Hark! Bonus Interview - Otto Penzler at the Mysterious Bookshop

Hark! It's an 87th Precinct Extra Special Bonus Podcast!

We're absolutely thrilled to be bringing you this podcast - an interview with publisher and owner of the Mysterious Bookshop, Otto Penzler. Otto was a long time close friend and confidante to Evan Hunter and kindly agreed to meet up with Paul when he was recently in New York, to chat about their relationship and tell us more about what Hunter was like as a person. 

During the conversation, we discuss how much Evan's background may have bled into his books, the success of Evan Hunter vs the longevity of the 87th Precinct, who else fans of the 87th Precinct should be reading and Otto shares some personal recollections of a man who, it seems, was intense, honest, friendly, combative, funny and talented.

We can't thank Otto enough for being so open with us and agreeing to give up some of his working time to talk to us. Reward him by visiting the Mysterious Bookshop next time you're in New York, or exploring the Mysterious Press to find some amazing editions of classic authors. 

Thanks for listening. Please rate, review and share. We'd love as many people as possible to hear this great conversation. Visit us at our blog and buy us a coffee at Ko-Fi . Fare Thee Well!

Ed McBain’s Like Love - Episode 16, Bonus: Boris Becker In Jeopardy

Hark! It's an 87th Precinct Podcast Bonus Episode!

You chose the title (well, the seven of you who voted), so find out what it's all about in this bonus episode about the 1962 87th Precinct story, Like Love. 

As usual, there's a good book-huffing, a look at the covers of our different editions (check out our Instagram feed for pictures and more!) and we answer a number of listener questions in regard to how the series might have ended, female authors of crime fiction and more about who the best on-screen Carella was.

We also take in 'Call My Bluff', Stevo's proposal for a podcast spin-off called "True Crime?" and you can hear our slow but inexorable collapse into heat fatigue. 

We'll be back soon with 1963's Ten Plus One, plus some special bonuses for you. Please rate, review and share on the podcast apps and social media you use. Thanks! Fare Thee Well.

Ed McBain's Like Love - Episode 16: Put Rum In It

Hark! It's the 87th Precinct Podcast

Put your time-trousers on and slip back with us to the second part of 1962, as we experience something Like Love...

Returning to the single-story format, the 87th Precinct is back with mountains of police procedures, lots of footwork and more bad luck for Steve Carella. He can't catch a break, that fella. It's an explosive tale of suicide, lost love and heartbreak for all involved. 

We look at what was dominating the music charts in the latter part of 1962, what was (and wasn't) released in the cinemas and explore the source of the original publication of the abridged version of the story. We look into the publishing history of the book as well and how it afforded McBain the chance to take the mickey out of J D Salinger.

Thanks for listening. As always, please share, rate and review wherever you get the podcast. We've got some more exciting stuff on the horizon to share with you soon! In the meantime, point your crime-eyes towards "Ten Plus One", the next in the series! Fare Thee Well.