Best Ed McBain Audiobooks

Ed McBain invented the police procedural as we know it. His 87th Precinct series — launched with Cop Hater and built across decades — shifted the genre's focus from the lone genius detective to the precinct house itself, where a rotating ensemble of cops grind through cases in a fictional city that feels unmistakably like New York. McBain's prose is lean and unsentimental, his dialogue crackles, and he never wastes a scene. What sets him apart is the texture: the bureaucratic frustration, the dark humor, the sense that crime is a condition of city life rather than a puzzle to be solved. Ice and He Who Hesitates show his range — from intricate ensemble plotting to tight psychological character studies. Readers who want gritty, intelligent crime fiction without private-eye romanticism will find McBain essential.

Where to Start with Ed McBain

Best entry point → He Who Hesitates (87th Precinct)
What fans keep coming back to → Cop Hater
Best narrator for Ed McBain → The Mugger
Highest rated by listeners → Lady, Lady, I Did It! (87th Precinct #14)

48 audiobooks in collection

★ 3.73 avg ABR rating

Mystery

Best Audiobooks | All Audiobooks | Top 25 Ranked List

Best Ed McBain Audiobooks

1

Lady, Lady, I Did It!

87th Precinct • Book 14

by Ed McBain

Narrated by Dick Hill

★ 3.85 ABR Score (1.6K ratings)

★ 4.01 Goodreads (1.5K) ★ 4.47 Audible (60)

5h 41m listening time • Released 2012

Four bloody bodies in a bookshop become personal when Detective Kling discovers his fiancée among the victims. Dick Hill's narration captures both the procedural elements and emotional stakes as the 87th Precinct seeks justice for one of their own.

More about this pick

Four bloody bodies in a bookshop become personal when Detective Kling discovers his fiancée among the victims. Dick Hill's narration captures both the procedural elements and emotional stakes as the 87th Precinct seeks justice for one of their own.

Start Listening → Get the Book →

Start Listening → Get the Book →
2

Ten Plus One

87th Precinct • Book 17

by Ed McBain, Dick Hill

Narrated by Dick Hill

★ 3.84 ABR Score (1.8K ratings)

★ 3.99 Goodreads (1.7K) ★ 4.45 Audible (56)

6h 48m listening time • Released 2012

Someone's picking off victims with a sniper rifle, and the 87th Precinct can't find the connection — Hill's gruff delivery fits McBain's procedural style like a glove.

More about this pick

Someone's picking off victims with a sniper rifle, and the 87th Precinct can't find the connection — Hill's gruff delivery fits McBain's procedural style like a glove.

Start Listening → Get the Book →

Start Listening → Get the Book →
3

Long Time No See

87th Precinct • Book 32

by Ed McBain

Narrated by Dick Hill

★ 3.84 ABR Score (1.6K ratings)

★ 4.01 Goodreads (1.5K) ★ 4.48 Audible (48)

9h 40m listening time • Released 2012

A serial killer targets blind victims, including a Vietnam veteran whose wartime dreams might hold the key to catching the murderer. Dick Hill's steady delivery anchors this darker entry in the 87th Precinct series, balancing procedural work with emotional weight.

More about this pick

A serial killer targets blind victims, including a Vietnam veteran whose wartime dreams might hold the key to catching the murderer. Dick Hill's steady delivery anchors this darker entry in the 87th Precinct series, balancing procedural work with emotional weight.

Start Listening → Get the Book →

Start Listening → Get the Book →
4

Let's Hear It for the Deaf Man

87th Precinct • Book 27

by Ed McBain

Narrated by Dick Hill

★ 3.84 ABR Score (1.8K ratings)

★ 4.1 Goodreads (1.7K) ★ 4.25 Audible (51)

6h 34m listening time • Released 2015

The 87th Precinct's most cunning nemesis returns, promising to steal half a million dollars while taunting detectives with clues. Dick Hill's familiarity with McBain's characters adds weight to this cat-and-mouse game.

More about this pick

The 87th Precinct's most cunning nemesis returns, promising to steal half a million dollars while taunting detectives with clues. Dick Hill's familiarity with McBain's characters adds weight to this cat-and-mouse game.

Start Listening → Get the Book →

Start Listening → Get the Book →
5

The Pusher

87th Precinct • Book 3

by Ed McBain

Narrated by Dick Hill

★ 3.82 ABR Score (4.3K ratings)

★ 3.95 Goodreads (4.1K) ★ 4.22 Audible (133)

6h 34m listening time • Released 2014

The 87th Precinct tackles drug-related deaths that may not be what they seem in this early McBain procedural that helped define the police ensemble format.

More about this pick

The 87th Precinct tackles drug-related deaths that may not be what they seem in this early McBain procedural that helped define the police ensemble format.

Start Listening → Get the Book →

Start Listening → Get the Book →
6

Killer's Choice

87th Precinct • Book 5

by Ed McBain, Jack M. Bickham, Jeff Clinton, Unknown Author

Narrated by Dick Hill

★ 3.81 ABR Score (3.0K ratings)

★ 3.91 Goodreads (2.9K) ★ 4.28 Audible (116)

5h 43m listening time • Released 2012

87th Precinct detectives Carella and Kling investigate Annie Boone's murder, questioning whether she was random victim or intended target. Dick Hill's noir-perfect voice suits this classic police procedural perfectly.

