I think 'Chinatown' by Robert Towne is a great Hollywood crime novel. It was later made into a famous movie. The story has all the elements of a classic crime tale set in Hollywood, with political corruption, a mysterious femme fatale, and a complex mystery that keeps you guessing.
Raymond Chandler is a very famous one. His works like 'The Big Sleep' are full of the charm and danger of Hollywood crime. Another is James Ellroy, known for his complex and dark tales set in Hollywood such as 'L.A. Confidential' and 'White Jazz'.
One classic Hollywood crime novel is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It features the iconic detective Philip Marlowe and is set in the seedy underbelly of Hollywood. Another is 'L.A. Confidential' by James Ellroy. It weaves a complex web of crime, corruption, and mystery in the Hollywood of the 1950s.
Some Hollywood true crime novels include 'Lost Girls' by Robert Kolker. This novel explores the story of the Long Island Serial Killer and has connections to the seedy underbelly of Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Then there's 'I'll Be Gone in the Dark' by Michelle McNamara, which was about the Golden State Killer. Although not strictly Hollywood - centric, it had elements that related to the broader culture of crime and fear that also exists in Hollywood.
These novels often highlight the contrast between the glitz and glamour of Hollywood on the surface and the sordid reality beneath. By delving into real - life crimes, they make the public more aware of the potential for corruption, violence, and exploitation in the entertainment industry. They can also create a sense of mystery and intrigue, making the public more curious about the darker aspects of Hollywood. For instance, a novel about an unsolved Hollywood murder might make people question who really controls the power in Hollywood and what secrets are being hidden. In addition, they can sometimes lead to a more critical view of the Hollywood establishment, as the public realizes that not everything is as perfect as it seems in the movies and on the red carpet.
One of the best is 'The Godfather'. It shows the complex family dynamics within the Corleone crime family. Another great one is 'Scarface' with Al Pacino's iconic performance as a drug lord. 'Goodfellas' also stands out for its realistic portrayal of the mob life.
One of the best Hollywood crime novels is 'L.A. Confidential' by James Ellroy. It delves deep into the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles in the 1950s, with complex characters and a convoluted plot full of corruption, sex, and murder. The characters, like Detective Exley, are multi - dimensional and the story weaves through different layers of Hollywood glamour and crime.
One common theme is the battle between good and evil. In many Hollywood crime fictions, there are detectives or law - abiding citizens trying to bring down criminals. Another theme is redemption. Sometimes the criminals themselves might have a change of heart and seek to make amends for their wrongdoings. And power and corruption also play a big role. Often, the crime is linked to some form of power struggle within the criminal underworld or even in the legitimate world where people in power abuse it for their own gains.
Al Pacino is one of the best. He was amazing in 'The Godfather' as Michael Corleone. His transformation from a reluctant family member to a cold - blooded crime boss was captivating. Robert De Niro is also great. He starred in 'Goodfellas' and 'Scarface' among others, and his ability to bring out the tough - guy criminal persona is unrivaled. Jack Nicholson in 'Chinatown' was brilliant too, as the devious character in the noir - style crime story.
Well, 'Heat' is a top-notch Hollywood crime story. It has this intense cat - and - mouse game between a detective and a career criminal. The action scenes are amazing and the characters are well - developed. 'Chinatown' is another. It's a noir - style crime story with a mystery at its core. The plot twists and turns as the private detective Jake Gittes tries to uncover the truth behind a water - related conspiracy in Los Angeles. Then there's 'Training Day'. It shows the corruption within the police force as a rookie cop experiences a day with a corrupt veteran officer.