From shadowy noir streets to modern, high-stakes thrillers, Los Angeles has always been a city built for crime fiction. In this panel, authors explore how L.A.’s history, culture, and shifting neighborhoods have shaped crime stories across decades. They discuss how the city’s evolving landscape influences tone, character, and the kinds of crimes that feel true to each era.
Finding Humanity in Darkness
Holly West, Janice Hamrick, Julie Compton, Laura Caldwell, Marcia Talley, and Rachel Brady explore how crime fiction can balance darkness with empathy. They discuss creating stories that reflect compassion, moral complexity, and the human cost behind crime and justice.
