Ed McBain, born as Evan Hunter on October 15, 1926, was an American author and screenwriter. He was active from the 1950s until his death on July 6, 2005. McBain is best known for his crime fiction novels, particularly his long-running 87th Precinct series set in a fictional city resembling New York. His works often revolve around police procedural investigations, showcasing the gritty and realistic aspects of urban crime.

Throughout his career, McBain wrote under various pseudonyms, including Evan Hunter, Richard Marsten, and Hunt Collins. His writing style is characterized by its sharp dialogue, intricate plotting, and attention to detail. McBain’s novels are known for their authentic portrayal of police work and the complex characters that populate his stories.

Some of Ed McBain’s key influential works include “Cop Hater” (1956), the first book in the 87th Precinct series, which introduced readers to the detective squad and their relentless pursuit of justice. Another notable work is “The Blackboard Jungle” (1954), written under his real name Evan Hunter, which is a groundbreaking novel exploring the challenges faced by an idealistic teacher in a tough inner-city school.

Ed McBain’s contributions to the crime fiction genre and his ability to capture the essence of urban life through his writing have solidified his place as one of the most influential authors in the field.