cover image L.A. Confidential

L.A. Confidential

James Ellroy. Mysterious Press, $5.99 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-446-40010-7

An intricate procedural set in 1950s L.A. has crooked cops participating in a shoot-out with gangsters and in a precinct-house riot. According to PW , although ``even the most noble of the characters here are relentlessly sleazy. . . their grueling, sometimes maniacal schemes make a compelling read for the stout of heart.'' (July)