Angel in Black

Nathan Heller #11

by Max Allan Collins

The newspapers dubbed her The Black Dahila. Nathan Heller knew her -- intimately -- as Elizabeth Short. To discover the identity of the fiend who destroyed her, Heller must lay bare the terrifying truth behind Hollywood's make-believe facade.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Crime, Noir, Detective, Historical

421 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2001

About the author

Received the Shamus Award, "The Eye" (Lifetime achievment award) in 2006.

He has also published under the name Patrick Culhane. He and his wife, Barbara Collins, have written several books together. Some of them are published under the name Barbara Allan.

Book Awards
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1984) : True Detective
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1992) : Stolen Away
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1995) : Carnal Hours
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1997) : Damned in Paradise
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1999) : Flying Blind: A Novel about Amelia Earhart
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (2002) : Angel in Black

Japanese: マックス・アラン・コリンズ
or マックス・アラン コリンズ

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the books in Max Allan Collins' series featuring Chicago detective Nate Heller. Heller gets involved in historical cases and this one is the murder of "the Black Dahlia." Heller conducts his own unofficial investigation into this 1947 murder which occurred in L.A.
Written in a most entertaining style, the story moves at a fast pace. Above all, Collins has done meticulous research and offers his own alternate solution to the murder.

[Tim Schneider · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heller is back with a big case. Maybe the big case. The Black Dahlia case. For the two of you who don't already know, Elizabeth Short, aka, The Black Dahlia, was found dead, exsanguinated and cut in half in a vacant lot in Leimert Park, Los Angeles on January 15, 1947. The sensational nature of the crime coupled with the fact that she was a beautiful young lady, made the case a headline sensation. In the years since, it has been written about in fact and fiction, made into theatrical and television movies. It's still one of those famous unsolved mysteries.

And therein lies the problem and why this is the first Heller novel that felt pretty unnecessary. It's not like Heller hasn't dealt with big cases before (the Lindbergh baby, Amelia Earhardt). For me, I think, the issue is that this case was already subject to a very serious, and very popular, neo-noir treatment by James Ellroy in 1987. So Collins treading the same general story, if not in the same way, fourteen years later seems kind of unnecessary. Maybe if I'd read this first I'd feel differently. But I didn't.

And it's not just that. Heller himself says at the very end of the book that there are a lot of coincidences in this case. And throughout the book he says many times that "Detectives don't believe in coincidences." And that's the problem. What Collins has given us is a story that is built on coincidence after coincidence. And ultimately it just feels forced. I don't mind Collins' solution to who killed Elizabeth Short. At least it's not the same old suspects. But I don't love it either because it relies on another huge level of coincidence. This isn't a bad book. If you're a Heller fan and you're not super familiar with the case, you will probably like it. But, for me, it is by far the weakest entry thus far.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Atmospheric, vividly told if misogynistic detective fiction. I don't read a whole lot of this genre, and have never read any of Max Allan Collins' books prior to this 2001 effort. The author assuredly has a gift for vivid, historically accurate scene-setting and enjoyably salty (yet coarse) dialogue, although the forced alpha-male posturing gets a bit wearying. This particular book puts Collins' regular detective, pragmatic He-Man Nathan Heller, in the aftermath of the most notorious real-life murder in 1940s Los Angeles. Yep, it's the gruesome slaying of aspiring actress Elizabeth Short, a.k.a. the Black Dahlia. The plot picks up on the theory that Short's heinous murder served as a message from one slimy mob boss to another about the consequences of squealing to the cops. Despite the fact that Nathan Heller never emerges as a particularly complex or interesting character (compared with somebody like John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee, anyhow), the story itself has enough twists and turns to make it intriguing enough. Fans of 1940s L.A. and Hollywood will enjoy this more than others.

[Michael Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another interesting mix of real events and the fictional Nathan Heller A-1 Detective. He is expanding to LA and is one of the people who finds the body of Elizabeth Short ( the Black Dahlia ). To try and hide his knowledge of the lady he is working with the Hearst papers and the police to hunt down the real killer. The links to Hollywood, the two leading gangsters of the post war era in LA and his own family issues cloud the matter until leads open to tie in with the serial murders in Cleveland where Heller and Elliot Ness worked to solve.

