Ayo Onatade is an avid reader of crime and mystery fiction. She has been writing reviews, interviews and articles on the subject for the last 12 years; with an eclectic taste from historical to hardboiled, short stories and noir films
If you have ever been to a James Ellroy event then you will know that he often introduces himself as the “Demon Dog”. It is a fitting description that encapsulates his life and his writing.
Steven Powell is without doubt the acknowledged authority on all things James Ellroy. He has already edited and written two previous works on the author. The first being James Ellroy: Demon Dog of Crime Fiction and also Conversations with James Ellroy. However, with The Big Somewhere we now have a trio of books about Ellroy that should be read by anyone that has an interest in the author, his writing and his influences on the crime-fiction genre.
You don’t have to be a fan of the "Demon Dog" to appreciate these well-written and researched essays on his work, but it helps. Split into four parts The Big Somewhere covers his genre influences, his relationship with Noir, America and its political structure, and most critically his influences on other writers
Steven
Powell has provided a welcome addition to the scholarly world of the novelist
with the introduction alone making for fascinating reading. The Big
Somewhere is bound to be seen by many, and especially those with an interest in
American culture and literature, as a book that simply has to be read. James
Ellroy may be a controversial figure but with these essays one gains a greater
insight into how influential he has been, and continues to be so.
