The Black Dahlia
James Ellroy · Fiction Novel
A book-length account for readers who want more detail.
1947 · Los Angeles, California
Elizabeth Short
Disappearances & cold cases
Photo credit
Los Angeles Police Department, 1947 / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain (U.S.). Cropped/resized.Photographs are cropped to fit. Photo dates and original images are available through the source credits.
Elizabeth Short’s body was found in Los Angeles in January 1947. Newspapers called her the Black Dahlia, and the unsolved killing generated decades of theories and fictional treatments. No later book’s proposed suspect should be treated as an officially established killer.
EXPLORE THE CASE
The Story
When1947
WhereLos Angeles, California
In this collection33 resources
Start here.
Choose a book, screen story or audio episode from this case’s collection.
The Black Dahlia (2006)
Brian De Palma · Novel Adaptation
A dramatized interpretation; compare it with the reporting.
Find My Killer — The Black Dahlia
Apple Podcasts
An audio option for exploring this case while listening.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon buttons marked “paid link” may earn us a commission. Affiliate disclosure
Where are they now?
No reviewed items have been added to this section yet.
Nicknames & media names
1 itemsApple TV
Black Dahlia
A name used in the linked media coverage. Media labels do not resolve disputed allegations or identify an unknown offender.
ReferenceAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
EXPLORE THE CASE
Blogs & Essays
Read our articles here and explore outside perspectives, credited to their writers and publications. See this case in the Journal →
From the journal
No reviewed items have been added to this section yet.
Blogs & essays
1 itemsAbout these sources
Outside essays and reading guides reflect their authors’ perspectives. Compare claims with reported and primary sources.
Idols and Realities
A tough case to crack: A critical review of “The Black Dahlia” (2006)
A film essay considers The Black Dahlia, adapted from James Ellroy’s fictional novel inspired by Elizabeth Short’s murder.
Outside CommentaryAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
EXPLORE THE CASE
Books
CONTINUE YOUR READING
Search this case on Amazon · paid linkSearch results may include unrelated titles. Check the author, edition, and case connection before purchasing.
Explore Reading & Streaming Options · Our case guides are free.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon buttons marked “paid link” may earn us a commission. Affiliate disclosure
Books
2 itemsSteve Hodel
Black Dahlia Avenger
Steve Hodel’s theory about his father and an unresolved murder. The book’s allegation is not an established identification of the killer.
BookAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
Search Amazon · paid linkExplore this book
Title search; Amazon availability is not confirmed. Check the edition, format, and viewing region.
James Ellroy · Fiction Novel
The Black Dahlia
Ellroy builds an invented detective story around Elizabeth Short’s unsolved murder. The investigators, relationships and resolution belong to the novel; it should not be used as a factual solution to the case.
Fiction / DramatizationTitle & Source Information
Last Checked: · Access may changeReport a Link (Email)
View on Amazon · paid linkExplore this book
Paperback · Check current price and availability on Amazon.
EXPLORE THE CASE
Movies & TV
Movies
2 itemsAbout these sources
Watch links, previews and title listings are identified below. Rentals or subscriptions may be required.
IMDb · Screen title
Elizabeth Short (2006)
IMDb title reference connected to the Elizabeth Short case. Listed release: 2006. Cast, credits, and title information; viewing availability is separate.
Screen TitleTitle Details · Not Playback
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
Search Amazon · paid linkCredits & title details on IMDb
Title search; Amazon availability is not confirmed. Check the edition, format, and viewing region.
Brian De Palma · Novel Adaptation
The Black Dahlia (2006)
A screen adaptation of James Ellroy’s fictional treatment of the Black Dahlia murder. Its invented investigation and resolution are part of the story, not an established account of Elizabeth Short’s death.
Fiction / DramatizationTitle & Source Information
Last Checked: · Access may changeReport a Link (Email)
View on Amazon · paid linkViewing options & film details
DVD · Full Screen · Check current price and availability on Amazon.
TV & documentaries
2 itemsAbout these sources
Episodes, documentaries and title listings. Season and episode numbers follow the linked catalog and can differ by service. Air dates are separate from crime dates. Playback availability varies by service and region.
Apple TV
History’s Greatest Mysteries — The Black Dahlia (S4 E24)
Nonfiction screen coverage of this case. The linked page identifies the program or episode; playback, subscriptions, and regional availability vary.
Screen TitleAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
Search Amazon · paid linkViewing options & episode details
Title search; Amazon availability is not confirmed. Check the edition, format, and viewing region.
