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 For historical reference purposes, my favorite thriller writer of all-time is Ross Thomas.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.)
Why no Connelly?
I'd choose him.
From your list, I'd choose Eisler when he's writing Rain books.
Sandford is my historical favorite, but is fading a bit.
I would have chosen Child until Nothing to Lose. I t know the feauture character of that book was named Reacher, but that was a far different Jack than we came to know in the previous 11 books.
Posted by: Ronnie James Dio | June 18, 2009 at 03:11 PM
Robin Cook, Tess Gerritsen and Michael Palmer are good medical thriller writers. Their books are edge of your seat reads.
Posted by: Karen Terry | June 18, 2009 at 03:47 PM
Le Carre is great, but I am not sure that his current output counts as "on edge of seat" thrillers.
Stieg Larsson is one obvious one missing from the list.
Val McDermid, surely as good as some on your list.
Karin Alvtegen is a recent discovery for me - brilliantly exciting (Missing). But not in the "special effects" sense.
The Coroner by M. R. Hall, Burial by Neil Cross (both UK) are well worth a look. I loved them both.
Posted by: Maxine | June 18, 2009 at 04:16 PM
Sticking to your list and the criteria of at least five (5) books, I have to say I recommend Coben, Child and Finder to people looking for a good read. My favorite, however, and the one I think is best would be Barry Eisler. (Does that surprise you, David?)
I, too, prefer the Rain books, but I am willing to give Ben Treven a chance.
Why Barry? There is simply something about the writing style that I enjoy. His books are the only ones that I have read more than once, and each time I read them, I find something new.
Posted by: Cheryl | June 18, 2009 at 04:53 PM
The outstanding European thriller writers are the late Stieg Larsson whose work is translated by the American Steven Murray. The third and possibly sadly last book will published in October in the UK.
The superb Norwegian writer Jo Nesbo [translator Don Bartlett] has a fantastic series going with his thrillers.
Also Robert Wilson and Philip Kerr continue to produce top quality well written books.
Le Carre is not the only thriller writer in Europe.
Posted by: Norman | June 18, 2009 at 05:03 PM
Hate to break it to you folks but Stieg Larson is dead. hardly qualifies as a writer working today.
Posted by: Verne | June 18, 2009 at 05:15 PM
Big Furst fans here.
Posted by: Patti Abbott | June 18, 2009 at 05:19 PM
In order, Child, Coben, Silva, Eisler, and Finder in my top 5.
Posted by: Cory H | June 18, 2009 at 07:07 PM
The full body of Stieg Larsson's work has not yet been published in English so his translator Steven Murray, who is very much alive, might be considered as a proxy working today. I am being pedantic but then the list is hardly representative with only Le Carre and Child [who lives in and writes about the US] as the only Europeans.
We just don't want you guys to miss out on some great books being written by European writers. Larsson's character of Lisbeth Salander is one of the great inventions in modern thriller writing.
Posted by: Norman | June 18, 2009 at 07:18 PM
Good suggestions, folks. I like this.
Please note that, as originally stated, this list was NOT meant to be all-inclusive. (I threw out the names that I could think of and that I'd read in the last year or so.) That's why I invited suggestions and discussion.
Connelly and Crais are both writers whom I enjoy and admire. I suppose I still think of both of them as being mystery writers, although they've certainly been edging into the thriller realm in recent years. (A common trend.)
As I've mentioned before, I was not enamored of Stieg Larsson's work. Even if he met the criteria I set out, I would not include him. I found Dragon Tattoo to be an awful bore.
That's a problem I encounter with a lot of books that aspire to be thrillers -- they're just too slow. I think in order to be a successful thriller a book has to have a certain minimum level of narrative velocity. And I find a lot of books that try for that fall short.
That's one of the reasons that writers like Joe Finder and Daniel Silva rank so highly in my estimation. In addition to good plots, interesting characters and solid writing, they have the kind of pacing that one really wants in a thriller -- and I think that may be the hardest trick of all.
Posted by: David J. Montgomery | June 18, 2009 at 07:36 PM
Speaking of Europeans... Two of my favorite up-and-coming thriller writers are Brits. Nick Stone and Charles Cumming are highly recommended. (Just got a galley of the new Cumming book today. Looking forward to that.)
Tom Rob Smith is also very promising, although Secret Speech paled in comparison to Child 44. Also Mark Billingham's In the Dark was wonderful, although I didn't care for his earlier books as much. I think Simon Kernick is another promising British writer -- his book Deadline reminded me a lot of Harlan Coben -- although he's not quite there yet for me.
For American newcomers, I'm high on both Alex Berenson and Brent Ghelfi. I think they're keepers. Jesse Kellerman is really good, too.
Although they're not writing pure thrillers, I think Alafair Burke and Allison Gaylin are doing interesting things.
There are a lot of really good writers coming along.
(Again, these are not meant to be comprehensive recommendations. These are just the ones I'm thinking of and I always miss some people.)
