If you enjoy reading novels by Raymond Chandler then you might also like the following authors:
Dashiell Hammett was a hard-boiled detective writer who created gritty, realistic stories. He wrote “The Maltese Falcon,” a book about a private detective, Sam Spade, who gets pulled into a dangerous hunt for a valuable statue.
The story starts with a simple job, but it turns deadly when Spade’s partner is killed. Spade must navigate a web of lies and double-crosses, dealing with characters who all have their own plans for the falcon.
If you enjoy Raymond Chandler’s tough, street-smart detectives and complex mysteries, you’ll find similar themes in Hammett’s writing.
Ross Macdonald, whose real name was Kenneth Millar, was a well-known crime writer. His stories often involve complex plots and intriguing mysteries that keep readers on their toes.
Macdonald’s detective, Lew Archer, is a tough and thoughtful investigator who solves cases in Southern California. In “The Moving Target,” Archer is hired to find a missing millionaire. The search leads him through a web of family secrets and hidden motives.
One fascinating aspect is the use of psychological depth in the characters, which adds layers to the story. This makes the book a great read for those who enjoy the hard-boiled detective genre and the works of authors like Raymond Chandler.
James M. Cain was a notable American author known for his crime fiction. He wrote stories that were fast-paced and dialog-driven, much in the style that Raymond Chandler fans enjoy. One of his standout works is “The Postman Always Rings Twice.”
This book tells the story of a drifter, Frank Chambers, who starts working at a roadside diner. There, he meets the owner’s wife, Cora, and the two quickly become involved in a passionate affair.
Their relationship leads them down a dangerous path, filled with tension and unexpected turns. The narrative is tight and the characters are memorable, making it a great read for those who appreciate a good crime drama.
Mickey Spillane was a mystery writer known for his hard-boiled detective stories. His writing style was direct and fast-paced, similar to what you might find in Raymond Chandler’s works. In “I, the Jury,” Spillane introduces us to Mike Hammer, a tough private investigator.
The story begins with Mike visiting his friend Jack on Christmas Eve, only to find him dying from a gunshot wound. Jack’s last words send Mike on a quest to find the killer.
The story is filled with unexpected turns, especially when Mike meets a mysterious woman who seems to know more than she lets on. If you enjoy the gritty world of private eyes and complex mysteries, this might be your next read.
Lawrence Block is a mystery writer with a long career and a unique style. His work often features gritty crime stories set in New York City. One of his notable books, “A Walk Among the Tombstones,” introduces Matt Scudder, a former cop turned private investigator.
Scudder is hired to find the kidnappers of a drug dealer’s wife, leading him into a dark underworld. The story is raw and intense, with Scudder’s personal struggles adding depth to the narrative.
If you enjoy Raymond Chandler’s hard-boiled detective stories, Block’s tough, street-smart characters and atmospheric settings might appeal to you.
Patricia Highsmith was a master of suspense, known for her psychological thrillers. One of her notable works is “Strangers on a Train,” a story about two men who meet on a train and discuss swapping murders.
The tale takes a dark turn when one of the men follows through on the plan, expecting the other to do the same. Highsmith’s characters are complex, often grappling with moral dilemmas that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
If you enjoy the noir atmosphere and clever plotting of Raymond Chandler, you’ll find Highsmith’s tense narratives equally engaging.
Robert B. Parker was a mystery writer known for his sharp dialogue and engaging characters. He created the popular private investigator character Spenser, who, with his quick wit and tough exterior, often found himself in the middle of complex cases.
In “Early Autumn,” Spenser is hired to find Paul Giacomin, a teenage boy who ran away from home. The story takes Spenser from the streets of Boston to the countryside, where he encounters a variety of characters, each with their own secrets.
It’s a fast-paced read with clever banter and a satisfying conclusion. Fans of Raymond Chandler’s hard-boiled detective stories will find familiar ground in Parker’s work.
Elmore Leonard, known for his sharp dialogue and clever characters, is a great fit for Raymond Chandler fans. His book “Get Shorty” introduces Chili Palmer, a Miami loan shark who goes to Hollywood to collect a debt.