More about this pick

87th Precinct detectives Carella and Kling investigate Annie Boone's murder, questioning whether she was random victim or intended target. Dick Hill's noir-perfect voice suits this classic police procedural perfectly.

Start Listening → Get the Book →

Start Listening → Get the Book →
7

Like Love

87th Precinct • Book 16

by Ed McBain, Dick Hill

Narrated by Dick Hill

★ 3.81 ABR Score (2.1K ratings)

★ 3.92 Goodreads (2.0K) ★ 4.42 Audible (48)

6h 15m listening time • Released 2012

Spring brings suspicious deaths to the 87th Precinct: a girl's 'suicide' leap, a salesman's explosion, and two bodies staged as a love pact that reeks of murder.

More about this pick

Spring brings suspicious deaths to the 87th Precinct: a girl's 'suicide' leap, a salesman's explosion, and two bodies staged as a love pact that reeks of murder.

Start Listening → Get the Book →

Start Listening → Get the Book →
8

Eighty Million Eyes

87th Precinct • Book 21

by Ed McBain

Narrated by Dick Hill

★ 3.80 ABR Score (1.5K ratings)

★ 4 Goodreads (1.5K) ★ 4.28 Audible (57)

5h 57m listening time • Released 2012

America's most beloved comedian dies on live television in what looks like part of his act, but detectives Meyer and Carella discover everyone who worked with Stan Gifford had reasons to kill him.

More about this pick

America's most beloved comedian dies on live television in what looks like part of his act, but detectives Meyer and Carella discover everyone who worked with Stan Gifford had reasons to kill him.

Start Listening → Get the Book →

Start Listening → Get the Book →
9

Lady Killer

87th Precinct • Book 8

by Ed McBain

Narrated by Dick Hill

★ 3.80 ABR Score (2.6K ratings)

★ 3.9 Goodreads (2.5K) ★ 4.3 Audible (83)

5h 29m listening time • Released 2012

"I will kill the lady tonight at 8" launches twelve hours of frantic investigation across three potential victims. Dick Hill's veteran narration builds tension as detectives race against time to identify the target among hookers, singers, and socialites.

More about this pick

"I will kill the lady tonight at 8" launches twelve hours of frantic investigation across three potential victims. Dick Hill's veteran narration builds tension as detectives race against time to identify the target among hookers, singers, and socialites.

Start Listening → Get the Book →

Start Listening → Get the Book →
10

Killer's Wedge

87th Precinct • Book 7

by Ed McBain

Narrated by Dick Hill

★ 3.80 ABR Score (2.2K ratings)

★ 3.98 Goodreads (2.1K) ★ 4.21 Audible (87)

5h 38m listening time • Released 2012

Virginia Dodge storms the 87th Precinct with a gun and nitroglycerin bottle, determined to kill Detective Steve Carella. Dick Hill captures the claustrophobic tension as the entire squad becomes hostages in their own station house.

More about this pick

Virginia Dodge storms the 87th Precinct with a gun and nitroglycerin bottle, determined to kill Detective Steve Carella. Dick Hill captures the claustrophobic tension as the entire squad becomes hostages in their own station house.

Start Listening → Get the Book →

Start Listening → Get the Book →
11

Tricks

87th Precinct • Book 40

by Ed McBain

Narrated by Dick Hill

★ 3.79 ABR Score (1.5K ratings)

★ 3.95 Goodreads (1.5K) ★ 4.3 Audible (46)

8h 12m listening time • Released 2012

One Halloween night pushes the entire 87th Precinct through liquor store murders, costumed killers, and body parts scattered across the city.

More about this pick

One Halloween night pushes the entire 87th Precinct through liquor store murders, costumed killers, and body parts scattered across the city.

Start Listening → Get the Book →

Start Listening → Get the Book →
12

Ghosts

87th Precinct • Book 34

by ed-mcbain

Narrated by Dick Hill

★ 3.78 ABR Score (1.7K ratings)

★ 3.9 Goodreads (1.7K) ★ 4.32 Audible (59)

7h 6m listening time • Released 2012

Christmas Eve double murder launches immediately on page one, throwing the 87th Precinct into holiday season homicide investigation. Dick Hill's no-nonsense delivery suits McBain's procedural efficiency perfectly.

More about this pick

Christmas Eve double murder launches immediately on page one, throwing the 87th Precinct into holiday season homicide investigation. Dick Hill's no-nonsense delivery suits McBain's procedural efficiency perfectly.

Start Listening → Get the Book →

Start Listening → Get the Book →
13

Give the Boys a Great Big Hand

87th Precinct • Book 11

by Ed McBain

Narrated by Dick Hill

★ 3.78 ABR Score (2.6K ratings)

★ 3.91 Goodreads (2.6K) ★ 4.22 Audible (63)

5h 59m listening time • Released 2012

Dick Hill follows the 87th Precinct as they hunt a black-clad killer leaving severed hands across the city, each one fingerprint-free and dripping with menace.

