If you enjoy reading books by Ross Thomas then you might also like the following authors:
Elmore Leonard wrote crime stories that are sharp and full of clever dialogue. He had a talent for creating characters who feel real, with quirks and flaws that stick in your mind.
In his book “Get Shorty,” he follows Chili Palmer, a Miami loan shark who ends up in Hollywood chasing down a debt. Chili’s smooth-talking style gets him involved with film producers, actors, and all kinds of shady deals.
The story is packed with twists and a lot of wit, making it hard to put down. If you enjoy Ross Thomas’s intricate plots and smart characters, Leonard might be right up your alley.
Donald E. Westlake was a master of crime and mystery stories, often laced with clever humor and unexpected twists. In “The Hot Rock,” he introduces readers to John Dortmunder, a professional thief who always seems to land in situations that spiral out of control.
The story kicks off with Dortmunder being hired to steal a valuable emerald, but every attempt to secure the gem falls apart in a series of mishaps. The heist goes from one elaborate plan to another, with increasingly ridiculous outcomes.
Westlake’s knack for blending crime with wit keeps things moving, and Dortmunder’s bad luck makes for sharp, entertaining storytelling.
Carl Hiaasen writes crime novels that often mix dark humor, quirky characters, and sharp social commentary. If you like Ross Thomas, you might enjoy how Hiaasen weaves clever plots into his stories.
One of his books, “Skin Tight,” follows a former investigator who becomes the target of a hitman after crossing paths with a shady plastic surgeon. The story takes off with wild twists, quirky villains, and a chaotic clash of motives that keeps the tension alive.
It’s entertaining and full of memorable characters.
Lawrence Block is a master of crime fiction with a talent for crafting sharp dialogue and creating vivid characters. One of his standout novels is “Eight Million Ways to Die.”
It follows Matt Scudder, an ex-cop turned unlicensed private investigator, who’s asked by a woman to help her escape her life as a prostitute. When she’s murdered before that can happen, Scudder dives into the dark layers of New York City to find the truth.
The book weaves through the gritty realities of city life, where every encounter feels raw and tense. Scudder’s struggles with his own demons add depth, making the story unforgettable.
George V. Higgins had a knack for writing crime stories that feel sharp and realistic. His book, “The Friends of Eddie Coyle,” shows the gritty side of Boston’s criminal world.
It follows Eddie Coyle, a small-time gunrunner, as he tries to navigate deals with gangsters and law enforcement. The dialogue stands out—Higgins lets the characters speak in a way that feels natural, almost like you’re eavesdropping on real conversations.
It’s a story full of tension and betrayal. Readers who enjoy clever plots and morally gray characters might find Higgins worth a look.
James Crumley was an American crime writer known for gritty, poetic novels filled with hard-living private detectives and wild adventures. His book, “The Last Good Kiss,” follows C.W. Sughrue, a cunning and tough private investigator.
The story begins with Sughrue hunting down a washed-up novelist. But things take an unexpected turn when a search for a missing woman comes into play. The novel is packed with twists, unforgettable encounters, and characters who are deeply flawed yet strangely fascinating.
Crumley’s depiction of the darker sides of life feels raw and honest, making his work stand out.
Robert B. Parker wrote sharp, dialogue-driven crime novels with smart characters who know how to navigate a dangerous world. His Spenser series is a great place to start.
In “Looking for Rachel Wallace,” Spenser is hired to protect a feminist author who faces threats over her controversial book. Rachel is tough and doesn’t want help, but when she goes missing, Spenser refuses to back down.
The book balances wit, action, and moral questions in a way that keeps you turning the pages.
Charles McCarry was a writer known for his intriguing spy novels that feel grounded and authentic. One of his standout books is “The Tears of Autumn.” In this story, former CIA agent Paul Christopher investigates the murder of President Kennedy.
Christopher’s theory points to a conspiracy tied to Vietnam, providing a fresh and daring take on the events of the 1960s. The book doesn’t rely on flashy action but instead follows Christopher as he pieces together the clues through shadowy conversations and dangerous travels.
McCarry’s work often feels richly informed by real-world politics, offering a smart and engaging read for those who enjoy clever, understated espionage tales.
John D. MacDonald wrote smart, sharp crime novels with a knack for capturing the darker sides of people and places. His best-known character, Travis McGee, is a “salvage consultant” who takes on risky jobs to help people recover what they’ve lost.
In “The Deep Blue Good-By,” the first Travis McGee book, McGee is hired to track down some stolen treasure, a job that drags him into dangerous territory and puts him up against ruthless characters.
The book is set in Florida and has this murky, seedy atmosphere that feels alive on every page.
James Ellroy is an author known for his hard-edged crime stories set in gritty, mid-20th-century America. One of his standout novels is “L.A. Confidential,” set in 1950s Los Angeles.
The book weaves together the lives of three very different cops: one who craves fame, one who plays by the rules, and one who bends them for his own gains. Their paths cross as they uncover corruption, betrayal, and murder buried within the glamorous facade of Hollywood.
The story hums with dark secrets and crooked deals, capturing a world where morality gets blurred and danger feels close. Fans of Ross Thomas might enjoy how Ellroy doesn’t shy away from showing the shadowy side of power and politics.
Walter Mosley is known for his crime fiction, blending sharp dialogue with gritty stories. One of his standout books is “Devil in a Blue Dress,” where World War II veteran Easy Rawlins is hired to find a missing woman in Los Angeles.
As Easy looks for her, he faces shady characters, danger, and secrets that turn his life upside down. This book kicks off the Easy Rawlins series, set against the backdrop of mid-20th century LA. Mosley’s storytelling feels grounded, and his characters are full of life.
If you enjoy writers like Ross Thomas, Mosley might be your next pick.
Dennis Lehane is a storyteller who knows how to create vivid characters and layered plots. One of his best-known books, “Mystic River,” follows three childhood friends whose lives are forever changed by a tragedy.
Years later, they’re drawn back together when a murder forces them to confront old wounds and secrets. The story keeps you hooked with its emotional depth and the way it explores the bonds between loyalty and betrayal.
If you like crime novels that balance sharp dialogue and meaningful relationships, Lehane might be worth checking out.
Barry Eisler writes smart, fast-paced thrillers with a focus on espionage and assassins. His book “Rain Fall” introduces John Rain, a hitman who specializes in making his kills look like natural causes.
Set in Tokyo, the story pulls you into the murky world of politics and betrayal. Rain is a fascinating character—deadly but with his own strict code.
One memorable scene has him navigating a nightclub, all while staying alert to any threat around him, and you can feel the tension in the air. If you enjoy sharp dialogue and clever plots, you might find Barry Eisler’s work to be a great fit.
Greg Iles is a storyteller known for crafting smart thrillers that keep readers hooked. In his book “The Quiet Game,” Penn Cage, a lawyer turned author, returns to his Mississippi hometown after a personal loss.
While there, he uncovers an old murder tied to corruption and secrets that some people would kill to keep buried. The mix of Southern politics, small-town tension, and sharp dialogue creates a world full of danger and intrigue.
If you enjoy Ross Thomas’s mix of wit and layered crime stories, this could be a great fit.
Thomas Perry is known for writing smart and fast-paced stories that keep readers hooked. One of his standout books is “The Butcher’s Boy.” It follows a professional hitman who finds himself being hunted after a job goes sideways.
The story alternates between the hitman trying to outwit his enemies and a Justice Department analyst piecing together his trail. The cat-and-mouse tension builds as both characters move closer to a confrontation.
Fans of Ross Thomas might enjoy Perry’s sharp plotting and complex, dangerous characters.