I wonder if the 87th precinct is a case where the author's
innovations have become so assimilated into our idea of the
police procedural that we don't even appreciate them for what
they are (sort of like the proverbial student who complained
that Hamlet was unoriginal because the characters used so
many familiar expressions). I've read one McBain book (Hail
Hail the Gang's all here) and though I thought it was fine, I
don't feel the need to rush out and get a lot more. If you've
seen enough "Hill Street Blues" or
"Homicide" ("Law & Order" less so because of the single
case, start to finish approach) or really any type of
ensemble episodic television (a lot of the doctor and lawyer
shows fit the mold as well as the cop shows) you pretty much
know what to expect.
Actually, "Homicide" is based on a true-crime book that
itself reads more than a bit like an 87th precinct
novel.
Carrie
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