Ed McBain books

Ed McBain was the pen name of Evan Hunter, a prolific American author who revolutionized the police procedural with his 87th Precinct series.

Books Reading Order

87th Precinct Books

Title Published Buy on Amazon
Cop Hater 1956 Buy
The Mugger 1956 Buy
The Pusher 1956 Buy
The Con Man 1957 Buy
Killer’s Choice 1957 Buy
Lady Killer 1958 Buy
Killer’s Wedge 1958 Buy
Killer’s Payoff 1958 Buy
King’s Ransom 1959 Buy
‘Til Death 1959 Buy
Give the Boys a Great Big Hand 1960 Buy
The Heckler 1960 Buy
See Them Die 1960 Buy
Lady, Lady, I Did It! 1961 Buy
The Empty Hours 1962 Buy
Like Love 1962 Buy
Ten Plus One 1963 Buy
Ax 1963 Buy
He Who Hesitates 1965 Buy
Doll 1965 Buy
Eighty Million Eyes 1966 Buy
Fuzz 1968 Buy
Shotgun 1968 Buy
Jigsaw 1970 Buy
Hail, Hail, the Gang’s All Here! 1971 Buy
Sadie When She Died 1972 Buy
Let’s Hear It for the Deaf Man 1973 Buy
Hail to the Chief 1973 Buy
Bread 1974 Buy
Blood Relatives 1975 Buy
So Long as You Both Shall Live 1976 Buy
Long Time No See 1977 Buy
Calypso 1979 Buy
Ghosts 1980 Buy
Heat 1981 Buy
Ice 1983 Buy
Lightning 1984 Buy
And All Through The House 1984 Buy
Eight Black Horses 1985 Buy
Poison 1987 Buy
Lullaby 1989 Buy
Vespers 1989 Buy
Tricks 1989 Buy
Widows 1991 Buy
Kiss 1992 Buy
Mischief 1993 Buy
Romance 1995 Buy
Nocturne 1997 Buy
The Big Bad City 1998 Buy
The Last Dance 1999 Buy
Money, Money, Money 2001 Buy
Fat Ollie’s Book 2002 Buy
The Frumious Bandersnatch 2003 Buy
Hark! 2004 Buy
Fiddlers 2005 Buy

Ed McBain, the pen name of Evan Hunter, was a master of the modern crime novel. He is widely credited with redefining the police procedural genre through his groundbreaking 87th Precinct series. His writing is characterized by gritty realism, sharp dialogue, and a deep understanding of the human condition.

Born in New York City, McBain’s work often reflected the complexity and energy of the urban environment. His influence extends beyond literature into film and television, where his storytelling techniques became the gold standard for crime dramas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Ed McBain a real person?

Ed McBain was a pseudonym used by the author Evan Hunter, born Salvatore Albert Lombino.

What is Ed McBain's most famous work?

He is best known for the 87th Precinct series, which spans over 50 years and 55 novels.

Did Ed McBain write for film?

Yes, as Evan Hunter, he wrote the screenplay for Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds.

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