If you enjoy reading books by Donald E. Westlake then you might also like the following authors:
Elmore Leonard is known for writing sharp, witty crime novels with smart dialogue and characters you can’t forget. If you enjoy Donald E. Westlake, Leonard might be a great fit. One of his standout books is “Get Shorty.”
It follows Chili Palmer, a loan shark from Miami who ends up in Hollywood chasing a debt. Chili discovers that the movie business is stranger and riskier than any work he’s done for the mob.
The story is packed with con men, mobsters, and movie producers, all circling around Chili as he tries to stay ahead in a world as dangerous as it is glamorous.
Carl Hiaasen writes sharp, witty crime novels set in Florida, often blending outrageous characters with chaotic plots. In his book, “Skinny Dip,” a woman named Joey is thrown overboard by her husband during a cruise, but she survives and secretly returns, plotting revenge.
Along the way, there’s a mix of environmental activism, corrupt schemes, and a cast of vivid characters who keep you hooked. If you’re into Donald E. Westlake’s clever crime stories, Hiaasen might be up your alley.
Lawrence Block is a master of crime fiction, known for creating memorable characters with sharp dialogue and plenty of twisty situations.
One of his popular books, “The Burglar Who Liked to Quote Kipling,” introduces Bernie Rhodenbarr, a clever and witty burglar who finds himself caught up in a murder investigation.
Bernie is framed for a crime he didn’t commit and must use all his skills as a thief to clear his name. The story is filled with humor, charm, and scenes where Bernie’s love for books shines through.
Fans of Donald E. Westlake’s clever plots and offbeat characters might appreciate Bernie’s world.
Ed McBain was a master of crime fiction known for his 87th Precinct series, which follows a group of detectives in a fictional city inspired by New York. One of his standout books, “Cop Hater,” kicks off the series with a gritty murder mystery.
Someone is targeting police officers, and the detectives of the precinct face pressure to catch the killer quickly while dealing with fear and tension within their department.
The story showcases McBain’s knack for creating realistic characters and sharp dialogue, making you feel like you’re right there on the streets with them. Fans of Donald E. Westlake may enjoy McBain’s ability to capture both crime and the human side of those who enforce the law.
Ross Thomas was a master of writing sharp, witty crime novels. His stories often feature clever schemes, double-crosses, and unpredictable characters. One standout book is “The Cold War Swap.”
It introduces Mac McCorkle, a former con artist running a bar in Bonn, Germany, and his partner, Mike Padillo, who moonlights as a spy.
When an assignment drops into their laps, the pair find themselves navigating the dangerous world of espionage, where everyone seems to have their own agenda. The book is full of twists, humor, and a sense of danger that keeps you hooked to the end.
Fans of Donald E. Westlake’s clever plotting would feel right at home here.
Joe R. Lansdale is a storyteller with a knack for blending humor with gritty crime. One of his standout books, “Savage Season,” kicks off the Hap and Leonard series.
Hap, a white ex-hippie, and Leonard, a Black, gay Vietnam vet, team up in East Texas to track down a fortune lost in a river heist. Their friendship drives the story, filled with sharp dialogue and unexpected twists.
In this first adventure, an ex-lover ropes Hap into the scheme, and things spiral into danger faster than they bargain for. Lansdale’s writing feels sharp and fast-paced, with characters that stick with you long after turning the last page.
Tim Dorsey writes crime novels with quirky characters and dark humor. His book “Florida Roadkill” follows Serge A. Storms, a psychopath with a strange sense of justice and an obsession with Florida history.
The story kicks off with a wild chase involving stolen drug money and a colorful cast of criminals who keep crossing paths in absurd, unpredictable ways. It’s fast-paced and mixes mayhem with wit, making it a wild ride filled with chaos and surprises.
Robert B. Parker is known for his fast-paced crime stories with sharp dialogue and tough, witty characters. In “The Godwulf Manuscript,” he introduces Spenser, a private investigator with a knack for getting into trouble while trying to set things right.
The story kicks off when a rare manuscript is stolen from a university. Spenser takes the case and quickly gets tangled in threats, blackmail, and a murder that complicates everything.
