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In a Lonely Place (Femmes Fatales: Women Write Pulp)
In a Lonely Place - Femmes Fatales: Women Write Pulp Author:Dorothy B. Hughes A 1947 classic that takes us inside the mind of a male serial killer. Author Dorothy B. Hughes explores the anatomy of American misogyny and accomplishes a mystery writing tour de force by depicting his eventual capture by two daring and powerful women from his point of view. The characters of Dix Steele and Laurel Grey, the glamorous actress he... more » falls for but can't hold on to, were so well drawn that they became the basis for extraordinary performances by Humphrey Bogart and Gloria Grahame in the 1950 film version of the book, which also reflects the suspense and hard-boiled edginess of Hughes's writing.
Called "an author with a flair for terror" by The New Yorker, Hughes was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America in 1978.« less
The book doesn't follow the film (or should I say that the other way around?). However, it's an excellent little crime novel written from a serial killer's perspective. A fast well-written book.