Order of 87th Precinct Book Series

The "87th Precinct" series, crafted by the collaborative genius of Ed McBain (also known as Evan Hunter) and enriched by the artistic vision of Victor Juhasz and Len Carion, is a gripping collection of police procedural novels set in a fictional urban landscape reminiscent of New York City. This acclaimed series debuted in the 1950s and swiftly established itself as a cornerstone of crime fiction literature.

At its core, the "87th Precinct" series follows a diverse cast of detectives navigating the gritty realities of urban crime, social issues, and the intricate workings of the justice system. Through the dynamic partnership of characters such as the hard-nosed and shrewd Detective Steve Carella, readers are plunged into a world filled with suspense, moral dilemmas, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Each novel in the series combines sharp dialogue, detailed character development, and meticulous plotting to create an immersive experience that reflects both the challenges of law enforcement and the complexities of human nature.

The artistry of Victor Juhasz and Len Carion further enhances the series, bringing to life the gritty atmosphere and vibrant characters through compelling illustrations and design. This combination of literary skill and artistic expression ensures that the "87th Precinct" series remains a timeless and influential saga, captivating crime fiction enthusiasts with its authenticity and depth.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the genre, the "87th Precinct" series promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of crime and justice, where every case is a reflection of the human condition and the unyielding quest for truth.

Order of 87th Precinct Series

# Title Year Rating Book Link
1Cop Hater
By: Ed McBain
1956Amazon.com
2The Mugger
By: Ed McBain
1956Amazon.com
3The Pusher
By: Ed McBain
1956Amazon.com
4The Con Man
By: Ed McBain
1957Amazon.com
5Killer's Choice
By: Ed McBain
1957Amazon.com
6Lady Killer
By: Ed McBain
1958Amazon.com
7Killer's Wedge
By: Ed McBain
1958Amazon.com
8Killer's Payoff
By: Ed McBain
1958Amazon.com
9King's Ransom
By: Ed McBain
1959Amazon.com
10'Til Death
By: Ed McBain
1959Amazon.com
11Give the Boys a Great Big Hand
By: Ed McBain
1960Amazon.com
12The Heckler
By: Ed McBain
1960Amazon.com
13See Them Die
By: Ed McBain
1960Amazon.com
14Lady, Lady, I Did It!
By: Ed McBain
1961Amazon.com
15The Empty Hours
By: Ed McBain
19624.2Amazon.com
16Like Love
By: Ed McBain
1962Amazon.com
17Ten Plus One
By: Ed McBain
1963Amazon.com
18Ax / Axe
By: Ed McBain
1963Amazon.com
19He Who Hesitates
By: Ed McBain
1965Amazon.com
20Doll
By: Ed McBain
1965Amazon.com
21Eighty Million Eyes
By: Ed McBain
19664.3Amazon.com
22Fuzz
By: Ed McBain
19684.1Amazon.com
23Shotgun
By: Ed McBain
1968Amazon.com
24Jigsaw
By: Ed McBain
19704.3Amazon.com
25Hail, Hail, the Gang's All Here!
By: Ed McBain
1971Amazon.com
26Sadie When She Died
By: Ed McBain
1972Amazon.com
27Let's Hear It for the Deaf Man
By: Ed McBain
1973Amazon.com
28Hail to the Chief
By: Ed McBain
1973Amazon.com
29Bread
By: Ed McBain
1974Amazon.com
30Blood Relatives
By: Ed McBain
1975Amazon.com
31So Long as You Both Shall Live
By: Ed McBain
1976Amazon.com
32Long Time No See
By: Ed McBain
1977Amazon.com
33Ghosts
By: Ed McBain
1980Amazon.com
34Calypso
By: Ed McBain
1980Amazon.com
35Heat
By: Ed McBain
19814.2Amazon.com
36McBain Brief
By: Ed McBain
1982Amazon.com
37Ice
By: Ed McBain
19834.2Amazon.com
38Lightning
By: Ed McBain
1984Amazon.com
39And All Through The House
By: Ed McBain
1984Amazon.com
40Eight Black Horses
By: Ed McBain
1985Amazon.com
41Poison
By: Ed McBain
1987Amazon.com
42Lullaby
By: Ed McBain
19894.1Amazon.com
43Vespers
By: Ed McBain
1989Amazon.com
44Tricks
By: Ed McBain
19894.3Amazon.com
45Widows
By: Ed McBain
1991Amazon.com
46Kiss
By: Ed McBain
1992Amazon.com
47Mischief
By: Ed McBain
1993Amazon.com
48Romance
By: Ed McBain
1995Amazon.com
49Nocturne
By: Ed McBain
1997Amazon.com
50The Big Bad City
By: Ed McBain
1998Amazon.com
51The Last Dance
By: Ed McBain
1999Amazon.com
52Money, Money, Money
By: Ed McBain
2001Amazon.com
53Fat Ollie's Book
By: Ed McBain
2002Amazon.com
54The Frumious Bandersnatch
By: Ed McBain
2003Amazon.com
55Hark!
By: Ed McBain
20044.1Amazon.com
56Fiddlers
By: Ed McBain
2005Amazon.com

87th Precinct Series Books Description

The "87th Precinct" series is a collection of police procedural novels primarily written by Ed McBain, a pseudonym for Evan Hunter. The series focuses on the detectives of the 87th Precinct, a fictional police precinct in an unnamed city that resembles New York. While Victor Juhasz and Len Carion did not author the series, they may be associated with different aspects, such as illustrations or adaptations. Here is a brief overview of some key titles in the series:

  1. Cop Hater (1956) - The first book in the series introduces the 87th Precinct and its detectives. A cop is murdered, prompting the precinct to investigate a series of killings targeting police officers. The story sets the tone for the series' gritty realism.

