A review by jdcorley
Because the Night by James Ellroy

dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Ellroy finds his feet in this second volume of the Lloyd Hopkins trilogy.  Hopkins himself seems more real, and the lead woman character also seems to be given a bit more psychological leeway by Ellroy (she does remain a sex worker, though - roll your eyes at Ellroy now folks).  Most importantly, Hopkins' unknown enemy, a truly awful cult leader, is given both flaws and strengths, moves and counter-moves by Ellroy. You do think about half way through that there's a strong possibility that he will win, which is almost unheard of in a cop novel. Ultimately it's the mastery of character that makes this a fantastic read, not the somewhat generic depiction of L.A. in the eighties. Incredible jump in quality after the first novel.