Order of Matthew Hope Book Series
The "Matthew Hope" series, crafted by the talented duo of Ed McBain and Evan Hunter, follows the intriguing journey of its titular character, a sharp-witted and tenacious private investigator. Set against the gritty and often unforgiving backdrop of urban life, these novels delve into the complexities of human nature, justice, and the moral ambiguities that accompany crime.
Matthew Hope is not your typical detective; he is a flawed yet relatable protagonist who grapples with personal demons and the darker sides of humanity while navigating a world rife with deception and danger. Each book in the series presents a new case, drawing readers into a web of suspense and intrigue, as Hope employs his signature blend of intellect, intuition, and street smarts to uncover the truth.
With gripping narratives that combine hard-hitting realism with deep psychological insight, the "Matthew Hope" series explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for redemption. Ed McBain and Evan Hunter masterfully weave complex plots filled with vivid characters, offering readers both thrilling mysteries and poignant reflections on the human condition. This series is a must-read for fans of classic detective fiction and those who appreciate stories that linger long after the last page is turned.
Order of Matthew Hope Series
# | Title | Year | Rating | Book Link |
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1 | Goldilocks By: Ed McBain | 1976 | — | Amazon.com |
2 | Rumpelstiltskin By: Ed McBain | 1981 | — | Amazon.com |
3 | Beauty and the Beast By: Ed McBain | 1982 | — | Amazon.com |
4 | Jack and the Beanstalk By: Ed McBain | 1984 | — | Amazon.com |
5 | Snow White and Rose Red By: Ed McBain | 1985 | — | Amazon.com |
6 | Cinderella By: Ed McBain | 1986 | — | Amazon.com |
7 | Puss in Boots By: Ed McBain | 1987 | — | Amazon.com |
8 | The House That Jack Built By: Ed McBain | 1988 | — | Amazon.com |
9 | Three Blind Mice By: Ed McBain | 1990 | — | Amazon.com |
10 | Mary, Mary By: Ed McBain | 1991 | — | Amazon.com |
11 | There Was A Little Girl By: Ed McBain | 1994 | — | Amazon.com |
12 | Gladly the Cross-Eyed Bear By: Ed McBain | 1996 | — | Amazon.com |
13 | The Last Best Hope By: Ed McBain | 1998 | 4.1 | Amazon.com |
Matthew Hope Series Books Description
The "Matthew Hope" series is a collection of detective novels written by Ed McBain, who also worked under the pseudonym Evan Hunter. Here’s a general overview of the series and its main themes, as the series includes multiple books that blend crime, mystery, and character-driven narratives.
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The 87th Precinct series (Ed McBain): While not exclusively about Matthew Hope, many stories in this series reflect the gritty reality of police work and detective fiction in a fictional city reminiscent of New York. Significant themes include crime, justice, and morality.
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Matthew Hope’s Journey: Matthew Hope is a defense attorney who often finds himself embroiled in criminal cases that require him to solve mysteries as well as defend his clients. The character is known for his wit, moral dilemmas, and the personal and professional challenges he faces.
The specific titles would typically address different cases and personal challenges that Hope experiences. Unfortunately, I can't provide a specific breakdown of each book in that series as the titles and year of publication may vary.
The series often delves into themes of justice versus legality, exploring the complexities of the criminal justice system, friendships, and human weaknesses. The writing style reflects a mix of tension and dark humor, characteristic of Ed McBain's work.
If you have specific titles you wish to know more about or other inquiries about the series, feel free to ask!
Who are the main characters of Matthew Hope Series
The "Matthew Hope" series written by Ed McBain (also known as Evan Hunter) features the character Matthew Hope, who serves as the central figure in these crime novels. Here’s a brief overview of the main character and notable aspects of the series:
Matthew Hope
- Occupation: Matthew Hope is a criminal defense attorney in the fictional city of Isola, which is reminiscent of New York City.
- Character Traits: Hope is depicted as resourceful, determined, and often morally conflicted. He has a strong sense of justice and a commitment to his clients, even when they are guilty of serious crimes. His character embodies the struggles of defending those who may be difficult to represent.
- Background: Hope’s background often influences his decisions and the cases he takes. He frequently grapples with the ethical dilemmas of the legal profession, which adds depth to his character.
Key Themes and Characters
- The series explores themes of justice, morality, and the complexities of the law. Alongside Matthew Hope, a range of supporting characters, such as detectives and criminals, weave through the narrative, contributing to the intricate plots typical of Ed McBain’s writing.
- The novels often include various law enforcement characters, such as police officers and detectives, who interact with Hope, creating a dynamic relationship that reflects the tensions between the legal and criminal worlds.
The series is well-regarded for its insightful portrayal of the legal system and the challenges faced by those within it, marked by Ed McBain's signature writing style that blends suspense and social commentary.
Interesting facts about Matthew Hope Series
The "Matthew Hope" series, written by Ed McBain (the pen name of Evan Hunter), features a prominent character who is a criminal defense attorney. Here are some interesting facts about the series and its context:
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Dual Identity: Ed McBain is one of the pen names used by Evan Hunter. While he is known primarily for his crime novels and the 87th Precinct series, he created the Matthew Hope series as a way to explore different themes in criminal law and justice.
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Setting: The series is primarily set in the fictional city of Isola, which serves as a backdrop for many of McBain's works. Isola is a reflection of urban America, and it shares some similarities with New York City.
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Character Development: Matthew Hope is depicted as an empathetic and somewhat unconventional lawyer. He often finds himself in morally complex situations, which allows readers to explore the legal system's intricacies and dilemmas.
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Themes of Justice: The series highlights various themes related to justice, morality, and the legal system. It delves into the gray areas of law where right and wrong aren't easily defined, which is a hallmark of McBain's storytelling.
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Tone and Style: McBain’s writing style in the Matthew Hope series combines sharp wit with gritty realism. His dialogue is often crisp and insightful, and he has a knack for creating vivid characters.
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Influence: The Matthew Hope series reflects McBain's broader work, where he often challenged societal norms and critiqued the criminal justice system. This makes the series not just entertaining but also thought-provoking.
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Literary Contributions: Ed McBain/Evan Hunter is considered a pioneer in the crime fiction genre. His work has influenced many authors and contributed to the genre's evolution, blending elements of traditional detective fiction with more psychologically complex narratives.
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Number of Installments: The Matthew Hope series consists of several novels, each presenting different legal cases. Some titles include "Sadie When She Died," "The 87th Precinct," and "The Last Best Place."
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Recognition: While the Matthew Hope series may not be as widely known as the 87th Precinct series, it still carries the hallmark of McBain's exceptional writing and has garnered a loyal readership over the years.
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Cinematic Appeal: Many of McBain's works, including those in the Matthew Hope series, have been adapted for film and television, showcasing the engaging plots and rich character development that he was known for as a writer.
These facts highlight the creative depth and thematic richness of the Matthew Hope series, reflecting Ed McBain's significant contributions to crime literature.
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