Family members say they are optimistic about recovery, after revealing that popular American crime and mystery novelist Elmore Leonard has suffered a stroke. The 87 year old writer is recovering in a Detroit hospital. Leonard gave up a successful career in advertising to write 45 crime novels and mysteries and was at work on number 46 when he suffered the stroke. Many of his books, most notably “Out of Sight”, “Get Shorty” and “Be Cool” have been made into movies. Last year, Leonard was the recipient of an honourary National Book Award.