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87th Precinct #14
Lady, Lady, I Did It!
During the heat of an Indian summer, a quadruple homicide that includes among its victims the fiancee of an 87th Precinct detective sets off a desperate, vendetta-like hunt for the killer. “McBain has the ability to make every character believable — which few writers these days can do.” —Associated Press “McBain forces us to think twice about every character we meet…even those we thought we already knew.” —New York Times Book Review
153 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1961
104 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
Ed McBain
710 books668 followers"Ed McBain" is one of the pen names of American author and screenwriter Salvatore Albert Lombino (1926-2005), who legally adopted the name
Evan Hunter
in 1952.
While successful and well known as Evan Hunter, he was even better known as Ed McBain, a name he used for most of his crime fiction, beginning in 1956.
He also used the pen names John Abbott, Curt Cannon, Hunt Collins, Ezra Hannon, Dean Hudson, Evan Hunter, and Richard Marsten.
While successful and well known as Evan Hunter, he was even better known as Ed McBain, a name he used for most of his crime fiction, beginning in 1956.
He also used the pen names John Abbott, Curt Cannon, Hunt Collins, Ezra Hannon, Dean Hudson, Evan Hunter, and Richard Marsten.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
September 9, 2013
The fourteenth entry in Ed McBain's 87th Precinct series hits close to home for the detectives of the precinct. Indian Summer has rolled around again in Isola, and on a late afternoon a gunman callously murders four people in a bookstore. The gunman gets away and the survivors are unable to provide a decent description. One of his victims, though, is closely tied to Detective Bert Kling.
The case thus takes on personal overtones for Kling and for the other detectives on the squad as well because one of their own has been affected. But trying to find a motive for the killings, let alone the elusive gunman will prove to be a daunting task.
This is another of the better early books in the series because the case becomes so personal for the detectives involved and thus demonstrates the ties that bind them together. It also shows the frustrations of a difficult case and the way in which a potential solution may turn on the smallest of clues. A solid, entertaining read.
The case thus takes on personal overtones for Kling and for the other detectives on the squad as well because one of their own has been affected. But trying to find a motive for the killings, let alone the elusive gunman will prove to be a daunting task.
This is another of the better early books in the series because the case becomes so personal for the detectives involved and thus demonstrates the ties that bind them together. It also shows the frustrations of a difficult case and the way in which a potential solution may turn on the smallest of clues. A solid, entertaining read.
December 29, 2019
Magnífica novela. Ed McBain nos relata la investigación de un asesinato en el seno de la familia policial. Y cuando hay un tema personal afloran las emociones. Eso nos describe McBain: policías humanos, con hijos y esposas que sufren el oficio; policías que sufren por el compañero y su pérdida.
Además, nos enseña todos los pasos de una investigación criminal, hasta aquellos que no conducen a nada.
Me ha parecido una maravilla. No le pongo las cinco estrellas porqué la resolución no ha sido muy convincente ni acorde a cómo está escrito el libro. Digamos que esperaba algo más y no necesariamente más complicado, sino más bien, de mayor peso emocional.
Me ha gustado mucho como describe las diferentes personalidades, sus pensamientos, miedos, conflictos.
Es el primer libro que leo de Ed McBain y, junto con Charles Williams, han sido mis grandes descubrimientos de 2019.
Magnificent novel. Ed McBain tells us about the murder investigation in the police family. And when there is a personal theme emotions emerge. That is what McBain describes: human police officers, with children and wives suffering from the trade; cops who suffer for the companion and his loss.
In addition, it teaches us every step of a criminal investigation, even those that lead to nothing.
I found it wonderful. I don't give the five stars because the resolution has not been very convincing or according to how the book is written. Let's say I was expecting something more and not necessarily more complicated, but rather more emotional.
I really liked how he describes the different personalities, their thoughts, fears, conflicts.
This is the first book I read by Ed McBain and, along with Charles Williams, have been my greatest discoveries of 2019.
Además, nos enseña todos los pasos de una investigación criminal, hasta aquellos que no conducen a nada.
Me ha parecido una maravilla. No le pongo las cinco estrellas porqué la resolución no ha sido muy convincente ni acorde a cómo está escrito el libro. Digamos que esperaba algo más y no necesariamente más complicado, sino más bien, de mayor peso emocional.
