Donald E. Westlake
Donald E. Westlake
Author • IntroductionJuly 12, 1933 – December 31, 2008 · From United States31
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Donald Edwin Westlake (1933-2008) was an American crime writer born in Brooklyn, New York. He published over a hundred novels and non-fiction books, many under pseudonyms including Richard Stark (the Parker novels), Tucker Coe, Samuel Holt and Curt Clark. He is best known for comic capers such as th…
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Fiction Mystery Crime Thriller Suspense
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Rolfe Passer, Richard Stark, Alan Marshall, Alan Marsh, James Blue, Ben Christopher, John Dexter, Andrew Shaw, Edwin West, John B. Allan, Don Holliday, Curt Clark, Barbara Wilson, Tucker Coe, P. N. Castor, Timothy J. Culver, J. Morgan Cunningham, Samuel Holt, Judson Jack Carmichael, Stark/Richard, RICHARD STARK, Richard Stark,Richard StarkLinks
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Frequently asked questions
What is Donald E. Westlake best known for?
Donald E. Westlake is widely celebrated for his crime fiction, particularly his humorous caper novels featuring characters like John Dortmunder. He also gained significant recognition for his darker, more hard-boiled crime novels written under the pseudonym Richard Stark.
Are there film adaptations of Donald E. Westlake's books?
Many of Donald E. Westlake's novels have been adapted into films. Notable examples include "The Hot Rock" starring Robert Redford, "Point Blank" based on a Parker novel, and "Payback" also based on a Parker novel.
What are Donald E. Westlake's main series?
Donald E. Westlake wrote two prominent series: the Dortmunder series, which features a professional thief and his bumbling crew in comedic heist stories, and the Parker series, written as Richard Stark, which follows a ruthless professional criminal.
Where should a new reader start with Donald E. Westlake?
For a taste of his comedic crime, a good starting point is "The Hot Rock," the first book in the Dortmunder series. If you prefer darker, more intense crime fiction, begin with "The Hunter" (also known as "Point Blank"), the first novel in the Parker series written as Richard Stark.
Was Donald E. Westlake named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America?
Yes. The Mystery Writers of America named Donald E. Westlake a Grand Master in 1993, the highest honor the society gives. He also won three Edgar Awards: Best Novel for God Save the Mark (1968), Best Short Story for "Too Many Crooks" (1990) and Best Motion Picture Screenplay for The Grifters (1991).