CBS · Season 17, Episode 10 · Listed air date 2004-11-27
48 Hours — Black Dahlia Confidential
Includes coverage of Elizabeth Short.
Screen TitleAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
Search Amazon · paid linkEpisode details on TVmaze
Title search; Amazon availability is not confirmed. Check the edition, format, and viewing region.
Episode data: TVmaze · CC BY-SA 4.0
EXPLORE THE CASE
Audiobooks
Listen to a book connected to this story. Each edition below is matched to its author and audiobook source.
Audiobook
Black Dahlia Avenger: The True Story
Unabridged
Audio edition verified at the linked source. The Amazon button is a title search; Amazon availability is not confirmed.
Edition checked 2026-10-12
Fiction Audiobook
The Black Dahlia
Unabridged
Ellroy builds an invented detective story around Elizabeth Short’s unsolved murder. The investigators, relationships and resolution belong to the novel; it should not be used as a factual solution to the case.
Audio edition verified at the linked source. The Amazon button is a title search; Amazon availability is not confirmed.
Edition checked 2026-10-12
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon buttons marked “paid link” may earn us a commission. Affiliate disclosure
EXPLORE THE CASE
Fiction Work
Fiction Work
Browse all →Scripted stories and fictional inspirations. Scenes, characters, and dialogue can differ from the record.
James Ellroy · Fiction Novel
The Black Dahlia
Ellroy builds an invented detective story around Elizabeth Short’s unsolved murder. The investigators, relationships and resolution belong to the novel; it should not be used as a factual solution to the case.
Fiction / DramatizationTitle & Source Information
Last Checked: · Access may changeReport a Link (Email)
View on Amazon · paid linkExplore this book
Paperback · Check current price and availability on Amazon.
Brian De Palma · Novel Adaptation
The Black Dahlia (2006)
A screen adaptation of James Ellroy’s fictional treatment of the Black Dahlia murder. Its invented investigation and resolution are part of the story, not an established account of Elizabeth Short’s death.
Fiction / DramatizationTitle & Source Information
Last Checked: · Access may changeReport a Link (Email)
View on Amazon · paid linkViewing options & film details
DVD · Full Screen · Check current price and availability on Amazon.
EXPLORE THE CASE
Podcasts
Podcasts
15 itemsAbout these sources
Audio episodes and oral histories. Personal recollections are attributed perspectives; some services require sign-in.
Apple Podcasts
Find My Killer — The Black Dahlia
Direct episode page for this case or its screen adaptation. Open it for listening options and the publisher’s episode notes.
PodcastAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
True Crime All The Time Unsolved
Ep76 - Elizabeth Short Pt1
Podcast coverage of the Elizabeth Short case. Released July 8, 2018. About 54 minutes.
PodcastAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
Morbid
A Deeper Dive into the Murder of Elizabeth Short (Part 2)
Podcast coverage of the Elizabeth Short case. Released February 24, 2025. About 78 minutes.
PodcastAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
Morbid
A Deeper Dive into the Murder of Elizabeth Short (Part 1)
Podcast coverage of the Elizabeth Short case. Released February 20, 2025. About 62 minutes.
PodcastAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
Criminal Mischief
E31 | What Happened to Elizabeth Short?
Podcast coverage of the Elizabeth Short case. Released April 25, 2023. About 61 minutes.
PodcastAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
True Crime All The Time Unsolved
Ep77 - Elizabeth Short Part 2
Podcast coverage of the Elizabeth Short case. Released July 15, 2018. About 49 minutes.
PodcastAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
Show 9 more podcasts
Crime House 24/7
Throwback Thursday: The Murder of Elizabeth Short — “The Black Dahlia” — Pt. 1
Podcast coverage of the Elizabeth Short case. Released August 6, 2026. About 38 minutes.
PodcastAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
Crime House 24/7
Throwback Thursday: The Murder of Elizabeth Short — “The Black Dahlia” — Pt. 2
Podcast coverage of the Elizabeth Short case. Released August 6, 2026. About 47 minutes.
PodcastAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
Serial Killers & Murderous Minds
Elizabeth Short "The Black Dahlia" Pt. 1
Podcast coverage of the Elizabeth Short case. Released April 6, 2026. About 41 minutes.
PodcastAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
Nessie's Dead
Elizabeth Short-The Black Dahlia
Podcast coverage of the Elizabeth Short case. Released November 20, 2024. About 63 minutes.
PodcastAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
Necronomipod
Murder of Elizabeth Short
Podcast coverage of the Elizabeth Short case. Released November 24, 2024. About 109 minutes.
PodcastAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
Murder Sheet
The Black Dahlia: The Life and Murder of Elizabeth Short
Podcast coverage of the Elizabeth Short case. Released January 27, 2026. About 56 minutes.
PodcastAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
That's Disturbing - True Crime Podcast
The Black Dahlia Murder Part 1: Elizabeth Short's Life, Death, and the Myths That Won't Die
Podcast coverage of the Elizabeth Short case. Released June 18, 2026. About 66 minutes.
PodcastAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
Ghoulish Tendencies
Elizabeth Short: The Black Dahlia Murder Part One
Podcast coverage of the Elizabeth Short case. Released October 19, 2021. About 61 minutes.
PodcastAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
Hitched 2 Homicide
The Black Dahlia: The Story of Elizabeth Short.
Podcast coverage of the Elizabeth Short case. Released January 3, 2024. About 71 minutes.
PodcastAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
EXPLORE THE CASE
Social Media
BRING YOUR PERSPECTIVE
Where would you start?
Choose your reading route, then share a question with your community.
Your choice stays on this page. No vote is submitted or counted.
Talk about sources and storytelling with care for the people affected. A documentary, a book and a court record serve different purposes.
EXPLORE THE CASE
News & Reading
More Reading & Audio
6 sourcesExplore book records, previews, library audiobooks and selected documents. Access labels distinguish free material from library loans and paid subscriptions.
Google Books · Magazine Archive · Preview / Limited Pages
LIFE — March 24, 1947
Historical reporting about the Elizabeth Short case, listed on page 18. Explore the magazine viewer; available pages may vary.
Explore Preview ↗Last Checked: · Access may changeReport a Link (Email)
OverDrive · Library Access
Black Dahlia Avenger — Ebook
Steve Hodel. Related reading for Elizabeth Short. Check participating libraries for this edition. Borrowing requires an eligible library card; availability and waits vary. The author’s interpretation should be read alongside the case’s official records; it is not a court finding.
Check Library Access ↗Last Checked: · Access may changeReport a Link (Email)
Open Library · Catalog / Availability
Severed by John Gilmore
Bibliographic record for related reading. Check the edition page for previews, lending and other access options; full text has not been confirmed.
View Catalog & Access Options ↗Last Checked: · Access may changeReport a Link (Email)
Open Library · Catalog / Availability
The Black Dahlia files by Wolfe, Donald H.
Bibliographic record for related reading. Check the edition page for previews, lending and other access options; full text has not been confirmed.
View Catalog & Access Options ↗Last Checked: · Access may changeReport a Link (Email)
Google Books · Catalog / Availability
Black Dahlia Avenger
Steve Hodel. Related reading for Elizabeth Short. Book information and any pages made available by Google Books; this is not a promise of full-text access. The author’s interpretation should be read alongside the case’s official records; it is not a court finding.
View Catalog & Access Options ↗Last Checked: · Access may changeReport a Link (Email)
Everand · Subscription Access
Black Dahlia Avenger — Ebook
Steve Hodel. Related reading for Elizabeth Short. Check the current subscription terms and available sample; trial offers are not permanent free access. The author’s interpretation should be read alongside the case’s official records; it is not a court finding.
View Subscription Options ↗Last Checked: · Access may changeReport a Link (Email)
Reading Access Notes
Search reviewed 2026-09-16. Sources searched: Google Books, Internet Archive, Open Library, Library of Congress, Smithsonian Magazine, The Atavist Magazine, Google Books (case/title search), Scribd, Everand, OverDrive and hoopla (combined title search). Search indexing is incomplete; this is not an exhaustive list of the web. Access can change by edition, country and library membership. Library loans may require sign-in or a wait. Everand titles may need a paid subscription; a trial is not permanent free access. Scribd documents are third-party uploads, with uploader details noted where checked. We link to source pages and write our own descriptions rather than reproducing copyrighted books.
A separate Texas Monthly search was blocked by the publisher’s automated-access rules and could not be verified.
News & reporting
1 itemsLos Angeles Times
Reporting on Elizabeth Short
Linked reporting or commentary. Read the source date for its historical context; access may require a subscription.
JournalismAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
Newspaper clippings
1 itemsFeatured newspaper clipping
Read our original summary below. The archive link opens the newspaper’s own clipping viewer.
The Los Angeles Times · 1947-01-19 · Page 2
Police trace Elizabeth Short’s final days
Early reporting follows possible sightings and her mother’s arrival in California.
