The novel tells about a private investigation by retired police lieutenant Benjamin Smook, representing a later period of the writer’s work. One of the classics of “hard-boiled” detective fiction. At birth, Evan Hunter—the future Ed McBain—received not even one, but a third name: he was named Salvatore Lombrino.
This happened in New York, where Hunter also received his education (at Hunter College) and began working. At first he taught at a higher school, then worked at Scott Meredith’s literary agency. A very prolific writer. Winner of the Edgar (1957) and Grand Master title (1985). He worked under pseudonyms: Kurt Cannon, Hunt Collins, Ezra Hannon, and Richard Marstende.
He currently lives in Norwalk, Connecticut.