Ed McBain

Ed McBain (1926-2005) was the primary pen name of American author Evan Hunter, best known for creating the 87th Precinct police procedural series. Under various pseudonyms, he wrote over 100 books during his five-decade career and played a pivotal role in establishing the police procedural as a distinct genre of crime fiction. The 87th Precinct series, set in the fictional city of Isola (based on New York), spanned 55 novels from 1956 to 2005. McBain's realistic portrayal of police work and ensemble cast of recurring detectives influenced both crime literature and television police dramas. Writing as Evan Hunter, he authored The Blackboard Jungle (1954), which was adapted into an influential film, and wrote the screenplay for Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds (1963). His work under both names earned numerous awards, including the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America. McBain's methodical research and attention to procedural detail, combined with his ability to create compelling character dynamics, established him as one of the most significant crime writers of the 20th century. His influence continues to be seen in contemporary police procedurals across all media formats.

Readers praise McBain's realistic portrayal of police work, crisp dialogue, and ability to maintain quality across his long-running 87th Precinct series. Many note his influence on both crime fiction and police procedural TV shows. Fans highlight his ensemble cast of recurring characters and detailed New York City atmosphere. One Amazon reviewer wrote: "McBain makes you feel like you're right there in the squad room." Readers often mention the natural flow of police banter and interrogation scenes. Common criticisms include formulaic plots in later books and dated social attitudes in earlier works. Some readers find the large cast of characters hard to track. A Goodreads review notes: "The pacing can drag during procedural details." Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 3.9/5 across all books (87,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 average (12,000+ reviews) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 average Top-rated books by readers: - Cop Hater (1956) - Ice (1983) - Lightning (1984)

Cop Hater (1956) The first 87th Precinct novel introduces Detective Steve Carella as he investigates the systematic killing of police officers during a sweltering summer.

The Mugger (1956) Detective Hal Willis pursues a violent criminal who attacks women, robs them, and performs a mocking bow afterward.

The Pusher (1956) The apparent suicide of a young drug dealer leads Detective Steve Carella to uncover a complex murder plot.

The Con Man (1957) Detectives investigate a series of confidence schemes that escalate to murder in the city of Isola.

Killer's Choice (1957) The murder of a female detective leads the 87th Precinct squad to investigate her hidden past and secret relationships.

Killer's Payoff (1958) A blackmailer's murder reveals a web of victims with motives, challenging the detectives of the 87th Precinct.

Lady Killer (1958) The squad investigates a series of attacks on women that appear connected to personal advertisements in newspapers.

'til Death (1959) Detective Carella works to protect a bride and groom who receive death threats before their wedding.

King's Ransom (1959) A wealthy businessman's son is kidnapped, leading to a complex investigation involving multiple suspects and motives.

Give the Boys a Great Big Hand (1960) The discovery of a severed hand launches an investigation into missing persons and organized crime.

Joseph Wambaugh wrote police procedurals based on his experience as an LAPD detective, bringing authenticity to his stories through real-world knowledge. His portrayal of police work and workplace dynamics shares McBain's focus on procedural accuracy and ensemble casts.

Michael Connelly created the Harry Bosch series featuring detailed accounts of police investigations in Los Angeles. His background as a crime reporter informs his precise attention to investigative procedures and police department politics.

John Sandford developed the Prey series centered on Minneapolis detective Lucas Davenport, incorporating detailed police work and investigation techniques. His series maintains continuity through recurring characters and police department relationships similar to McBain's 87th Precinct.

Lawrence Block wrote the Matthew Scudder series about a former NYPD detective, emphasizing the mechanics of investigation and police connections. His work shares McBain's attention to procedural detail and New York City setting.

Tony Hillerman created the Leaphorn and Chee series featuring tribal police investigations on Navajo territory, focusing on methodical police work. His emphasis on procedure and workplace relationships mirrors McBain's approach while exploring a different police environment.