Black Dahlia, Red Rose

By: Piu Eatwell

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's Summary

The gruesome murder of hopeful starlet Elizabeth Short, in the noir-tinged Los Angeles of 1947, has a permanent place in American lore as one of the most inscrutable of true-crime mysteries. Now, Piu Eatwell - relentless legal sleuth and atmospheric stylist - cracks the case after 70 years. With recently unredacted FBI files, newly released sections of the LAPD files, and explosive new interviews, Eatwell has unprecedented access to primary evidence and a persuasive culprit. She layers her findings into a gritty, cinematic retelling of the case from the corrupt LAPD and the take-no-prisoners press to the seedy underworld of would-be actresses and the men who preyed on them. In mesmerizing prose, Black Dahlia, Red Rose is a panorama of 1940s Hollywood, a definitive account of one of the biggest unsolved murders of American legal history.

©2017 Piu Eatwell (P)2017 HighBridge, a Division of Recorded Books

Slightly disappointing

I'd hoped that this would book would put together a comprehensive alternative theory of the crime that could create questions. Unfortunately, it merely presents someone who may be a significant suspect and supports the accusation with a lot of circumstantial evidence that even the author has to qualify as supposition in many cases. A lot of stuff along the lines of: we can't prove it was Elizabeth Short in that hotel, but nobody can prove it wasn't. Which is to say, the author may be right, but can't really sell it.

Of greater was concern was the dismissiveness in the discussion of other suspects, specifically George Hodel. Again, while some of the criticism of the Steve Hodel book may have merit, this author doesn't hold that critical mirror to her own work.

And stylistically, though we are forewarned, the book has the cheap scent of film noir fandom, naming all the chapters on a film noir theme. And there are more than a few tangents that take the listener out of the strict brief of the book, presumably to provide atmosphere.

Not uninteresting, but just falls short of the mark.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

One of the best true crime stories I’ve ever read.

If you could sum up Black Dahlia, Red Rose in three words, what would they be?

Evidence based conclusion.

What other book might you compare Black Dahlia, Red Rose to and why?

Can’t think of any off hand.

What does Robertson Dean bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He is an excellent narrator for this story. I listened 3 times and got something different each time.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

It was fascinating to hear about the corruption in the LAPD back then. Many of the police were obviously working closely with known criminals of the day and protecting them in this, and many other matters. Even if you don’t agree with the authors finding, it is clear that many on the force at the time were being paid off to look the other way and “loose” evidence.

Any additional comments?

This was never looked at as a murder to be solved. The sensational nature of the crime, the adding of the “Black Dahlia” nickname, the press frenzy; all of those things made people forget a very young woman on her own was brutally tortured for several days and murdered in a horrible way. I think the author did a good job in reminding us of that.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Wow! Excellent story!

Narration is spot on and wondercully timed. He truly is a great narrator. The accents and fluidity of speech makes this an enjoyable experience, [as enjoyable as a murder story can be that is]. Author did some great research and stayed on point the whole time, I never found myself zoning out due to too much unnecessary details.

Better than many fictional detective stories

The author makes a very convincing story for the true criminal in the black dahlia case the book is also a great snapshot of Los Angeles after the war in the corruption that was right in the city very well written very well researched highly recommended

interesting but horribly repetitive.

got this for a road trip and struggled to finish it. the beginning and end are great, but the pitch is filled with information that has been repeatedly several times already and adds only slightly to what has already been introduced. skip to the last three chapters and you'll hear near all that's necessary.

Finally

This book was informative, well written and the audible narration was enjoyable. For the first time I feel I have real answers to many of my questions about Elizabeth Short's murder and a few suspicions confirmed. Thank you Piu Eatwell.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful