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ohmyvisage's review against another edition
5.0
Tl;Dr Leslie Dillon killed Elizabeth Short and got away with it because he was a pimp for Mark Hansen, who was able to get his friend Thad Brown (chief of detectives in the LAPD) to hush it up. Brown's brother, Finis, was a bagman for Hansen, so that was leverage to get the fix in.
Absolutely masterful piece of historical research that, in my opinion, completely solves the case that has been in the public eye for almost 80 years. Eatwell makes the case while also putting the kibosh against other suspects, with a particularly good beatdown on the theory George Hodel did it.
All this is delivered with addictively readable prose that, at times, feels Ellrovian. Plenty of foot notes also help build the case and reference back to things that happen, making it easy for a reader to cross check.
Bravo to Eatwell for doing the shitwork to give Liz Short the closure she deserved.
Absolutely masterful piece of historical research that, in my opinion, completely solves the case that has been in the public eye for almost 80 years. Eatwell makes the case while also putting the kibosh against other suspects, with a particularly good beatdown on the theory George Hodel did it.
All this is delivered with addictively readable prose that, at times, feels Ellrovian. Plenty of foot notes also help build the case and reference back to things that happen, making it easy for a reader to cross check.
Bravo to Eatwell for doing the shitwork to give Liz Short the closure she deserved.
katiescho741's review against another edition
2.0
I've only ever read the Black Dahlia book by Ellroy, so I've got no idea if all non-fiction works about her are like this. Who knew that a book about the murder of a femme fatale involving 1940s Hollywood, corruption, scandal, sex, and violence could be so bloody boring.
Elizabeth Short herself gets lost in this meandering book that's not really about her murder at all. It's a book about the corruption within the LAPD in the 40s and their connections with organised crime - and the Dahlia murder just happens to be sort of linked with these themes.
There's a very brief look at Short's life, and some interesting sections about the way women and female sexuality were treated in society and in the movies. I also think that Eatwell's suspect is a very strong one, as well as her suggestion of the location of the murder. Unfortunately, these sections did not make up for the rest of the book.
I've read a lot of True Crime, so I know you have to take time to set the scene, bring in the bit players, and discuss contemporary events, but this book is just stuffed with complex stories of scandal and double-crossing that has almost nothing to do with the Dahlia. Also, so many footnotes that are there for no reason, and the pictures used are really boring and add nothing to the story.
A major letdown. I'd rather read the James Ellroy book.
Elizabeth Short herself gets lost in this meandering book that's not really about her murder at all. It's a book about the corruption within the LAPD in the 40s and their connections with organised crime - and the Dahlia murder just happens to be sort of linked with these themes.
There's a very brief look at Short's life, and some interesting sections about the way women and female sexuality were treated in society and in the movies. I also think that Eatwell's suspect is a very strong one, as well as her suggestion of the location of the murder. Unfortunately, these sections did not make up for the rest of the book.
I've read a lot of True Crime, so I know you have to take time to set the scene, bring in the bit players, and discuss contemporary events, but this book is just stuffed with complex stories of scandal and double-crossing that has almost nothing to do with the Dahlia. Also, so many footnotes that are there for no reason, and the pictures used are really boring and add nothing to the story.
A major letdown. I'd rather read the James Ellroy book.
abbeysullivan96's review against another edition
4.0
This was so good. I did the audiobook, but my coworker told me the actual book has pictures so I did download an ebook also. It’s great car listening, but above all else it has a clear thesis backed up with tons of deep research.
I finished the book for the first time feeling confident in knowing what happened to the Black Dahlia, even if justice was never served.
The main suspect reminds me of Robert Durst, down to the aliases and cross dressing. To think this guy, who absolutely butchered this young girl, got to walk free for the rest of his life….when we learn about his daughter a chill went down my spine. I’d like to know if he’s ever been linked to other later crimes…this isn’t the kind of sicko who is able to restrain himself. Idk how the LAPD who allowed that to happen lived with themselves.
Very gripping and informative true crime book I loved it so much!!!
