If you enjoy reading books by Dashiell Hammett then you might also like the following authors:
Raymond Chandler is often mentioned alongside Dashiell Hammett as a pioneer of hardboiled detective fiction. Chandler’s work is known for its vivid descriptions and complex characters, particularly the iconic private detective, Philip Marlowe.
Ross Macdonald created the Lew Archer series, which became synonymous with the hardboiled genre. His intricate plots and psychological depth offer a rich reading experience reminiscent of Hammett.
Famed for his visceral style and tightly woven narratives, James M. Cain is a staple of noir fiction. His novels often highlight the darker aspects of human nature similar to Hammett’s themes.
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.
Best known for her psychological thrillers, Highsmith’s work often explores the moral ambiguities present in Hammett’s novels, providing a similarly suspenseful experience.
With a writing style that combines realism and humor, Chester Himes’ Harlem Detectives series paints a vivid picture of urban life and crime that would appeal to Hammett aficionados.
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.
Known for his vivid depiction of crime and corruption in Los Angeles, James Ellroy’s novels are dense, intricately plotted, and echo the tension-filled narratives common in Hammett’s fiction.
Sara Paretsky introduced the tough, independent private investigator V.I. Warshawski, whose adventures are filled with the kind of hard-hitting, socially conscious themes Hammett popularized.
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.
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.