Ed McBain

Ed McBain was the first American to receive the Diamond Dagger, the British Crime Writers Association's highest award. He also holds the Mystery Writers of America's coveted Grand Master Award, and received an Edgar Award nomination for his novel Money, Money, Money. His books have sold more than one hundred million copies, ranging from the more than fifty titles in his outstanding 87th Precinct series to the bestselling novels The Blackboard Jungle and Criminal Conversation, written under his own name, Evan Hunter.

What genres does Ed McBain write?

He is best known for crime fiction and mystery, particularly police procedural novels centered on the long-running 87th Precinct series.

What are his major series and where should I start?

His principal series are the 87th Precinct (more than fifty titles) and the Matthew Hope series. A good starting point is the first book in the 87th Precinct publication order or a notable standalone such as The Blackboard Jungle if you prefer a single novel.

Do I need to read the 87th Precinct books in order?

Reading them in publication order helps track recurring characters and development, but many individual 87th Precinct novels work as standalones and can be enjoyed out of sequence.

What major awards and recognition has he received?

He was the first American recipient of the Diamond Dagger from the British Crime Writers Association, received the Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Award, and earned an Edgar Award nomination for Money, Money, Money. His books have sold over 100 million copies.

Did he publish under any other name?

Yes. He published many crime novels as Ed McBain and also wrote under his own name, Evan Hunter, for works such as The Blackboard Jungle and Criminal Conversation.