[David Highton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another clever Nate Heller book, inserting him into historic events - in this case the infamous Black Dahlia mystery of 1947. The Heller character carries the story in the first person and he is a very well written hard-bitten private eye.

[Neilie J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fictionalization of the Black Dahlia murder made me want to read more about the actual case. Heller's a truly ambiguous character in this one; never exactly a good guy even on his best days, here he reveals a few more of the unattractive skeletons in his closet. Collins does a good job of calling up the ghosts of Hollywood past and revealing the sleaze that's always just under the surface.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Heller book and consider me a convert if the other books are anything like this.

Being a fan of true crime, I am obviously interested in the Black Dahlia murder and this book does a great job of melding the reality with fiction. L.A. of the 1940s was truly Hollywood’s golden age and was a hotbed of now legendary characters, both famous and infamous, and it is highly entertaining to see these people interact. Even if your only knowledge of the period is the movie LA Confidential, many of the names will jump out at you. I liked the mix of fact and fiction, and I want to go back and refresh myself on the case, this book has certainly revived my interest in the subject. Having played LA Noire, it’s a case where characters I didn’t realise were real people (but probably should have) jump out at you. The entire writing style of the book is like a modern take on Raymond Chandler, your very classic hard-boiled detective but with a modern smoother flow. As a fan of detectives like Marlowe and Nero Wolf, this novel touches on a lot of my interests simultaneously.

The characters are well fleshed out and believable, with Nathan standing out strongly as a sympathetic yet flawed character, someone I will enjoy finding out more about because I fully intend to read the other books in the series.

As a fan of true crime, LA Confidential and LA Noire, this book hit all the buttons and I really enjoyed it.

[Richard Block · Rating 2 out of 5]

No Coincidence

MAC finally strikes out with a Heller story. In this slice of noir historical fiction, MAC puts Heller in with the Black Dahlia case - the LA story of the hooker cut in half - and badly mashes it, despite his trademark wit. He seems aware of the novel's failings, even early on - he warns the reader that the tale is full of and driven by co-incidences.

Spoiler alert - don't read on if you intend to read this book. The usual Heller book is full of twists and turns and this one has more than its fair share of twists. The problem is, MAC puts Heller at the centre of the mystery in order to drive the action, with a whopping co-incidence. You see, Heller not only knows Elizabeth Short - she was a girlfriend of his. He has a motive to find out who done it - and that is a no no in noir writing. The other massive flaw is the way Heller and Eliot Ness (Heller's buddy, of course) unearth the real killer but do not drag him to the cops or the insane asylum. This is utterly ridiculous, especially in the circumstances. This has repercussions that puts Heller's wife in harms way. It is all to0 much.

In fact, it is a mess. Not a totally unenjoyable mess, but a mess nonetheless. I have finally found a stinker from MAC - and this is it.

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Nathan Heller becomes ensconced in the Black Dahlia murder in Hollywood while on his honeymoon. Writer Max Allan Collins does his research and weaves a story that purportedly "solves" the gruesome 1947 death of young beauty Elizabeth Short, with Nathan at the center of the action. Lots of real life figures appear, including stars like Orson Welles and Mob characters, and they all move the story forward. Though not completely unique, the historical fiction Heller series makes for a good read. Detective Heller is not always a sympathetic figure, occasionally reacting emotionally where a cooler head would benefit him more. The dialogue is very good, and the supporting characters well drawn. The story moves at a nice pace, with only a modest amount of "recapping", i.e. reviewing the events previously described. My only criticism is that there are an awful lot of characters in the book and it left my little brain overwhelmed at times at keeping them straight. Otherwise, a good read.

[Dan Downing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Max Allan Collins has been slow to work his way onto my shelves. This 2001 effort appeared in a local used book sale, and I was happy to pick it up for a buck. And now it has proven well worth that, although I am glad I did not spring 50 for it. I thought it a bit slow and a bit thin, although the history and detail were well done and the characters developed. The hard guy dialogue and period tough talk were fine. The theory worked up about the murder of The Black Dahlia was intriguing. A diverting read, no doubt.
I was surprised, but not shocked, by the extensive acknowledgments ("I Owe Them One") at the end. To have it I thought was an elegant gesture, but I do wonder why James Ellroy wasn't mentioned. He did, after all, write a book called "The Black Dahlia" and her murder figures heavily in his autobiographical work and fiction. Ah well, one can toss just so many bouquets.