Me ha gustado mucho como describe las diferentes personalidades, sus pensamientos, miedos, conflictos.
Es el primer libro que leo de Ed McBain y, junto con Charles Williams, han sido mis grandes descubrimientos de 2019.
Magnificent novel. Ed McBain tells us about the murder investigation in the police family. And when there is a personal theme emotions emerge. That is what McBain describes: human police officers, with children and wives suffering from the trade; cops who suffer for the companion and his loss.
In addition, it teaches us every step of a criminal investigation, even those that lead to nothing.
I found it wonderful. I don't give the five stars because the resolution has not been very convincing or according to how the book is written. Let's say I was expecting something more and not necessarily more complicated, but rather more emotional.
I really liked how he describes the different personalities, their thoughts, fears, conflicts.
This is the first book I read by Ed McBain and, along with Charles Williams, have been my greatest discoveries of 2019.
Want to read
August 9, 2018The page count of this book is 218 (not listed in description).
May 28, 2021
A strong, grim entry in the 87th Precinct series. If I could do half stars this would be at 4.5. The detectives investigate a shooting at a bookstore.
March 8, 2019
Not even a quirky, seemingly nonsensical title can prevent this from being one of the very best of the Ed McBain 87th Precinct novels I've read. Four unconnected and seemingly random people are gunned down in a shop. One of them is the girlfriend of a detective in the 87th Precinct. The detective's police family rallies to the case with special fervor. While the procedural work of the police force is, as always, central to McBain's cop stories, what really makes this one stand out is the emotional heft McBain gives it. Whether describing love or grief or friendship or family squabbles, the depictions of characters in this novel go much deeper than a good many police novels, even ones as good as McBain's others. I found myself grieving for the grieving characters, and really warmed by their camaraderie, to an extent I'm not used to in such stories. The 87th Precinct books are wonderful police novels. This one is a wonderful novel.
March 6, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
A tight, fast-paced entry in the 87th Precinct series, Lady, Lady, I Did It! is one of the darker ones so far, and it works.
The precinct feels more like a unit here, pulled together by the murder of one of their own’s girlfriend. Kling, in particular, takes a big step forward as a character, and it’ll be interesting to see how this shapes him in future books.
McBain also does a great job fleshing out the city, which, as always, feels like a character in its own right. But what really stands out is how he tackles some weighty societal issues of the time, especially abortion. The story doesn’t just present the law in black and white—it explores the grey areas, like the case of an underage rape victim, making for a more layered and thought-provoking read.
Short, sharp, and full of depth—this one’s a strong addition to the series.
A tight, fast-paced entry in the 87th Precinct series, Lady, Lady, I Did It! is one of the darker ones so far, and it works.
The precinct feels more like a unit here, pulled together by the murder of one of their own’s girlfriend. Kling, in particular, takes a big step forward as a character, and it’ll be interesting to see how this shapes him in future books.
McBain also does a great job fleshing out the city, which, as always, feels like a character in its own right. But what really stands out is how he tackles some weighty societal issues of the time, especially abortion. The story doesn’t just present the law in black and white—it explores the grey areas, like the case of an underage rape victim, making for a more layered and thought-provoking read.
Short, sharp, and full of depth—this one’s a strong addition to the series.
August 13, 2012
Although this book was written in the early 1960's, it is so timely and current, especially with the two major public shootings that have occured recently. "Lady, Lady, I Did It" by Ed McBain is the 2nd book I've read in his police series about a public shooting that occurs seemingly randomly in a bookstore, leaving four dead.
The following may or may not contain spoilers.
It's a lazy and uneventful Indian summer when the police are informed that there was a shooting at a local bookstore, hospitalizing some, and killing three. One man, in critical condition, keeps saying "carpenter" over and over again until he too, dies. To make matters worse, one of the dead victims was the fiancee of one of the officers, making the case so much more personal. Soon the officers begin to peice together information and are under the impression that one of the victims was meant to be a victim, the rest were random. Which one was his target?
