If you enjoy reading books by Joe R. Lansdale then you might also like the following authors:
Chuck Wendig writes stories that pull you in with sharp characters and a lot of grit. If you like Joe R. Lansdale, you might enjoy “Wanderers,” where a group of people walk across the country without explanation, sparking chaos and questions.
“The Book of Accidents” blends family drama with eerie, supernatural vibes as past traumas and dark forces collide. His books have a raw energy that’s hard to put down.
Cormac McCarthy wrote stories that often explore dark and raw themes. “The Road” tells the story of a father and son traveling through a desolate, post-apocalyptic world.
In “No Country for Old Men,” chaos unfolds when a man stumbles on drug money, leading to violence and moral questions. His writing cuts straight to harsh truths, showing both beauty and brutality in life.
Elmore Leonard wrote sharp, no-nonsense stories full of clever dialogue and colorful characters. If you enjoy Joe R. Lansdale, you might like Leonard’s mix of crime and dark humor.
“Get Shorty” is about a small-time crook who finds himself in Hollywood, trying to make it in the movie business. “Rum Punch” follows a flight attendant caught in a scheme with the FBI, gunrunners, and a ton of cash.
“Hombre” is a western that focuses on a tough outsider protecting a stagecoach under attack. Leonard’s work has that punchy, fast-paced style that keeps things unpredictable.
Daniel Woodrell writes stories that often focus on life in the Ozarks. His novel, “Winter’s Bone,” follows a young girl searching for her missing father in a harsh, poverty-stricken community.
In “The Death of Sweet Mister,” he tells the story of a troubled boy caught in a world of crime and dysfunctional family dynamics. These books explore struggles rooted in survival and family.
Donald Ray Pollock writes stories that dig into the dark corners of rural America. His book, “The Devil All the Time,” tells a grim tale about violence and twisted faith in a small town.
Another, “Knockemstiff,” is a collection of gritty short stories about rough lives in a dying Ohio town. If you’ve enjoyed Joe R. Lansdale’s gritty storytelling and flawed, raw characters, Pollock’s work is worth a look.
James Lee Burke writes stories filled with vivid settings and deep characters. “The Neon Rain” introduces Dave Robicheaux, a detective confronting crime and personal struggles in Louisiana.
“Heaven’s Prisoners” follows Robicheaux as he wrestles with a violent past and uncovers dark secrets. These books combine mystery and human conflict, keeping the focus on the characters and their challenges.
James Ellroy writes dark and gritty crime stories. If you’re into Joe R. Lansdale, you might like Ellroy’s raw style. His novel “The Black Dahlia” dives into the murder of a young woman and the chaos it spreads.
“L.A. Confidential” tells a twisted tale of corrupt cops and Hollywood secrets. Both books are packed with violence, betrayal, and deeply flawed characters.
Charlie Huston writes books packed with sharp dialogue and quick action. In “Caught Stealing,” an everyday guy gets caught up in a dangerous mess after holding onto a neighbor’s cat.
“Already Dead” is about a vampire named Joe Pitt who works as a private investigator, dealing with crime in a dark and gritty New York. Both stories are full of twists and tough characters.
Richard Kadrey writes wild, gritty stories that mix dark humor and violence with sharp dialogue. If you’re into Joe R. Lansdale’s work, try Kadrey’s “Sandman Slim,” which follows a half-human antihero escaping Hell to take revenge on those who betrayed him.
“The Everything Box” brings a lighter, chaotic touch, with a thief accidentally stealing what might end the world. His books are fast-paced and packed with snarky characters.
Michael McDowell wrote stories that mix horror and Southern Gothic elements. In “The Elementals,” a family deals with strange and terrifying forces at an old, isolated house by the beach.
“Cold Moon Over Babylon” tells the tale of a small town haunted by a vengeful ghost after a brutal murder. His books often focus on dark secrets and eerie, atmospheric settings.
Tim Dorsey writes fast-paced, wild stories filled with dark humor and strange characters. His books often follow Serge Storms, a bizarre anti-hero who loves Florida’s history while causing chaos along the way.
In “Florida Roadkill,” Serge goes after a suitcase of stolen cash, leaving a trail of madness behind. “Hammerhead Ranch Motel” continues the craziness, pulling you into oddball schemes and dangerous situations.
If you enjoy the mix of violence and humor in Joe R. Lansdale’s work, you might find Dorsey’s books entertaining.
Joe Hill is known for his imaginative and often dark stories. His novel “NOS4A2” tells the story of a woman trying to stop an immortal man who kidnaps children to a nightmarish place.
In “The Fireman,” a strange plague causes people to burst into flames, and society falls apart as fear takes over. Both books mix horror with emotional depth, keeping readers hooked.
Stephen Graham Jones writes stories that often mix horror with sharp humor and emotional depth. In “The Only Good Indians,” a group of friends deals with a deadly force tied to a mistake they made years ago.
“My Heart Is a Chainsaw” follows an outsider obsessed with slasher films as she uncovers dark secrets in her small town. His books have a raw edge that fans of Joe R. Lansdale might appreciate.
Raymond Chandler wrote crime stories that focus on tough detectives and shady characters in gritty settings. In “The Big Sleep,” private eye Philip Marlowe uncovers secrets while investigating a wealthy family’s problems.
In “Farewell, My Lovely,” Marlowe searches for a missing woman and gets caught up in dangerous schemes. These books offer sharp dialogue and mysteries filled with twists.
Neal Barrett Jr. wrote wild and offbeat stories that fans of Joe R. Lansdale would probably enjoy. His novel “Through Darkest America” is a dark, alternate history set in a dystopian post-apocalyptic world.
“The Hereafter Gang” takes a surreal turn, diving into life, death, and everything in between, with plenty of strange twists. His work often combines grit with humor, creating worlds that feel bizarre yet oddly real.