The Black Dahlia
The Black Dahlia
Book Brief
Beta348
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles, California • 1940s
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy follows the story of two Los Angeles Police Department officers investigating the brutal murder of a young woman. Set in 1947, the novel explores the dark underbelly of Hollywood, police corruption, and the psychological impact on the individuals involved in solving the case.
Reviews & Readership
93,460 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
James Ellroy's The Black Dahlia delves into a gripping, noir-inspired tale filled with dark, complex characters and a richly atmospheric 1940s Los Angeles setting. Praised for its captivating narrative and intense psychological depth, some find the prose overly dense and the plot convoluted. Overall, an engaging yet challenging read that leaves a lasting impact.
Who Should Read The Black Dahlia?
Readers who enjoy gritty and complex crime novels with richly detailed historical settings will appreciate The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy. Fans of classic noir like Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep or modern dark mysteries such as Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl will find its suspenseful, atmospheric storytelling compelling.
93,460 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Black Dahlia was inspired by the real-life unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short, and James Ellroy's personal connection to crime, as his own mother was a murder victim.
Ellroy's novel is the first book in his "L.A. Quartet" series, setting the tone for a gritty, noir vision of mid-20th century Los Angeles.
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The complex language and detailed, atmospheric descriptions in The Black Dahlia have contributed to Ellroy's reputation as the "Demon Dog of American Crime Fiction."
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348
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles, California • 1940s
2006
Adult
18+ years
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