Book · 2010 · True Crime
L.A. Noir
The Struggle for the Soul of America's Most Seductive City
Why people recommend it
L.A. Noir by John Buntin is a gripping historical non-fiction book that explores the dark underbelly of mid-century Los Angeles, detailing the rise of the city's mobsters, police corruption, and social conflicts. Robert Evans brought up the book on the podcast Behind the Bastards during the episode titled Part One: Daryl Gates: The Man Who Invented SWAT Teams and DARE. He referenced John Buntin's work to describe how Los Angeles historically marketed itself as a white enclave, quoting that it was viewed as a place where native-born white Protestants could enjoy the magic of the outdoors. Later, in Part Two of the series, Evans brought up L.A. Noir again to describe the unfolding events of the 1965 Watts riots. He noted from the book that by the time Marquette became angry, a crowd of approximately a hundred bystanders had gathered, some murmuring angrily while a partner slipped off to radio a code 1199. Listeners interested in the gritty true crime history and complex policing dynamics of mid-century Southern California frequently turn to Buntin's thorough narrative for its vivid storytelling and detailed historical context.
Who recommended it
- Robert Evans Discussed
Robert Evans — 2 mentions
“And the book La Noir describes what happens next. By the time Marquette got angry, a crowd of roughly a hundred bystanders had gathered. Some of them started to murmur angrily. Minus's partner slipped off and radioed a code 1199.”
“Per the book LA Noir by John Buntin, it was seen as quote, "A place where native-born white Protestants could enjoy the magic of outdoors inviting always.”