Hollywood Nocturnes
by James Ellroy
Published by Vintage Books
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Reviewed by Julie Failla Earhart
James Ellory sacred the beejeezes out of me the first time I heard him read in public. He speaks like he writes—in the machine-gun, rat-a-tat, minimalistic style that permeates his characters’ voices. I think something invaded his body when he was born in Los Angeles in 1948. He captures that underworld as if he had truly lived it. Or maybe it is the June 1958 cold-case murder of his mother that fuels his energy. Whatever it is, it has catapulted Ellroy into one of the best crime noir writers of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
There are rumors that he will finally have a new book later in 2007. It’s been too long since the reading public has been titillated to a new work (Destination: Morgue! in 2004). Maybe in anticipation or as a reminder that Ellroy is still lurking out there, Vintage Books has released Hollywood Nocturnes, which was originally published in hardcover in 1994.
I don’t think Ellroy does well with a short form. He needs a novel format to capture his characters and plots with his signature style. Although all six stories have night/darkness as a theme, that’s not enough to carry the collection. I wonder how well this sold when it was originally published? Probably pretty well, since it’s being re-printed.
There’s something missing in these six stories that I can’t quite put my finger on. They start to build but then about the time I was ready to settle in for a great read, the stories end. My personal favorite, and the best in the collection is “Dial Axminister 6-400.”
Although the collection is disappointing from my point of view, it’s still James Ellroy writing—and for writers, it’s worth the struggle to watch a master practice his craft.
Armchair Interviews says: Interesting short stories written by a great mystery writer.
Author’s Web site: http://www.Ellroy.com