Donald E. Westlake
American novelist
Died when: 75 years 172 days (905 months)Star Sign: Cancer
Donald Edwin Westlake (July 12, 1933 – December 31, 2008) was an American writer, with more than a hundred novels and non-fiction books to his credit.
He specialized in crime fiction, especially comic capers, with an occasional foray into science fiction and other genres.Westlake is perhaps best-remembered for creating two professional criminal characters who each starred in a long-running series: the relentless, hardboiled Parker (published under the pen name Richard Stark), and John Dortmunder, who featured in a more humorous series.
He was a three-time Edgar Award winner, and alongside Joe Gores and William L.DeAndrea was one of few writers to win Edgars in three different categories (1968, Best Novel, God Save the Mark; 1990, Best Short Story, "Too Many Crooks"; 1991, Best Motion Picture Screenplay, The Grifters).
In 1993, the Mystery Writers of America named Westlake a Grand Master, the highest honor bestowed by the society.
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