In the world of book covers, crime writers have all the fun.

The nature of the genre, filled to the brim as it is with guns and busty women and murder and intrigue, provides ample material for gripping artwork and design. It doesn’t hurt that crime novels (and movies) have a long and distinguished history with the noir movement, adding many darker shades to the palettes of cover designers over the years.

Elmore Leonard has been no exception. His work draws from various streams of American cri...