Crime writer Elmore Leonard dead at 87

Leonard, 87, who was in the midst of his 46th novel at the time of his death, was "the original jazz man" of crime fiction," David Highfill, vice-president and executive editor at William Morrow Publishers, said in a statement. "His voice - sly, gentle, funny, often startling, always human - will speak to readers for generations to come through Ray Givens, Jack Foley, Chili Palmer and so many other unforgettable characters. I miss him already," Highfill said.

In an amNewNork interview last year, Leonard said his favorite portrayal of one of his characters was that of Raylan by Timothy Olyphant in the FX series "Justified." He also said he strove to see the humor in all circumstances, including those involving aging and death.