Love Me Fierce In Danger: The Life of James Ellroy

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

"As gripping and twisted as a James Ellroy novel." - Ian Rankin "A masterpiece of literary biography." - David Peace The first critical biography of a titan of American crime fiction. Love Me Fierce In Danger is the story of James Ellroy, one of the most provocative and singular figures in American literature. The so-called Demon Dog of Crime Fiction, Ellroy enjoys a celebrity status and notoriety that few authors can match. However, traumas from the past have shadowed his literary success. When Ellroy was ten years old, his mother was brutally murdered. The crime went unsolved, and her death marked the start of a long and turbulent road for Ellroy that has included struggles with alcoholism, drug addiction, homelessness, and jail time. In tracing his life and career, Steven Powell reveals how Ellroys upbringing in LA, always on the periphery of Hollywood, had a profound and dark influence on his work as a novelist. Using new sources, Powell also uncovers Ellroys family secrets, including the mysterious first marriage of his mother Jean Ellroy, eighteen years before her murder. At its heart, Love Me Fierce in Danger is the story of how Ellroy overcame his demons to become the bestselling and celebrated author of such classics as The Black Dahlia and LA Confidential. Informed by interviews with friends, family, peers, and literary and Hollywood collaborators, as well as extensive conversations with Ellroy himself, Love Me Fierce In Danger pulls back the curtain on an enigmatic figure who has courted acclaim and controversy with equal zealotry.

Reviews

Here is 'the skinny' (as the subject himself might put it) on one of the most charismatic and complex crime writers on the planet, affording insights into both the man and his craft. It's every bit as gripping and twisted as a James Ellroy novel. Dig it, cats. * Ian Rankin *
Powell brings out the conflicting sides of Ellroys personality tactfully and sympathetically without ever taking his eye off the truth [It] has all the pace, twists and shocks of a good crime novel. -- Mark Sanderson * The Times *
A highly enjoyable read shrewd in its critiques of the work and jargon-free an academic biography in the best sense. I suspect it will spoil the genre of literary biography for me for a while: can the life of any other living writer be anywhere near as horribly gripping -- Jake Kerridge * The Daily Telegraph *
Steven Powells brilliant, unflinching biography reveals how the novelists obsessions have their roots in the extraordinary experiences of his childhood and early years Powell scrupulously chronicles Ellroys hectic career: his compulsive womanising; lapses in sobriety; near nervous breakdowns; and attention grabbing performances as the self-styled Demon Dog of American Crime Fiction According to his ex-wife, Helen Knode: James lives life like he was shot out of a cannon. This gripping, illuminating biography not only throws light on just what she meant by that. It also reveals why he does so. -- Nick Rennison * The Daily Mail *
Sober Powells unruffled approach is a shrewd way of tackling Ellroys sensational life and imagination. -- Anthony Cummins * Literary Review *
[A] stark, revealing account of [Ellroys] life. -- Martin Chilton * The Independent *
When it comes to James Ellroy, [Powell] is the go-to expert who plays sleuth to the inventor of many an L.A. sleuth. . . . The same obsessive thread that runs through all of Ellroy's work also weaves kinetically through Powell's prose. In this latest book, he reveals nuances of the epic writers life and process that only an Ellroy expert can. * Brooklyn Rail *
Powell's biography is wonderful, a must-read. . . . It is a testament to him and to his subject. * Hedgehog Review *
An essential purchase for anyone interested in modern American crime fiction, couched in prose that is as lively as its uncompromising subject. -- Barry Forshaw * Crime Time *
Contributes a wealth of material and insight into Ellroy's private life and personal struggles. . . . Love Me Fierce In Danger is a substantial work of literary scholarship. . . . A must read for fans and scholars of contemporary American crime fiction. * Pulp Curry *
Whatever we thought we knew about the Demon Dog of American Literature, we were wrong; Love Me Fierce in Danger is as revelatory as it is compelling, and a masterpiece of literary biography: James Ellroy deserves no less. * David Peace *
Unflinching in detailing the life of one of the living greats of crime fiction As biographies go, this one is quite a ride. -- Ayo Onatade * Shots magazine *
Steven Powells biography is notably short on longueurs ... Powell has clearly worked hard to do justice to his subject. -- Nicholas Lezard * The Spectator *
Provides fascinating revelations about the life of James and his remarkable parents, Jean & Armand. It is amazing how much new information the biography providesin clear and eloquent fashion. . . . This is a testament to Stevens rigorous research and his unprecedented access to Mr. Ellroy, his friends, his family, former lovers and former colleagues. * Apocalypse Confidential *
Equal parts literary examination of Ellroys stylistic and thematic journey and a fulsome exploration of his personal struggles. . . . A rich and sprawling read. * Zoomer Magazine *

Author Bio

Steven Powell is the editor of Conversations with James Ellroy (2012) and 100 American Crime Writers (2012). He lives in Liverpool, UK.