation behind the killings.

The KBI lost its case, and last week, lost its appeal - and has been ordered to pay Nye and McAvoy's legal fees. (Article in the Washington Post)

“And Every Word is True” is available online.

Learn more on the book's website.