The killer is once again causing havoc for the 87th Squad. And a rapist is repeatedly raping the same women. Both cases have some odd features. It's classic Ed McBain, always interesting characters, and often mysteries with a twist. ( )

"…lightning couldn’t strike twice, could it? Ah, but it could. And it did.” And 3 times? And 4? The rapist in this story goes back to his same victims as many times as he can. And his reason for doing so is HORRIFYING! The 87th, along with Annie Rawles and Eileen Burke have their hands full trying to stop this psycho. This is one of the best books in this series, hands down. So much darker and deranged than the previous ones. In the other story line, a man is killing young women and hanging them from lamp posts throughout the city. Which brings Fat Ollie Weeks back to the 87th (lucky them!). And HIS reasons are insane! Two total nut jobs in one book!

“There is a ring to the truth, and it shatters the night like a hammer striking a gong.”

The previous activities of the Deaf Man are summarized herein and he ‘appears’ at the end, setting up the next book. ( )

A really gripping and enjoyable 87th precinct mystery. The twin plots both concern violence against women, with the detectives hunting both a serial rapist and a murderer. I’m the end I wasn’t that convinced by either criminal, but the book still has a lot to recommend it. McBain writes effectively (for a male in the 80s) about the impact of sexual violence and there are also some great digs at Hill Street Blues. Ollie Weeks makes a welcome appearance and there’s a great lead in to the next book in the series. ( )

Two good plots again, with some good natured ribbing of Meyer Meyer, who sports a wig in this novel. A rapist is repeatedly attacking the same women, bringing Kling's new girlfriend to act as a lure. However, another female cop figures out the motive and then finds the criminal with terrific detective work. Meanwhile, young female track stars are being hung from lampposts, and Fat Ollie Weeks beings his bigotry down to the 87th to help solve the case. ( )

87th Precinct works on murders of woman runners