James Ellroy is an American crime fiction writer known for his dark, complex and often controversial stories. He is best known for his "L.A. Quartet" and "Underworld U.S.A. Trilogy" novels, which explore the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles and its criminal underworld. Ellroy's writing style is characterized by a clipped, terse prose, and his stories often feature a mix of historical and fictional characters. His works often focus on themes of corruption, racism, and violence, and he has been praised for his ability to capture the atmosphere of the city of Los Angeles. Ellroy has also written several non-fiction works, including his memoir My Dark Places, which details his investigation into the unsolved murder of his mother. Ellroy's writing has been praised by critics and readers alike, and he has won numerous awards, including the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière and the Edgar Award.