If you enjoy reading books by William Goldman then you might also like the following authors:
Books by Kurt Vonnegut often feature a witty blend of satire, humor, and sharp social commentary. Readers who enjoy William Goldman’s playful and sharp-witted style might find Vonnegut’s work particularly appealing. “Slaughterhouse-Five” is one of Vonnegut’s most famous novels.
The story follows Billy Pilgrim, a soldier during World War II, who experiences life out of chronological order—jumping unpredictably from his wartime past to his ordinary present and even alien abduction.
Through Billy’s unusual journey, Vonnegut examines war, trauma, and humanity’s absurdity. His narrative is inventive and darkly humorous, creating a memorable, thought-provoking story.
Books by Michael Crichton often combine exciting plots, fascinating science concepts, and memorable characters. Readers who enjoy William Goldman’s sharp storytelling might appreciate Crichton’s novel, “Jurassic Park.”
In this thriller, scientists successfully clone dinosaurs to populate a groundbreaking theme park. However, the ambitious project quickly spirals into disaster as nature takes over and the dinosaurs break free.
The characters struggle to survive, making tough decisions under extreme pressure. Crichton keeps his readers hooked with nonstop action and smart discussions about technology and ethics.
If you like stories that blend adventure with thoughtful commentary, “Jurassic Park” could be a great choice.
Robert Ludlum is an author you might enjoy if you’re a fan of William Goldman. Ludlum is a master at writing fast-moving, complex thrillers full of hidden identities and worldwide conspiracies.
One of his best-known novels is “The Bourne Identity,” where a man wakes up in the Mediterranean Sea with gunshot wounds and no memory of who he is—or why assassins are tracking him down.
He has to piece together his past before it’s too late, leading readers into a tense and action-packed chase across Europe. Ludlum writes sharp, vivid scenes and knows exactly how to keep readers turning pages late into the night.
Donald E. Westlake was a prolific author known for sharp wit and clever plots. If you enjoy William Goldman’s smart dialogue in stories of crime and deception, Westlake’s “The Hot Rock” may appeal to you.
It follows career criminal John Dortmunder and his quirky crew as they attempt to steal a valuable gemstone. But the heist doesn’t exactly go according to plan, forcing them into an escalating series of comic misadventures.
Westlake entertains readers with dry humor, inventive complications, and characters who jump vividly off the page.
Douglas Adams is known for his clever humor and imaginative storytelling. If you enjoyed William Goldman’s sharp wit and entertaining narratives, Adams’ work might appeal to you too.
One good example is “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” a hilarious journey across space filled with eccentric characters, improbable situations, and unexpected wisdom.
It begins with Arthur Dent, an ordinary Earthling who finds himself suddenly transported off the planet seconds before it’s destroyed. What follows is a wild, comedic adventure involving alien species, absurd bureaucracy, and the search for life’s ultimate answer.
Adams’ humor shines through in every chapter, making this an enjoyable read for fans of lively and original storytelling.
If you enjoy William Goldman’s sharp dialogue and memorable characters, then Elmore Leonard is an author you’ll definitely appreciate. Leonard writes with a clear, crisp style filled with quick wit and engaging plots.
His crime novel “Get Shorty” tells the story of Chili Palmer, a smooth-talking loan shark who leaves behind the streets of Miami for Hollywood.
Before long, Chili finds himself navigating the business side of movie-making, which proves just as ruthless—and often funnier—than the criminal world he knows so well. The characters are quirky and vivid, the twists surprising but never unbelievable.
Leonard’s knack for authentic dialogue and seamless storytelling is bound to keep you entertained.
Readers who enjoy William Goldman’s storytelling might appreciate the novels of John Irving. Irving excels at creating unique, memorable characters placed into quirky but heartfelt adventures.
A good example is “A Prayer for Owen Meany”, which follows the life of two inseparable friends, John Wheelwright and Owen Meany, in a small New England town. Owen, who is extraordinarily tiny with a distinctively odd voice, believes his life serves a special purpose.
As their friendship grows and faces various challenges, readers witness events that combine humor, tragedy, faith, and fate in surprising ways.
Irving skillfully weaves together vivid characters, warmth, and profound emotional depth that linger with you long after the book is closed.
Readers who appreciate William Goldman’s clever storytelling might enjoy John le Carré's spy novels. Le Carré stands out for his realistic portrayal of espionage and morally complex characters.
One of his best-known novels, “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” spotlights British spy George Smiley. Smiley is quiet, unassuming, and brilliant. He is drawn back from retirement to uncover a Soviet mole hidden within British intelligence.
