If you enjoy reading novels by John D. MacDonald then you might also like the following authors:
Ross Macdonald was the pseudonym used by detective fiction author Kenneth Millar (he is not a relative of John D. MacDonald).
I have read all of Ross Macdonald’s novels in his Lew Archer series (there are 18 of them). And I enjoyed all of them.
The novel “The Drowning Pool” digs into family secrets, while “The Chill” weaves a puzzle full of unexpected twists. His stories have a knack for blending mystery with human drama in a way that feels grounded.
If you like John D. MacDonald, you might enjoy Lawrence Block’s work. His novels have a sharp, no-nonsense approach to storytelling.
Check out “The Sins of the Fathers,” the first in the Matthew Scudder series, where a former cop takes on cases as an unlicensed private investigator.
Another solid choice is “Eight Million Ways to Die,” where Scudder faces a dark and gritty case set against the backdrop of New York City. Block’s writing delivers the kind of atmosphere and smart plotting that fans of MacDonald’s Travis McGee series can appreciate.
If you enjoy John D. MacDonald, Elmore Leonard is worth checking out. His books have a sharp, no-nonsense style that pulls you in fast. Start with “Pronto,” which introduces the sly and unpredictable Raylan Givens.
“Out of Sight” is another solid pick, blending crime with smart, snappy dialogue. “Rum Punch” has a perfect mix of danger and characters who feel alive. Leonard keeps it lean and easy to follow, which fans of MacDonald often appreciate.
Raymond Chandler writes classic hardboiled crime tales with a sharp and witty edge. If you enjoy John D. MacDonald, you might like the way Chandler sets the mood and builds his characters.
His stories dive into gritty worlds, and Philip Marlowe, his famous detective, always brings a cool mix of cynicism and charm. Books like “The Big Sleep” and “Farewell, My Lovely” are packed with twists and sharp dialogue.
“The Long Goodbye” might catch your attention too, with its emotional depth and strong sense of loyalty.
If you’re into John D. MacDonald, you might enjoy Dashiell Hammett’s work. He brings sharp dialogue and tough characters to life. “The Maltese Falcon” introduced Sam Spade, a detective with his own sense of justice.
Then there’s “The Thin Man,” a mix of wit and crime-solving centered on a charismatic couple. “Red Harvest” is a hard-edged story about corruption and chaos in a mining town. Hammett’s writing has that same grit and bite that makes MacDonald’s stories unforgettable.
If you enjoy John D. MacDonald, you might want to check out Robert B. Parker. His writing captures that same sense of sharp dialogue and strong characters. Try “The Godwulf Manuscript,” which introduces Spenser, his wise-cracking private investigator.
Another great pick is “Looking for Rachel Wallace,” where Spenser’s wit and toughness are on full display. Parker’s stories have that straightforward, no-nonsense tone that keeps you turning pages.
If you’re a fan of John D. MacDonald, you might enjoy James W. Hall’s work. His books mix action, mystery, and tension in the Florida setting that MacDonald fans appreciate.
“Bones of Coral” pulls you into a world of dark secrets, while “Under Cover of Daylight” introduces the rugged Thorn, a character who’s tied to the Florida wilderness. Hall’s stories often explore connections between people and the dangerous twists those relationships can take.
If you enjoy John D. MacDonald, you might like Tony Hillerman’s work. His novels, like “Dance Hall of the Dead” and “Skinwalkers,” mix crime and suspense with a deep sense of place.
They’re set in the Southwest and follow Navajo tribal police solving cases that often involve local culture. Hillerman’s writing has a straightforward style, with an emphasis on characters and atmosphere that pull you in.
If you enjoy John D. MacDonald, you might like Carl Hiaasen’s mix of crime and Florida settings. His books often focus on oddball characters and environmental issues, set against a backdrop of corruption and shady dealings.
“Tourist Season” is a wild story about a group targeting tourists in Miami, while “Skin Tight” takes you into a world of plastic surgery and murder. “Double Whammy” dives into the craziness of competitive bass fishing with a murder twist.
Hiaasen’s humor and sharp storytelling give his Florida a lively, dangerous edge.
Donald E. Westlake is a master when it comes to crafting clever and fast-moving crime stories. If you enjoy John D. MacDonald, you’ll probably appreciate Westlake’s mix of sharp dialogue and colorful characters.
Start with “The Hot Rock,” where a group of thieves can’t seem to stay out of trouble while chasing a single diamond. Then try “The Hunter,” written under his pseudonym Richard Stark, which introduces Parker, a cold and relentless professional thief.
Westlake’s writing has a similar bite to MacDonald’s but brings its own wit to the table.
If you enjoy John D. MacDonald, you might like Ed McBain’s crime stories. He’s known for the 87th Precinct series, where the city and its cops take center stage. “Cop Hater” kicks off the series with a gritty murder investigation.
Another standout is “The Mugger,” which dives into a case involving a street criminal with a disturbing habit. McBain’s books focus on smart plots and raw urban settings, making them hard to put down.
The Travis McGee series, inspired by John D. MacDonald, captures a similar vibe of suspense and action. These novels stick to the essence of a clever, resourceful hero taking on tough situations.
Books like “The Empty Copper Sea” and “The Long Lavender Look” showcase the blend of danger and drama that fans of MacDonald will recognize. Each story brings a mix of intrigue and personal stakes, with McGee navigating a world that’s often unforgiving.
Michael Connelly creates sharp, character-driven stories with a focus on crime and justice. His novel “The Concrete Blonde” offers a blend of investigation and courtroom drama, centering on LAPD detective Harry Bosch.
Another standout, “The Lincoln Lawyer,” introduces Mickey Haller, a defense attorney navigating moral dilemmas while working out of a car. Fans of John D. MacDonald might enjoy the way Connelly weaves dark motives and vivid settings into tightly paced narratives.
Randy Wayne White writes stories that often bring Florida to life in a way that fans of John D. MacDonald might enjoy. His series featuring Doc Ford, a marine biologist with a shadowy past, has a similar mix of action and atmosphere.
Books like “Sanibel Flats” and “Tampa Burn” balance mystery and danger with a strong sense of place. White’s writing has a straightforward style that makes his plots easy to get lost in.
Stuart Woods writes fast-paced stories with sharp characters and a mix of action and mystery. Fans of John D. MacDonald might enjoy Woods’ “Chiefs,” a gripping tale of crime and secrets in a small Southern town, or “Deep Lie,” which dives into international espionage.
His books focus on tight plots and strong storytelling, which keep readers turning pages.