The 5 Best L.A. Crime Novels: Fiction
By Ryan Gattis
September 20, 2018Read Part I of Ryan Gattis's top L.A. crime novels, then make sure you're signed in and comment below for a chance to win a paperback copy of his gritty thriller Safe!
Southland
Nina Revoyr
I’m a big fan of stories driven by unexpected detectives: characters drafted in from other walks of life who happen to have a particular emotional or familial stake in figuring out who is to blame for a crime. Jackie Ishida, law student, is one such character. Very few writers explore the varied textures and difficult intersections of race and violence in Los Angeles as well, or as deeply, as Revoyr. Southland isn’t just a great mystery with complicated characters; it’s also a masterclass in how to plot, illuminate, and possibly even educate a reader as to the realities of this city at the same time—and that is a tremendously difficult thing to do.
Land of Shadows
Rachel Howzell Hall
Although City of Saviors might be my favorite, if you’re going to start the Detective Eloise “Lou” Norton series, you really should start at the beginning. Lou is a black, female cop working homicides in South Los Angeles; in fact, there are faint echoes of Det. Marcella Winn about her character (a real-life detective from Miles Corwin’s excellent book, The Killing Season). The real pleasures of this series, though, are in Hall’s willingness to portray a part of Los Angeles so rarely seen, cared about, or understood (but which adds so much to one’s overall understanding of L.A.). And, of course, there’s her dialogue. Hall is a master of dialogue.
Little Scarlet
Walter Mosley
I always find it difficult to pick my favorite Easy Rawlins mystery for a list such as this. I find I often tilt back and forth between two or three, but it must be said that I chose Little Scarlet because it holds a solid place in my heart for taking as its backdrop the 1965 Watts riots. It’s no easy feat to engage a reader with a gripping plot and yet tackle insightful historical commentary at the same time, but Mosley does both admirably. The atmosphere—the images and smells of smoke; the details and consequences of violence during a lawless time—is particularly well-done. This book is, to put it mildly, a masterpiece.
No Beast So Fierce
Edward Bunker
Published in 1973, No Beast So Fierce is a classic L.A. crime story from an author who knew what the inside of a prison felt like. It’s a different Los Angeles that our narrator Max lands in, with 65 bucks in his pockets and a cheap suit 10 years out of date. And it’s not an easy ride that leads him right back to crime via a series of heists, each one more desperate than the last. For that matter, it’s not an easy read, but it’s damn well-written, with dialogue done right. It’s an unflinching look into the selfishness of a particular breed of criminality, the mercilessness of survival when one is on the run.
The Underground Man
Ross Macdonald
Perhaps I have shown my cards a bit in some of these other picks, but there’s honestly nothing I admire more than atmosphere well-executed in novels about the city: the sounds, the sights, and the smells of being here. The Underground Man may well be Macdonald’s most atmospheric piece, taking place while a wildfire rages in the Santa Ynez foothills above the city. Of course, there’s a body. Of course, there’s a convoluted mystery. But all must be dealt with while a wall of fire threatens to destroy clues, sweep away crimes, and even devour the detective himself. This piece feels timelier now than when I first read it a decade ago, as the annual Southern California wildfires get larger and more destructive, year on year.
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Comments
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sounds like a fun one
Sounds very intriguing!
These all sound great! I love thrillers. Thank you for the chance to win this book.
I love new-to-me authors!
Sounds really good!
Bring. On. The. Thrill rides. Of. Those. Books
Some interesting books there
Nice!
Sounds interesting!
Sounds good.
Wow. All of these sound really interesting – I’ve added few to my TBR.. including SAFE!
Thanks for the recommendations and Safe sounds gripping! I would love to read it =)
“Safe” sounds like anything but safe…
I have read some of these authors, although not the books listed. I may in the future. I do like books that have a well defined sense of place, which all these listed books seem to have. Wishing to win the offered book.
Recommendations noted. Thanks for these!