Through careful detective work and sharp attention to personal detail, Smiley navigates a shadowy world of suspicion, loyalty, and betrayal. This gripping puzzle of deceit and espionage pulls readers into Cold War tensions with rare intensity and subtlety.
Terry Pratchett is a British author famous for his witty fantasy novels and satirical humor. Fans of William Goldman’s sharp dialogues and clever storytelling will likely appreciate Pratchett’s distinctive style.
In his novel “Mort,” Pratchett introduces readers to Death himself, and Mort, his new apprentice. Mort struggles hilariously with the unusual responsibilities of guiding souls to the afterlife.
He faces comedic mishaps and thought-provoking situations that cleverly highlight humanity’s quirks and oddities. The imaginative scenarios and attention to human nature throughout the book mirror the playful humor and narrative charm readers enjoy in Goldman’s stories.
Christopher Moore is an entertaining author known for his humorous and irreverent style, which fans of William Goldman might appreciate.
His novel “Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal” is a witty, unconventional retelling about the life of Jesus from the point of view of his childhood friend, Biff.
The story follows their adventures and misadventures from childhood until adulthood and provides comedic perspectives on famous biblical events. Readers who enjoy witty, satirical storytelling with creative twists on familiar themes will likely find Moore’s work delightful.
Readers who enjoy William Goldman’s sharp dialogue and fast-paced storytelling will find plenty to appreciate in Ian Fleming’s work. Fleming created the iconic British spy James Bond, a character defined by charm, risk, and sophistication.
His novel “Casino Royale” introduces Bond in his first major assignment as he’s sent to bankrupt the dangerous Soviet agent Le Chiffre at the gambling tables. Fleming mixes tense scenes of baccarat with authentic espionage detail and the glamour of the casino world.
The drama escalates with betrayals, close calls, and morally complex characters, making this book an engaging starting point for exploring Fleming’s Bond series.
If you enjoy William Goldman’s sharp storytelling and unpredictable twists, then John Grisham might be a satisfying discovery. Grisham, a master storyteller of legal thrillers, brings vivid courtroom drama and complex characters into gripping narratives.
His novel “The Firm” centers on Mitch McDeere, a highly ambitious lawyer recruited by a wealthy but mysterious law firm in Memphis. Initially dazzled by luxury and status, Mitch soon uncovers dark secrets behind his firm’s affluent facade.
As FBI agents close in and his employers grow suspicious, Mitch must navigate dangerous alliances and deadly conspiracies to avoid losing everything. Grisham’s fast-paced plot, sharp dialogue, and clever surprises keep the story tense until the last page.
If you enjoy William Goldman’s sharp wit and memorable characters, Joseph Heller might be your next favorite author. Heller is known best for his satirical novel “Catch-22,” a darkly funny look at World War II and military absurdity.
The story follows Captain John Yossarian, a soldier desperate to escape the madness of war, but trapped by bureaucratic rules that make escape impossible.
Filled with humor, sharp dialogue, and unforgettable characters such as the enterprising Milo Minderbinder and the tormented Chaplain Tappman, Heller creates a satirical but powerful portrait of the absurdities of war.
“Catch-22” blends comedy with thought-provoking commentary, providing a reading experience that fans of Goldman’s engaging style can relate to and appreciate.
Nelson DeMille crafts stories filled with sharp dialogue, clever plot twists, and intriguing characters—perfect for readers who enjoy William Goldman’s witty and suspenseful storytelling style.
In “The Charm School,” DeMille introduces readers to an eerie Soviet facility known as “The Charm School,” where captured American soldiers become unwilling teachers to Soviet spies.
CIA operative Sam Hollis must uncover the secret of this school while navigating a maze of shifting loyalties, tight surveillance, and danger around every corner.
DeMille effortlessly blends Cold War espionage with suspenseful action, all while mixing in humor and sharp observations about international politics. Fans of clever dialogue and tense spy thrillers will find plenty to appreciate in Nelson DeMille’s novels.
Patricia Highsmith was an American novelist known for psychological thrillers that explore dark corners of human nature and morality. If you enjoy William Goldman’s mixture of suspense and layered characterization, Highsmith might capture your interest.
Her novel “The Talented Mr. Ripley” follows Tom Ripley, a charming yet troubled young man who embarks on a deceptive mission abroad.
Sent to Italy to persuade a wealthy acquaintance’s son to return home, Ripley instead becomes drawn into an unsettling web of lies, impersonation, and murder. Highsmith crafts an intense, morally complex narrative that keeps you curious about just how far Ripley will go.