I finished the book for the first time feeling confident in knowing what happened to the Black Dahlia, even if justice was never served.
The main suspect reminds me of Robert Durst, down to the aliases and cross dressing. To think this guy, who absolutely butchered this young girl, got to walk free for the rest of his life….when we learn about his daughter a chill went down my spine. I’d like to know if he’s ever been linked to other later crimes…this isn’t the kind of sicko who is able to restrain himself. Idk how the LAPD who allowed that to happen lived with themselves.
Very gripping and informative true crime book I loved it so much!!!
amris's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, and Murder
kelli7990's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
In mesmerizing prose, Black Dahlia, Red Rose is a panorama of 1940s Hollywood, a definitive account of one of the biggest unsolved murders of American legal history.
I listened to this book on the Libby app. I liked this book. I I liked the way this book was written. I felt like I was reading a 1940s true crime novel. I’ve heard of this case because there’s a band called The Black Dahlia Murder and there’s a song called Black Dahlia by the band Hollywood Undead but I didn’t know anything about this case before I started reading this book. It’s really sad what happened to this woman. She was a beautiful woman. Why would anyone want to kill her? After I finished this book, I decided to go look at the autopsy photos of her online and it was graphic. I had a hard time sleeping last night after I saw the pictures. What’s sad about this case is that it will never be solved because too much time has passed. I would recommend this book if you don’t know anything about the case.
I listened to this book on the Libby app. I liked this book. I I liked the way this book was written. I felt like I was reading a 1940s true crime novel. I’ve heard of this case because there’s a band called The Black Dahlia Murder and there’s a song called Black Dahlia by the band Hollywood Undead but I didn’t know anything about this case before I started reading this book. It’s really sad what happened to this woman. She was a beautiful woman. Why would anyone want to kill her? After I finished this book, I decided to go look at the autopsy photos of her online and it was graphic. I had a hard time sleeping last night after I saw the pictures. What’s sad about this case is that it will never be solved because too much time has passed. I would recommend this book if you don’t know anything about the case.
jimbowen0306's review
2.0
This book examines the Elizabeth Short/Black Dahlia murder, one of America’s most famous unsolved cases.
In a way, this book is thoroughly researched. It backs up its criticism of the Los Angeles police department’s investigation succinctly, but clearly. The criticism I would have would be that it’s written with a point of view in mind, and makes an argument, based on that preconceived ideas of who did it. As an example, she tried to do forensic tests 70 years after the murder, and doesn’t address criticisms of her point of view.
In short, it’s well written, but you might need to read more widely to get an accurate, or at least more rounded, view of the case.
In a way, this book is thoroughly researched. It backs up its criticism of the Los Angeles police department’s investigation succinctly, but clearly. The criticism I would have would be that it’s written with a point of view in mind, and makes an argument, based on that preconceived ideas of who did it. As an example, she tried to do forensic tests 70 years after the murder, and doesn’t address criticisms of her point of view.
In short, it’s well written, but you might need to read more widely to get an accurate, or at least more rounded, view of the case.
selsha's review against another edition
4.0
While there's nothing particularly "new," it's still a great book if you're unfamiliar with the Black Dahlia case. The narrative style makes it easier to digest and a great read.
However, if you're already familiar with the case, there are numerous podcasts and books exploring various theories. This book presents just another perspective while going through ALL of the gruesome details.
The research and format are excellent, but personally, I found it a bit lengthy for information I already knew.
However, if you're already familiar with the case, there are numerous podcasts and books exploring various theories. This book presents just another perspective while going through ALL of the gruesome details.
The research and format are excellent, but personally, I found it a bit lengthy for information I already knew.
caytlynn's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
For a non fiction book about a crime that is still unsolved to this day it was pretty good. I feel like I’ve looked up random things well prior to me reading this and found little to nothing. After reading this book I completely see why and it also I feel like shows how everyone is obsessed with this specific case. So much happened and so much went wrong wether on purpose or coincidence we don’t know. Which makes it all the more intriguing. Definitely a good read if you are interested in this case.