The Enchanters by James Ellroy

Hutchinson Heinemann. Paperback. NEW. In the scorching summer of 1962, Los Angeles was caught in the grips of a relentless heat wave. It was amidst this sweltering chaos that tragedy struck, as the iconic Marilyn Monroe succumbed to a fateful overdose. Simultaneously, a B-movie starlet found herself at the mercy of kidnappers, creating a frenzy within the overhyped LAPD who were desperate to rectify their tarnished reputation. The man leading this charge for redemption was Chief Bill Parker, who saw an opportunity to regain the public's faith through the investigation of Monroe's demise. In his quest for answers, Chief Parker made a call to Freddy Otash, a disgraced ex-cop turned private eye, known for his drug addiction and penchant for extortion. Freddy, a man guided by the belief that opportunity and love are intertwined, eagerly accepted the challenge. Only he believed he possessed the audacity and intellect necessary to unravel the enigmatic puzzle presented by Monroe's death and the abducted starlet. With unwavering determination, we joined Freddy as he bulldozed through anyone obstructing his path to the truth. With every step, Freddy delved deeper into the shadows of a corrupt Los Angeles society, unmasking the illusory façade of Jack and Bobby Kennedy's Camelot. The city's superficial sunshine gave way to a bleak reality tainted by deceit and manipulation. As Freddy stumbled upon obstacles and grappled with his own demons, he yearned for something more than the fleeting opportunities he thrived on. In his relentless pursuit of answers, Freddy confronted the harrowing charade that Marilyn Monroe's life had become, ultimately questioning his own culpability and descending into the depths of his own madness. In this tumultuous summer of '62, Freddy O. was poised to make history. The tempestuous Sixties were on the brink of revolution, and Freddy found himself at its very core. Echoing the rebellious spirit, The Rolling Stones' anthem, "We're just a shout away," epitomized the fervor of the era. "The Enchanters" encompassed the essence of American popular fiction, transcending limits and defying convention. James Ellroy's writing soared to new heights, capturing the reader's imagination with a blend of insanity, brilliance, provocation, profane humor, and raw tenderness. This luminous psychological drama offered an unparalleled thrill ride through the underbelly of society. It proudly stood as the quintessential American crime novel, resounding with its unique blend of intensity, allure, and ingenuity.