If you enjoy reading books by Lawrence Sanders then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoy Lawrence Sanders’ blend of crime, mystery, and vivid storytelling, you might also appreciate John D. MacDonald’s novels.
MacDonald’s Travis McGee series features Travis, a clever and resourceful investigator who works outside official rules to retrieve lost or stolen valuables—for a fee, of course.
In “The Deep Blue Good-by,” Travis McGee meets Cathy Kerr, who seeks his help to recover her father’s stolen legacy.
As Travis hunts for Junior Allen, the cunning and violent man responsible for her loss, he navigates Florida’s shadowy underbelly, faces unpredictable dangers, and confronts ruthless villains.
This book introduces readers to MacDonald’s sharp dialogue, colorful Florida settings, and intriguing, memorable characters.
Readers who enjoy Lawrence Sanders might also find Ed McBain worth checking out. McBain’s crime novels, especially the “87th Precinct” series, offer tight storytelling and intriguing detective work through lively characters and realistic dialogue.
In “Cop Hater,” the first book of the series, detectives Steve Carella and his colleagues at the precinct are faced with a killer who exclusively targets police officers.
Set in the fictional city of Isola, the investigation moves at a quick pace, filled with surprises, deceit, and betrayal. McBain provides an authentic view of police procedural work, blended with gripping human drama, all in a style that fans of Sanders would appreciate.
Stuart Woods is an author known for fast-paced crime thrillers loaded with polished characters, smooth dialogue, and sharp plot twists, ideal for readers who enjoy Lawrence Sanders.
His novel “New York Dead” introduces Stone Barrington, a savvy detective who transitions from police work to practicing law. Barrington investigates when a famous TV anchor mysteriously falls from her apartment balcony and disappears.
The deeper he probes, the more scandalous secrets and dangerous entanglements he encounters across the city’s powerful elite.
Woods skillfully brings together suspense, intrigue, and a well-drawn cast of characters, creating an addictive read for anyone seeking stylish mysteries with a hint of glamour.
If you enjoy Lawrence Sanders and his talent for crime stories filled with twists, humor, and unforgettable characters, then Donald E. Westlake could easily become a favorite. Westlake’s cleverness and sharp wit shine brightly in his novel “The Hot Rock.”
The story introduces readers to John Dortmunder, a resourceful thief burdened by persistent bad luck. Dortmunder assembles a talented crew to steal a priceless gem, but each attempt hilariously goes astray, forcing them into increasingly bold and inventive schemes.
With sharp dialogue, plenty of surprises, and laugh-out-loud moments, “The Hot Rock” keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Robert B. Parker was an American novelist known for creating strong characters and sharp, dialogue-rich detective fiction. If you enjoy Lawrence Sanders for his clever storytelling and charismatic characters, Parker’s books could be a great fit.
Try “Looking for Rachel Wallace,” a standout novel featuring Boston private investigator Spenser. In this story, Spenser is hired to protect feminist writer Rachel Wallace, whose outspoken beliefs stir controversy.
Soon Rachel is kidnapped, and Spenser tracks leads across Boston’s diverse neighborhoods to find her. The story is sharp, tense, and full of engaging twists.
Parker’s clear, direct style and memorable personalities like Spenser and his friend Hawk are perfect for readers who appreciate Sanders’ smart detective tales.
Readers who enjoy Lawrence Sanders’ sharp dialogue, humor, and clever plots might appreciate the novels of Elmore Leonard. Leonard’s “Get Shorty” is a crime story filled with colorful characters, sharp wit, and shady Hollywood deals.
It follows Chili Palmer, a loan shark from Miami with an eye for opportunity and a love for cinema. When Chili heads to Hollywood to chase down a debt, he quickly becomes involved with movie producers, actors, and mobsters, all aiming for a piece of the action.
With its memorable dialogue and entertaining twists, “Get Shorty” is a showcase of Leonard’s distinctive style and storytelling charm.
James Patterson writes suspenseful mystery novels filled with intriguing plots and quirky characters. Fans of Lawrence Sanders’ crime fiction may also enjoy Patterson’s books since he combines well-paced storytelling with a satisfying depth of detail.
In “Along Came a Spider,” Patterson introduces detective Alex Cross in a thriller about the shocking kidnapping of two children from a prestigious Washington D.C. private school.
As Cross investigates, he quickly realizes this isn’t an ordinary kidnapping—it’s a tightly planned crime pointing to a sinister mastermind. This blend of psychological suspense and intricate detective work keeps readers guessing until the very end.
Readers who enjoy Lawrence Sanders might appreciate Jonathan Kellerman and his psychological thrillers featuring psychologist Alex Delaware. A good starting point is “When the Bough Breaks,” Kellerman’s first Alex Delaware novel.
