POISON (1987) ****
by Ed McBain
This paperback edition published by Pan Books, 1987, 264pp
First published in 1987
© Hui Corporation, 1987
ISBN: 978-0-3303-0080-6
Blurb: When one of your ex-boyfriends dies of poisoning, it is an unfortunate circumstance, possibly a suicide. When three go the same way, it is a disturbing pattern. The wealthy and beautiful Marilyn Hollis turns from a necessary interview to conclude a case to the prime suspect in a murder investigation. The problem is that Detective Hal Willis has broken a cardinal rule of detective work: he is Hollis’s newest beau. Now living with her despite the objections of Detective Steve Carella, Willis continues to do his duty as he tracks her former flames in search of a jealous murderer. But as the investigation progresses, he begins to get the sinking feeling that the killer shares his bed.
Comment: The 39th of Ed McBain’s 87th Precinct novels is a distinct contrast to the preceding book’s levity in that it presents a dark, seedy murder story with a “did she/didn’t she do it?” approach as Detective Willis becomes involved with prime suspect Marilyn Hollis. Throughout the book, we learn Marilyn’s back story, which raises both suspicion of and sympathy with her character. McBain manages the unfolding narrative with consummate skill, sparing no detail of Marilyn’s previous humiliation. The themes explored may well have influenced Joe Eszterhas in his writing of the film Basic Instinct. This book explores Marilyn’s sexual allure and McBain ensures the reader remains suspicious of her seduction of Willis. The result is a gripping read with its only weak spot being the rather too brisk solution to the case in the closing pages.
