Elmore Leonard Crime Novels in Chronological Order

Introduction

Elmore Leonard (1925-2013) was one of the most prolific and acclaimed American crime novelists of the 20th century. His novels are known for their sharp dialogue, complex characters, and intricate plots. Leonard often wrote about criminals and outlaws, but he also had a deep understanding of the human condition.

Leonard's novels have been adapted into numerous films and television shows, including "Get Shorty" (1995), "Out of Sight" (1998), and "Justified" (2010-2015). His work has also been praised by critics and fellow writers alike. Stephen King has called Leonard "the greatest crime writer of our time," and James Ellroy has said that Leonard "defined the modern crime novel."

In this article, we will take a look at Elmore Leonard's crime novels in chronological order. We will discuss the key themes and characters of each novel, as well as its critical reception.

1. The Bounty Hunters (1953)

Leonard's debut novel is a Western set in the Arizona Territory in the 1880s. The story follows two bounty hunters, Jack Belmont and Bill Tenny, as they track down a group of outlaws.

Themes

• The American West
• Violence
• Redemption

Characters

• Jack Belmont: A skilled bounty hunter with a dark past.
• Bill Tenny: A young and idealistic bounty hunter.
• John Herod: The leader of the outlaw gang.

Critical Reception

"The Bounty Hunters" was not a commercial success, but it received positive reviews from critics. The New York Times called it "a well-written and exciting Western."

2. The Law at Randado (1954)

Leonard's second novel is also a Western. The story follows a group of settlers who are trying to establish a new town in the Arizona Territory. However, they are soon threatened by a group of outlaws led by the ruthless Clay Allison.

Themes

• The American West
• Violence
• Community

Characters

• Ben Wyatt: The leader of the settlers.
• Clay Allison: The leader of the outlaws.
• Kate Sutherland: A young woman who is caught between the two sides.

Critical Reception

"The Law at Randado" was a commercial success, and it received positive reviews from critics. The New York Times called it "a rousing Western adventure."

3. Escape from Five Shadows (1956)

Leonard's third novel is a suspenseful thriller. The story follows a group of people who are being held captive in a remote cabin. The captives are all from different walks of life, and they must work together to escape.

Themes

• Suspense
• Violence
• Redemption

Characters

• Dr. Richard Coleman: A surgeon who is being held captive.
• Carol Page: A young woman who is being held captive.
• Joe Moran: A criminal who is being held captive.

Critical Reception

"Escape from Five Shadows" was a commercial success, and it received positive reviews from critics. The New York Times called it "a taut and suspenseful thriller."

4. The Big Bounce (1969)

Leonard's fourth novel is a crime caper. The story follows a young man named Jack Ryan who is hired to rig a fishing tournament. However, Ryan soon finds himself in over his head when he becomes involved with a group of criminals.

Themes

• Crime
• Gambling
• Redemption

Characters

• Jack Ryan: A young man who is hired to rig a fishing tournament.
• Lou Carmody: A criminal who is involved in the fishing tournament.
• Honey Witt: A woman who is involved with Lou Carmody.

Critical Reception

"The Big Bounce" was a commercial success, and it received positive reviews from critics. The New York Times called it "a fast-paced and entertaining crime caper."

5. Valdez Is Coming (1970)

Leonard's fifth novel is a Western. The story follows a group of outlaws who are trying to rob a bank in a small town. However, the outlaws soon find themselves up against a tough sheriff and a group of determined citizens.

Themes

• The American West
• Violence
• Justice

Characters

• Valdez: The leader of the outlaws.
• Sheriff Bob Valdez: The sheriff of the small town.
• Clanton: A member of the outlaws.

Critical Reception

"Valdez Is Coming" was a commercial success, and it received positive reviews from critics. The New York Times called it "a taut and suspenseful Western."

6. Mr. Majestyk (1971)

Leonard's sixth novel is a suspenseful thriller. The story follows a former Green Beret who is trying to protect a group of migrant workers from a group of criminals.

Themes

• Suspense
• Violence
• Justice

Characters

• Vinny Majestyk: A former Green Beret who is trying to protect a group of migrant workers.
• Sonny Groowski: A criminal who is trying to kill Vinny Majestyk.
• Bobby Dials: A migrant worker who is being protected by Vinny Majestyk.

Critical Reception

"Mr. Majestyk" was a commercial success, and it received positive reviews from critics. The New York Times called it "a taut and suspenseful thriller."

7. 52 Pick-Up (1974)

Leonard's seventh novel is a crime caper. The story follows a group of criminals who are trying to steal a large sum of money from a Las Vegas casino. However, the criminals soon find themselves up against a tough detective and a group of determined casino security guards.

Themes

• Crime
• Gambling
• Violence

Characters

• Harry Mitchell: A criminal who is trying to steal a large sum of money from a Las Vegas casino.
• Walter Hill: A detective who is trying to stop Harry Mitchell.
• Benny "The Bell" Shafts: A casino security guard who is trying to stop Harry Mitchell.

Critical Reception

"52 Pick