Don Winslow

Don Winslow is an American author known for his crime and mystery novels. He has written several bestsellers, including 'The Power of the Dog' and 'Savages,' which was adapted into a film directed by Oliver Stone.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Power Of The Dog

    "The Power of the Dog" is a gripping and intense crime thriller that delves into the complex and dangerous world of drug trafficking. Set in the 1970s and spanning several decades, the story follows a DEA agent and a Mexican drug lord as their paths intertwine, resulting in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Filled with vivid characters, intricate plot twists, and a chilling portrayal of the drug trade, this novel explores themes of corruption, loyalty, and the far-reaching consequences of one's choices.

    The 6079th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. A Cool Breeze On The Underground

    A Neal Carey Mystery

    In this gripping mystery novel, a young private investigator named Neal Carey is tasked with finding the missing teenage daughter of a powerful senator. As he delves deeper into the case, Neal uncovers a dangerous underground world of drugs, corruption, and violence. With his quick wit and street smarts, Neal must navigate through treacherous alliances and unexpected twists to uncover the truth and save the girl before it's too late. Filled with suspense and intriguing characters, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

    The 6945th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Border

    This gripping novel concludes a powerful trilogy that delves into the complex and brutal world of drug cartels and the war on drugs. It follows the story of Art Keller, a determined DEA agent who has spent decades in the relentless battle against the Mexican drug cartels. As Keller ascends to the top of the DEA, he faces not only the ruthless kingpins of the drug trade but also corruption within his own ranks and the moral ambiguities of his war. Set against the backdrop of contemporary political and social issues, the narrative weaves together a tapestry of characters and stories, from the cartel bosses to the addicts, the politicians to the hitmen, exploring the far-reaching impact of the drug war on both sides of the border.

    The 11295th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. Savages

    In "Savages: A Novel", two successful marijuana growers, Ben and Chon, live a comfortable life in Laguna Beach, California, sharing their girlfriend, O. Their lives take a drastic turn when a Mexican drug cartel kidnaps O, demanding a ransom and a share of their business. This forces the duo to employ every means possible, including violence, to save O and protect their livelihood. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, greed, and survival, painting a vivid picture of the underground drug trade.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
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  5. 5. The Cartel

    Set against the backdrop of the brutal Mexican drug wars, this gripping narrative follows the relentless pursuit of justice by DEA agent Art Keller, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with his nemesis, Adán Barrera, a powerful drug lord. As Keller navigates the treacherous world of cartels, corruption, and violence, he is driven by a personal vendetta that blurs the lines between right and wrong. The story unfolds with intense action and complex characters, painting a vivid picture of the devastating impact of the drug trade on both sides of the border.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. City On Fire

    Set against the backdrop of 1980s Providence, Rhode Island, this gripping crime saga delves into the lives of two rival crime families, the Irish Murphys and the Italian Morettis, whose fragile peace is shattered by a forbidden love affair. As tensions escalate, the narrative intricately weaves themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of power, drawing readers into a world where personal vendettas and family honor collide with devastating consequences. The story unfolds with a rich tapestry of complex characters, each grappling with their own moral dilemmas amidst the chaos of a city on the brink of war.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
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  7. 8. The Force

    In a gritty and intense narrative, the story follows Denny Malone, a highly respected NYPD detective who leads an elite task force in Manhattan. As Malone navigates the treacherous world of crime, corruption, and betrayal, he finds himself ensnared in a web of deceit, struggling to balance his sense of justice with the temptations of power and greed. The novel delves deep into the moral complexities of law enforcement, exploring the thin line between right and wrong, and the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice.

  8. 9. The Gentlemen's Hour

    In this gripping crime novel, private investigator Boone Daniels navigates the sun-soaked yet shadowy world of San Diego's surfing community. As he delves into a murder case involving a fellow surfer, Boone finds himself entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the "Gentlemen's Hour," a time when seasoned surfers reclaim the waves, and Boone must confront his own loyalties and ethics while unraveling the truth behind the crime.

  9. 10. City Of Dreams

    In this gripping narrative, the story unfolds against the backdrop of the American dream, exploring the intertwining lives of individuals caught in the relentless pursuit of power, wealth, and redemption. As the characters navigate the complex web of ambition and betrayal, they are forced to confront their deepest fears and desires, leading to a dramatic climax that challenges their perceptions of loyalty and morality. The tale is a poignant reflection on the human condition, capturing the essence of hope and despair in a world where dreams can be both a blessing and a curse.

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  10. 11. Broken

    Six Short Novels

    Set against the gritty backdrop of New Orleans, this gripping narrative follows a dedicated detective as he navigates the treacherous waters of crime and corruption. When a brutal murder hits too close to home, he is driven by a relentless pursuit of justice, even as it threatens to unravel his own life. With a cast of complex characters and a city teetering on the edge of chaos, the story delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the fine line between right and wrong. As the detective races against time, he must confront his own demons to bring a killer to justice.

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  11. 12. Isle Of Joy

    Set against the backdrop of New York City in the late 1950s, this gripping noir thriller follows a private investigator who is drawn into a web of political intrigue and personal vendettas. As he navigates the city's underbelly, he becomes entangled with a charismatic senator, a mysterious woman, and a series of dangerous secrets that threaten to unravel his life. With its atmospheric setting and complex characters, the story delves into themes of power, betrayal, and the pursuit of truth, all while capturing the essence of a bygone era.

