My boss is having hip-replacement surgery and we'd like to pitch in for some books for him. He likes Raymond Chandler, but has them all. What similar-style authors would you recommend for us to include in our gift?

Debbie

I found this list on B & N:

If You Like Raymond Chandler

You'll Like...  

  Dashiell Hammett 

  Robert B. Parker 

  James M. Cain 

  Ross MacDonald

The two that first came to mind for me were Hammett and Cain. I have not read the other two. Hope the hip surgery goes well!

Hammett definitely - he would probably really enjoy the Continental Op stories in particular.

Cain is really, really different from Chandler, though they are often lumped together.  Jim Thompson might be a good bet.  Some of the old S.S. Van Dine books are lots of fun.  Cornell Woolrich, though not read much anymore, is pretty terrific.  And I agree, Ross MacDonald and Robert Parker are both great.

Has he tried James Ellroy?  The LA Quartet is kind of amazing.

I love Chandler, too.  I've read all his books except for one.  I keep putting off reading it, beacuse then I'll be done.

Thanks so much for the help! I'll be able to get him an assortment now. Wish me luck as I go to the bookstore...and ONLY purchase these gift books...I will NOT buy myself anything...Sigh. Thanks again! Debbie

John D. MacDonald is another good choice and he's still in print.  For modern writers, similar style, try Peter Spiegelman, Jonathon King, Charles Knief (hard to find), and Jeremiah Healy.