The Gifted Gabaldon Sisters, by Lorraine Lopez, is a novel, set in LA, about four sisters . Despite the lack of a compelling plot, I enjoyed this story because of its realistic depiction of a Mexican-American family, the laugh-out-loud humor, and the setting. Aside from novels by Michael Connelly, it occurs to me that though I like reading books set in my favorite city and area (LA County), I more often seem to come across those that take place in New York. Why is that? I’m not talking about “The Hollywood Novel.” Hollywood is almost a different world, one I know little about, having spent little time there. I prefer LA novels, like Connelly’s, that put me in a particular street or neighborhood, where I can almost see and smell my surroundings. Lopez does that, especially with her description of City Terrace.

I searched my memory banks to come up with other LA titles I’ve read but could remember only a few: White Oleander, by Janet Fitch, Paint It Black,  also by Janet Fitch, Black Dahlia, by James Ellroy, and The Zoot Suit Murders, by Thomas Sanchez.

Do authors find New York City a more intriguing setting for their stories? Or have I simply missed some good LA titles?