Money, Money, Money

Rating:
Summary: Money, Money, Money
Review: "Money, Money, Money" is the 51st 87the Precinct novel by the master of the police procedural, Ed McBain. Steve Carella and Meyer Meyer from the 87th Precinct and Fat Ollie Weeks from the 88th are called to the Grover Park Zoo to investigate the death of a woman who has been eaten by lions. They find out that she is Cassandra Ridley, a former Gulf War pilot. They also learn that she had recently made a drug run to Mexico. They also find out that she was paid a tip with "super-bills", bogus $100 bills. The plot to this one is rather complex with drugs, bogus money, murder, and a bombing at Clarendon Hall. More attention is given to the criminal element than is usual in McBain's novels. The characters are all well-drawn, especially a drug dealer named "Wiggy the Lid", a man you would not wish to meet. This is another excellent addition to a series that began in 1956. I have 45 of them, and I have not read a bad one yet.

Rating:
Summary: A intricate 57th Precinct marred by Fat Ollie and Carella!
Review: A nice solid procedural about counterfeiting is constantly interrupted by silliness. Escaped lions at the zoo, Carella's anger and whining (so out of character) about his mother and sister's choice of beaus, and of course, any story featuring Ollie Weeks is guaranteed to be filled with its share of stupidity. McBain's books are always worth a read, as they are well-constructed, with rock solid plots and a storylines that are always filled with enough complexity to be satisfying, but this is a fairly weak entry.

Rating:
Summary: Fast Paced Investigation
Review: Drug-running, counterfeiting rackets and terrorism are all combined and land in the lap of the 87th Precinct. They are called into action after trouble in the lion enclosure at the zoo. Circumstances conspire to ensure that Fat Ollie Weeks of the 88th Precinct is also brought into the case, livening up proceedings no end.

Steve Carella and Ollie Weeks join forces to head up the homicide investigation, which becomes a lot more involved as they uncover more about the victim. Counterfeit $100 notes are found that are somehow linked to the victim, as are drugs - a lot of drugs, actually. The irreverent Ollie Weeks provides the lighter moments of the book as he imposes his charm on the unsuspecting public. Steve Carella still has family problems as well as personal ones, providing a more sober and darker sub-plot.

This is yet another strong case for the cops from the 87th Precinct combining a fast-paced story with amusing banter from the investigating officers as they go through their standard police procedures. I get the feeling that Ed McBain is becoming more and more happy with his creation of Ollie Weeks and seems to have delighted in developing his character over recent books. His personal hygiene, interviewing techniques and view on minority groups are all so bad, it's good.

Rating:
Summary: "Money, Money, Money" is 24-carat gold
Review: Ed McBain has written 51 books in his "87th Precinct" series of police procedurals and, somehow, he seems to just keep getting better. This latest novel is a complex but fast-moving tale of bad money -- "superbills", superbly counterfeited hundred dollar bills -- and the trail of death the money leaves behind. As is often the case, McBain's principal detective in the book is Steve Carella who wrestles here not only with homicides but also with some personal demons emerging from his past. And partnered with Carella is the despicable Ollie Weeks -- a racist, sexist, homophobe who happens to be a pretty good detective. And, as usual, the bad guys (and bad women) are quirky and memorable.
If you've never read an Ed McBain novel, "Money, Money, Money" wouldn't be a bad place to start. And then you have fifty more to look forward to.