Because the Night is a crime fiction novel written by James Ellroy.

Like Blood on the Moon (first book) and Suicide Hill (third and final book), it follows Lloyd Hopkins an LAPD robbery-homicide detective in the 1980s.

Because the Night features Hopkins investigating a triple murder at a liquor store.

Nothing was stolen, leading Hopkins to suspect that the crime was a thrill killing.

His investigation crosses paths with psychiatrist John Havilland, who uses drugs and professional expertise to manipulate a small group of followers into crime and debauchery.