Books on the Black Dahlia case?

[Uncle Jack]

I have always wanted to read up on the case of the Black Dahlia but not sure which book is best to read. Can anyone reccomend a good book on this case that is worth purchasing?

Thanks

[The Grave Maurice]

Hi Uncle,

Stan Reid is the guy to answer this question. The ones that spring to my mind are Donald H. Wolfe's The Black Dahlia Files and Steve Hodel's Black Dahlia Avenger. Both are suspect-based but give good overviews of the case. I liked them both, but Stan will undoubtedly know of one that is more balanced.

[sdreid]

I make no claims despite Maurice's kind remarks. Myself, I like Gilmore's Severed even though it's trashed by the "experts". It has a good overview and ignore his suspect if you wish. I have not read Wolfe's book nor the one by Newton even though I respect the latter due to some exchanges we've had (that does mean that I disrespect Wolfe). Regarding Hodel's book, I have it (one at least) and he's out there but it has some good information especially on some "related cases" so pick and choose I guess. Too bad there isn't a really good suspect neutral book out there that I know of but shall we all keep hope alive. I guess just read them all and make up your mind. Hopefully your library has most of them so you will incur no undue expense otherwise take your best shot and keep your powder dry. Sorry I couldn't be of better help.

[Zodiac]

Black Dahlia.

I like Gilmore's Severed even though it's trashed by the "experts". It has a good overview and ignore his suspect if you wish.

Hi Uncle,

I agree totally with Stan, Gilmore's "Severed" is a great choice as your first port of call. After that? Well, like Stan already said, read everything that you can get hold of on the case, in doing so, gradually, you may well arrive at your own conclusions on the mystery. As always, and as with anything, take nothing as gospel, try your damndest to double check all the "facts" you will be presented with and never overlook anything, regardless of whether or not it appears to be either too obvious, or alternatively, too obscure. Good Hunting!

Best wishes,
Zodiac.

P.S. If, by some chance, you happen to be reading this, John, you still owe me that signed copy of your Memoir's that you promised me, almost a year to the very day ago, for that little bit of research I did for you! On a personal matter? Remember? I will put it down to your age and not hold my breath for it!!!

[sdreid]

(that does mean that I disrespect Wolfe)

That was supposed to say (that doesn't mean that I disrespect Wolfe) - apologies

Like I said, I haven't read his book so I can't say but he found a publisher so he must have something of merit and Maurice gives the work an OK.

[mariab]

Hello all.
Just wanted to ask, is the case currently still open at the LAPD, and has any new info come forward after Steve Hodel's claims in his book about his father as a suspect?

[D'Onston]

Gilmore's _Severed_

Hey All, Gilmore's book is a great read but, alas, there is no documentation for the supposed evidence he presents. One of his most important points is that Beth Short had a deformed vagina. He bases much of his theories on this self-proclaimed fact. As I remember, he claims to have seen the original autopsy documents which are not available to the public for scrutiny (however, he does not reproduce them in his book.)

It's a very compelling read, and one of the major websites on the case takes Gilmore as gospel; however, there's just nothing provided to substantiate the text. It's all very frustrating.

Best Wishes, Mike

[mariab]

According to Gilmore and to Cornwell, everybody has deformed genitals. It's an epidemic.

[Uncle Jack]

Thanks to everyone for their help. I am certainly looking forward to obtaining the books and reading through them as the case has always fascinated me but only heard small basic details.

Thanks again

[sdreid]

Yes, I believe Gilmore's theory was mostly based on his interpretation of what someone said. I guess the case is technically open but I would be surprised if anything is seriously being pursued. Hodel wrote a second book tying in other cases including Zodiac.