Narrator Craig Wasson’s approach to Ellroy’s new historical novel reflects the testosterone one would expect of a WWII-era Los Angeles police department or a crowded, sweaty boxing match. Wasson delivers Ellroy’s clipped sentences in varying tones with exacting emphasis. Accents ranging from working-class Irish to upper-class Boston roll off his tongue with ease as he deftly transitions between them. His best skill is his impression of a radio broadcaster. He fully delivers the sound of 1940s radio as the host preaches his message with all the intensity of the extremist he is. A masterful performance all around. J.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine
“My relationship with L.A. is largely imaginative; it allows me to ignore the untenable aspects of L.A. today,” says the author of Perfidia.
The chill of autumn air means it’s time to curl up with a good book. Nothing goes better with a good mug of cider and an enormous blanket than a gritty, grimy, thrilling, or chilling whodunnit. This season’s top releases include new work from Jonathan Kellerman, the return of Hercule Poirot, and so much more.
James Ellroy’s newest novel, Perfidia, is a rollicking ride through the depths of L.A.’s seedy wartime underbelly. The story picks up as we meet Hideo Ashida, a young Japanese chemist on the L.A.P.D. payroll. Dr. Ashida is called to the scene to investigate the grisly, mysterious slaying of a Japanese family. Just as the investigation […]
I met James Ellroy at Book Expo America. He was there to talk about his new novel, Perfidia, the first in a quartet. He wore a soft pink shirt patterned with white flags, leaves, and birds. James Ellroy leans in close. He makes eye contact. He speaks in complete paragraphs. He believes in an afterlife. He is […]