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The Black Dahlia (L.A. Quartet, #1)

James Ellroy

Start date: October 1, 2013

Finish date: October 31, 2013

Discussion: Group Reads Discussions

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By Diane , Armchair Tour Guide · 3 posts · 1371 views

last updated Jan 18, 2013 07:12PM

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What Members Thought

Dec 06, 2017 Karen rated it it was ok

Shelves: 1001

I honestly didn't like the graphic violence and depravity in this book. Ellroy's afterward was interesting, because he explains how he became enthralled with the Black Dahlia case. The author follows the details of the murder case with accuracy of what is available about the case. ...more

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May 29, 2023 Sylvie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Story good.
Plot good.
My only mistake? Read it is French.
Translated by Freddy Michalski: bad bad bad
Editions Rivage: bad bad bad … not even sure they did a proof reading.

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May 14, 2013 Suzanne rated it really liked it

Shelves: mysteries

I was poking around on the internet, trying to figure out the difference between hard-boiled vs. noir mysteries, and found that James Ellroy is the quintessential example of noir. And this novel sure fits the label! Very dark, gritty, graphic, and filled with flawed characters. It's the time frame, I know, but the language and police brutality are pretty shocking. I couldn't take a steady diet of this genre, but I did not want to put this book down! ...more

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Apr 13, 2013 Rachel N. rated it liked it

The fictional tale of the real life Black Dahlia murder which occurred in Los Angeles in 1947. The story is told from the POV of Bucky Bleichert an LAPD cop who gets pulled into the investigation along with his partner Lee Blanchard. The story was well told and the solution believable but the story is very dark. Only one character is even remotely likable. Hard to read when I really didn't like the main character. ...more

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Dec 29, 2012 Tanya rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: list-1001-btrbyd, format-audiobook

I had a hard time reading the end. Looked up lots of details of the case on the Internet as I read. Afterward was quite interesting too. So tragic a tale and I am glad to have this book behind me. Read for the 1,001 BTRBYD challenge.

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