Peter Leonard is an acclaimed American author known for his gripping crime thrillers and suspenseful narratives. The son of legendary novelist Elmore Leonard, Peter has carved out his distinctive voice in the world of crime fiction. With a sharp eye for dialogue, intricate plotting, and richly drawn characters, Leonard’s books deliver fast-paced, engaging stories that keep readers hooked from start to finish.
He made his literary debut with Quiver in 2007, a novel that was praised for its taut storytelling and cinematic feel. Since then, he has released a series of compelling titles such as Trust Me, All He Saw Was The Girl, Voices of the Dead, and Eyes Closed Tight. Many of his novels blend dark humor with gritty realism, exploring themes like revenge, deception, and justice.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, reading Peter Leonard’s books in order offers a thrilling and immersive experience.
A Quick Biography of Peter Leonard
Peter Leonard is an American novelist best known for his gripping crime and thriller fiction. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he is the son of legendary crime writer Elmore Leonard, from whom he inherited a passion for storytelling. Before turning to writing full-time, Peter had a successful career in advertising, co-founding the firm Leonard Mayer & Tocco, where he worked with major clients like Volkswagen and Audi.
He began his writing career later in life, publishing his debut novel Quiver in 2007. His writing style reflects his father’s influence—sharp dialogue, fast-paced plots, and complex characters—yet he has developed his distinctive voice in the genre. Over the years, Peter Leonard has released several critically praised novels, including Trust Me, All He Saw Was The Girl, and Voices of the Dead.
Today, he is recognized as a compelling storyteller who continues to captivate readers with suspenseful and character-driven narratives.
Publication Order of Harry Levin Books
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Quiver | (2008) | Buy Now |
| Trust Me | (2009) | Buy Now |
| All He Saw Was The Girl | (2011) | Buy Now |
| Eyes Closed Tight | (2014) | Buy Now |
| Unknown Remains | (2016) | Buy Now |
| Sweet Dreams | (2022) | Buy Now |
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Am I a Man | (1994) | Buy Now |
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Personality and Ideology: Towards a Materialist Understanding of the Individual | (1984) | Buy Now |
| Postmodern Welfare: Reconstructing an Emancipatory Project | (1997) | Buy Now |
| Paulo Freire: A Critical Encounter | (2002) | Buy Now |
| The Western Coast Of Africa: Journal Of An Officer Under Captain Owen | (2009) | Buy Now |
| Records Of A Voyage To The Western Coast Of Africa In His Majesty’s Ship Dryad | (2010) | Buy Now |
| Till All Our Fight be Fought: The Olavian Fallen and the Great War 1914-1918 | (2014) | Buy Now |
| Rome Through Time | (2014) | Buy Now |
| Pisano Paranormal: A Couple Two-Three Stories | (2021) | Buy Now |
Publication Order of Raylan Givens Books
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Pronto | (1993) | Buy Now |
| Riding the Rap | (1995) | Buy Now |
| Fire in the Hole | (2001) | Buy Now |
| Raylan | (2011) | Buy Now |
| Raylan Goes to Detroit | (2018) | Buy Now |
4 Most Popular Peter Leonard Books In Order
1. Quiver (2007)
Peter Leonard’s debut novel, Quiver, introduces readers to Kate McCall, a recently widowed woman trying to protect herself and her teenage son after her violent past resurfaces. Her ex-convict husband is dead, but danger isn’t far behind. When her former lover—now a hardened criminal—returns to claim a stash of hidden money, Kate is forced into a desperate situation. The story builds intense suspense with a blend of action, emotional tension, and dark humor, marking a strong start to Leonard’s writing career.
2. Voices of the Dead (2012)
This historical crime thriller follows Harry Levin, a Detroit scrap dealer and Holocaust survivor, who sets out to track down a Nazi war criminal after a personal tragedy strikes. When Harry’s daughter is killed in a hit-and-run, he discovers the shocking identity of the man responsible—an ex-Nazi officer now living in the U.S. What follows is a high-stakes game of cat and mouse that spans continents. Voices of the Dead is powerful, personal, and emotionally charged, with themes of justice, revenge, and redemption.
3. All He Saw Was The Girl (2011)
Set between Rome and Detroit, this novel follows two storylines: one involving a disgruntled American student kidnapped by petty criminals in Italy, and another tracking CIA operatives tangled in political corruption. The plot thickens as these seemingly unrelated lives intersect. Full of stylish prose, clever twists, and international intrigue, the book showcases Leonard’s talent for building complex narratives that remain accessible and engaging. It’s fast-paced, sharp-witted, and cinematic in scope.
4. Eyes Closed Tight (2014)
In Eyes Closed Tight, O’Clair, a retired Detroit homicide detective, retreats to Florida to run a beachfront motel. But peace proves elusive when he discovers the body of a murdered woman on his property, killed in a way eerily similar to one of his old, unsolved cases. As more bodies appear, O’Clair is pulled back into the world he tried to leave behind. The book is a compelling blend of mystery and psychological thriller, with vivid characters and a slow-burning suspense that escalates toward a gripping finale.
To Sum Up
Peter Leonard has firmly established himself as a powerful voice in modern crime fiction. His most popular novels—Quiver, Voices of the Dead, All He Saw Was The Girl, and Eyes Closed Tight—highlight his talent for gripping storytelling, sharp dialogue, and unforgettable characters. Drawing from real-life experiences and historical depth, his stories blend suspense, action, and emotion, keeping readers hooked from the first page to the last. Whether you’re new to his work or revisiting it, reading Peter Leonard’s books in order offers a thrilling literary journey filled with twists, intensity, and cinematic flair.
Top FAQ on Peter Leonard
-
Who is Peter Leonard?
-
What was Peter Leonard’s first novel?
His debut novel was Quiver, published in 2007. It marked his entry into the world of crime fiction and received praise for its suspenseful storytelling and strong characters.
-
What is Peter Leonard’s most recent book?
Peter Leonard‘s most recent book is Sweet Dreams, published in 2022.
Read more authors like Peter Leonard
Have you read Peter Leonard’s books and novels? Leave your thoughts and comments below