I don't want to give away the ending or too much of the story, it's great to experience for yourself. Being the 2nd Ed McBain book I've read and liked, I think I will read more of his police books in the near future. Rumour has it that this series inspired NYPD Blue (a show I have never watched, but still an interesting tidbit!). It seemed very realistic, to the point, and just good. I figured out who did it quite easily (but I read so many mystery books I am constantly always picking up on literary clues and trying to crack the case by the conclusion), but even so I enjoyed this book! Quick read.
The following may or may not contain spoilers.
It's a lazy and uneventful Indian summer when the police are informed that there was a shooting at a local bookstore, hospitalizing some, and killing three. One man, in critical condition, keeps saying "carpenter" over and over again until he too, dies. To make matters worse, one of the dead victims was the fiancee of one of the officers, making the case so much more personal. Soon the officers begin to peice together information and are under the impression that one of the victims was meant to be a victim, the rest were random. Which one was his target?
I don't want to give away the ending or too much of the story, it's great to experience for yourself. Being the 2nd Ed McBain book I've read and liked, I think I will read more of his police books in the near future. Rumour has it that this series inspired NYPD Blue (a show I have never watched, but still an interesting tidbit!). It seemed very realistic, to the point, and just good. I figured out who did it quite easily (but I read so many mystery books I am constantly always picking up on literary clues and trying to crack the case by the conclusion), but even so I enjoyed this book! Quick read.
September 14, 2016
Wow! What a great book this is. Sure, it's a bit dated (copyright 1961), but that in no way detracts from the story. When the likes of Tony Hillerman says he had a lot to learn from Ed McBain, you know you're reading the work of a superb talent.
This is a short novel at under 200 pages, but it keeps you engrossed and riding along with the detectives of the 87th until the case is solved.
A sad story, but one that is masterfully constructed. No one does this genre better. I am looking forward to my next adventure in this series.
This is a short novel at under 200 pages, but it keeps you engrossed and riding along with the detectives of the 87th until the case is solved.
A sad story, but one that is masterfully constructed. No one does this genre better. I am looking forward to my next adventure in this series.
January 27, 2023
Very entertaining read. Originally published in '61, our men in the 87th investigate a multiple homicide at a local bookstore. The bad news - one of our friends experiences personal tragedy at the crime scene. Good police procedural with a couple of twists.
September 7, 2025
A crime procedural and classic crime whodunit, "Lady, Lady, I Did It!" (1961) stars the 87th precinct detectives in an all-hands-on-deck investigation when the fiance of a detective is murdered along with three others in a quiet bookstore downtown.
McBain's pacing is good, moving us along with the bulls as they pursue lead after lead, get sidetracked by a few unrelated crimes and suspicious characters, seeing the eyes of the crime through untrustworthy witness lenses, while holding out a hope of personal vengeance against the perpetrator for committing such a crime against one of their own.
Verdict: A smart mystery and police investigation, "Lady, Lady, I Did It!" is a good read.
Jeff's Rating: 3 / 5 (Good)
movie rating if made into a movie: PG-13
McBain's pacing is good, moving us along with the bulls as they pursue lead after lead, get sidetracked by a few unrelated crimes and suspicious characters, seeing the eyes of the crime through untrustworthy witness lenses, while holding out a hope of personal vengeance against the perpetrator for committing such a crime against one of their own.
Verdict: A smart mystery and police investigation, "Lady, Lady, I Did It!" is a good read.
Jeff's Rating: 3 / 5 (Good)
movie rating if made into a movie: PG-13
October 18, 2014
McBain delivers a scorcher for the series, emphatically leaving the last book's city fable indulgences behind. This one is 87th Precinct to the core; short, hard hitting and full of character.
A multiple shooting at a book store has every cop in the precinct searching for the killer as one of the fallen belongs to one of their own. Carella and Meyer lead the investigation as they delve into the backgrounds of all of the victims looking for a lead. Kling, Wilis and Brown aid with the leg work.
Written at the start of the 1960s, long before any State legalised abortion, McBain drags the thorny subject into the light as various closets are emptied of their skeletons.
Loss and grief are explored thoughtfully too, stripped of any histrionics, deepening the characters by shared familiar emotions.
The little linguistic puzzle set by one of the victim's deathbed words kept me busy for a good five seconds. But you can't really blame Carella and co for being distracted.