The book gives you a chance to follow Spenser as he matches wits with dangerous people and navigates a world full of secrets.
Stuart Kaminsky was a talented mystery writer known for crafting engaging crime stories with memorable characters. One of his standout books is “Bullet for a Star,” the first in the Toby Peters series.
Set in 1940s Hollywood, it follows private investigator Toby Peters as he’s hired to retrieve some embarrassing blackmail photos of Errol Flynn. The story dives into the glamorous yet shady world of old Hollywood, filled with movie stars, studio scandals, and dangerous thugs.
Fans of Donald E. Westlake will appreciate Kaminsky’s knack for weaving humor into tense situations while keeping the mystery sharp and entertaining.
Richard Stark is the pen name of Donald E. Westlake, used for his darker, sharper crime novels. One standout from the Parker series is “The Hunter.” This book introduces Parker, a tough and methodical thief who is double-crossed by his partner and left for dead.
Parker doesn’t forget betrayal. He sets out to hunt down the man who wronged him and claim what’s his. The story follows Parker through gritty cities and dangerous confrontations as he moves with cold precision toward his goal.
The book is tense, straightforward, and lets you into the mind of a criminal who has his own strict code.
Colin Bateman writes crime novels filled with dark humor and quirky characters, which might appeal to fans of Donald E. Westlake. One of his books, “Divorcing Jack,” follows Dan Starkey, a Belfast journalist who gets caught up in chaos after a drunken one-night stand.
When the woman he was with is murdered, Dan becomes a suspect and is thrown into a web of political corruption and danger. It’s fast-paced and full of twists, with a main character who is deeply flawed but hard to forget.
The mix of sharp dialogue and outrageous situations makes it hard to put down.
Thomas Perry is an author known for crafting clever, fast-paced crime stories with sharp twists. One of his standout books is “The Butcher’s Boy.” It introduces a cold, skillful hitman who makes his living in the shadows.
When a job goes wrong, he finds himself hunted by both the mafia and the government. At the same time, a determined Justice Department investigator, Elizabeth Waring, starts connecting the dots and closing in on him.
The story is all about strategy, survival, and staying one step ahead in a dangerous game. Fans of Donald E. Westlake might enjoy Perry’s knack for creating smart, entertaining characters caught in high-stakes cat-and-mouse situations.
James W. Hall is known for his gripping crime novels with sharp characters and dark twists. One of his standout books is “Under Cover of Daylight.”
The story introduces Thorn, a loner living in the Florida Keys whose quiet life gets thrown into chaos when he seeks revenge for his adoptive parents’ deaths. Hall paints vivid pictures of the lush Florida landscape while weaving in morally complex choices and secrets.
If you enjoy Donald E. Westlake’s ability to create tension and flawed, relatable characters, Hall’s work might keep you turning the pages.
Charles Willeford was an American crime writer known for his offbeat characters and dark humor. His book “Miami Blues” puts you in the sun-drenched chaos of 1980s Miami.
It starts with a small-time criminal named Junior Frenger, who causes trouble from the moment he lands at the airport. Partnered with Frenger’s reckless antics is the weary but determined Detective Hoke Moseley, who’s missing his teeth and trying to keep up.
The story is unpredictable and full of quirky twists, showcasing Willeford’s knack for blending crime with absurdity. Fans of Donald E. Westlake might enjoy Willeford’s sharp and unorthodox storytelling.
P.G. Wodehouse has a knack for creating lighthearted and hilarious stories that feel effortless yet sharp. His book “Leave It to Psmith” is a great example of his humor and clever plotting.
The story follows Psmith, a quick-witted, resourceful young man who offers his trouble-solving services to anyone in need.
This time, he gets wrapped up in a chaotic scheme involving a stolen necklace, mistaken identities, and a lively cast of eccentrics, all while roaming the halls of Blandings Castle. The characters are full of quirks, and the dialogue sparkles with wit.
If you enjoy the mix of misadventures and well-crafted schemes in Westlake’s books, you might find Wodehouse a fun discovery.