Donald Edwin Westlake was a notable American author, born in Brooklyn, New York in 1933. He was raised in Albany and developed a fondness for writing at a young age. Despite his early interest, Westlake's journey to becoming a successful author was not straightforward. He attended three colleges in New York state and spent two and a half years in the United States Air Force, but it was not until later in life that he would achieve his dream of becoming a writer.
Westlake was a prolific author, known for his work in the science fiction and crime genres. He wrote under various pseudonyms, including Richard Stark, Alan Marshall, and Andrew Shaw, among others. His series include Dortmunder, Parker, Grofield, Mitchell Tobin, and several others. Westlake's writing earned him three Edgar Awards, and he was also bestowed with the title of Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America in 1993.
In addition to his success as a novelist, Westlake also wrote for the screen. He received an Academy Award nomination for his adaptation of The Grifters, a noir classic. His cinematic prose and brisk dialogue made his novels attractive to Hollywood, and several motion pictures were made from his books, featuring stars such as Lee Marvin and Mel Gibson.
Westlake's writing has had a significant impact on the crime fiction genre. His most well-known characters, John Dortmunder and Parker, have become iconic figures in American crime fiction. Westlake's writing is characterized by its wit, humor, and clever plot twists, making him a beloved author among fans of the genre. Despite his passing in 2008, his work continues to inspire and entertain readers to this day.