Posted by: David J. Montgomery | June 18, 2009 at 07:46 PM
David, The Girl Who Played With Fire is a much more exciting book and the third in the series is even better I am told by the translator.
Posted by: Norman | June 19, 2009 at 03:56 AM
Yes, interesting list indeed, plenty of great names on it as well as few missing -
Keep up the good work
Ali
Posted by: Ali | June 19, 2009 at 05:33 AM
Someone else who's great, although he doesn't write much anymore: Frederich Forsyth.
Hey Ali! Thanks for stopping by.
Posted by: David J. Montgomery | June 19, 2009 at 10:21 AM
A friend wrote in and suggested Dean Koontz and Robert Harris...
I love Koontz' books. I guess I don't really think of him as a thriller writer, but I don't know why.
I've only read one of Harris' books -- The Ghost -- but I liked it a lot. Definitely recommended.
Posted by: David J. Montgomery | June 19, 2009 at 01:00 PM
Agree on most of those, I'd say Eisler is the best these days.
I'd add David Morrell, Stephen Hunter, and James Grady.
Posted by: Cameron Hughes | June 19, 2009 at 10:12 PM
Oh, and Joe R. Lansdale and John Connolly. Don Winslow.
Posted by: Cameron Hughes | June 19, 2009 at 10:16 PM
I tried one of Stephen Hunter's books -- one of the most recent ones -- and didn't care for it at all. But I've always heard good stuff about his early work.
Posted by: David J. Montgomery | June 20, 2009 at 09:40 AM
Greg Iles is essentially a thriller writer, and a very good one indeed. He's very eclectic in what he writes, so he doesn't get as much attention as he should. BLACK CROSS is one of my favorite books of all time.
Joy Fielding divides people, but SEE JANE RUN is one of the best thrillers I've ever read.
Posted by: Roddy Reta | June 20, 2009 at 03:50 PM
Thriller as a genre may be a subjective term.
My favorties are
Dennis Lehane
Lincoln Child & Douglas Preston
Greg Isles
John Burdett
Val McDermid
Posted by: CarolK | June 21, 2009 at 11:01 AM
You've forgotten a couple of Chicago writers in Marcus Sakey and Sean Chercover. I think they are both excellent. My favorites include Lehane, Connelly, Crais, Perry.
Posted by: Larry | June 21, 2009 at 05:46 PM
Me, forget Sean Chercover? Never! He's a terrific writer. But with only 2 published books, he doesn't meet the criteria. Plus he's writing mysteries at this point, although I wouldn't be surprised if that changed in the future.
I've enjoyed some of Lehane's stuff, but he's not in the pantheon for me. He also don't write thrillers...I'm not even sure he writes crime novels anymore.
Posted by: David J. Montgomery | June 21, 2009 at 06:33 PM
Second the comment as to Don Winslow; he is superb. Dennis Lehane has a significant body of work, most recently more literature than thriller. Same for George Pellicanos, who wrote episodes of the Wire. Robert Littell writes first rate espionage. John Shannon and Michael Nava both cover LA from very different perspectives.
Posted by: R. Baird | June 22, 2009 at 06:15 PM
Hi,
I'm new here and reading you guys make ask my self if a thriller is the same as a mystery.
The list David(Hi David, great work) wrote at the beginning contains, in my knowledge, thriller writers, whether authors such as Nesbo, Connolly, Lehane(K&G series…), Robert Wilson are essentially mystery writers that throws some action at some point in the book(mostly at the end) giving the book an edge of thriller-ish.
Wrong? Probably!
Anyway, cheers
Posted by: CristianHC | June 23, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Mysteries and thrillers have, I think, different goals and they use different tools to achieve those goals.
Mysteries are about -- big surprise -- solving a mystery. Something happens in the beginning and the rest of the book is geared towards figuring it out. They tend to be more contemplative and are usually mono-paced.
Thrillers are more free-form, but generally attempt to provoke an emotional response in the reader -- i.e., they try to thrill. They often use variable pacing, shifting POVs and other tools to keep the reader in suspense and keep them turning the pages quickly. (That's why thrillers are often called "pageturners.")
Obviously we're dealing with shades of grade -- something that should be familiar to readers of crime fiction. Books can share elements of both. And it's usually easier to definitively say that a book is a mystery rather than a thriller. (It also doesn't help that most crime/suspense novels are billed as "thrillers" these days because they tend to be more commercially successful.)
It's a distinction that is usually only interesting to critics and other people who tend to overthink things.
Posted by: David J. Montgomery | June 23, 2009 at 01:18 PM
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
I would say Stieg Larsson but unfortunately he passed away in 2004. I am a huge fan of the Millenium Series and am dying in anticipation for the release of the english translation of the third book. I also agree with the previous poster that Lisbeth Salander is one of the best literary characters in this genre. As a mother of someone with Asperger's Syndrome, I can quite relate to her characterization.
