From: "Doug Bassett" <
dj_bassett@yahoo.com>
> THE GUTTER AND THE GRAVE -- Ed McBain
> I was surprised that I really liked this, too.
I'm
> fine with McBain, but generally have not liked
his
> early 87th Precinct books, which have always struck
me
> as clunky beyond belief. I had this notion that
his
> early books weren't interesting.
<snip>
> Highly recommended, one of the best Hard
Case
> reprints.
Completely agree; along with Keene's, one of the best. thus
far I haven't read much of McBain as I don't really care for
the 87th Precinct novels, but found myself completely swept
up in this standalone. Yes, as mentioned in Doug's review,
the lacework of the plot is rather slim and quickly obvious,
but the characterizations of the protagonist and the
supporting characters are outstanding, and made for an
enthralling read.
On the basis of this, I'll be keeping a sharp eye out for any
other older, standalone McBains I might stumble upon.
Ron Clinton
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