If you enjoy reading books by Donald Westlake then you might also like the following authors:
Elmore Leonard writes sharp, witty crime novels featuring vivid characters and snappy dialogue. He crafts plots filled with humor, clever thieves, and unpredictable twists, much like Donald Westlake does in his stories.
For example, in Get Shorty, Leonard introduces Chili Palmer, a Miami loan shark entering Hollywood, blending crime fiction with satire in an entertaining way.
Carl Hiaasen's books often showcase eccentric characters set against Florida's quirky backdrop. Like Westlake, he uses humor, wild plots, and satirical insights to explore corruption and greed.
For instance, in Tourist Season, Hiaasen weaves humor with crime, depicting a bizarre and amusing plot involving over-the-top environmental activists, corrupt officials, and outrageous schemes.
Lawrence Block writes crime fiction focused on memorable anti-heroes, quick pace, and intelligent storytelling. His series featuring burglar Bernie Rhodenbarr blends humor with suspense and resourceful plot twists, similar to Westlake's style.
A good starting point for readers is Burglars Can't Be Choosers, where Block combines humor, mystery, and sharp dialogue for an enjoyable read.
Ross Thomas creates suspenseful novels with a snappy narrative style, wit, and clever plotting. He explores themes of corruption, betrayal, covert operations, and political intrigue through engaging, morally ambiguous characters.
His book Briarpatch is a great example of his engaging storytelling, combining political scandals, colorful characters, sharp wit, and unexpected plots.
George V. Higgins tells gritty crime stories driven largely by realistic, distinctive dialogue. His style spotlights the everyday conversations of criminals, mobsters, and ordinary people caught up in tricky situations.
His novel The Friends of Eddie Coyle is a fine example of his clever dialogue-centered approach, portraying the gritty realities faced by low-level criminals with authenticity and dry humor.
Raymond Chandler writes detective fiction full of sharp dialogue, dark humor, and memorable characters. His stories often feature gritty Los Angeles settings, crime, corruption, and flawed heroes—especially the tough and cynical Philip Marlowe.
Chandler's classic novel The Big Sleep is ideal for readers who appreciate Donald Westlake's tight plotting and witty style.
Dashiell Hammett pioneered the hard-boiled detective genre with a straightforward, tough-minded style. His work often includes morally ambiguous situations, concrete realism, and memorable tough-guy characters caught up in crime and betrayal.
His classic novel The Maltese Falcon, featuring the detective Sam Spade, would appeal to Donald Westlake fans who enjoy sharp, direct storytelling.
Joe R. Lansdale's novels mix crime fiction with humor, suspense, and unique characters. He has a knack for writing gritty southern noir stories that balance humor and darkness in a refreshingly honest way.
Readers who appreciate Westlake's clever storytelling and quirky characters might enjoy Lansdale's entertaining novel Savage Season, the first book in his Hap and Leonard series.
Chester Himes' stories revolve around characters caught up in chaotic situations, often highlighting the experience of living on society's edges. His crime fiction combines vivid characters with sharp social commentary and plenty of dark, biting humor.
Fans of Westlake's style will appreciate Himes' daring mix of comedy and suspense in his novel Cotton Comes to Harlem.
Charles Willeford creates crime stories that are both funny and unsettling, often highlighting characters who operate on the fringes of respectability. His style blends straightforward writing with quirky, believable characters and situations.
If you enjoy Westlake's mix of dark comedy and crime, you'll likely appreciate Willeford's novel Miami Blues, featuring the intriguing and offbeat Detective Hoke Moseley.
Readers who appreciate Donald Westlake's smart and witty characters might also enjoy Robert B. Parker. Parker delivers sharp, fast-moving crime novels and engaging detective stories, featuring colorful characters and crisp dialogue.
Try The Godwulf Manuscript, the first book that introduces his iconic detective Spenser, known for his humor, grit, and clever charm.
Just as Westlake uses humor and playful banter to offset tension, Gregory Mcdonald nicely blends wit, humor, and mystery. Mcdonald is best known for creating investigative reporter Irwin Maurice Fletcher—or "Fletch," as he's better known—in the cleverly written novel Fletch.
His clever dialogue and entertaining plots make Mcdonald a perfect choice for Westlake fans.
If Donald Westlake's darker, harder-edged tales resonate with you, you'll find Jim Thompson similarly intriguing. Thompson typically dives deep into the psychology of flawed and complex characters, leading readers through gritty plots with unexpected twists.
His classic noir The Killer Inside Me offers readers an intense, unsettling journey into the mind of a seemingly ordinary sheriff hiding dark secrets.
Readers who appreciate Westlake's tightly constructed plots and morally ambiguous characters might enjoy James M. Cain's style as well. Often regarded as a master of noir fiction, Cain exposes ordinary people drawn into crime and corruption.
One of his powerful and gripping novels, Double Indemnity, captures human greed, betrayal, and suspense in a perfectly lean narrative.
Fans of Westlake who appreciate realistic police procedural stories featuring distinctive characters might like Ed McBain. His novels are smartly crafted, showcasing the daily challenges and interactions within the 87th Precinct squad.
A great entry point is Cop Hater, the first installment in the 87th Precinct series—it combines solid storytelling, memorable detectives, and authentic dialogue for a satisfying experience.