John Gilmore (1) (1935–)

The gruesome story of the 1947 Black Dahlia murder is a disturbing, true tale that includes the shiftless drifters of a Jim Thompson novel, dysfunctional familial pasts of Faulknerian dimensions and ghoulish slaughter of horrific intensity. As with Gilmore's previous titles on the Manson Family (Garbage People also on Amok) and Arizona fiend Charles Schmid (The Tucson Murders, Dial), the author's own story is woven into that of the victims and low-lifes here through meetings both chance and show more arranged. These rootless drifters (killer and victim) are set in a shifting background of a nation mobilized for war and a time of exciting music and seedy dives. Severed is an easy read and revelatory tale of a sordid example of human weakness that is as engrossing as it is grotesque. I read the tome in a single reading during an unsettling windstorm. I feel that is the best recommendation I can give because, honestly, I cannot remember the last book that so drew me in. show less

John Gilmore, author of Cold-Blooded: The Saga of Charles Schmid, The Garbage People, Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder and more has always been associated in mind with telling and vivid analysis of true-crime, true-slime. Peripherally, I was aware of his Hollywood connections and career. Now his sordid lens reveals in this past self-destructive drug and alcohol use, murders, loveless and guilt-inducing homosexuality and the corrupting intoxication of the pursuit of fame. show more The book begins and ends with Janis Joplin's sorry reduction of humanity. The lion's share of the middle goes to James Dean and the gluttony of power emanating from the silver screen. Along the way, we stop to ogle at a broken, piss-stained Hank Williams, spineless and rudderless Dennis Hopper, conniving Lenny Bruce, rabid and unpredictable Steve Mcqueen and more, including Jack Nicholson, Jane Fonda, Brigette Bardot, Sal Mineo, Eartha Kitt, Vampira and Ed Wood Jr. Easily, this text belongs on the shelf next to Kenneth Anger's Hollywood Babylon. Gilmore evidences his cult status and ability to deliver the seamy goods by collecting back cover recommendations from punk rock columnist Gary Indiana, subculture icon Genesis P-Orridge and V/Search Publications honcho V. Vale. show less

Something about this woman caught my eye on a website many years back, I think she is very striking and to learn of her brutal murder was very sad. As a very high profile case it wasn't hard to find more information and then I bought Bizarre Magazine and it featured a review of a brand new book called Severed - it was even recommended by David Lynch. So, I brought the review to Waterstones and was very pleased that they had just received a batch in.

I read it in just two days. It was so show more interesting and just so easy to read. The text reads like fiction yet you finish a chapter and think "wow, that really happened". It is a book I have re-read since and loved it again and again. show less

This book gives some insight into Elizabeth Short's activities before she was murdered and left in a vacant lot. The author gives his idea of who he thinks commited this heinous crime. This includes very gruesome photos of the victim.