A review by jasonfurman
El Pispa by Ed McBain

4.0

Like a very good movie, this short novel can be read in one sittings. It is a well-rendered, extremely competent noir that depicts an ensemble of cops as they try to catch a serial mugger and a murderer, who may or may not be the same person. It is set in the fictional 87th precinct of a fictional city that could only be New York, populated by the standard cast of lowlifes, street characters, good looking women, sailors looking for a good time and the like. As a mystery, it is not extraordinary in its resolution of the question. As a thriller, it is not a cliff-hanging and propulsive. But as a combination of attitude, atmosphere, with more than enough thrills, mystery and entertainment, The Mugger is quite good.