[Jeannette Hartman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The harrowing story of Elizabeth Short (the Black Dahlia), whose naked, severed body was found posed on a vacant lot in L.A.'s Leimert Park neighborhood in 1947, has never been solved.

Here, Max Allan Collins gives his hero, private investigator Nate Heller, a chance to do so. Heller is on a working honeymoon setting up a second office for his agency in L.A. He had a dalliance with Short in Chicago during a break in his relationship with his now-wife.

He is with a newspaper reporter when the call comes in about the discovery of the body. Heller believes that he's at risk for being considered a suspect. He manages to stay in the thick of the investigation and one by one discredits the alternative theories of who killed her.

It's a stretch to understand how a private citizen who doesn't even live in L.A. could stay attached to this murder investigation. His relationship with Short seems a little contrived. He's also overturning theories about the murder that didn't even exist for decades after the murder.

At the end of the book, a retired Heller is doing one last check on the case and comes to a conclusion. Reading the book is good way to get some vivid historical background as well as an overview of all the theories proposed about who killed the Black Dahlia.

[Daniel McTaggart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Allan Collins is a master at using historical figures in a fictional context. That's why I love these Heller novels. He has an insight to particular celebrities that I can't get by watching movies or documentaries, or by reading biographies. People like Marilyn Monroe, JFK, and Eliot Ness, I need to experience them alive. That's why I will always pick up a Heller book. Good read guaranteed every damn time.

[Allen Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grim, But Compelling...
When Max Allan Collins "plays with history," the finished product is always intriguing to me. Fascinated by the Black Dahlia case and the fact that it remains unsolved after all these years, this book was a great read for me. Always love Collins' descriptions and dialogue, and of course, it really evokes the mood of the era. A good, solid read and an intriguing premise. Grisly stuff, but a satisfying conclusion for me!

[Michele Zuniga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Movie Stars and Murder

Being a historical fiction buff, I especially appreciate the research Max Alan Collins has done of the post WWII Hollywood and the evidence he uses to support his theories about unsolved murders. I like the clues we are given about Nate Heller’s future -to-be son who takes over his business. I loved the portrait of genius Orson Wells and the description of Hollywood in those days.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, one of my favorite Heller novels. Rather than just putting Heller on the case, Mr Collins makes Heller a suspect, requiring him to prove his innocence.
Personally I find the black dahlia case incredibly interesting. This is the fourth novel on the subjective I've read, and my favorite.
A bit of a different entry to the Heller series, putting our hero in more Peril than usual. Definitely give this one a read!

[Dave Sikula · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty run-of-the-mill outing for Heller. I don't know that I agree with his conclusions on who murdered Beth Short, but it's entertaining enough. I will say, though, that Collins probably ought to lay off the sex scenes; not just because they're repetitious, but also because they're not all that well-written. (Sorry, Max.)

[Jeff J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

12th book in this historical mystery series. Nathan Heller finds himself in the middle of the Black Dahlia murder investigation. Since this is set in Los Angeles there are a lot of Hollywood cameos, but the only one to play a substantive role in the story is Orion Welles. As always the author’s afterword, distinguishing fact fro fiction, is much appreciated.

[Geicodave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

Entertaining crime novel based on the 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short, popularly known as The Black Dahlia. It was a ghastly murder which has fascinated true crime fans for decades and generated several novels. The murder remains unsolved to this day, although theories abound, and will most likely remain so.

[Sarina Martens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this story although sometimes it is hard to follow and it got me confused at times. I know the case this is about and it is a nice, albeit not entirely correct, translation of it in a captivating story.

[Nita · Rating 1 out of 5]

rough language

[Willem van den Oever · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK detective thriller, although the amount of coincidences began to bother me pretty early on. Is there any person out there with whom Nate Heller ISN'T familiar..?

