Donald E. Westlake

Donald E. Westlake (1933-2008) was a prolific American author of crime fiction, best known for his Parker series of hardboiled novels written under the pseudonym Richard Stark and the comic caper series featuring John Dortmunder. He authored over 100 novels and won three Edgar Awards—for Best Novel (God Save the Mark, 1968), Best Short Story ("Too Many Crooks", 1990), and Best Motion Picture Screenplay (The Grifters, 1991)—along with the Mystery Writers of America Grand Master award in 1993 IMDb. His works masterfully blended suspense, humor, and intricate plots, often set in New York City.