The Black Dahlia

by James Ellroy
The Black Dahlia cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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  • ID: 8894
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781446492642
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2011-10-31
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Black Dahlia is a gripping crime novel set in post-war Los Angeles, where the discovery of a gruesomely murdered woman, Elizabeth Short, dubbed 'The Black Dahlia' by the press, sends shockwaves through the city. Detectives Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard are drawn into the case, which becomes a personal obsession for both men. As they delve deeper into the victim's life, they uncover a web of deceit, passion, and insanity that challenges their own sanity and professionalism. The novel is renowned for its meticulous research and vivid portrayal of 1940s Los Angeles, offering a chilling exploration of the darker side of human nature. /n/n Praised for its extraordinary writing and mesmerizing study of psycho-sexual obsession, The Black Dahlia is considered one of the outstanding crime novels of its generation. It's a tale that intertwines ambition, insanity, passion, and deceit, making it a compelling read for fans of crime fiction and psychological thrillers.

Reviews
Atticus Books · 2025-12-22
provocative 3.00

The book contains a lot of period-accurate racism, which might be off-putting to some readers. Despite this, the narrative is gripping and well-crafted.

The reviewer acknowledges the presence of significant racism in the book, which is period-accurate but still challenging to read. They appreciate the author's ability to create a tense and engaging narrative that keeps the reader hooked. The story's complexity and the way it intertwines multiple perspectives are particularly noteworthy. The reviewer suggests that while the content can be difficult, the overall quality of the writing and the depth of the characters make it a worthwhile read. They also mention that the book's exploration of the psychological impact of the crime adds layers to the story beyond the typical crime fiction.

Quick quotes

    There is a lot of racism in this book.

    It's no doubt period-accurate, but it's there all the same.

    The narrative is gripping and well-crafted.

Petrina Binney · Petrina Binney · 2021-10-31
visceral 4.50

The story is visceral and bloody, with unflinching writing that can be intense. The depth of the research and the thoroughness of the narrative are impressive.

Petrina Binney describes the book as an awesome story that is both visceral and bloody, requiring the reader to look away at times due to its intensity. They praise the author's thorough and unflinching writing style, which adds a layer of realism to the narrative. The reviewer also highlights the meticulous research that went into the book, making the setting and characters feel authentic. They appreciate the psychological depth of the story, which goes beyond the typical crime fiction and delves into the darker aspects of human nature. The reviewer concludes that the book is a compelling read that stays with the reader long after finishing it.

Quick quotes

    An awesome story, visceral and bloody, I had to look away from the page from time to time because the writing is thorough and unflinching.

    The writing is thorough and unflinching.

    The book is a compelling read that stays with the reader long after finishing it.

The Independent · 2011-05-27
engrossing 3.50

The novel is not a straightforward fictionalization of the murder investigation but rather an exploration of the case's impact on those involved. It delves deep into the psychological and emotional toll of the crime.

The reviewer highlights that this novel is not just another crime story but a profound exploration of how a brutal murder affects the lives of those who are part of the investigation. They appreciate the depth of character development and the way the narrative weaves together historical facts with fictional elements. The book's strength lies in its ability to convey the darkness and complexity of the human psyche, making it a compelling read beyond the typical crime drama. The reviewer also notes that the novel's setting and atmosphere are meticulously crafted, adding to the overall impact of the story.

Quick quotes

    Ellroy's novel isn't a straight fictionalisation of the murder investigation.

    It's really about the effect the case has on its characters.

    The book was meticulously researched and bore the psychic imprint of my quarter century's immersion.

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