Author guide
James Ellroy Books in Order
James Ellroy (born 1948 in Los Angeles) is an American crime writer whose novels use compressed prose, historical reconstruction, and intricate depictions of police, corruption, organized crime, and celebrity culture. His major series include the Lloyd Hopkins trilogy, the L.A. Quartet, the Underworld U.S.A. Trilogy, and the Second L.A. Quartet. He has also published memoirs, short-fiction and journalism collections, and collaborative nonfiction.
crime fictionnoirhistorical fictionmemoirtrue crimejournalism
James Ellroy's Newest Book
Not sure where to begin?
Start with one of these
The Black Dahlia
The first novel in the completed L.A. Quartet and a strong introduction to Ellroy's mature historical crime fiction.
American Tabloid
The opening volume of the completed Underworld U.S.A. Trilogy and an accessible entry to his political-historical fiction.
My Dark Places
A standalone memoir that provides essential context for Ellroy's recurring Los Angeles themes.
Read in order
Books by series
trilogy · complete
Lloyd Hopkins Trilogy
A trilogy of Los Angeles police novels featuring Detective Sergeant Lloyd Hopkins.
quartet · complete
L.A. Quartet
Four interconnected novels about Los Angeles police, crime, and corruption from the 1940s through the 1950s.
trilogy · complete
Underworld U.S.A. Trilogy
A trilogy spanning American political violence, organized crime, and conspiracy from the late 1950s through 1968.
quartet · ongoing
Second L.A. Quartet
A projected quartet of historical Los Angeles novels beginning during World War II.
series · ongoing
Freddy Otash Novels
Novels narrated by or centered on Freddy Otash, a corrupt former Los Angeles police officer and Hollywood fixer.
Outside the series
