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writermattphillips's review against another edition
4.0
This novel plodded a bit in the first third, but it turned into a touching and unique hardboiled tale. The knot tightens and tightens...Until it unravels. Interesting first novel.
matt4hire's review against another edition
4.0
It's not bad. The lead character's interesting, the plot keeps you going. But...it's definitely Ellroy's first novel, you can tell that much just while reading. Pretty much for completists only.
jimmypat's review against another edition
4.0
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Ellroy’s first novel, but I wasn’t expecting something this good! Granted, it isn’t as good as the LA Quartet novels, but it crackles with energy and hints at the verve and dynamism that he would show later.
monbeausoleil's review against another edition
2.5
Lu à Bali en sac à dos. Écrit en français de France des années 80 donc je n’ai pas compris certains mots et certaines expressions. Livre policier correct au début qui devient légèrement meilleur rendu à la moitié. Je ne conseillerais pas.
iainkelly_writing's review against another edition
5.0
Filling in a couple of gaps in the Ellroy back catalogue, and starting with his first novel. A story in the style of Chandler, with hints of the themes that Ellroy goes on to expand and obsess over through his career. The style that makes his voice unique is not there yet, but you can sense it coming. A good read in its own right.
jwmcoaching's review against another edition
3.0
This is the template for everything that came after. Ellroy's 50's/60's fiction can all be traced to this debut effort. Although set in 1980, the setting, tone, and entire feel of the novel is pure vintage, mid-century Ellroy. Although this isn't a great novel, it's a decent kickoff for Ellroy's impressive career.
kyaretta456's review against another edition
3.0
Ho finalmente compreso la frase "come scrittore hai del potenziale". Un Ellroy prima che diventasse tale
nadyne's review against another edition
3.0
The first book I read of Ellroy was also the first one he published. And it wasn't what I expected, but I hear his later books are better, as he is grown as a writer then.