Posted by: nik | August 04, 2009 at 03:29 PM
what about john sandford ??
i read 2 prey books and i am reading the third , i found them really good , but i didn't try anyone else , so what's ur advice ??
Posted by: Hossam | December 10, 2009 at 08:39 PM
my choices are (in no particular order)
Lee Child, Jeffery Deaver, Thomas Perry, Frederick Forsyth, and David Hagberg. I always look for books by these writers.
Impatient
Posted by: H. Kolodkin | December 20, 2009 at 08:59 PM
With regard to medical thrillers, Bill Clem has a significant body of work in that genre and is not as well known as Crichton or Cook, but his books are just as enjoyable.
Posted by: bill osmo | December 21, 2009 at 07:47 PM
Don‘t try so hard, the best things come when you least expect them to.
Posted by: jordan shoes | April 06, 2010 at 05:32 AM
I reckon I'm the best. I may have messed up with MERCY (trying to be "fair" to the solutionist) but I reckon I'll get 'em with NO WAY OUT.
Posted by: David Kessler | April 29, 2010 at 04:33 AM
I have to give it to Barry Eisler at this moment… I just read his first four John Rain stories and found for the most part good solid writing that flowed and sparked when needed and also made sense that it could happen just the way he wrote it. I’m hopeful he doesn’t start bloviating as some writers do when they run out of steam (creative ideas).
He has a good solid protagonist in John Rain and could use plastic surgery to bring him back to his original look of Caucasian and Japanese and continue John’s stories all over the world for all sorts of the good, bad and the ugly people that hire him.
Posted by: mtgman | May 19, 2010 at 10:36 AM
I’ve bookmarked this because I found it funny. I would be very keen to hear more information on this. Cheers!
Posted by: ed hardy | July 16, 2010 at 05:47 AM
Just wanted to say HI. I found your blog a few days ago and have been reading it over the past few days.
Posted by: visvim shoes | July 16, 2010 at 05:55 AM
Your article is very appealing to me.
Posted by: supra shoes | July 16, 2010 at 06:02 AM
In your article I found very different things. Very characteristic. I've never seen before.
Posted by: ghd straightener | July 16, 2010 at 06:05 AM
Candy and Mr anin's p90 xyears old, both love sports, power 90 has left with political ideal. In the first visit p90x to venezuela's Hugo chavez, maradona p90x workout warm for the Latin American poor public p90x need a great leader.
Posted by: p90x | August 06, 2010 at 04:06 AM
Candy and Mr anin's [url=http://www.p90x2sale.com] p90[/url] xyears old, both love sports, [url=http://www.p90x2sale.com]power 90[/url] has left with political ideal. In the first visit [url=http://www.p90x2sale.com]p90x [/url]to venezuela's Hugo chavez, maradona [url=http://www.p90x2sale.com]p90x workout [/url]warm for the Latin American poor public [url=http://www.p90x2sale.com]p90x[/url] need a great leader.http://www.p90x2sale.com
Posted by: p90x | August 06, 2010 at 04:07 AM
I am a huge fan of the Millenium Series and am dying in anticipation for the release of the english translation of the third book. I also agree with the previous poster that Lisbeth Salander is one of the best literary characters in this genre.
Posted by: ClubPenguin | August 10, 2010 at 08:14 AM
Some time ago, I did need to buy a good house for my firm but I did not earn enough money and could not order something. Thank God my friend suggested to try to get the credit loans from trustworthy bank. Thence, I acted that and was satisfied with my commercial loan.
Posted by: HilaryStanley | August 13, 2010 at 01:27 AM
We take good care of all our first edition historical books and ensure that the books reach you in prime condition.
Posted by: Historical Books | August 24, 2010 at 02:13 AM
hay man have a look at this post ...you like it
Posted by: First edition book | September 01, 2010 at 04:01 AM
thanx for this site---helpful!
i am 69
from age 20 to 67 i read zippo thrillers
past 3 years - about 150 ?
(go figure)
(i started with grisham & read his all & still like his style) (stays on topic!)
Posted by: mike harr | September 04, 2010 at 03:22 AM
Thanks for the list. I was looking for some new authors to read. I can't believe Steven James is not on that list!
Posted by: Jillybee | September 28, 2010 at 02:26 PM
In a rare diversion during a case that has seen heart-wrenching testimony, a Connecticut judge on Monday chastised a juror for passing a note to a court marshal asking him for a date.
Posted by: cheap chanel handbags | November 02, 2010 at 02:30 AM
I wish you great blessings and love.*
Posted by: coach outlet | November 04, 2010 at 11:04 PM
Where would we be today if we had looked at our past experience
Posted by: Supra Society | November 05, 2010 at 03:26 AM
I just cant stop reading this. Its so cool, so full of information that I just didnt know. Im glad to see that people are actually writing about this issue in such a smart way, showing us all different sides to it. Youre a great blogger. Please keep it up. I cant wait to read whats next.
http://www.stayinnice.net
Posted by: Account Deleted | June 06, 2011 at 03:57 AM