Elmore Leonard Recovering From a Stroke

Posted on August 7, 2013

Crime novelist Elmore Leonard is recovering from a stroke in a Detroit hospital. The Detroit News spoke with Leonard's long time researcher Gregg Sutter who confirmed that Leonard had the stroke last Monday. Sutter said, "He's doing better every day, and the family is guardedly optimistic. He's showing great spirit. He's a fighter, and we're glad to see that."

Leonard is 87 years old and was working on his latest novel when he fell ill. This will be his 46th book. Many of his books have been made into movies, from Get Shorty to Jackie Brown. Leonard has said he is especially pleased with the F/X hit series Justified, which is based on Leonard's novella Fire in the Hole (2000). The series stars timothy Olyphant as Deputy US Marshal Raylan Givens. Leonard's 45th novel, Raylan, is based on the character. Leonard discussed the novel with the screenwriters from Justified, who have used parts of the novel in episodes of the show.

We wish him a speedy recovery.