The 87th
Precinct Series by Ed McBain.
(1956-2005)
Ed McBain is credited to start one of those so called “police procedurals” novel with 87th Precinct novels in which he employed exactly same kinds of methods the police is using.
That naturally helps add more reality to the entire genre.
But that’s not just the reason why this series was one of the most popular in 80’s and 90’s. He also happens to be a superb writer who can basically write about anything he wanted to write and somehow pulled out a real stunner with regular bases.
I must warn you. This series are quite addictive. Here’s
why.
P
|
layers. – This is the domain where
mighty ED completely dominated. Flourishing like tornados in the trail park.
Like fish knows how to swim, McBain knew how to create characters. That’s it.
He just knew.
All the
characters in his books, I mean from the guys who just appeared few pages to
regulars, they were all written with such care/dedication/background, each one
of them could have their own short stories.
Since there are at least 40-87th precinct novels out and each contain as least 5 to 10 unique non-major characters whom either die at the end of the book or never re-appear in his other books, McBain somehow created over 400 fully realized characters, with all different/quite often hilarious personalities. And that’s work of a small god.
Since there are at least 40-87th precinct novels out and each contain as least 5 to 10 unique non-major characters whom either die at the end of the book or never re-appear in his other books, McBain somehow created over 400 fully realized characters, with all different/quite often hilarious personalities. And that’s work of a small god.
P
|
lace. – New York. Ed McBain loved to describe the
city he grew up and resided until he passed away. Every building, street
corner, tree and park was descr6ibed precisely and he also paid a lot of
attention to seasonal changes like spring breeze to icy snow on the street off New York. I really think
he loved the city he lived.
P
|
lot. – Solid. In everyone of his books, there are
at least two different plots going on at the same time and one big one covering
all of the small plots.
Because each book has its own unique characters, either good or bad, depend on which sides of the law they represent, most of the time, the stories just rides along with those characters. And that is enough to make this series MUST for any mystery lovers. Just my opinion, mind you.
Because each book has its own unique characters, either good or bad, depend on which sides of the law they represent, most of the time, the stories just rides along with those characters. And that is enough to make this series MUST for any mystery lovers. Just my opinion, mind you.
V
|
erdict. – The balance between high
comedy and serious mystery is well maintained. It has everything to make a good
TV movie series and NBC tried but came out kind of mediocre.
Only
downside is that Ed McBain belongs to something of 70’s to 80’s
great writers. Therefore, it is really hard to find his books anywhere else
except maybe some second hand bookstores. But if you can get your hand on any one of this series, you'll have some fun. I'll guarantee you.
