Poison

87th Precinct, Book 39

By: Ed McBain

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Her former lovers are dying one by one, and beautiful Marilyn Hollis is a top suspect. Smitten Detective Willis tries to believe in her innocence, until he begins to have his doubts.

©1987 Ed McBain (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The 87th Precinct [is] one of the great literary accomplishments of the last half-century." (Pete Hamill, Newsday)

"McBain forces us to think twice about every character we meet…even those we thought we already knew." ( New York Times Book Review)

One of the best

Been working my way through the 87 Precinct series. Some are great. Some a waste of time. This one is among the best as the characters are well drawn and the story engaging.

I made it to book 39!!

So I have mixed feelings on some of the books due to the time period, the time period racial references, the not so nice characters, but I really liked this particular book in the series. I thought the storyline and the narrator were great. Some reviewers don't care for Dick Hill but I've listened to him so long thruout this series, I've become accustomed to his over the top at times narrations. I love the characters Steve Carella, his wife Teddy and hearing about the love lives of some of the cops. Different times but some things are hard to embrace, things we're trying to do better with now. I have only written reviews for a few of the books but they are averaging 4 stars and several 5 stars. On to the next book. I wish the missing books were available on audible.
Ed McBain while sadly no longer with us was such a profolic writer and I think the narrater brings these books to life and keep me personally wanting more.

Classic McBain

He's one of my favorites. Love 87th Precinct series. The poison here is so unique. Very creative.

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What disappointed you about Poison?

The characters weren't likable and the plot wasn't credible.

What was most disappointing about Ed McBain’s story?

The lead character had no cohesive philosophy, ethics, or rules of life. One minute he's upright-- an adult with character. Next he's acting like a baby, a fool and a man without a backbone.

Would you be willing to try another one of Dick Hill’s performances?

no

What character would you cut from Poison?

The opening detectives--their dialogue about the smell went on for way too long for no good reason.

Any additional comments?

This book is from the Mad Men era. People's attitudes have changed since then. The book is mired in the past.