Genre 📚: Non-Fiction, True Crime, History
CW ⚠️: Descriptions of torture, murder, mutilation, assault, grief
Rating ⭐️: 4/5
The Black Dahlia murder of 1947 is a case I’ve long known, ever since I first heard of it in a documentary. I was around twelve at the time (probably too young to be watching that kind of content, but eh 🤷♀️) and it definitely stuck with me. The story, the images, and of course, the name. But that was one ten-minute segment. I never knew the full story, until I found this book.
William J. Mann explores the case the way I like all true crime cases to be — with the utmost care and respect. He starts talking about the victim Elizabeth Short and her life, reminding readers that she was a person and not just the Black Dahlia. We learn about her family, her friends, her difficult times in LA, all leading up to the actual murder. And the way it’s written, you really grow to care for her and feel the full weight when she’s found dead.
From there, we experience the media frenzy, the pressure on law enforcement, and a deep dive into numerous suspects. It’s not an easy read, especially after getting to know Elizabeth Short. Especially knowing that the case, to this day, is unsolved. There’s no closure, and it sucks to think that we may never get that. But I’m glad I read this, for the same reason I’m always eager to look into cases, sensationalized or obscure. Because they shouldn’t be forgotten.
**Much thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood will be released on January 27, 2026.
Sara Bechtol 