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This book has been described as one that, once read, will make you want to force everyone you know to read it. In fact this was how I was introduced to it, a friend of mine literally thrust it into my hands. I must admit that when I was first handed it I was apprehensive, being not overly fond of crime and "noir" novels, but I was most certainly pleasantly surprised.

Lee "Mr. Fire" Blanchard and Bucky "Mr. Ice" Bleichert are officers in the Los Angeles police force. They are flung together after the powers that be decide that a boxing match between the two men, who were both semi-famous amateur boxers in their youth, will boost the low reputation of the force. They become firm friends and partners, and enter into a bizarre three-way relationship with Lee's girlfriend, Kay Lake. The three lead a relatively peaceful existence until the gruesome discovery of the body of Elizabeth Short, otherwise known as "The Black Dahlia".

Lee and Bucky become obsessed with the case, and risk their careers and lives in the pursuit of justice. Bucky's blossoming relationship with Kay is all but destroyed and he seeks solace in the arms of socialite and Black Dahlia lookalike, Madeleine Sprague. Lee becomes more and more volatile as he searches desperately for the girl's killer, and both Bucky and Lee have to face their worst fears and their own downfalls.

This book is beautifully written, drawing you in from the outset. Although some of the LA slang and terminology was beyond my understanding, I still found myself becoming very attached to all the characters. Ellroy has a unique way of describing people that, while subtle, gives you a very detailed picture of the whole scene and makes it play almost like a movie in your head. Even though most of the characters are not immediately likable, you find yourself identifying with their imperfections and liking them for the very things that make them so cruel. Bucky makes for an engaging and dark antihero, and his desire to do the right thing is met at every turn by all the brutality that our own humanity has to offer. And, despite being dead, you find yourself being drawn into the world of the Black Dahlia, until you are hypothesizing all on your own about what happened to her.

Ellroy's obvious personal obsession with the case is very prevalent throughout and is almost as interesting as the novel itself. He was clearly fascinated by the case, and is one of a growing group of people who wish to see it solved. Although the novel is only very loosely based on fact, the hypothesis in it are well thought out and are very believable.

As a whole, this is a must read for any crime or true crime enthusiast, and a brilliant first read if you are thinking of venturing into the genre. So, as the book was thrust upon me I thrust it upon all of you, in the hope that it will become as treasured a part of your book collection as it has of mine.

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