If you enjoy reading books by Lawrence Sanders then you might also like the following authors:
John D. MacDonald was a master of crime and suspense fiction, known for his sharp storytelling and colorful characters. One of his best-known works is “The Deep Blue Good-by,” the first book in the Travis McGee series.
Travis is a self-described “salvage consultant” who helps people recover what’s been taken from them. In this book, he hunts down a man who stole a woman’s family treasures, leading to a dangerous chase through Florida’s seedy underbelly.
The story is filled with schemers, dark secrets, and bursts of action that keep the pages turning. If you like smart, gritty thrillers, MacDonald might be your kind of author.
Ed McBain was a master of the police procedural, known for creating stories that focus on the teamwork and challenges faced by a group of detectives. One of his standout books, “Cop Hater,” introduces the 87th Precinct, a fictional police department in a gritty, unnamed city.
The story kicks off with the murders of two police officers, leading the detectives to hunt for a killer who seems to be targeting cops.
McBain’s writing pulls you into the day-to-day lives of his characters, showing their frustrations, fears, and determination to keep digging for the truth. If you enjoy Lawrence Sanders’ ability to build tension, McBain might be a great next read.
Stuart Woods was an author known for writing fast-paced crime and mystery novels with sharp dialogue and intriguing characters. One of his popular books, “New York Dead,” introduces Stone Barrington, a former cop turned lawyer.
The story begins with a TV anchorwoman landing on a sidewalk after falling from her balcony, only to vanish from the morgue later. It’s a mix of mystery and tension, with Stone navigating a dangerous web of secrets to uncover the truth.
If you enjoy cleverly woven mysteries, this could be a great choice.
Donald E. Westlake was a talented author, especially known for his crime and mystery novels. One of his standout books is “The Axe.” In this story, a man named Burke Devore loses his middle-management job and becomes desperate to reclaim his place in the world.
He decides to remove the competition—literally—by targeting other people in his field for murder. The book explores his calculated actions and the growing tension as Burke tries to avoid suspicion while executing his disturbing plan.
Robert B. Parker is known for his crisp dialogue and sharp characters. His Spenser series is a great pick for fans of Lawrence Sanders. In “Looking for Rachel Wallace,” Spenser is hired to protect a feminist writer with strong enemies.
Rachel isn’t easy to guard, but when she disappears, Spenser’s loyalty drives him to uncover the truth, no matter how dangerous it gets. The mix of tension and wit in Parker’s writing pulls you right into Spenser’s world.
Elmore Leonard is known for writing sharp, dialogue-driven crime stories that pull you into their world. One of his standout works is “Glitz.”
The story follows Detective Vincent Mora, who heads to Atlantic City for some relaxation but ends up facing a vengeful criminal from his past. The book delivers quick-witted characters, a twisty plot, and a gritty setting that makes it hard to put down.
It’s full of tension and humor, making it a great pick for readers who enjoy crime fiction layered with personality.
James Patterson is known for his fast-paced storytelling and twisty plots. If you’re a fan of Lawrence Sanders, you might enjoy Patterson’s “Along Came a Spider.”
This book introduces Alex Cross, a detective and psychologist hunting down a psychopathic kidnapper who has abducted two children from a wealthy family. The story weaves personal stakes into a high-stakes investigation, keeping every chapter tense and unpredictable.
Jonathan Kellerman is known for his psychological mysteries that focus on the darker side of human nature.
One of his books, “When the Bough Breaks,” introduces psychologist Alex Delaware, who gets pulled into a murder investigation after a young girl becomes the only witness to a brutal crime.
As he works with his detective friend, Milo Sturgis, Delaware uncovers unsettling connections to a high-profile child psychiatrist. The story keeps unearthing secrets, and the characters feel layered and flawed, which makes them memorable.
Ross Macdonald wrote classic detective novels featuring private investigator Lew Archer. His writing explores not only crime but the secrets and flaws of his characters.
In “The Chill,” Archer takes on a case that starts with a missing person and spirals into a series of deeply buried family secrets and old crimes. The story has layers of betrayal and guilt, with Archer uncovering how the past keeps haunting those involved.
It’s a great read for anyone who enjoys sharp dialogue and complex mysteries.
Faye Kellerman writes crime novels with a strong focus on character development and moral questions. One of her books, “The Ritual Bath,” kicks off the Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus series.
The story introduces Peter, a Los Angeles detective, and Rina, a widow living in an Orthodox Jewish community. When a woman is attacked near the ritual bath, Peter steps in to investigate. The book blends a murder mystery with the exploration of faith and tradition.
The tension between Peter’s work as a cop and his growing connection to Rina sets up an interesting dynamic as the case unfolds.
Michael Connelly writes crime novels that pull readers into the lives of detectives and their cases. His book “The Lincoln Lawyer” introduces Mickey Haller, a defense attorney who operates from the back seat of his car.
Mickey takes on a case involving a wealthy client accused of assault. As Mickey digs deeper, he starts to see connections between this case and a past event that still haunts him.
The story has twists that keep things unpredictable and a protagonist who straddles the line between idealism and practicality.
Harlan Coben writes suspenseful stories packed with twists. In his book “The Stranger,” a man’s life is turned upside-down when a stranger reveals a secret about his wife. This revelation leads him to question everything he thought he knew about her.
The story follows his search for the truth, uncovering layers of deceit and unraveling dangerous connections. Coben’s pacing and unexpected turns keep the plot sharp and full of surprises.
Sue Grafton was an American author best known for her mystery series featuring private investigator Kinsey Millhone. These books, often referred to as the “Alphabet Series,” are set in the fictional town of Santa Teresa, California.
In “A is for Alibi,” Kinsey investigates the case of Nikki Fife, who has been released from prison after serving time for her husband’s murder.
Nikki hires Kinsey to prove her innocence, and the trail leads to messy secrets, unexpected danger, and more trouble than Kinsey anticipated. The mix of sharp dialogue and everyday details makes these books feel grounded and engaging in a way Lawrence Sanders fans might enjoy.
Carl Hiaasen writes witty, fast-paced crime stories with a strong dose of humor and larger-than-life characters. His novel “Skinny Dip” starts with a woman named Joey, who is pushed off a cruise ship by her husband, Chaz.
She survives, thanks to a passing boat, and decides to secretly stay alive to plot revenge. The story is full of strange twists and colorful characters, including a former cop turned recluse who helps Joey.
Hiaasen’s style often mixes crime with quirky personalities and wild Florida settings. If you enjoy Lawrence Sanders, you might find his books worth picking up.
Rex Stout is the creator of the famous Nero Wolfe mysteries. His stories often center on Nero Wolfe, a brilliant but eccentric detective who rarely leaves his house, and Archie Goodwin, his witty and street-smart assistant.
In “Fer-de-Lance,” their first case together, Wolfe solves a murder involving a poisoned golf club and unravels the secrets of a deadly family feud. The book combines sharp dialogue, clever twists, and rich characters in a way that keeps the reader hooked from the start.