Historical leads were unconfirmed; the murder remains unsolved.
Newspaper ReportingAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
Read the original at Newspapers.com. Access and subscription requirements are set by the archive.
Open full clipping at Newspapers.comKeep following the newspaper trail.
Search original reporting, follow the trial, and compare how newspapers covered the case over time.
Explore more on Newspapers.comNewspapers.com controls access to its archive. A subscription may be required; existing subscribers can sign in.
Internet Archive
2 itemsAbout these sources
Library records and preserved media. A catalog listing does not guarantee full reading or playback.
Internet Archive · Library record · 2004
Black Dahlia avenger
Steve Hodel. A library catalog record for a book connected with Elizabeth Short. The record may offer a preview or borrowing options; full reading access is not guaranteed.
Archive ResourceAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
Internet Archive · Library record · 2017
Black Dahlia, Red Rose : the crime, corruption, and cover-up of America's greatest unsolved murder
Eatwell, Piu Marie, author. A library catalog record for a book connected with Elizabeth Short. The record may offer a preview or borrowing options; full reading access is not guaranteed.
Archive ResourceAccess Varies · Check Source
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
EXPLORE THE CASE
Court & Files
Court records & documents
1 itemsAbout these sources
Documents are labeled by type and scope. Allegations in filings are not findings of guilt. This collection is not the complete case file.
Released investigative fileGovernment repository
Elizabeth Short — released FBI file, Part 1
Official FBI release concerning Elizabeth Short, with a downloadable PDF. Investigative correspondence and leads are not judicial findings, and the file does not resolve the murder.
- Court / agency
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Document date
- Historical file; multiple dates
- Case / citation
- FBI Vault · Black Dahlia (E Short), Part 01
- Hosted by
- FBI Vault
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
EXPLORE THE CASE
Roads Traveled
Roads Traveled
Open case map →Los Angeles, California. The map provides regional context; individually verified historical places are listed below.
Where this story happened
Los Angeles, California
Highlighted states show regional context, not exact addresses. Ontario and regions outside the contiguous U.S. are listed by name.
Explore the interactive case atlas →Boundaries: Natural Earth · public domain
Location research & source notes
Map sources checked September 14, 2026. 1 individual Odd Stops location pages matched this case.
See this case’s source review
- Odd Stops
- Location pages found · 1 location pages. Read the location summaries in our place guides; photographs appear where reuse rights are verified.
- MurderData
- No verified match found.
- ArcGIS essay
- Not included in this essay.
- Reddit map
- Reviewed as a general resource. Its coordinates and victim counts were not adopted as case evidence.
“No verified match” describes the accessible material found in this review, not proof that a source has never covered the case. MAP’s anonymous records were not individually matched to people.
See the full case checklist →Elizabeth Short recovery location
Area redevelopedSouth Norton Avenue near historical 3831, Los Angeles, California
Short's body was found beside a vacant lot in January 1947. The area was later developed; no connection to present occupants is implied.
The historical setting has changed. No public access to private land or buildings has been verified.
Explore This Place →EXPLORE THE CASE
Positive Outcome
Positive Outcome
0 itemsAbout these sources
Documented laws, advocacy and reforms. Listing a change does not claim it is effective or universally supported.
No case-specific reform has been verified for this collection yet.
Social Media
5 itemsAbout these sources
Case-specific posts, videos and communities. Community opinions are separate from verified reporting. Platforms may require sign-in.
Entertainment Tonight
The Black Dahlia Murder: Inside Elizabeth Short's Unsolved Killing | ET Uncovered
Video from Entertainment Tonight covering the Elizabeth Short case. Length: 15:22.
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
Surviving The Survivor: #BestGuests in True Crime
New Leads in Black Dahlia Case: More Details of What Happened to Elizabeth Short & Who Did It
Video from Surviving The Survivor: #BestGuests in True Crime covering the Elizabeth Short case. Length: 1:09:44.
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
OUTLORE with Eleanor Neale
Drained of Blood and Cut in Half: The Black Dahlia
Video from OUTLORE with Eleanor Neale covering the Elizabeth Short case. Length: 1:22:21.
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
Stephanie Harlowe
The Black Dahlia
Video from Stephanie Harlowe covering the Elizabeth Short case. Length: 1:16:50.
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)
Investigation Discovery
The Black Dahlia: 5 Things To Know About The Notorious Murder
Video from Investigation Discovery covering the Elizabeth Short case. Length: 2:05.
Link Check PendingReport a Link (Email)