Remembering Donald Westlake

It just came over the wires that Donald Westlake has died at the age of 75 from an apparent heart attack.  Mr. Westlake was one the most successful, popular and prolific authors of our time.  Not only did he write over 100 novels under various names [ Richard Stark, Tucker Coe, Samuel Holt, Edwin West as well as his own], but he also won three Edgar awards and an Academy Award nomination for his screenplay for “The Grifters.”

My favorite Westlake stories were his crime novels written under his pen-name of Richard Stark.  I wasn’t alone in their enjoyment.  Not only were they fan favorites, but they were also  turned into movies several times with the likes of Lee Marvin, Robert Duvall and Mel Gibson playing the lead.  If you like crime stories, then you probably love the Parker novels.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Westlake’s family, friends and fans.