George V. Higgins: George V. Higgins was an American author who specialized in crime fiction, much like Elmore Leonard. His most famous work, “The Friends of Eddie Coyle,” delivers a gritty portrayal of Boston's criminal underworld through sharp dialogue and authentic characters.
2
Dennis Lehane: Dennis Lehane is an American author who writes crime novels and mystery fiction, much like Elmore Leonard. His books often feature complex characters and gritty urban settings, with titles like “Mystic River” and “Shutter Island” earning him critical acclaim and a loyal readership.
3
Donald E. Westlake: Donald E. Westlake is a writer like Elmore Leonard because they both craft stories filled with crime, humor, and memorable characters. Their novels often feature clever plots with twists and sharp dialogue that keeps readers engaged.
4
Lawrence Block: Lawrence Block is a prolific author who writes crime and mystery novels with gripping narratives and complex characters. Fans of Elmore Leonard's sharp dialogue and twisty plots might appreciate Block's series featuring the character Matthew Scudder, a former cop turned private investigator.
5
James Ellroy: What makes James Ellroy a writer like Elmore Leonard is that both concentrate on crime fiction with a strong focus on punchy dialogue and gritty, complex characters. They also share a talent for constructing tightly woven narratives within the context of the criminal underworld.
6
Carl Hiaasen - Infuses crime fiction with satire and environmental themes, set primarily in Florida.
7
Raymond Chandler - One of the original hardboiled detective fiction authors who influenced the genre with his Philip Marlowe series.
8
Robert B. Parker - Created the Spenser series, offering a modern take on the private eye genre with snappy dialogue.
9
John D. MacDonald - Known for his Travis McGee series, featuring a Florida-based detective.
10
Leonard Chang - His Allen Choice series has been praised for sharp dialogue and crime noir elements.
11
Joe R. Lansdale - Offers up a mixture of genres, blending crime with western and humor, particularly known for his Hap and Leonard series.
12
Ross Thomas - His books often combine political intrigue with crime, featuring witty and cynical prose.
13
Michael Connelly - While more procedural than Leonard, his Harry Bosch series has complex characters and gripping plots.
14
Walter Mosley - Creator of the Easy Rawlins detective series, which brings to life the African American experience in post-war Los Angeles.
15
Charles Willeford - Known for his Hoke Moseley detective series that digs into the underbelly of Miami's crime scene with dark humor.