Whose style do you admire most?

[carole gill]

A real toughie this, but if you had to name only one writer (of crime fiction) that you think was the best--who would you name?

[carole gill]

i'm ashamed to say i'm not familiar with that author. shows me up, huh? well I will check. love your little character. did you draw it? IT'S NOT A PHOTO IS IT?!, Just kidding!xxxx

[I. J. Parker]

R.D.Wingfield is right. Best police procedural I know also. (Though Stuart runs a close second).
Wingfield has a new one out (KILLING FROST). Alas, it's posthumous. Available hc in the UK (I have my copy), and soon in paper in this country.

[carole gill]

sorry, I didn't see your reply.
Interesting about Hammett being your great influence--what a writer and timeless. I'm sure you do him justice.
I agree about James Ellroy. I think he redefined the genre really. I think he has been my greatest influence--but with a dash of James M. Cain! listen to me--what chutzpah, where do I get off--?! but still, even I'm entitled to hero worship the greats, right?!
Seriously, your books sound terrific and I've got them on my must read pile! Honest!

[Dennis Leppanen]

Jack,

You stole my thunder. "Don't write the words they don't read." Characterization & dialogue, a master.

Okay, seeing that pick is gone. I'm going with Lee Child. Reacher is a trip to town. Pure escapism.

[carole gill]

Going to read those two. haven't yet. thanks
Yes, I loved that, "to leave out the words they don't read."
I often read books like that. books that have people doing things that are so boring!
thanks Dennis--3 discussion replies!
what a guy!

[Nick Lawless]

I'm surprised no one's mentioned Bill Pronzini (or maybe I missed it). I'm also a sucker for Benjamin Schutz, who I recently read passed away in January. Bummer that there won't be anymore Leo Haggerty stories. Anyway, Pronzini's the guy for me.

[carole gill]

Yes, I agree. Excellent Pronzini.
Will have to read Schultz, don't think I have.
thanks for that.

[Laura Root]

I'll throw a new name in the mix - Simenon. Beautiful concise books and characterisation, and oh that French atmosphere.

[carole gill]

ooh love French atmosphere.
will try that, thanks so much.

[minervaK]

OK, I'm scavenging through this room, looking for writer recommendations, and couldn't resist stopping in here to add my favorite, even though this thread is probably long dead: Ruth Rendell. I wept when I realized I'd read everything she'd written. Then I found Margaret Millar, which helped balm the wound. Then along came Megan Abbott, whose next book I'm awaiting with 'bated breath.

MK
www.minervakoenig.com

[carole gill]

I'm rarely on here now--but I did want to answer.
Ruth Rendell's thrillers (not Wexford) are still my favorites.
I love reading in-depth characters as she writes them.
Love Megan Abbott too.
Margaret Millar, thanks for that--I'll have to check out!

[Tom Cooke]

Glad to see you back on the boards. I'm assuming you are asking who the best is besides you and I. I think Chandler has got to be my top selection at this moment, followed closely by Hammett and Elmore Leonard. It will probably change next week. I read Devil with a Blue Dress the other day and want to read the other Easy Rawlins series. Great characters and a hell of a plot. LA right after the war. Great read an didn't require a lot of deep thinking. My meds are kicking in so I'm fading. 'see ya manana toots.
I also want to read some of Jack Bludis's work. I suspect I will like his stuff.
T/