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  12. 13. The Winter Of Frankie Machine

    In this gripping crime thriller, a retired hitman, now living a quiet life as a bait shop owner in San Diego, finds his past catching up with him when he's targeted for assassination. As he delves into the mystery of who wants him dead, he must navigate a dangerous world of mobsters, deceit, and betrayal, all while confronting the ghosts of his former life. The story weaves a complex tapestry of suspense and action, exploring themes of redemption, loyalty, and the inescapable nature of one's past.

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  13. 14. City In Ruins

    Set against the backdrop of a dystopian metropolis, the narrative unfolds in a world where societal collapse has left the city in shambles. The story follows a diverse group of survivors, each grappling with their own pasts and the harsh realities of their present. As they navigate the treacherous urban landscape, alliances are formed and tested, revealing the depths of human resilience and the complexities of moral choices in a lawless environment. The tale weaves together themes of survival, redemption, and the enduring spirit of humanity amidst chaos.

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  14. 15. While Drowning In The Desert

    In this gripping tale of suspense and intrigue, a private investigator finds himself embroiled in a perilous case set against the scorching backdrop of the Arizona desert. Tasked with locating a missing person, he navigates a labyrinth of deceit, betrayal, and danger, encountering a cast of eccentric characters along the way. As the investigation unfolds, the detective must confront his own demons and unravel a web of secrets that threaten to consume him. With sharp wit and relentless determination, he races against time to uncover the truth, all while battling the unforgiving elements of the desert.

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  15. 16. Way Down On The High Lonely

    Set against the rugged backdrop of the American Southwest, this gripping tale follows Neal Carey, a reluctant private investigator, as he embarks on a perilous mission to locate a missing teenager. As Neal navigates the treacherous terrain of the desert and the complexities of human nature, he encounters a cast of colorful characters, each with their own secrets and motives. The story weaves a tapestry of suspense, danger, and unexpected alliances, exploring themes of loyalty, redemption, and the lengths one will go to uncover the truth.

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  16. 17. California Fire And Life

    In this gripping crime thriller, an arson investigator named Jack Wade delves into the murky world of insurance fraud and deceit in Southern California. Tasked with uncovering the truth behind a suspicious fire that claimed the life of a young woman, Jack navigates a web of corruption, betrayal, and danger. As he digs deeper, he confronts his own troubled past and the powerful forces that will stop at nothing to protect their secrets. The story is a fast-paced exploration of greed, justice, and redemption set against the backdrop of the sun-drenched yet perilous California landscape.

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  17. 18. The Gentleman's Hour

    In this gripping crime thriller set against the sun-soaked backdrop of San Diego's surfing community, a former cop turned private investigator finds himself embroiled in a complex web of deceit, betrayal, and murder. As he navigates the murky waters of local politics and personal vendettas, he must confront his own demons while seeking justice for a young surfer accused of a heinous crime. With sharp dialogue, vivid characters, and a plot that twists and turns like the waves themselves, this story delves into the darker side of paradise, where loyalty is tested and the truth is as elusive as the perfect wave.

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  18. 19. The Death And Life Of Bobby Z

    In this gripping tale of deception and survival, a small-time criminal named Tim Kearney finds himself caught in a dangerous web of intrigue when he's offered a chance to escape his life sentence by impersonating the infamous drug lord Bobby Z. As he navigates the perilous underworld of crime, Tim must outsmart both the law and ruthless cartel members while protecting the young boy he unexpectedly grows to care for. With danger lurking at every turn, this thrilling narrative explores themes of identity, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of freedom.

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  19. 20. Satori

    Set in the tense geopolitical landscape of the 1950s, this gripping thriller follows the journey of Nicholai Hel, a master of "naked kill" and a man of extraordinary skills, as he is released from a Japanese prison to undertake a perilous mission. Tasked with assassinating a Soviet commissioner in China, Hel navigates a world of espionage, betrayal, and shifting allegiances. As he delves deeper into the mission, he must rely on his wits, martial prowess, and a profound understanding of "satori," a state of sudden enlightenment, to survive the deadly game of international intrigue and find his own path to redemption.

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  20. 21. The Kings Of Cool

    Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Southern California in the late 1960s and early 1970s, this gripping prequel delves into the origins of three young friends who will later become central figures in the world of high-stakes drug dealing. As they navigate the turbulent waters of adolescence, they find themselves entangled in a web of crime, love, and betrayal, laying the groundwork for their future as key players in the dangerous and seductive world of marijuana trafficking. The narrative weaves together their personal struggles with the broader cultural shifts of the era, painting a vivid picture of a time when the counterculture was at its peak.

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  21. 22. The Dawn Patrol

    Set against the sun-drenched beaches of San Diego, this thrilling novel follows Boone Daniels, a laid-back surfer and private investigator, as he becomes embroiled in a complex case involving a missing stripper, a mysterious fire, and a web of deceit. As Boone navigates the dangerous undercurrents of crime and corruption, he must rely on his loyal group of surfing friends, known as the Dawn Patrol, to help him uncover the truth. With a blend of suspense, humor, and vivid descriptions of the surfing lifestyle, the story explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the relentless pursuit of the perfect wave.

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  22. 23. Die Sprache Des Feuers

    Set against the backdrop of a sun-drenched California, this gripping narrative follows the life of a young man who finds himself entangled in a web of crime, ambition, and betrayal. As he navigates the treacherous world of arson and firefighting, he is forced to confront his own demons and the fiery consequences of his choices. The story unfolds with a blend of suspense and emotional depth, exploring themes of redemption, identity, and the relentless pursuit of truth in a world where the lines between right and wrong are often blurred.