The Heckler is a crime novel written by Ed McBain, published in 1960. The story revolves around a prank caller who has been threatening local shop owners with murder. Detectives Carella and Meyer of the 87th Precinct are assigned to the case but are initially dismissive of the threat, as they have more pressing matters to attend to. However, when the prank caller’s threats turn into reality and a murder is committed, the detectives must race against time to catch the killer before he strikes again.

The novel is set in a gritty urban landscape and explores themes of police work, justice, and morality. It also delves into the psychology of the killer and the detectives’ efforts to understand his motives and methods. McBain’s writing style is characterized by its realism and attention to detail, which gives the story a sense of authenticity and urgency.

Overall, The Heckler is a gripping crime novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. It is a classic example of McBain’s skill as a writer and his ability to create compelling characters and intricate plots.

• The Heckler

• 87th Precinct, Book 12
• By: Ed McBain
• Narrated by: Dick Hill

With crooks to cuff and pimps to put behind bars, detectives Carella and Meyer of the 87th Precinct simply don’t have the time or patience to deal with a prank caller – even if he has phoned murder threats to two dozen local shop owners. What they fail to realize, however, is they aren’t dealing with a heckler who’s ringing round for kicks but rather a modern-day Moriarty known only as the Deaf Man – and these phone calls are just his first move in a calculated scheme to pull off the bank robbery of the decade. Further calls darken a lovely spring with suspicion and fear, before a brutal murder whips things into a frenzy, prompting Carella and Meyer to scour the town for clues to the Deaf Man’s identity. As the detectives grasp at a few tenuous threads of the larger plot, those targeted by the calls clamor for the cops to slam the case closed before more of them wind up stiffs. If they can find him in time, the 87th Precinct promises to shut down the Deaf Man for good.

I really enjoyed this excursion, as Ed McBain continues brings different characters to the fore in this classic ensemble series. And there are some true laugh-out-loud moments (such as the diversion into defining a “slob”).

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