Black Dahlia Avenger
The True Story
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Black Dahlia Avenger
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Narrated by:
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Kevin Pierce
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By:
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Steve Hodel
About this listen
For 56 years, the Black Dahlia murder case remained one of the most notorious and high-profile unsolved crimes of the 20th century. Now, Steve Hodel, a 24-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, believes he has finally solved the case. On January 15, 1947, 22-year-old Elizabeth Short - "The Black Dahlia" - was found dead in a vacant lot in Los Angeles, her body horribly mutilated, bisected at the waist, and posed in a bizarre manner. The horrific crime shocked the country and commanded headlines for months as the killer taunted the police with notes and phone calls. Despite the massive manhunt, the murderer was never found.
Hodel began working on the case after he retired from the LAPD when he chanced upon an intriguing piece of evidence that led him on a trail that he had no choice but to follow - since it pertained directly to him. As he dug deeper, he came to believe that the killer was also responsible for over a dozen other unsolved murders in the Los Angeles area around the same time. He also found copious evidence of corruption at the LAPD, leading him to accuse the department top brass of covering up the Black Dahlia murder in order to conceal a deeper conspiracy involving crooked politicians and gangsters.
Despite a lack of physical evidence (which had been destroyed), Hodel is able to connect numerous dots and make a plausible case, complete with lurid tales of wild orgies that were attended by celebrities such as the artist Man Ray, the director John Huston, and a host of other Hollywood elites. He also discloses his killer’s obsession with the Marquis de Sade and Jack the Ripper and how he modeled his own crimes on their behavior. In particular, there is a disturbing connection between the work of Man Ray and the horrific circumstances of Short’s murder. It is doubtful that this will be the final word on the Black Dahlia murder - too much myth surrounds it and much of his evidence is circumstantial - but Hodel’s labyrinthine tale adds much to this intriguing case.
©2003, 2011 Steve Hodel (P)2012 Audible, Inc.Editorial reviews
The 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short led to an exhaustive and fruitless manhunt in Southern California, and the Black Dahlia case still stands as one of the most famous unsolved murders in American history. Retired LAPD detective Steve Hodel, however, has uncovered evidence that may reveal the mysterious killer's identity: his father George.
Kevin Pierce gives a striking edge to Black Dahlia Avenger, evoking the no-nonsense style of classic LA noirs like Double Indemnity and Sunset Boulevard. But Hodel's work is all too real, even as the gory and byzantine details of this riveting case seem like a Hollywood tall tale.
What listeners say about Black Dahlia Avenger
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Robyn
- 02-09-2022
Comprehensive and convincing
A book has to be very good to sustain interest for 20 hours and this one does it with room to spare. Steve Hodel has done a remarkable job: after years of dogged investigation he uses his police experience and intelligence to connect a lot of dots. He has a flair for telling an engrossing story, with new information and clues doled out at just the right pace to keep listeners interested. Kevin Pierce is is usual excellent self.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Deborah
- 30-10-2019
Well researched and thought provoking
Truly satisfying that such an infamous cold case can finally be laid to rest. Loved the story and all the fascinating details but the narration was awful. Persevere listening just for the story.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 27-09-2021
Enthralling
This was a very interesting book A lot for good information from the time book was set. Amazed at the corrupting at that time . Overall found it very good. Narration easy to listen to. thought he sounded like Tom Hanks.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Grant Lewis
- 22-08-2022
loved it
well he convinced me. case is now closed in my opinion. DNA would have been handy though.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Madison
- 27-12-2017
A must read for any true crime fan!
I couldn’t stop listening to this book. It’s so well researched and is brilliantly written, would highly recommend.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Elizabeth
- 11-03-2017
This book was amazing!!!
So well researched and entertaining. Some great food for thought I was on the edge of my seat. I wish the follow up book was on Audible.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 20-06-2023
Heartrending & a high stakes investigation
A heartrending idea for the author to explore this content, particularly with the relationship issues concerning the alleged offender. Very thorough & high-stakingly involving.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kindle Customer
- 29-10-2024
wow!
wow... this is the best true crime book I've ever read or listened to. Thoroughly researched by a very qualified author. Great narration and so informative and interesting! I highly recommend.
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 12-03-2023
Terrible.
I’m not picky either. This is some very silly writing. First time I’ve actually felt utter regret over an audiobook purchase lol.
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