A multiple shooting at a book store has every cop in the precinct searching for the killer as one of the fallen belongs to one of their own. Carella and Meyer lead the investigation as they delve into the backgrounds of all of the victims looking for a lead. Kling, Wilis and Brown aid with the leg work.
Written at the start of the 1960s, long before any State legalised abortion, McBain drags the thorny subject into the light as various closets are emptied of their skeletons.
Loss and grief are explored thoughtfully too, stripped of any histrionics, deepening the characters by shared familiar emotions.
The little linguistic puzzle set by one of the victim's deathbed words kept me busy for a good five seconds. But you can't really blame Carella and co for being distracted.
May 24, 2019
Monday morning came.
It always does.
On Monday morning you sit back and take a look at things, and things look lousy. That's part of Monday, the nature of the beast. Monday should be a fresh beginning, a sort of road-company New Year's Day. But somehow, Monday is only and always a continuation, a familiar awakening to a start which is really only a repetition. There should be laws against Monday morning.
Ed tells it as it is.
It always does.
On Monday morning you sit back and take a look at things, and things look lousy. That's part of Monday, the nature of the beast. Monday should be a fresh beginning, a sort of road-company New Year's Day. But somehow, Monday is only and always a continuation, a familiar awakening to a start which is really only a repetition. There should be laws against Monday morning.
Ed tells it as it is.
March 21, 2020
When a gunman shoots up a bookstore, four people are left dead. The boys of the 87th quickly deduce that only one of the victims was the shooter's intended target . . . it's hoped that learning which person that was will lead to the discovery of the killer's identity.
An interesting entry in the series, particularly for one of McBain's subplots involving abortion - illegal when the book was published in 1961 . . . even in the case of rape. (Unsettling to think of how many folks would like to return us to those dark days.) Be advised - this story line, along with the use of a number of racial slurs may put off some readers.
An interesting entry in the series, particularly for one of McBain's subplots involving abortion - illegal when the book was published in 1961 . . . even in the case of rape. (Unsettling to think of how many folks would like to return us to those dark days.) Be advised - this story line, along with the use of a number of racial slurs may put off some readers.
August 4, 2017
Another great story of the 87th precinct detectives in the fictional city of Isola. Full of fast paced action with no frills, just detectives following the clue.
I am really enjoying this series of novels, despite the elements of police violence. This story has anti semitism as the root cause of the killings and the investigation uncovers an illegal abortion. Topics that continue to exercise our minds.
I am really enjoying this series of novels, despite the elements of police violence. This story has anti semitism as the root cause of the killings and the investigation uncovers an illegal abortion. Topics that continue to exercise our minds.
August 27, 2011
The bulls of the 87th Precinct are called in to investigate a mass shooting at a bookstore. Published in 1961, this was a very readable entry in this classic police procedural series.
July 14, 2022
One of the best McBain's I've read, Dick Hill even did a good job reading. This short novel starts out with a mass shooting at a bookstore with a very personal connection to one of the regular detectives. It's a police procedural, like all of the 87th Precinct books and it's quite interesting to see how the squad figures this one out.
I'm working my way through the Oeuvre but there are a number of these old books I can't find as audiobooks, which is about all I'm "reading" these days. I've still got 20+ to go even without all of them, which gives me plenty of time to find the others.
I'm working my way through the Oeuvre but there are a number of these old books I can't find as audiobooks, which is about all I'm "reading" these days. I've still got 20+ to go even without all of them, which gives me plenty of time to find the others.
July 4, 2013
Lady, Lady, I Did It! (1961)
Ed McBain’s 87th Precinct boys take this one personally when Bert Kling’s girlfriend is killed in a bookstore shooting. These books often rotate back and forth between two cases or sub-plots, but in this case the main mystery is so multi-faceted that he doesn’t need to do that. Claire Townsend, Kling’s social worker girlfriend is one of four people shot in a bookstore shooting and the investigation forces the gang to start with resentments against all four victims, which moves the case in multiple directions. This particular book feels more dated than most of McBain’s, other than the normal dating of police investigative techniques that are at the heart of this series. One of the sub-plots is about a woman doctor who provides illegal abortions, and the book’s attitude towards abortions is, not surprisingly, pretty harsh by today’s standards; but then this was published twelve years prior to Roe versus Wade. The other thing that dates this a bit is its attitude toward the violent beating the killer gets at the hands of Bert Kling at the end of the book. His nose is broken, as are many of his teeth, and Carella is happily adjusting the report to indicate the man resisted arrest when he didn’t. The book has the typical McBain (Evan Hunter) literary flourishes that open and close the book. What Steinbeck calls hoop-te-doodle. McBain seems to put in just enough of this stuff that he can get away with without getting in the way of the story.
