Who is the best thriller writer working today?
I've been thinking about this question for a while now... Who is the best thriller author working today? For historical reference purposes, my favorite thriller writer of all-time is Ross Thomas.
But who's the best who's still writing?
I've come up with a list of candidates -- obviously I'm leaving off a lot of people here -- in alphabetical order:
John le Carre
Lee Child
Harlan Coben
Jeffery Deaver
Barry Eisler
Robert Ferrigno
Joseph Finder
Alan Furst
Lisa Gardner
Gregg Hurwitz
Gayle Lynds
David Morrell
Thomas Perry
John Sandford
Daniel Silva
This is a somewhat arbitrary number, but the person should probably have published at least, say, five books. Maybe Harper Lee can achieve immortality based on one book, but not so for most writers.
So, what do you think? Who is the best and why?
(Remember, we're looking for thriller writers here.)
I have more trouble explaining the difference between thrillers and suspense novels. Thats largely why I think most novels that are actually suspense are marketed as thrillers.
Westlake's The Ax, for example, is suspense.
Posted by: Cameron Hughes | June 24, 2009 at 12:09 AM
My favorite mystery/crime thriller authors, who are still writing, are George Pellecanos and Elmore Leonard. Can't believe no one has mentioned them yet! (except for one comment!) They both create very real characters and paint scenes that ring true. Both authors rise above the genre and make keen observations about race, urban life and politics.
Posted by: Randy Frank | June 25, 2009 at 02:20 PM
What no Vince Flynn? He's an "edge of your seat" kind of read. Like reading 24 on the page.
Posted by: Don Gorman | June 25, 2009 at 04:41 PM
Adore Pelecanos, but he's solidly in the realm of mystery/crime. He's certainly one of the best out there, though.
I tried a Vince Flynn book or two. Not for me.
Posted by: David J. Montgomery | June 25, 2009 at 05:18 PM
David, I'm honored to be included in a list of so many terrific writers. Thanks. Congratulations again on the Beast gig -- great writing there. And holy shiite, didn't realize CFD was back! Nice to see it.
-- Barry
Posted by: Barry Eisler | June 26, 2009 at 12:11 PM
I wouldn't necessarily say that CFD is back.... I still plan to use it mainly as a tool to keep people up to date on my work. But if an occasional thought strikes me, I might share it.
Posted by: David J. Montgomery | June 26, 2009 at 02:45 PM
As I'm reading John Hart's Last Child, add him to the list. From the excellent King of Lies, followed by Down River, Hart is an author to watch. Though the subject genre states mystery, all 3 books are fast paced, heart-pounding reads and qualify as thrillers for me.
Posted by: CarolK | June 28, 2009 at 12:39 PM
I loved Hart's first two books. A very talented writer.
Posted by: David J. Montgomery | June 28, 2009 at 12:51 PM
I use a short definition to explain the differences between thrillers and mysteries.
Mystery: A crime has occurred and must be solved.
Thriller: A crime is going to occur and must be stopped.
Doesn't work 100% but is a pretty good indicator.
Posted by: Allen Appel | July 14, 2009 at 09:47 PM
Connelly is my favorite author, but I don't think he writes thrillers. Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, and Ted Bell do. Memorial Day, Path of the Assassin, and Tsar are tough to beat in my estimation.
Posted by: RV | July 16, 2009 at 04:32 PM