If you enjoy reading novels by Raymond Chandler then you might also like the following authors:
Dashiell Hammett is known as one of the pioneers of hard-boiled detective fiction. His characters, such as Sam Spade in “The Maltese Falcon,” share the same gritty realism and complex morality readers appreciate in Chandler’s work.
Ross Macdonald’s Lew Archer series carries the torch of Chandler’s Philip Marlowe, with a deep exploration of human frailty and societal issues. His intricate plots and richly drawn characters make his books hard to put down.
James M. Cain’s novels, like “The Postman Always Rings Twice,” are filled with suspense, crime, and flawed characters. His gripping style and moral ambiguities will certainly resonate with Chandler fans.
Mickey Spillane’s tough-guy detective Mike Hammer is the epitome of hard-boiled fiction. Fans of Chandler’s hard-nosed, world-weary protagonists will find Spillane’s approach refreshingly bold and unflinching.
Elmore Leonard’s crisp dialogue and focus on criminals as main characters echo Chandler’s style. His clever plots and vivid characters in books like “Get Shorty” make him a must-read for Chandler aficionados.
James Ellroy’s “L.A. Quartet,” particularly “The Black Dahlia,” delves into the dark underbelly of Los Angeles. His intense, staccato prose and morally complex stories are reminiscent of Chandler’s vivid portrayals of the city.
Lawrence Block’s series featuring Matthew Scudder, an unlicensed P.I., dives deep into the complexity of human nature, much like Chandler’s works. Block’s engaging storytelling and flawed characters will appeal to Chandler fans.
Ross Thomas specializes in political crime thrillers with sharp wit and complex plots. Readers who enjoy Chandler’s intelligent, layered storytelling will find Thomas’s novels equally captivating.
John D. MacDonald’s Travis McGee series features a “salvage consultant” who navigates through danger and moral quagmires, similar to Chandler’s Marlowe. His sharp eye for detail and fast-paced plots make his books hard to resist.
Stuart M. Kaminsky’s Toby Peters series captures the ambiance of 1940s Hollywood combined with sharp, Chandler-esque dialogue. Each novel is a compelling blend of humor, mystery, and historical detail.
Robert B. Parker’s Spenser series brings a modern twist to the classic detective novel. With smart dialogue and intricate relationships, Parker emulates Chandler while bringing something new to the genre.
Walter Mosley’s Easy Rawlins series, beginning with “Devil in a Blue Dress,” is set in post-World War II Los Angeles. His skillful blend of social commentary and gripping mystery will resonate with fans of Chandler’s work.
Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone series delivers hard-boiled detective action with a modern touch. Her sharp-eyed PI narratives mirror the introspective depth and narrative tension found in Chandler’s novels.
Dennis Lehane, known for “Mystic River” and the Kenzie-Gennaro series, creates dark, intricate mysteries that explore human nature and societal woes, much like Chandler’s exploration of post-war America.
Ken Bruen’s Jack Taylor series, set in Ireland, boasts stripped-down prose and a melancholy tone. Fans of Chandler’s economical yet evocative writing style will appreciate Bruen’s skillful narrative and flawed protagonists.