Ed McBain’s 87th Precinct boys take this one personally when Bert Kling’s girlfriend is killed in a bookstore shooting. These books often rotate back and forth between two cases or sub-plots, but in this case the main mystery is so multi-faceted that he doesn’t need to do that. Claire Townsend, Kling’s social worker girlfriend is one of four people shot in a bookstore shooting and the investigation forces the gang to start with resentments against all four victims, which moves the case in multiple directions. This particular book feels more dated than most of McBain’s, other than the normal dating of police investigative techniques that are at the heart of this series. One of the sub-plots is about a woman doctor who provides illegal abortions, and the book’s attitude towards abortions is, not surprisingly, pretty harsh by today’s standards; but then this was published twelve years prior to Roe versus Wade. The other thing that dates this a bit is its attitude toward the violent beating the killer gets at the hands of Bert Kling at the end of the book. His nose is broken, as are many of his teeth, and Carella is happily adjusting the report to indicate the man resisted arrest when he didn’t. The book has the typical McBain (Evan Hunter) literary flourishes that open and close the book. What Steinbeck calls hoop-te-doodle. McBain seems to put in just enough of this stuff that he can get away with without getting in the way of the story.
January 14, 2018
Good entry to the series. I admit I didn't get the carpenter clue until it was telegraphed to me. I kept thinking it was a Yiddish word that sounded like carpenter and somebody would finally ask a Jewish person to translate. The only thing that I found slightly disturbing was the fact that Kling was allowed on the case with the nasty results that occurred because of him being personally involved. That would never be allowed or condoned today but I don't remember just how loose the police were about that kind of thing in 1961. On a gut level I'm sure nobody had a problem with what Kling did but that's only because we, like the detectives, were sure they had the right man. But we know in real life you can never be 100% sure.
April 1, 2014
The crew of the 87th Precinct has become a solid staple for me over the past few years. This time, the girlfriend of one of the detectives is shot down in a mass shooting at a book store. Sadly, due to mass shootings, this story could happen today and we wouldn't blink. By making it such a personal story, McBain really elevates his game. And with the back story of abortion interweaving the last half of the book, you get a real sense of the ethical and moral quandaries of the time. Very well done!
September 28, 2016
Clearly, I'm a sucker for the 87th Precinct books, but this one was particularly good. When the loved one of one of the bulls is one of four victims in a shooting, the Precinct goes into overdrive to solve the case. As is often the case with McBain, the mystery turns on a linguistic quirk (I actually laughed out loud with pleasure at this one), but along the way McBain manages to weave in some subtle social commentary that still resonates 50 years later. A great mystery and an excellent popular novel.
June 17, 2016
Filled with the action, dialogue, and characters that McBain does so well, this is a tough one to read. It's emotionally tough because of the loss of someone loved by one of the detectives.
It's politically tough because it's set in the days when we women had even fewer rights than we have now. One of those rights that is currently threatened becomes a focal point in the book. McBain shows very well some of the dangers of losing this one.
It's politically tough because it's set in the days when we women had even fewer rights than we have now. One of those rights that is currently threatened becomes a focal point in the book. McBain shows very well some of the dangers of losing this one.
March 2, 2018
A seemingly random shooting in a bookstore effects one of the 87th squad personally and everyone takes it the same way. As with many police procedurals there are a couple of crimes here that converge at the shooting. The detectives then have to work backwards to unravel the clues.
Book 14 and another decent entry in the series. McBain managed to connect emotionally with the characters and that made this a somewhat sad story.
Book 14 and another decent entry in the series. McBain managed to connect emotionally with the characters and that made this a somewhat sad story.
