Books Like...

'Freaky Deaky' by Elmore Leonard is a fast-paced crime novel set in 1980s Detroit. The plot revolves around a group of ex-radicals and bombers who are now involved in scamming a rich individual. The story is filled with twists, extortion, bombings, and double-crossings, all intricately woven together. Leonard's writing style is described as precise, intricate, and quick, with every character feeling alive and believable. is known for its ironic humor, engaging dialogues, and a web of crime that enmeshes all the characters.

Rum Punch by Elmore Leonard is a crime novel that intricately weaves the lives of its flawed characters into a captivating plot. At the center is Jackie Burke, a flight stewardess ensnared in the dangerous world of drug dealing, as she navigates her way out of trouble with the help of a bondsman and others involved in her plight. The storytelling is both complex and straightforward, with Leonard's signature dialogue-driven style allowing readers to engage deeply with the characters and their motivations.

Elmore Leonard's 'The Big Bounce' is an early crime novel that follows the story of Jack Ryan, a washed-up minor league baseball player turned handyman at a resort in Michigan. Ryan gets entangled with a seductive young woman named Nancy, who is on a quest for thrills and danger, leading them to plan a payroll heist. The book is set in a beach resort surrounded by cucumber fields, and it focuses more on the characters than on the plot itself. Leonard's writing style in this novel is described as spare, with realistic and flawed characters, engaging dialogue, and a subtle climax.

'Glitz' by Elmore Leonard is a crime novel set in Puerto Rico and Atlantic City, following Miami Beach cop Vincent Mora as he deals with a botched robbery, a psychotic killer seeking revenge, and a naive prostitute named Iris. The story is praised for its crisp dialogue, vivid settings, and well-developed characters, making the reader feel like part of the action. Leonard's writing style is described as clean, direct, action-focused, and sophisticated, with interweaving plots and subplots that keep the story fast-paced and engaging.

Killshot by Elmore Leonard is a fast-paced thriller involving two criminals: Armand Degas, a half Ojibway Indian hitman known as the Blackbird, and Richie Nix, a not so bright redneck. The story unfolds as they team up for a scam that goes awry, involving an ironworker and his wife who inadvertently get caught up in the events. The plot is described as real and unpredictable, driven by human impulse and chance, creating suspense and leaving the reader guessing about the characters' fates.

Elmore Leonard's writing style in Killshot is praised for its matter-of-fact approach and evocative storytelling, making the characters' emotions and actions feel real and engaging. The book is noted for its well-drawn characters, fast-paced narrative, and a plot that is a cut above most in the genre. The dialogue and characterizations are highlighted as particularly strong, with Leonard's ability to create vivid and relatable characters being a standout feature of the book.

'Raylan' by Elmore Leonard follows the adventures of US Marshal Raylan Givens as he navigates through various criminal cases in Kentucky. From high-stakes poker games to kidney-stealing rings and bank robberies, the book intertwines multiple storylines with familiar characters from the Justified series. The writing style captures the essence of the TV show, with snappy dialogue and fast-paced action blending seamlessly into a modern western backdrop.

features a trio of interconnected stories involving female villains, each with their criminal projects, entwined with Raylan's pursuit of justice. The plot includes elements from previous books in the series and the TV show, creating a cohesive narrative that showcases Leonard's signature storytelling style. The character of Raylan Givens is portrayed as a sharp-witted and compassionate lawman, dealing with a range of criminals while maintaining his own sense of justice and integrity.

"Tishomingo Blues" by Elmore Leonard follows the story of high diver Dennis Lenahan who witnesses a murder committed by the Dixie Mafia. The plot revolves around Dennis's interactions with various characters, including a former baseball pitcher and a visitor from Detroit, as he navigates through a world of crime, corruption, and Civil War reenactments. The writing style is praised for its well-crafted plot, lively characters, and masterful dialogue that keeps the readers engaged and entertained throughout the book.

In Leonard's mystery novel, three con men team together to kidnap retired Miami bookie Harry Arno, who is expected to come up with the ransom money to secure his own release. Federal marshal Raylan Givens is recruited by Harry's ex-girlfriend to rescue him and is in hot pursuit of the criminals racing against time. The book features quirky and amusing characters, snappy dialogue, oddball characters, and an unexpected denouement. The story unfolds with originality, entertaining scenes, and excellent use of dialogue, described with cinematic preciseness.

Raylan Givens, a U.S. Marshal with a strong sense of loyalty and moral code, is depicted working to save Harry from the dimwitted kidnappers. The plot involves a cast of interesting characters, including a psychic named Rev. Dawn Navarro, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative. The book presents a fast-paced crime thriller written by a master, with an engaging storyline and a mix of suspense, humor, and unexpected twists.

'Get Shorty' by Elmore Leonard follows the story of Chili Palmer, a Miami loan shark who ventures to Los Angeles after a debtor who fled without repaying his debt. In LA, Chili becomes entangled in the movie business, meeting film producer Harry Zimm and navigating the complexities of Hollywood. The book delves into the parallels between the underworld and the movie industry, with a plot that intertwines mob crime and Hollywood aspirations. Leonard's writing style blends humor, sharp dialogue, and a fast-paced narrative, making for an entertaining and multi-layered satire on Hollywood.

Joe LaBrava, a former Secret Service agent turned photographer, reconnects with an aging movie star, Jean Shaw, who he idolized as a child. Set in Miami, the story unfolds as LaBrava suspects that Shaw is being targeted for extortion by Miami thugs. As the plot thickens, involving kidnapping, extortion, and murder, LaBrava finds himself entangled in a dangerous web of deceit and intrigue. The narrative is filled with tight dialogues, well-crafted scenes reminiscent of a movie, and a plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Elmore Leonard's writing style shines through, capturing the essence of film noir cinema and delivering a story that is both nostalgic and engaging.