In the story, Alex Delaware teams up with LAPD detective Milo Sturgis to figure out a troubling case. A psychologist has been brutally murdered, leaving behind secrets connected to her work with children.
As Delaware digs deeper into the case, he uncovers disturbing family issues and dark hidden pasts, which provide suspenseful twists throughout the narrative.
Kellerman skillfully combines psychological insight with compelling storytelling, keeping readers hooked until the final revelation.
If you enjoy the suspenseful mysteries of Lawrence Sanders, you’ll probably appreciate Ross Macdonald. Macdonald is famous for his Lew Archer novels, which are detective stories that explore family secrets, complicated relationships, and hidden crimes.
One of his best novels is “The Chill,” featuring Archer investigating the disappearance of a newly-married woman named Dolly Kincaid. The search takes Archer into a maze of buried family history, where two decades-old murders lurk beneath the surface.
The story twists through unexpected revelations, deep psychological suspense, and a satisfying resolution, exactly the style Sanders fans would recognize and value.
Faye Kellerman writes crime novels that combine complex plots with engaging characters and detailed detective work.
Readers who enjoy Lawrence Sanders’ crime mysteries, particularly his sharp detective storytelling and well-developed characters, will appreciate Kellerman’s writing. One standout book is “The Ritual Bath,” the first novel to feature detective Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus.
The story begins in an isolated religious community, with the shock of a disturbing crime. Detective Decker arrives to investigate and finds both mystery and complications as he learns to navigate the community’s traditions.
Kellerman skillfully weaves suspense, character depth, and intriguing developments that keep readers guessing until the final scenes.
Books by Michael Connelly offer intense crime mysteries that fans of Lawrence Sanders will enjoy. Connelly is famous for his detective Harry Bosch series, set in Los Angeles with realistic police drama and deep character portrayals.
In “The Black Echo,” LAPD detective Harry Bosch investigates the death of a fellow Vietnam veteran found dead in a drainage pipe. The investigation points Bosch back to painful memories from Vietnam and into a daring plan for a high-stakes crime.
With gritty dialogue and a realistic plot, this story captures the dangerous world Bosch must navigate to solve the murder and confront his own past.
Books by Harlan Coben might appeal to you if you enjoy Lawrence Sanders’ stories filled with suspense, unexpected plots, and intriguing characters.
Coben is famous for his tightly plotted thrillers set in small suburban communities, places where crime hides beneath quiet streets. One example is his novel “Tell No One.” It follows Dr. David Beck, who lost his wife eight years ago in a brutal attack.
Suddenly, he begins receiving strange emails suggesting she may still be alive. As Beck uncovers secrets from the past, he’s pulled into a suspenseful and dangerous search for the truth.
Fans of Sanders’ carefully paced storytelling will appreciate how Coben keeps readers guessing until the very end.
Sue Grafton is an author known for her mystery series starring private investigator Kinsey Millhone. If you enjoy Lawrence Sanders’ crime novels, you might appreciate Grafton’s style—straightforward plots, memorable characters, and steady suspense.
Her book “A is for Alibi” opens with Nikki Fife, freshly released from prison after serving time for killing her husband. Nikki insists she’s innocent, and Kinsey Millhone takes the case. As Kinsey investigates, secrets surface and clues lead in surprising directions.
The outcome feels satisfying and believable, and Kinsey emerges as a detective readers can root for.
Carl Hiaasen is an author known for his humorous mysteries set in the colorful landscapes of Florida, with eccentric characters and plots full of wit and satire.
If you’re a fan of Lawrence Sanders’ entertaining storytelling and engaging mystery style, Hiaasen’s novel “Skinny Dip” may catch your interest.
The plot kicks off when Joey Perrone survives being tossed off a cruise ship by her shady husband Chaz, a marine biologist involved in questionable environmental activities.
Joey teams up with an ex-cop to uncover Chaz’s shady dealings and get a little tasty revenge along the way. The story mixes humor, suspense, and environmental commentary, filled with twists that keep readers guessing until the final pages.
Readers who enjoy Lawrence Sanders might also appreciate the mysteries by Rex Stout. Stout created the famous detective Nero Wolfe, known for his sharp intellect, love of orchids, and gourmet tastes.
In “Fer-de-Lance,” Nero Wolfe faces the mysterious death of a college president, initially appearing as accidental but soon revealed as cunning murder. Wolfe, aided by his capable assistant Archie Goodwin, navigates a web of deception, jealousy, and betrayal.
The clever dialogue, well-paced plot, and intriguing characters create an enjoyable read for mystery lovers.