July 31, 2014
This one's storyline was fairly dated, yet oddly au fait. Outmoded views on abortion, police brutality, and police lying could all have been ripped from today's headlines. Not the best in terms of the series. Why is Arthur Brown even mentioned let alone possessing a monologue? Why is Bert Kling even allowed near the case? Only Steve Carella appears to be on beam.
February 3, 2013
1. Best one yet. (I'm reading them in order. Starting with #1.)
2. We're still in late 1950s 87th Precinct. That said, Tahmoh Penikett as Bert Kling. Yum.
2. We're still in late 1950s 87th Precinct. That said, Tahmoh Penikett as Bert Kling. Yum.
September 10, 2014
Not a fan of white supremacy; however, the detective work on the quadruple homicide was fantastic! Enjoyed how the detectives untangled the case. Just OK for me--5 out of 10.
July 11, 2024
McBain, as he called himself here, slung this riveting novel in quite a few pages with excellent results. The plot, dialogue and narrative are top notch. Add the insight that has been typical of the 87th books and this is a book to read.
The story unfolds with a seasonal narrative that then swings and flattens the reader with sharp writing of an incongruent scene that sets the stage for the rest of the book. An unsteady stage with all sorts of unexpected characters, settings and backdrops. The plotting moves the reader as puzzling and more puzzling bits are presented.
This is snappy stuff and...
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 10 out of 10 points.
The story unfolds with a seasonal narrative that then swings and flattens the reader with sharp writing of an incongruent scene that sets the stage for the rest of the book. An unsteady stage with all sorts of unexpected characters, settings and backdrops. The plotting moves the reader as puzzling and more puzzling bits are presented.
This is snappy stuff and...
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 10 out of 10 points.
September 29, 2025
This was better than I expected but some of the language was not ideal. It does not matter how long a character's legs are but the author seems to think it does. The murder itself and the description of the long winding summer were enjoyable and I'm glad there are so many of these stories to be found in London's charity shops.
August 15, 2022
After a few just okay efforts the series turns much darker here. I like the darkness.
April 9, 2016
*Possible Spoilers*
After a brief time off, McBain is back to involving the boys of the 87th directly with the crimes they are investigating. In this case it isn't Carella's family for a change, but instead Bert Kling's girlfriend Claire Townsend, who is found dead on the scene of a mass shooting at a local bookstore. Claire's death makes it personal not only for Kling, but for his extended family of the 87th, and the boys scramble to track down the mysterious gunman with only one clue, the final word spoken by one of the victims: Carpenter.
Besides the direct involvement of a member of the 87th, which allows McBain more leeway into examining the emotional disposition of the main characters, the bulk of this novel is the same procedural rundown as previous novels, with plenty of interviews and false leads - and don't be surprised if that final clue isn't exactly what it appears to be.
One minor drawback to this installment is that McBain feels the need to take us back to previous moments between Kling and Claire, and the numerous flashbacks, while not especially ponderous, do slow down the novel a bit, and have no purpose other than to demonstrate how broken-up Kling is over her death. It doesn't hurt the novel, but it doesn't really accomplish much.
With the earlier novels in the 87th series well over half a century old, it is interesting to look back at how certain subject matters are handled in McBains older novels. McBain was rather progressive for the time these books were written, and he doesn't always take a clear black-and-white Dragnet approach to crime. In this case, abortion plays a small roll in the proceedings, and while some of the terminology ("criminal abortion") and treatment might bother some modern pro-choice readers, McBain makes sure to muddy the waters by throwing an underage rape victim into the mix and have Carella seem to waver afterwards about the practicality of the law.
This actually kicks off a trend with Carella in the series - while previous installments saw Carella becoming increasingly agitated and explosively verbal, with this novel he seems to become more reflective and philosophical, becoming more sensitive to the human drama unfolding within the crimes they investigate. With Carella witnessing both the death of Frankie Hernandez and Parker's flat-out assassination of Pepe Mirandez at the end of See Them Die, Claire's death and it's effect on Kling have apparently broken through his tough cop exterior. This softer Carella (at least emotionally) will serve to play a sharp contrast to Kling's growing abrasiveness in later Precinct novels.
