List of 15 authors like Raymond Chandler

Raymond Chandler is famous for his hard-boiled crime fiction set in Los Angeles with the private detective Philip Marlowe. If you enjoy Chandler's sharp dialogue, complex characters, and gritty atmosphere, you might also like the books of the following authors:

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   Dashiell Hammett - Both Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler are authors who shaped the hard-boiled detective fiction genre. Hammett's novels like “The Maltese Falcon” and “The Thin Man” are classics in the genre.
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   Ross Macdonald - Macdonald's Lew Archer series often draws comparisons to Chandler's iconic Philip Marlowe novels. Macdonald's writing, though reminiscent of Chandler's, also brings its unique depth to the genre, delving into psychological analysis and the past traumas that shape his characters' lives.
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   James M. Cain - Cain’s books, such as “The Postman Always Rings Twice” and “Double Indemnity,” offer a similar shadowy and suspenseful atmosphere to Chandler’s “The Big Sleep” and “Farewell, My Lovely,” where the hard-edged private eye or the common man finds himself entwined in a web of crime, deceit, and femme fatales.
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   Jim Thompson - A master of noir fiction, Thompson wrote dark and violent tales, including “The Killer Inside Me” and “Pop. 1280.”
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   John D. MacDonald - Just as Chandler created Philip Marlowe, MacDonald gave us Travis McGee, both of whom navigate through seedy landscapes filled with crime and corruption. Although the settings differ —MacDonald's tales often unfold in Florida, while Chandler's are set in Los Angeles— their novels entertain with mysteries and illuminate the darker corners of the human psyche.
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   Elmore Leonard - Leonard, much like Chandler, is celebrated for his sharp dialogue, complex characters, and atmospheric descriptions that capture the gritty reality of the criminal underworld. Leonard's novels, such as “Get Shorty” and “Out of Sight,” are known for their snappy dialogue and compelling plots.
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   Walter Mosley - Creator of the Easy Rawlins mystery series, which starts with “Devil in a Blue Dress,” Mosley explores complex social issues within his detective stories.
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   Mickey Spillane - Best known for his Mike Hammer series, Spillane wrote violent and sexy detective novels that were immensely popular.
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   Sara Paretsky - Known for her V.I. Warshawski detective novels, Paretsky's strong female protagonist and social commentary offer a modern twist to the genre.
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    Robert B. Parker - His Spenser series is a mainstay of the genre, recognized for its witty protagonist and engaging plots.
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    Lawrence Block - Block's Matthew Scudder novels are gritty, with a flawed detective protagonist who navigates the mean streets of New York City.
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    Michael Connelly - His Harry Bosch series offers richly plotted, contemporary police procedurals set in Los Angeles.
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    Dennis Lehane - Author of “Mystic River” and the Kenzie-Gennaro series; Lehane's novels often explore the dark side of his characters and settings.
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    Raymond Carver - Although known primarily for his short stories, Carver's minimalist style and focus on the lower-middle-class life could appeal to Chandler fans.
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    Ken Bruen - An Irish author known for his Jack Taylor series, Bruen's writing is dark, with a sharp wit and a strong sense of place.