  2. The Murderer (1956) - This installment follows the precinct as they track a killer who enjoys the thrill of murder and has a specific modus operandi. The detectives grapple with the complexities of the case and the moral ambiguities they face.

  3. The Pusher (1956) - In this novel, the detectives delve into the world of drug dealing, encountering the deadly consequences of addiction and the intriguing cat-and-mouse dynamics of hunting a drug lord.

  4. The Con Man (1957) - A con artist comes to town, and the precinct must navigate through deception and manipulation to uncover the truth and bring the criminal to justice.

  5. The Empty Hours (1959) - This book explores the themes of isolation and existential dread, as a case takes the detectives on a journey through the city during a seemingly impossible night.

  6. Deadly Edge (1970) - In this novel, the precinct detectives face a particularly disturbing case involving vigilante justice and the implications of taking the law into one’s own hands.

  7. Just One More Thing (1997) - A more contemporary entry in the series, this story weaves in humor as well as suspense, showcasing the detectives navigating a complex, often absurd urban landscape.

Each book presents a unique case while also delving into the personal lives and dynamics of the detectives, creating a rich tapestry that explores crime, morality, and the human condition. The series is notable for its character development and societal commentary, making it a staple of the crime fiction genre.

If you're looking for more specific titles or details about later installments, feel free to ask!

Who are the main characters of 87th Precinct Series

The "87th Precinct" series is a popular collection of police procedural novels created by Ed McBain, which is actually a pen name for author Evan Hunter. The series is well-known for its compelling characters and realistic portrayal of police work. Although Victor Juhasz and Len Carion are not directly involved in the creation of the series, their contributions may relate to adaptations or illustrations of the books. Here’s an overview of the main characters from the series:

  1. Detective Steve Carella: The protagonist of the series, Carella is a hard-working and dedicated detective with a strong sense of justice. He often grapples with the complexities of crime and the darker aspects of human nature. His character is relatable, showcasing both professional and personal challenges.

  2. Detective Arthur Brown: Often referred to as "Bobby," Brown is Carella's partner and is known for his sarcastic sense of humor. He provides a balance to Carella's more serious demeanor and adds a layer of camaraderie to the precinct dynamics.

  3. Detective Ed Delaney: Another member of the 87th Precinct team, Delaney is depicted as seasoned and pragmatic. He brings a wealth of experience to the team and often serves as a mentor figure.

  4. Detective Cotton Hawes: Known for his tough attitude and sometimes brusque manner, Hawes is a hard-nosed detective who often takes the lead on more violent cases. His character adds a layer of grit and realism to the precinct's investigations.

  5. Captain Frank R. Homicide: The no-nonsense captain of the 87th Precinct, Homicide is often seen managing the complex dynamics of the precinct and ensuring that his detectives have the resources they need to solve cases.

  6. Detective Meyer Meyer: A more eccentric and quirky member of the team, Meyer often approaches cases with unique perspectives, sometimes relying on his intuition or unconventional methods.

  7. Detective Teddy D’Angelo: A newer addition to the team, D'Angelo is eager and ambitious, often looking up to the more experienced detectives while trying to prove himself in the male-dominated environment.

The series is rich with supporting characters, including detectives, victims, and criminals, all contributing to the overarching narrative and the exploration of various social issues. The "87th Precinct" novels are praised for their intricate plots and detailed character development, which provide a deep dive into the lives of those who serve and work within the law enforcement system.

Interesting facts about 87th Precinct Series

The "87th Precinct" series, primarily authored by Ed McBain (a pen name for Evan Hunter), is a well-regarded collection of police procedural novels set in a fictional city. Here are some interesting facts about the series and its authors:

  1. Pioneering Police Procedural: Ed McBain is often credited with pioneering the police procedural genre, and the "87th Precinct" series is a prime example of this. The books are noted for their realistic portrayal of police work and the portrayal of complex characters.

  2. Setting and Inspiration: The 87th Precinct is located in the fictional city of Isola, which is modeled after New York City. McBain drew on his experiences and observations from urban life to create a vivid and believable setting.

  3. Long-running Series: The series includes 55 novels, starting with "Cop Hater" in 1956 and concluding with "Fiddler's Farewell" in 2005. This remarkable longevity reflects McBain's ability to keep the series fresh and relevant over decades.

  4. Diverse Characters: The series features a diverse cast of characters, including Detective Steve Carella, who becomes one of the primary protagonists. The characters often reflect contemporary societal issues and evolve throughout the series.

  5. Collaboration and Influence: While Ed McBain is the primary author, Victor Juhasz and Len Carion are recognized for their contributions through illustrations and adaptations related to the series. McBain's work has influenced numerous writers and the portrayal of crime and police work in fiction.

  6. Real-life Inspiration: McBain often incorporated real-life police cases, societal issues, and criminal psychology into his books, providing readers with a gritty and accurate portrayal of the challenges faced by law enforcement.

  7. Television Adaptations: Several of the novels were adapted into television shows, including the 1961 TV series "87th Precinct," which helped to further popularize McBain's work and introduced his characters to a broader audience.

  8. Acclaimed Author: Ed McBain received numerous awards for his writing, including the prestigious Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award. His contribution to the crime genre has left a lasting legacy.

  9. Evolving Themes: Over the years, the series tackles various themes such as corruption, race relations, and the changing dynamics of urban life. This evolution reflects the shifting landscape of society and keeps the stories relevant.

  10. Cultural Impact: The "87th Precinct" series is considered not only a classic in crime literature but also a valuable study for those interested in criminal justice and social issues, showing how fiction can comment on and illuminate real-world problems.

The "87th Precinct" series remains a seminal work in crime fiction, showcasing Ed McBain's masterful storytelling and deep understanding of human behavior within the framework of law enforcement.