One of the surprising things about retired LAPD detective Steve Hodel's 2003 book arguing that his father killed Elizabeth Short was that James Ellroy endorsed the theory in his introduction to the paperback version. Ellroy's name gave credibility to Black Dahlia Avenger at a time when Hodel's spin on the facts was under fire. Have they since had a falling out? I don't know, but Ellroy's copy of Black Dahlia Avenger, signed by Hodel, might be for sale on eBay. The seller doesn't say how he knows it is Ellroy's book, but it carries a "Dear James" inscription that reads, "As we meet I hear the Gods laughing in both our houses. Like the Greek tragedies of old. Two sons. Two journeys. One story. Your Blood Brother, Steve."

* Also for sale: The paperback version, also with an inscription said to be to Ellroy.

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Ellroy and The Black Dahlia