The Black Dahlia, James Ellroy, 1987
(MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS)
My favorite quote: “The longer I listened, the more they talked about themselves, interweaving their sad tales with the story of the Black Dahlia, who they actually believed to be a glamorous siren headed for Hollywood stardom. It was as if they would have traded their own lives for a juicy front-page death.”
Notable characters: Dwight “Bucky” Bliechert, a boxer-turned-police officer; Lee Blanchard, his buddy and fellow officer who becomes as obsessed with the Black Dahlia case as Bucky; Kay Lake, the woman both men are in love with (if Bucky, Kay, and Lee had Facebook pages, their relationship status would definitely say “it’s complicated.” Not that they had Facebook in the 40s — I’m pretty sure they only had MySpace then — but the point is, it’s complicated)
Most memorable scene: The discovery of Elizabeth Short’s mutilated corpse, which is not only historically accurate but written James Ellroy-style, which is to say, you won’t forget it. *shudders* I mean, who does that to a person?? Ye gads
Greatest strengths: Character development. But then, it’s James Ellroy, so that’s to be expected. The characters in The Black Dahlia — like the characters in all James Ellroy’s books — are relatable and life-like. Even when you don’t like them, you kinda like them
Standout achievements: The Black Dahlia is a crime fiction novel based on the unsolved 1947 murder of a woman named Elizabeth Short. While remaining true to the known facts, James Ellroy picks up where the real case left off, and I think he did it well. I admire that. It takes guts (no pun intended)
Fun Facts: The Black Dahlia is the first book in James Ellroy’s LA Quartet series, all of which take place in Los Angeles in the 1940s and 1950s. The books, in order, are The Black Dahlia, The Big Nowhere, L.A. Confidential, and White Jazz
Other media: There’s a 2006 movie of the same name starring Josh Hartnett, Scarlett Johansen, and Hilary Swank, directed by Brian De Palma. Sounds pretty good, right? Well, it isn’t. I know James Ellroy sang its praises and everything, and you can’t argue with the author’s vision — but really? It’s a hot mess, you guys. Without the hot part, though
What it taught me: The Black Dahlia’s body was discovered by some lady taking her young daughter for a walk one day, and I’ll bet that little girl was traumatized for life. That’s why if I ever come across a woman cut in half in an empty lot near a sidewalk, I’m just going to keep walking. Let somebody else deal with that shit, you know? I mean, what are you going to do — go ask if she wants a glass of water or something? She’s cut in half. I doubt very much that people who are cut in half even get thirsty, so there’s really nothing you can do for her. So, that’s what this book taught me: to mind my own business and just keep walking
How it inspired me: James Ellroy’s writing ‘voice’ is one of things that has made his work so famous — and it’s the kind that gets into your head. Sometimes, I still wake up with James Ellory whispering in my ear and I’m like, “Dammit, James Ellroy! Shush!” But he doesn’t shush … he just keeps talking and talking
Additional thoughts: I know everyone thinks they’ve pegged the Black Dahlia’s murderer (including James Ellroy) but I’m not entirely convinced they’ve got the guy. I think there are too many missing pieces (no pun intended) to wrap it up just yet. What really amazes me is that no one has even considered the possibility that aliens were involved. I mean, there’s no proof it wasn’t aliens and that can only mean only one thing, right? It was definitely aliens
Hit or miss: Hit. Because it’s James Ellroy
Haunt me: alistaircross.com
Alistair Cross 