This is a quick note for writers about three crime fiction authors to study to improve your craft, whether you’re writing crime fiction or other genres.
Hi, I just found your site through this post. I really love Hammett and Westlake, but I never read any Jim Thompson. I think it's time for a stroll down to the library. Have you read or written about Ross MacDonald? "The Ivory Grin" is a great story.
Those are three of my faves! Elmore Leonard is up there too - his dialogue is so tight and well done. Don Winslow has such a unique style too. And I'd be remiss not to name Dennis Lehane because his work is so literary without getting too caught up in craft.
I think there's plenty to admire from those three, but other than possibly studying Leonard's dialogue, I'm not sure there's much that can be learned from doing so. One of the most seamless writers who has worked in the mystery/crime space is Lawrence Block, but other than admiring his skill, I'm not what a writer could learn by studying him.
Hi, I just found your site through this post. I really love Hammett and Westlake, but I never read any Jim Thompson. I think it's time for a stroll down to the library. Have you read or written about Ross MacDonald? "The Ivory Grin" is a great story.
Thanks for this post. :)
I have. The Chill is one of my favorites, and I wrote about it here:
https://fivebooks.com/best-books/20th-century-american-detective-novels-dave-zeltserman/
Those are three of my faves! Elmore Leonard is up there too - his dialogue is so tight and well done. Don Winslow has such a unique style too. And I'd be remiss not to name Dennis Lehane because his work is so literary without getting too caught up in craft.
I think there's plenty to admire from those three, but other than possibly studying Leonard's dialogue, I'm not sure there's much that can be learned from doing so. One of the most seamless writers who has worked in the mystery/crime space is Lawrence Block, but other than admiring his skill, I'm not what a writer could learn by studying him.