Instead, he finds himself drawn into the movie business, where he meets a variety of eccentric characters. The story is filled with unexpected turns and witty conversations, making it a fun and entertaining read.
Walter Mosley is a mystery writer known for his Easy Rawlins series. If you enjoy Raymond Chandler’s hardboiled crime novels, Mosley’s work might be up your alley.
In “Devil in a Blue Dress,” set in post-WWII Los Angeles, Easy Rawlins is a black war veteran hired to find a missing woman. The search takes Rawlins through the city’s jazz clubs and dangerous streets.
Along the way, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including a man who goes by the name of Mouse, known for his quick wit and even quicker trigger finger. The story is a blend of mystery and historical fiction, offering a unique perspective on the era.
Denise Mina is a Scottish crime writer who has a unique voice in the genre. Her books are set in Glasgow and offer a gritty, realistic portrayal of the city. In “The Long Drop,” Mina tells a story inspired by true events.
The book follows William Watt, a wealthy businessman accused of a brutal crime. As Watt searches for answers, he encounters Peter Manuel, a career criminal who knows more than he lets on.
The narrative jumps between Watt’s tense present and Manuel’s twisted past, creating a suspenseful read that keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you enjoy Raymond Chandler’s hard-boiled detective stories, Mina’s dark and atmospheric writing might be a great fit for you.
James Ellroy is a crime fiction author known for his dark, complex mysteries. His book “The Black Dahlia” is set in 1940s Los Angeles and follows two former boxers turned cops, Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard, as they investigate a gruesome murder.
The case is complicated by their own troubled pasts and the corrupt world they navigate. The story is grim, but it offers a fascinating look into the underbelly of post-war LA.
Ellroy’s style is direct and hard-hitting, much in the spirit of Raymond Chandler, making his works a great choice for Chandler fans looking to explore more in the genre.
David Goodis was a mid-20th-century writer known for his hard-boiled crime novels. His work often features flawed characters in desperate situations, much in the same vein as Raymond Chandler.
In “Dark Passage,” the main character, Vincent Parry, escapes from prison after being wrongfully convicted of murder. He undergoes plastic surgery to change his appearance and hide from the law. The story follows Parry as he tries to clear his name and find the real killer.
Along the way, he meets Irene Jansen, a woman who helps him navigate the dangerous streets of San Francisco. The narrative keeps readers on the edge of their seats, with unexpected twists and a vivid portrayal of the city’s underbelly.
The 1947 classic movie “Dark Passage” is based on this novel. It stars Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.
Jim Thompson was an American author known for his hard-boiled crime novels. His stories often feature flawed characters and unexpected plot twists. If you enjoy Raymond Chandler’s detective stories, you might find Thompson’s work equally engaging.
In “The Killer Inside Me,” Thompson tells the story of Lou Ford, a small-town sheriff with a dark secret. Ford appears to be a simple, friendly man, but beneath his calm exterior lies a troubled mind.
The story takes surprising turns as Ford’s past catches up with him, making it a thrilling read from start to finish.
Joe Gores was a mystery writer known for his hard-boiled detective stories. His writing style often drew comparisons to Raymond Chandler, with sharp dialogue and a keen eye for detail.
In “A Time of Predators,” the story revolves around a private investigator hired to find a missing person. The search leads him through the gritty streets of San Francisco, where he encounters a series of dangerous characters.
One memorable scene involves a tense confrontation in a dimly lit alley, highlighting the suspenseful tone of the book.
George Pelecanos is a crime fiction writer who sets his stories in Washington, D.C. His writing is gritty and realistic, often focusing on the struggles of his characters.
One of his notable books, “The Big Blowdown,” introduces Nick Stefanos, a man who returns to his old neighborhood and finds himself pulled into a web of crime and violence. The story is set in the 1950s and captures the atmosphere of the era beautifully.
Pelecanos’s characters are well-developed, and the plot keeps you turning the pages. If you enjoy the hard-boiled detective stories of Raymond Chandler, you might find Pelecanos’s work equally engaging.