Ed McBain (aka Evan Hunter)

Ed McBain, the pseudonym of the prolific author Evan Hunter, was an innovator in procedural storytelling, creating compelling characters and richly detailed urban settings that brought a gritty realism to his books. His most famous work lies in the 87th Precinct series, a long-running police procedural series centered around the lives and cases of a fictional police department. McBain also penned several standalone mysteries that highlight his versatility and skill as a storyteller.

Main Characters

• Steve Carella – A dedicated and empathetic detective from the 87th Precinct, often portrayed as the emotional core of the series.
  
  
• Meyer Meyer – A dryly humorous detective with a calm demeanor, known for his steady presence and intellect.
  
  
• Bert Kling – A younger detective who evolves extensively throughout the series, embodying personal and professional growth.

Key Standalone Mystery Novels

• The Blackboard Jungle – A gripping exploration of urban struggles and societal issues, blending drama with crime elements.
  
  
• Kings and Queens – A psychological thriller showcasing McBain’s knack for creating intricate character studies and suspense.
  
  
• Downtown – A standalone that combines humor, mystery, and action as an ordinary man gets caught up in dangerous intrigue.

Contributions to the Mystery Genre

Ed McBain was a pioneer of the police procedural sub-genre, shaping it into a vivid and enduring element of crime fiction. His 87th Precinct series combined intricate plotting, authentic dialogue, and a focus on the collective effort of solving crimes rather than simply showcasing an individual hero. McBain’s works emphasize realism, bringing humanity and imperfection to his characters, which broke new ground in an era of stylized and formulaic mysteries.

Why May You Like to Read His Mysteries?

Readers drawn to fast-paced plots, layered characters, and sharp prose will find McBain’s works engrossing. His mysteries balance gritty crime-solving with compelling human stories, making them immersive and relatable. The urban environments he creates are rich and atmospheric, perfect for fans of tense, intelligently crafted narratives.

Start with "Sadie When She Died" 

Sadie When She Died is an excellent entry point into the 87th Precinct series. Combining a tightly constructed murder mystery with profound explorations of morality and grief, this novel showcases McBain at his finest. It demonstrates his ability to weave intricate plots while portraying the emotional weight carried by his detectives. New readers will find themselves quickly engrossed in McBain’s detailed world, captivated by the tension and depth of the story.

Similar Mystery Writers

• Raymond Chandler – Known for his hardboiled style and the iconic private detective Philip Marlowe.
  
  
• Lawrence Block – A versatile writer famous for his Matt Scudder series and gritty depictions of New York.
  
  
• Ruth Rendell (aka Barbara Vine) – A master of psychological crime fiction with intricate plots and dark themes.

The Full List of the 100 Best Mystery Writers of All Time

You can see the full list of the 100 Best Mystery Writers of All Time in this article. 

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