Ellroy portrays a dark image of 1950s Los Angeles where corruption permeates all levels of society. The police force is riddled with bribery and violence, while powerful figures from politics and show business pull the strings. The lines between right and wrong blur, making the pursuit of justice a dangerous endeavor.

None of the protagonists are clearly good or evil. Each carries their own scars and secrets, with motives often driven by personal interests and vengeance. Ellroy confronts readers with the question of whether true justice can exist in a world full of gray areas.

In the dream factory of Hollywood, fame is a drug that both seduces and destroys. Jack Vincennes yearns for recognition and attention, while other characters are willing to step over bodies to reach the top. Ellroy reveals the dark side of the American Dream and the shadows behind the glamour.