Donald E. Westlake
Donald E. Westlake (1933–2008) was an extraordinarily prolific American crime fiction author who began his career in the late 1950s, frequently writing under pseudonyms including the notable Richard Stark.
He created two beloved characters: the comedic, unlucky thief John Dortmunder and the ruthless criminal Parker.
Westlake earned three Edgar Awards, including Best Novel for God Save the Mark, and received the Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Award in 1993.
His cinematic writing style attracted Hollywood adaptations, and he earned an Academy Award nomination for his screenplay adaptation of Jim Thompson's The Grifters.
