Sure was. The book was meticulously researched and documented to present an accurate account of the tragic events it portrays. Truman Capote spent a lot of time interviewing and gathering information to make it as true to life as possible.
The themes in 'In Cold Blood: A True Story' include the idea of the American Dream gone wrong. The Clutter family seemed to be living the dream, but then they were brutally murdered. It also delves into the theme of human nature. Are people born evil or made evil? The book makes you think about that as you learn about the killers' backgrounds and motives.