Autobiography of a Serial Killer

I think it was his best book, even better than L.A. Confidential. Ellroy is an expert on the subject. His mother was murdered when he was ten years old. He's a strange dude (read his piece, "My Life As a Creep" in his collection of stories, articles, DESTINATION MORGUE), but an excellent writer. I like the small touches he adds, like when the main character was working at the Hollywood Public Library (where the true life teen Ellroy used to hang out with his glue sniffing friends). Or when he crosses paths with another serial killer. Almost as scary as BTK.

Not good - but possibly worth it for perspective on Ellroy

Probably only worthwhile to offer readers perspective on one of America's greatest living writers, currently at the height of his powers (can he possibly get better?).

Flawed but interesting - yada yada yada

Several reviews have spun the "flawed but interesting" angle, and they're right. My only contribution to the body of reviews is that it's my first Ellroy book, my first serial killer book, and even my first real crime book! And I couldn't have been happier reading it.