Donald E. Westlake

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).