Discover books similar to "White Jazz"

White Jazz cover

James Ellroy

White Jazz

3.94

Part of "L.A. Quartet" series

"White Jazz" by James Ellroy is a raw and gritty novel that takes readers into the seedy underbelly of 1950s Los Angeles. The book is the fourth and final installment in Ellroy's "L.A. Quartet" series, which also includes "The Black Dahlia," "The Big Nowhere," and "L.A. Confidential." The protagonist of "White Jazz" is Dave "The Enforcer" Klein, a dirty cop who is determined to make a name for himself in the LAPD. Klein is a complex and morally ambiguous character who is willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead, even if it means breaking the law. The plot of "White Jazz" is fast-paced and intricate, with multiple storylines that intersect and overlap. Klein becomes embroiled in a web of corruption, murder, and deceit as he tries to take down a powerful crime boss while also dealing with his own personal demons. Ellroy's writing style is unique and distinctive, with short, staccato sentences that create a sense of urgency and tension. His use of language is precise and evocative, capturing the mood and atmosphere of 1950s Los Angeles in vivid detail. "White Jazz" is not a book for the faint of heart. It contains graphic violence, explicit language, and mature themes. However, for readers who are willing to take the plunge, it is a rewarding and exhilarating ride. Overall, "White Jazz" is a masterful work of crime fiction that showcases Ellroy's talent for storytelling and his deep understanding of human nature. It is a fitting end to the "L.A. Quartet" series and a testament to Ellroy's status as one of the greatest crime writers of all time...

List of books similar to "White Jazz":

The Black Dahlia cover

James Ellroy

The Black Dahlia

If you enjoyed the intricate plotting and historical setting of 'White Jazz', you'll love 'The Black Dahlia'. This novel, also by James Ellroy, tells the story of the real-life murder of Elizabeth Short, known as the Black Dahlia, and the investigation that follows. The novel is known for its graphic violence and sexual content, as well as its complex and morally ambiguous characters.

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L.A. Confidential cover

James Ellroy

L.A. Confidential

Another classic by James Ellroy, 'L.A. Confidential' is a gritty, noir-style novel that explores the dark underbelly of Los Angeles in the 1950s. With its complex plotting, moral ambiguity, and historical setting, this novel is sure to appeal to fans of 'White Jazz'.

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The Big Sleep cover

Raymond Chandler

The Big Sleep

If you're looking for a classic of the noir genre, you can't go wrong with 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. This novel, which introduces the iconic private detective Philip Marlowe, is known for its sharp dialogue, intricate plotting, and atmospheric depiction of Los Angeles.

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The Long Goodbye cover

Raymond Chandler

The Long Goodbye

Another classic by Raymond Chandler, 'The Long Goodbye' is a dark and atmospheric novel that follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he becomes entangled in the lives of a wealthy alcoholic and a mysterious Mexican actress. With its complex plotting and moral ambiguity, this novel is sure to appeal to fans of 'White Jazz'.

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The Maltese Falcon cover

Dashiell Hammett

The Maltese Falcon

'The Maltese Falcon' is a classic of the noir genre, and a must-read for fans of James Ellroy. This novel, which introduces the iconic private detective Sam Spade, is known for its sharp dialogue, intricate plotting, and atmospheric depiction of San Francisco.

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Red Harvest cover

Dashiell Hammett

Red Harvest

If you're looking for a gritty, noir-style novel with a high body count, you'll love 'Red Harvest' by Dashiell Hammett. This novel, which follows a private detective as he cleans up a corrupt town, is known for its violent action and moral ambiguity.

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The Glass Key cover

Dashiell Hammett

The Glass Key

Another classic by Dashiell Hammett, 'The Glass Key' is a gritty, noir-style novel that explores the dark underbelly of politics and organized crime. With its complex plotting and moral ambiguity, this novel is sure to appeal to fans of 'White Jazz'.

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The Postman Always Rings Twice cover

James M. Cain

The Postman Always Rings Twice

If you're looking for a dark, gritty novel with a focus on sexual obsession and violence, you'll love 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by James M. Cain. This novel, which tells the story of a drifter who becomes involved with a married woman and the two of them plot to kill her husband, is known for its intense, claustrophobic atmosphere and moral ambiguity.

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Double Indemnity cover

James M. Cain

Double Indemnity

Another classic by James M. Cain, 'Double Indemnity' is a dark, gritty novel that explores the dangers of sexual obsession and greed. With its complex plotting and moral ambiguity, this novel is sure to appeal to fans of 'White Jazz'.

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The Lincoln Lawyer cover

Michael Connelly

The Lincoln Lawyer

If you're looking for a modern take on the noir genre, you'll love 'The Lincoln Lawyer' by Michael Connelly. This novel, which follows a defense attorney as he takes on a high-profile case, is known for its sharp dialogue, intricate plotting, and atmospheric depiction of Los Angeles.

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The Poet cover

Michael Connelly

The Poet

Another great novel by Michael Connelly, 'The Poet' is a dark, gritty thriller that follows a journalist as he investigates a series of murders. With its complex plotting and moral ambiguity, this novel is sure to appeal to fans of 'White Jazz'.

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