Richard Stark

Richard Stark is the renowned pseudonym of Donald E. Westlake, a prolific and celebrated author known for his gritty, hard-hitting crime novels. Stark's most famous creation is Parker, the ruthless yet captivating professional thief who stars in a series of 24 novels, beginning with "The Hunter" in 1962. Westlake, a master of the crime genre, explored the moral ambiguities and complexities of his characters, delivering tightly plotted narratives filled with suspense and dark humor. Over his career, Westlake earned multiple Edgar Awards and the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America. He passed away in 2008.