Crime wave / James Ellroy Book

I was curious what James Ellroy's non fiction would look like outside a novel setting and, well... he passed the test with flying colors as usual.

The first two essays are particularly powerful as they zero-in on a crime, just like Ellroy's novels and slowly introduce the authorial perception and reveal the degree of obsession and focus the grandmaster takes to the task whenever he sits behind the keyboard. His pieces are stark, almost voyeuristic in their attention to detail and communicate the violence of murder as much as its transcendent nature.

I thought the novellas were a little weak for Ellroy's usual material, especially Gretchell where he indulges in alliteration for way, way too long. I love when Ellroy alliterates, but when it's on every line for eighty pages it starts to get a little overboard.

Anyway, this is another strong entry in James Ellroy's cannon. People who love his work like I do will enjoy the heck out of it.