Count me in, please!
Other than Land of Shadows, which I loved, these are all new titles for me. I’m going to check them out.
Sounds like a great book…count me in!
I’m in
Who doesn’t like free books?
Sounds great!
Yes please enter me in this sweepstakes.
Thanks —
I have read books written by a couple of the authors whose books are dis ussed and enjoyed reading them. I especially like how the city of LA is protrayed in each of the stories. Sometimes it is a character itself and sometimes the city is just a background. I know I woukd enjoy the book Safe.
I like to write reviews for authors, especially newer authors, so they get a real feel for why I liked or didn’t like a book. I write poetry, and I know a lot of writers, and it’s hard to get better when all you get is “this book is great, loved it”. I am always interested in seeing how other reviewers do it, so that my reviews get better! Thank you!
Southland is also one of my favorites.
I watch real life crime stories, on tv.
Even, the shows like Criminal Minds, NCIS, CSI, Law and Order, etc., are favorites of mine! All of these books, sound very intriguing.
Many thanks, Cindi
Sounds great!
I am always looking for new authors to read. This book sounds like the kind I would enjoy reading.
Captivating and fascinating. Great books and this novel would be a treasure.
Enthralling and intriguing feature and giveaway. Thanks.
Great list, well described.
Looking forwarding to reading them all. Got one for Chicago?
Thanks for the list – I will look not them ! I would like to win a copy !
Sounds great! Would love to win.
Excellent comments. I plant to read ‘Little Scarlett’ next.
Excellent Comments.
Sounds good. I grew up in Los Angeles.
I guess you’ve never heard of Michael Connelly.The fact that your “best crime novels of LA”doesn’t include any of his outstanding Harry Bosch series,makes your article irrelevant.
I stumbled upon Land of Shadows, and appreciate the “leads for new reads”. Thanks!
Hmm, I think one of Michael Connelly’s Bosch books should be on this list, but I’ll look into these books too. 🙂
I like books that make me think
OK I’m hooked!
Ready for the Ride. Count me in! Thanks!
I like the cover
Good list, thanks
Looks good
Thanks for adding to my to-be-read list!
The noir thrillers set in L.A. are some of my favorite reading material. I would love to read this author!
Thank you for the recommendations and the entry opportunity!
My favorite Ross MacDonald–The Moving Target. I found Walter Mosley’s books after reading President Clinton loved them. Great authors. Thanks for the list.
Thanks for the list
Great list for LA’s soft underbelly.
Seems as if it will be a good read!
Sounds like a good read.
Great list of books.
These sound great and are authors I have seldom read. Excited!
Thanks for the recommendations – I’ve not read most of them yet.
Curious.
Sounds like a great read!
I will be checking these titles out! They sound great and I like finding out about the underbelly of LA.
These look great!
all new to me authors!!!
Big fan of thrillers
I am intrigued!
Good list. I agree on Walter Mosley, especially Easy Rawlins. I also like the Harry Bosch novels for their LA background.
Grand idea; also loves me some T Jeff and Winslows!
Send me this one!
Safe & Southland sound great. I already know Easy Rawlins.
looks suspenseful
I haven’t read many LA based books. Thank you for the list. Wish me luck!
There’s nothing better than a well-written LA based detective story.. Really miss Joseph Hansen and his Dave Brandstetter books! They captured LA and the Hills on a misty night better than anyone!
There’s something inexplicably atmospheric about the best L.A.-set mysteries, whether they’re encountered in print or on the big screen.
I could use a gritty thrill 🙂
Would love to read – thanks!
Ross MacDonald is one of my favorite authors. I haven’t read The Underground Man for many years; I will have to read it again since you have reminded me of it!
I’m In!
Sounds like a winner.
Count me in….sounds like a coffee and comforter book.
Killer list! I’m intrigued by Southland, as I’m also super into leads who don’t quite mean to get wrapped up in the mystery.