[Douglas Hancock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heller Investigates the Black Dahlia

A fresh, if fictionalized, look at the Black Dahlia murder case. I've read several books about the murder and this was one of them. ;)

[Charlie Eckhaus]

The opening scene is at the scene of the crime and Heller has history with the victim.

Very smooth writing makes this a breeze to read. Not much sleuthing, though.

Lack of sleuthing remedied quickly and in creative direction.

The marital relationship seemed peculiar.

Unexpected but logical tie-in with Ness.

[David Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Nathan Heller wants to do is get some publicity for the new Los Angeles branch of his A-1 Detective Agency and then get on with his honeymoon. Instead the reporter he is with stumbles over a body. This is not any murder case. The woman's body has been cut in half and carefully arranged. Thus begins the most disturbing Nathan Heller novel to date. The body that they have discovered is none other than the Black Dahlia. This is one of the most sensational murders in the history of Los Angeles. Before it is all over they will encounter the heavily corrupted police force, mobsters, thieves, and the most sadistic killer that Heller has ever had to face. All the while he is helping to solve the case he keeps one important piece of information to himself: he knew the victim. Along the way Heller rubs shoulders with old friends and makes some new enemies.

After the last two rather disappointing novels it feels like the old Heller is back. The story doesn't feel stretched and belabored like the previous two. The hardest part of this book is the discussion of the actual slaying. The Black Dahlia case was a horrendous murder. Hearing details about the sadistic killing is can be just a little unsettling. It's a great book and an excellent chapter in the Nathan Heller saga.

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 3 out of 5]

Semi-spoiler alert: The tale opens in a vacant lot where Nate Heller and a reporter are looking over a body of a young woman. The flies are buzzing around the corpse (or actually the two halves of the corpse), which is also gruesomely mutilated. Things get worse from that point because Heller realizes that he knows the woman and he can't say anything about that.

This story takes place just after WW II in Los Angeles where Heller has decided to expand his Chicago-based A-1 Detective Agency. He has also just married a woman with whom he has had a tempestuous on-and-off romance going through several previous stories. There a lot of things that hang over Nate like a dark cloud --- and that cloud doesn't go away as the story rolls out.

For me, the mystery of the "Black Dahlia"......an unsolved crime is just too bleak, too tortured, too convoluted, to be satisfying. But, Collins makes it work and his ability to take you back to this period in Los Angeles' history is remarkable as you make the clubs, see the movie stars and take in the ambiance.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, I enjoyed Max Allen Collins' take on this well known Los Angeles crime. His characterization of Elizabeth Short is not as sympathetic as others have portrayed her. None of her harsh edges are rounded in this account. She is however still the center of the action, and you are immersed into the time, the place as only Collins can do. As the tale unfolds, you can only feel sympathy for Elizabeth Short, and want justice for her. And despite the fact that you KNOW how the story ends, Collins gives you a bit of closure. Nathan Heller I do not hold in as high esteem as I did before, however. He's not the bad guy in all this, but he too is less than sympathetic - and may have necessary to establish sympathy for this unadorned version of Beth Short.

[Nancy Zorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot believe how long this book sat on my bookshelf. Just waiting. Angel in Black wins the Unexpected Good Read of the Year award. Apparently, Max Allan Collins is known for fictionalizing real-life mysteries. Who knew? A mystery involving the Black Dahlia? Color me in. As I read, I kept thinking “this part has to be something he made up.” Turns out most of that stuff was the true stuff. Crazy. Hey! Max Allan Collins! I'm your new fan girl.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a detective book wherein the main character finds himself in the middle of the famous black dahlia murder that took place in L.A. in 1937. Sort of like in Forrest Gump, the main character interacts with all kinds of historical personages from that era, including Orson Welles and Elliot Ness, and various actors and actresses from that time.

[Luci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one quite a bit. Snappy dialogue and a bunch of famous cameos. Not too thrilled with how women are portrayed in this book but it still as fast paced and entertaining. Collins does overuse phrases throughout: ex. "lushly lipsticked mouth" but his characterizations are well done. I will definitely continue reading this series.

[Tara · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this didn't solve the Black Dahlia mystery for me, an entertaining read. As with every book on the subject, it leaves you with a very hollow feeling at the end when you think about the real victim of this horrific crime.