After a brief time off, McBain is back to involving the boys of the 87th directly with the crimes they are investigating. In this case it isn't Carella's family for a change, but instead Bert Kling's girlfriend Claire Townsend, who is found dead on the scene of a mass shooting at a local bookstore. Claire's death makes it personal not only for Kling, but for his extended family of the 87th, and the boys scramble to track down the mysterious gunman with only one clue, the final word spoken by one of the victims: Carpenter.
Besides the direct involvement of a member of the 87th, which allows McBain more leeway into examining the emotional disposition of the main characters, the bulk of this novel is the same procedural rundown as previous novels, with plenty of interviews and false leads - and don't be surprised if that final clue isn't exactly what it appears to be.
One minor drawback to this installment is that McBain feels the need to take us back to previous moments between Kling and Claire, and the numerous flashbacks, while not especially ponderous, do slow down the novel a bit, and have no purpose other than to demonstrate how broken-up Kling is over her death. It doesn't hurt the novel, but it doesn't really accomplish much.
With the earlier novels in the 87th series well over half a century old, it is interesting to look back at how certain subject matters are handled in McBains older novels. McBain was rather progressive for the time these books were written, and he doesn't always take a clear black-and-white Dragnet approach to crime. In this case, abortion plays a small roll in the proceedings, and while some of the terminology ("criminal abortion") and treatment might bother some modern pro-choice readers, McBain makes sure to muddy the waters by throwing an underage rape victim into the mix and have Carella seem to waver afterwards about the practicality of the law.
This actually kicks off a trend with Carella in the series - while previous installments saw Carella becoming increasingly agitated and explosively verbal, with this novel he seems to become more reflective and philosophical, becoming more sensitive to the human drama unfolding within the crimes they investigate. With Carella witnessing both the death of Frankie Hernandez and Parker's flat-out assassination of Pepe Mirandez at the end of See Them Die, Claire's death and it's effect on Kling have apparently broken through his tough cop exterior. This softer Carella (at least emotionally) will serve to play a sharp contrast to Kling's growing abrasiveness in later Precinct novels.
July 8, 2014
Say what you will about Ed McBain stories - they know what they are and they do it well. Short length, always progressing and enough character flavor to make it perfect popcorn reading. Written in 1961, some aspects of the story haven't aged so well, but others (such as the typing of forms on carbon paper) only add to the story, giving them the feeling of a day home sick from work cruising the TV channels for cheesy midday movies that don't tax the brain overmuch and don't try too hard.
Some of the writing did make me laugh inappropriately - take this one passage, a description of the main character of the ongoing 87th precinct series... "He was a tall man, and he stood in slender deceptive grace by the meshed grille, the later afternoon sunlight washing over him, his angular body giving no clue to the destructive power in his muscular arms and chest. In profile he looked slightly oriental, the sun limning high cheekbones and eyes that slanted curiously downward." This description struck me as something more suited to a Mills and Boon than a detective novel, and it made me laugh out loud, imagining Carella reclining on a chaise lounge with a puffy white shirt. But such flowery language is rare and usually better suited to the story. A later description of a breezy autumn funeral and the bending trees had me imagining the leaves scraping down the gutter with each gust. But still - this is not a story for those who take their reading super-seriously. This is a chocolate bar book - satisfying junk food for those who know what they are getting. And there's nothing wrong with that - I can't read literary classics all the time any more than I can eat nothing but carrots. Pass the popcorn!
Some of the writing did make me laugh inappropriately - take this one passage, a description of the main character of the ongoing 87th precinct series... "He was a tall man, and he stood in slender deceptive grace by the meshed grille, the later afternoon sunlight washing over him, his angular body giving no clue to the destructive power in his muscular arms and chest. In profile he looked slightly oriental, the sun limning high cheekbones and eyes that slanted curiously downward." This description struck me as something more suited to a Mills and Boon than a detective novel, and it made me laugh out loud, imagining Carella reclining on a chaise lounge with a puffy white shirt. But such flowery language is rare and usually better suited to the story. A later description of a breezy autumn funeral and the bending trees had me imagining the leaves scraping down the gutter with each gust. But still - this is not a story for those who take their reading super-seriously. This is a chocolate bar book - satisfying junk food for those who know what they are getting. And there's nothing wrong with that - I can't read literary classics all the time any more than I can eat nothing but carrots. Pass the popcorn!
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