Icon, legend, a master of the genre.
None of these descriptions would be an exaggeration if applied to Elmore Leonard. Leonard has won every award in the genre (and many from beyond it), influenced generations of authors, had his characters adapted (with great success) for both the big and small screen. His writing style was often imitated, but few were able to get so much out of so few words. Elmore Leonard used exactly what was needed and not a syllable more.
This morning, Mr. Leonard passed away from complications of a stroke. He was 87. On behalf of Crimespree magazine, I would like to offer our condolences to his family.