If you like great writing, or detective stories in the Dashiell Hammett vein, or both, go read one of Westlake (“Stark”)’s Parker novels as soon as you can. Though its a series, you can start anywhere and not miss a thing. I started with “The Score” (I think its #5), and am (slowly) making my way through the rest. Everyone I’ve read is fantastic. Tight and very sharp prose, which makes for a quick read, too.

I really enjoyed Weinreb’s piece, because I did not know a lot about Westlake. I’ve already added some of his other titles to my to read list.