Ed McBain has been writing longer than I have been alive. Since the fifties he has been published under is pseudonym of his legally changed name of Evan Hunter. My mother first turned me onto his books back when I was in grade school. And I have been a fan ever since. They led me to love books in series. They opened the doors to other mysteries. I love his books.

The 87th precinct is my favorite of his stuff. About eight years ago I sat down and power read about thirty of them back to back. The series still blows me away. It is realistic, fun, and well written. The changes are interesting to watch. Patrolmen in the earlier book becoming detectives, older detectives passing on. The relationship with Carella and his wife teddy. The addition of the twins, and their nanny. I also love the books that feature the returning villain, the Deaf Man.

Even the few attempts at television treatments weren't too bad. well..... Randy Quaid???? But other than that.... The older books may be a bit dated, but they still hold up in terms of mystery. The procedural aspect is solid solid solid. It's fun to read the older ones and see how they were topical to their times. And rereading them is like seeing old pictures of friends. I think this is a series that anyone who calls them selves a mystery fan should read.... at least some of the fifty plus in it. :)

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Looking forward to my next read. The second book by Mike Stewart, author of last years Sins Of The Brother. The last was a little clichéd, but overall a enjoyable read. And I'm a sucker for the buddy who gets called when asses need to be kicked!

Also looking forward to starting the next John Connolly. The first two were wonderful. He has joined a list of two other authors I order from the UK as soon as they are out. ( the other two are Val McDermid and Ian Rankin). I think Mr. Connolly is going to become a very strong voice in this field.

Just read: GM Ford's Slow Burn. I laughed a lot. I love Leo Waterman and his crew. The books just get better and better. And it scares me that the characters are actually realistic. If I don't don't know people just like these, I know people awfully close!

This week's music on tap: The new Madonna, Aerosmith, and Joe Strummer(of the Clash)

Be well.

Jon