Andrew
A strong follow-up to Cop Hater. McBain put into practice his idea that "the squadroom itself could function as the hero" by having last book's protagonist, Steve Carella, out of the picture for most of this story and letting other members of the police force take center stage. The Mugger mainly follows rookie patrolman Bert Kling, who gets roped into doing a favor for an old acquaintance, while the detective squad deals with the titular mugger.
As before, McBain revels in the details of the mundane and repetitious nature of police work. Even cases of rape, assault, and murder become just another day on the job. The focus is more on the personalities and interpersonal relationships of the members of the 87th precinct than any thrilling action or solving the mystery of the case.
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My Rating Scale
5 stars - An all-time classic, a book that fundamentally changed or enriched my life. Would recommend to any and all readers.
4 stars - An excellent book that stands out in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in the genre or subject matter.
3 stars - A perfectly serviceable book that may be entertaining or informative but does not push the envelope or linger long in the memory. Would recommend to pre-existing fans of the genre or author.
2 stars - A book that falls short in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would only recommend with reservations or would not recommend at all.
1 star - A book that has nothing to say, or says it so poorly it isn't worth reading. Would not recommend and would actively warn away from.
A strong follow-up to Cop Hater. McBain put into practice his idea that "the squadroom itself could function as the hero" by having last book's protagonist, Steve Carella, out of the picture for most of this story and letting other members of the police force take center stage. The Mugger mainly follows rookie patrolman Bert Kling, who gets roped into doing a favor for an old acquaintance, while the detective squad deals with the titular mugger.
As before, McBain revels in the details of the mundane and repetitious nature of police work. Even cases of rape, assault, and murder become just another day on the job. The focus is more on the personalities and interpersonal relationships of the members of the 87th precinct than any thrilling action or solving the mystery of the case.
_____
My Rating Scale
5 stars - An all-time classic, a book that fundamentally changed or enriched my life. Would recommend to any and all readers.
4 stars - An excellent book that stands out in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in the genre or subject matter.
3 stars - A perfectly serviceable book that may be entertaining or informative but does not push the envelope or linger long in the memory. Would recommend to pre-existing fans of the genre or author.
2 stars - A book that falls short in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would only recommend with reservations or would not recommend at all.
1 star - A book that has nothing to say, or says it so poorly it isn't worth reading. Would not recommend and would actively warn away from.