Murder Imitates Art

In preparation to interview retired LAPD Homicide Detective Steven Hodel on American Heroes Radio (June 2, 1600 Hours Pacific), I read his book Black Dahlia Avenger: A Genius for Murder. Frankly, I started out a skeptic and not long into the book was intrigued and shortly became converted.

Steve Hodel raises the bar in the true crime genre. Generally, true crime books recap an investigation completed by the police. In this case, Hodel investigates the case and documents his journey for us to experience. His investigative work is solid, compelling and ultimately conclusive. His father, Dr. George Hodel, murdered Elizabeth Short, commonly known as the Black Dahlia.

As fascinating as the murder investigation is, Steve Hodel’s journey is as interesting. Why did he start this? How did he handle the ramifications? Simply, why did he keep going? How and why Hodel begins sets the stage and I am not going to ruin it for you. The beginning introduces a tension and suspense that pushes the book along.

It is a good read and Steven Hodel just an excellent job of bringing together a nearly overwhelming stream of often subtle clues. And, if you want to know how murder imitates art you’ll just have to read the book