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The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy
3.0

This is a book more about the investigation team and the media circus around the real life Black Dahlia murder told as a fictional story of the two detectives focused on solving the case. The first few chapters gives their backstory, particularly that of Dwight Bleichert and how he meets his partner Lee Blanchard through their boxing ability. The murder itself plays a small role in the overall story in terms of actual events but the ghost of Elizabeth Short haunts both men for the rest of the book, driving their professional and personal decisions. Set in 1940s LA this is a gritty, grimy story far removed from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood that attracts so many, including Liz Short, to the city. There are several sub plots that show the level of corruption and bribery going on in the city at the time and how this affected even the cleanest of detectives. Unlike real life, the case is resolved in a way in this book and thanks to the sub plots and winding way that Ellroy tells the story, which may or may not put you off, it is not an easy solve to see coming.