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19 Best Elmore Leonard Books of All Time


Our goal: Find the best Elmore Leonard books according to the internet (not just one random person's opinion).

    Here's what we did:
  1. Type "best elmore leonard books" into our search engine and study the top 5 pages.
  2. Add only the books mentioned 2+ times.
  3. Rank the results neatly for you here! 😊
    (It was a lot of work. But hey! That's why we're here, right?)

(Updated 2023)

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  1. 1

    Get Shorty

    A Novel

    Elmore Leonard

  2. 2

    Rum Punch

    A Novel

    Elmore Leonard

  3. 3

    Out of Sight

    A Novel

    Elmore Leonard

  4. 4
  5. 5

    Swag

    A Novel

    Elmore Leonard

  6. 6

    LaBrava

    A Novel

    Elmore Leonard

  7. 7

    Be Cool

    A Novel

    Elmore Leonard

  8. 8
  9. 9

    Hombre

    A Novel

    Elmore Leonard

  10. 10

    52 Pickup

    A Novel

    Elmore Leonard

  11. 11

    The Hot Kid

    Elmore Leonard

  12. 12
  13. 13

    Stick

    A Novel

    Elmore Leonard

  14. 14

    Cat Chaser

    A Novel

    Elmore Leonard

  15. 15

    Killshot

    A Novel

    Elmore Leonard

  16. 16

    Maximum Bob

    Elmore Leonard

  17. 17

    Pagan Babies

    A Novel

    Elmore Leonard

  18. 18

    Freaky Deaky

    A Novel

    Elmore Leonard

  19. 19

FAQ

  • What makes Elmore Leonard's novels stand out in the world of fiction?

    Elmore Leonard's novels are known for their unique language, engaging crime fiction stories, and memorable characters. The way he uses language in his fiction adds a distinct flavor to his writing, setting him apart from other authors in the genre.

  • Can you recommend any great Elmore Leonard books for someone new to his work?

    Some of the best Elmore Leonard books to start with include "Get Shorty," "Out of Sight," and "Rum Punch." These books showcase Leonard's talent for crime fiction, engaging storylines, and memorable characters. Plus, they've all been turned into successful movie adaptations, so you know they're good!

  • How does Elmore Leonard's crime fiction compare to other authors in the genre?

    Elmore Leonard's crime fiction stands out due to his unique language, well-developed characters, and gripping storylines. Many consider his novels to be some of the greatest in the genre, earning him a high avg rating among readers and a strong following of fans.

  • How can I find a comprehensive list of Elmore Leonard books, including their ratings and reviews?

    A great way to find a clear rating and reviews for Elmore Leonard's books is to search for his name on a book rating website or an online bookstore. You'll likely find a list of his novels, complete with avg rating, reviews, and information on each book.

  • I've heard that some of Elmore Leonard's novels have been turned into movies. Which ones should I check out?

    You're in luck! Several of Elmore Leonard's novels have been adapted into successful movies. Some of the most popular ones include "Get Shorty," "Out of Sight," "Rum Punch" (adapted as "Jackie Brown"), and "3:10 to Yuma." These adaptations showcase Leonard's talent for thrilling crime fiction and engaging stories.

  • I'm intrigued by Elmore Leonard's use of language in his novels. Can you give me an example of how he plays with words in his fiction?

    Sure! In Elmore Leonard's novels, he often uses snappy dialogue and clever wordplay to bring his crime fiction stories to life. For example, in "Get Shorty," one character, Chili Palmer, is described as having a "voice like a .38, a soft .38 with a silencer."

  • What is the connection between Elmore Leonard and the character Raylan Givens from the TV show "Justified"?

    Raylan Givens, the main character in the TV show "Justified," was created by Elmore Leonard in his novels "Pronto" and "Riding the Rap." The character also appears in the short story "Fire in the Hole," which served as the basis for the show's pilot episode.

  • I'm a fan of Carl Hiaasen's novels. Are there any similarities between his work and Elmore Leonard's books?

    Both Carl Hiaasen and Elmore Leonard are known for their crime fiction novels set in Florida, featuring colorful characters and engaging storylines. While Hiaasen's work leans more towards satire and environmental themes, fans of his writing may also enjoy Elmore Leonard's books for their unique language and thrilling crime stories.

  • I love Elmore Leonard's books and want to buy some for my collection. Where can I find them online?

    You can find a wide selection of Elmore Leonard's novels online through various bookstores and retailers, often with shipping options available. Be sure to check their ratings and reviews to ensure you're purchasing the best quality editions of his work for your collection.

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