Lee Earle "James" Ellroy was born on March 4, 1948, in Los Angeles, California. He is a prominent figure in American crime fiction literature, particularly known for his distinctive prose style. Ellroy's writing is marked by a "telegrammatic" approach, featuring short, staccato sentences and often omitting connecting words. This style is most evident in his later works, including the renowned novels The Black Dahlia (1987) and L.A. Confidential (1990), which have greatly contributed to his fame.

James Ellroy's journey as a writer includes a series of international bestsellers, notably the L.A. Quartet novels—The Black Dahlia, The Big Nowhere, L.A. Confidential, and White Jazz. His novel American Tabloid was hailed as Time magazine's Best Book (fiction) of 1995. Furthermore, his memoir, My Dark Places, received critical acclaim, being named a Time Best Book of the Year and a New York Times Notable Book for 1996. Another novel, The Cold Six Thousand, was recognized as a New York Times Notable Book and a Los Angeles Times Best Book for 2001.

Ellroy's narratives often explore the themes of dark humor and American authoritarianism, making him a unique voice in the landscape of crime fiction. Beyond his literary achievements, Ellroy has also left a mark on the film industry, with his novels serving as the basis for successful cinematic adaptations, such as L.A. Confidential and The Black Dahlia.

Today, James Ellroy resides in Los Angeles, continuing to contribute to the genre of crime fiction with his compelling storytelling and innovative narrative techniques.