Books read in 2015: No. 34 -- Fuzz

by Ed McBain

Started: Nov. 25
Finished: Nov. 29

Notes: As the year winds down, I realize I've not read an 87th Precinct novel since January, so it's time to rectify that. This one is from 1968, and it seems the Deaf Man will be returning as the villain.

Mini review: Yes, the Deaf Man makes an appearance, trying to extort thousands from the city before carrying out the murder of local officials. And as is usually the case, there are other crimes which take up the time of the 87th gang. Unusually, however, all the crimes in this one run smack into one another near the end of the tale. I wouldn't say this is one of the best 87th books, as it felt a bit generic in places, but it did have a fine ending to it. Also, this is the first time I've read an 87th novel in digital format, and I don't believe I'll do so again; McBain's 87th books have a certain cadence to them, and I didn't feel it worked as well in digital as it does in print.