identified him. Plunkett goes to Anderson's house and violently murders his entire family. Afterwards he experiences a moment of lucidity during which he realizes that they had no role in his being identified. He goes to a motel where he identifies himself to the manager and ultimately surrenders to Dusenberg. Plunkett only confesses to crimes in non-death-penalty states, assuring via an immunity deal that he will never be executed. He is sentenced to four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole and placed into solitary confinement at Sing Sing. Remaining in a catatonic state for an extended period of time, he finally breaks his silence by contacting a publisher and asking for assistance writing his memoirs (which make up the bulk of the novel). Dusenberg, troubled by Plunkett's motiveless murders, seeks solace in his family, only to discover that his wife has been having an affair. When he confronts her, she attempts to rationalize it before begging for forgiveness, all the while attempting to deflect blame. Dusenberg sells his diary to Plunkett's agent for use in Plunkett's book before committing suicide, leaving his entire estate to his children. In Sing Sing, Plunkett finishes his memoirs. Believing that he has reached the pinnacle of human existence, and robbed of further murder opportunities, he announces his intention to kill himself by willing himself into a state of brain death. References Novels by James Ellroy 1986 American novels American crime novels Avon (publisher) books