More considered reviews of this classic are many, I'm sure, so no point me quickly trying to repeat them here.

The writing style is comparable to the other great novels - fiction or otherwise. The ability of the reader to empathise with each of the characters mentioned is beyond compare with any other book I've read.

My one small quibble is the section describing the psychiatric profile of Smith and Hickock. By including the scientific description of what was already clear from the well written text, in my view Capote pedestrianises that section.

Otherwise perfect, often coming close to making us feel sympathy for the killers, but never crossing that tipping point - the final few paragraphs a magnificent example of that.