Evan Hunter was a versatile American author known for crime fiction. Writing under his pseudonym Ed McBain, he created the popular 87th Precinct mysteries. His influential novel The Blackboard Jungle also gained widespread acclaim.
If you enjoy reading books by Evan Hunter then you might also like the following authors:
Joseph Wambaugh writes vivid police stories from the point of view of those who've worn a badge. His novels blend realistic characters and gritty detail with sharp humor, capturing the human side of law enforcement.
If you liked Evan Hunter's realistic style, Wambaugh's The Choirboys might appeal to you. It follows a group of police officers coping with stress through dark humor and offbeat camaraderie.
Lawrence Sanders creates intriguing crime stories with a blend of suspense, clever plotting, and memorable characters. His writing often explores moral ambiguity and detailed personal dramas, much like Evan Hunter's thoughtful character portrayals.
You might enjoy Sanders' The First Deadly Sin, which introduces detective Edward X. Delaney investigating an unsettling murder in New York City.
Donald E. Westlake offers readers enjoyable, clever crime fiction mixed with humor and wit. Like Evan Hunter, Westlake has a knack for natural dialogue and engaging plots.
His novel The Hot Rock features the likable thief John Dortmunder, whose comic misadventures make for entertaining reading.
Elmore Leonard's stories feature sharp dialogue, distinctive characters, and tightly paced narratives. He often focuses on the intersection between quirky criminals and law enforcement, similar to Evan Hunter's insightful portrayals of crime and human nature.
If you appreciate Hunter's character-driven plots, Leonard's Get Shorty offers clever banter and plenty of humor, as a mob enforcer becomes involved with Hollywood's flashy underworld.
Georges Simenon writes thoughtful, carefully crafted mysteries centered on human psychology and insightful character studies.
His detective, Inspector Maigret, solves crimes by understanding personalities and motives, creating suspense through subtle observation rather than action-packed drama.
Readers of Evan Hunter who enjoy introspective narratives might like Simenon's Maigret and the Yellow Dog, where Maigret investigates mysterious events in a small seaport town, unraveling hidden tensions beneath everyday life.
Michael Connelly writes crime novels that blend police procedures with strong character-driven storytelling. Readers who enjoy Evan Hunter's realistic portrayal of law enforcement and criminals may appreciate Connelly's detailed, authentic style.
His novel The Black Echo introduces Detective Harry Bosch, a thoughtful and relentless investigator who digs into the dark corners of Los Angeles.
Robert B. Parker is known for his crisp dialogue, concise narrative, and witty yet tough characters, similar to Evan Hunter's straightforward and engaging style.
Parker's detective fiction often centers around private investigator Spenser, a tough and principled sleuth with a sharp sense of humor. A great book to start with is The Godwulf Manuscript, which sets the tone for the entire Spenser series.
Fans of Evan Hunter's realistic crime fiction focusing on careful police procedure might find Hillary Waugh equally satisfying. Waugh's novels are precise and methodical, building suspense through careful detective work and authentic portrayals of police investigations.
His classic novel Last Seen Wearing... is a standout example, illustrating a steady unraveling of a missing-person case that feels vivid and convincing.
George V. Higgins is famous for his sharp, realistic dialogue and insightful look into the criminal underworld, attributes readers admire in Evan Hunter's work.
Higgins constructs powerful narratives through conversations and interactions, carefully revealing his characters' true natures piece by piece. His influential crime novel The Friends of Eddie Coyle offers a grounded look at small-time criminals struggling to get by.
P.D. James writes crime fiction with psychological depth, exploring human motives and moral dilemmas similar to Evan Hunter's thoughtful approach to his characters. James's mysteries often involve complex crimes and evocative settings.
Her novel Cover Her Face introduces the intelligent investigator Adam Dalgliesh, who unravels intricate crimes with patience and insight.
Swedish authors Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö are known for their smart and socially-aware detective novels. Their Martin Beck series blends intriguing police investigations with commentary on Swedish society.
Fans of Evan Hunter's thoughtful approach to crime fiction will appreciate their careful plotting and sharp insight into politics and social issues. A great place to start is Roseanna, the first in the classic Martin Beck series.
Ian Rankin writes gritty, realistic crime novels set largely around Edinburgh. His detective, John Rebus, is tough, morally complex, and haunted by cases and personal challenges.
If you enjoy Evan Hunter's layered characters and urban mysteries with a strong sense of place, Rankin provides a similarly satisfying experience. Try Knots and Crosses, the gripping first novel in Rankin's long-running Rebus series.
Dennis Lehane’s novels dive deep into the darker corners of Boston's neighborhoods, exploring crime, corruption, and the emotional struggles of his characters.
Lehane’s straightforward style, emotional intensity, and vivid characterizations make his work appealing if you like Evan Hunter’s gripping yet thoughtful storytelling. A perfect novel to start with would be Mystic River, a powerful exploration of friendship, guilt, and tragedy.
William J. Caunitz was a former NYPD detective who brought authentic police procedure to his fiction. His novels capture life within the police force, realistically portraying the pressures officers experience in complicated investigations.
If you enjoy the believable details and realistic drama found in Evan Hunter’s work, you might appreciate Caunitz's police-focused stories. Try One Police Plaza, a solid thriller highlighting gritty realism and insider authenticity.
James Ellroy writes intense, darkly atmospheric crime fiction, marked by a hard-boiled style and morally ambiguous characters. Ellroy examines corruption, obsession, and violence, especially in his gritty portrayals of 1940s and 1950s Los Angeles.
For readers looking for crime fiction that is leaner and darker than Evan Hunter's but shares a detailed, character-driven approach, Ellroy promises a rewarding challenge. Start with The Black Dahlia, a classic noir thriller based on a famously unsolved murder case.