The Hilliker Curse

James Ellroy is a great crime fiction writer, but what made him think he could write a book that deals with his own sexual frustrations? And, more importantly, what made him decide to read it himself? The book is odd. Short declaratory sentences. Written chronologically about his obsession to find the perfect woman. Too much time spent on his creepy oedipal issues. Ellroy shouts like a televangelist or a late-night television pitchman. He accentuates or draws out words and phrases, making each sound important, whether it is or not. "WE ARE RIDDDIIING IN THE CAAAAAARRRRR," he shouts. This book is better read than heard. He talks a little too frankly about his sexual problems with women, but not in a funny way--more like an uncomfortable conversation with a drunken stranger. Please return to crime novels. M.S. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine