If you enjoy reading books by Dashiell Hammett then you might also like the following authors:
Raymond Chandler crafted complex characters and layered plots within the hardboiled genre.
His notable works include “The Big Sleep,” “Farewell, My Lovely,” and “The Long Goodbye.” His stories feature the iconic private detective Philip Marlowe, who navigates through worlds filled with corruption and deceit.
After I finished reading all of Dashiell Hammett’s novels (as well as all of Raymond Chandler’s novels), I was looking for something similar and started reading the Lew Archer series by Ross Macdonald.
I found them really great. They are also in the hardboiled genre, and there are 18 of them. The first one in the series is “The Moving Target.” I didn’t read them in order, which was fine because each of the novels is self-contained.
I liked them so much that I read all 18 of them.
James M. Cain created intense narratives including “The Postman Always Rings Twice,” “Double Indemnity,” and “Mildred Pierce.” His stories explore dark themes of desire and betrayal, significantly shaping the noir genre.
Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer series delivers gritty, fast-paced detective stories filled with action and suspense, aligning with the gritty realism fans of Hammett enjoy.
John D. MacDonald is celebrated for his Travis McGee series, which blends crime-solving with keen social observations, catering to readers who appreciate Hammett’s social commentary.
A pseudonym for the writing duo Frederic Dannay and Manfred Bennington Lee, Ellery Queen offers tightly plotted mysteries that follow a logical progression, much like Hammett’s storytelling.
Patricia Highsmith created psychological thrillers that examine the complexities of the human mind.
Among her notable works are “Strangers on a Train”, which introduces a twisted partnership between two men who plot murder, and “The Talented Mr. Ripley”, which features the enigmatic and morally ambiguous Tom Ripley.
Famed for his Spencer series, Robert B. Parker’s lean style and sharp dialogue mirror Hammett’s no-nonsense approach to storytelling, making his books a natural fit for Hammett enthusiasts.
Dorothy B. Hughes wrote atmospheric thrillers that delve into the psychology of crime. Her work parallels Hammett’s in its exploration of complex characters and themes.
Lawrence Block is a prolific author whose realistic and morally complex characters align with the gritty realism found in Hammett’s work, notably in his Matthew Scudder series.
James Ellroy sets his stories in the underbelly of Los Angeles. Titles like “The Black Dahlia,” “L.A. Confidential,” and “American Tabloid” demonstrate his talent for dark and gripping narratives that resonate with readers.
Sara Paretsky created the iconic detective V.I. Warshawski, featured in novels such as “Indemnity Only,” “Blood Shot,” and “Deadlock.”
These stories showcase Warshawski’s intelligence and determination as she tackles complex cases and navigates societal issues. Paretsky’s work offers readers engaging narratives and well-developed characters that stand the test of time.
Ken Bruen’s sharp prose and bleak humor capture the noir essence, while his nuanced plots and distinctive characters will resonate with fans of Hammett’s hardboiled style.
Walter Mosley’s Easy Rawlins series examines race and society through the lens of crime fiction, blending thought-provoking themes with the gritty storytelling Hammett fans appreciate.
With a writing style that combines realism and humor, Chester Himes’ Harlem Detectives series paints a vivid picture of urban life and crime that could appeal to Hammett aficionados.