More about this pick

Dick Hill follows the 87th Precinct as they hunt a black-clad killer leaving severed hands across the city, each one fingerprint-free and dripping with menace.

Start Listening → Get the Book →

Start Listening → Get the Book →
14

Killer's Payoff

87th Precinct • Book 6

by Ed McBain

Narrated by Dick Hill

★ 3.78 ABR Score (3.0K ratings)

★ 3.95 Goodreads (2.9K) ★ 4.14 Audible (95)

6h 15m listening time • Released 2014

When notorious blackmailer Sy Kramer turns up dead, the 87th Precinct must sort through his victims to find his killer.

More about this pick

When notorious blackmailer Sy Kramer turns up dead, the 87th Precinct must sort through his victims to find his killer.

Start Listening → Get the Book →

Start Listening → Get the Book →
15

Hail, Hail, the Gang's All Here!

87th Precinct • Book 25

by Ed McBain, Dick Hill

Narrated by Dick Hill

★ 3.78 ABR Score (2.2K ratings)

★ 3.93 Goodreads (2.2K) ★ 4.19 Audible (54)

6h 7m listening time • Released 2012

The 87th Precinct juggles a murdered go-go dancer, church arson, and urban chaos across one relentless night shift. Police procedural at its grittiest, following multiple cases through a city that never sleeps.

More about this pick

The 87th Precinct juggles a murdered go-go dancer, church arson, and urban chaos across one relentless night shift. Police procedural at its grittiest, following multiple cases through a city that never sleeps.

Start Listening → Get the Book →

Start Listening → Get the Book →
16

Poison

87th Precinct • Book 39

by Ed McBain

Narrated by Dick Hill

★ 3.77 ABR Score (2.2K ratings)

★ 3.95 Goodreads (2.2K) ★ 4.15 Audible (41)

8h 30m listening time • Released 2012

Detective Hal Willis investigates two suspicious deaths connected to Marilyn Hollis while falling dangerously in love with the prime suspect. Dick Hill's noir-tinged performance suits this 87th Precinct entry's blend of romance and deception.

More about this pick

Detective Hal Willis investigates two suspicious deaths connected to Marilyn Hollis while falling dangerously in love with the prime suspect. Dick Hill's noir-tinged performance suits this 87th Precinct entry's blend of romance and deception.

Start Listening → Get the Book →

Start Listening → Get the Book →
17

Blood Relatives

87th Precinct • Book 30

by Ed McBain

Narrated by Dick Hill

★ 3.77 ABR Score (1.5K ratings)

★ 3.9 Goodreads (1.5K) ★ 4.32 Audible (47)

6h 3m listening time • Released 2012

Classic 87th Precinct procedural where family connections complicate a brutal murder case in McBain's signature gritty style.

More about this pick

Classic 87th Precinct procedural where family connections complicate a brutal murder case in McBain's signature gritty style.

Start Listening → Get the Book →

Start Listening → Get the Book →
18

The Con Man

87th Precinct • Book 4

by Ed McBain

Narrated by Dick Hill

★ 3.77 ABR Score (4.1K ratings)

★ 3.91 Goodreads (3.9K) ★ 4.14 Audible (146)

6h 7m listening time • Released 2011

Classic 87th Precinct procedural where a smooth-talking grifter works his way from petty scams to murder, until a woman's body surfaces in the harbor.

More about this pick

Classic 87th Precinct procedural where a smooth-talking grifter works his way from petty scams to murder, until a woman's body surfaces in the harbor.

Start Listening → Get the Book →

Start Listening → Get the Book →
19

Ice

87th Precinct • Book 36

by Ed McBain

Narrated by Dick Hill

★ 3.77 ABR Score (3.2K ratings)

★ 3.92 Goodreads (3.1K) ★ 4.11 Audible (64)

12h 11m listening time • Released 2012

Winter grips the 87th Precinct as Detective Steve Carella investigates connected crimes involving rape, diamond smuggling, and show business corruption in frozen streets.

More about this pick

Winter grips the 87th Precinct as Detective Steve Carella investigates connected crimes involving rape, diamond smuggling, and show business corruption in frozen streets.

Start Listening → Get the Book →

Start Listening → Get the Book →
20

Eight Black Horses

87th Precinct • Book 38

by Ed McBain, Mark T. Sullivan

Narrated by Dick Hill

★ 3.77 ABR Score (1.6K ratings)

★ 3.93 Goodreads (1.6K) ★ 4.21 Audible (47)

8h 17m listening time • Released 2015

The Deaf Man returns with his trademark cryptic puzzles, leaving dead bodies and notes featuring eight dancing black horses across Isola. Dick Hill navigates the complex clues and red herrings in this cerebral police procedural.

More about this pick

The Deaf Man returns with his trademark cryptic puzzles, leaving dead bodies and notes featuring eight dancing black horses across Isola. Dick Hill navigates the complex clues and red herrings in this cerebral police procedural.

Start Listening → Get the Book →

Start Listening → Get the Book →