Step into the sun-drenched, suspense-filled world of Matthew Hope, where a sharp-witted lawyer navigates the murky waters of crime in Calusa, Florida. Created by the legendary Evan Hunter under his pen name Ed McBain, the Matthew Hope series blends legal drama with gritty mystery across thirteen novels. From courtroom showdowns to beachside murders, Hope’s adventures hook you with their clever plots and vivid settings, making this series a hidden gem for mystery lovers.
Unlike the hard-boiled cops of McBain’s 87th Precinct, Matthew Hope is a divorce attorney with a knack for stumbling into criminal cases. His journey through Florida’s Gulf Coast offers a lighter, more whimsical take on the thriller genre, complete with fairy-tale-inspired titles like Goldilocks and Beauty and the Beast. Ready to dive into a world where justice meets intrigue? Let’s explore this captivating series!
How Matthew Hope Began
Evan Hunter, better known as Ed McBain, launched the Matthew Hope series in 1978 with Goldilocks. Inspired by his own divorce and remarriage in 1973, Hunter initially crafted a mainstream novel about a lawyer entangled in personal and legal drama. When it didn’t gel, a British publisher suggested reworking it into a mystery series with fairy-tale titles, and thus, Matthew Hope was born. Set in the fictional Calusa, a stand-in for Florida’s west coast, the series reflects Hunter’s knack for blending real-world issues with genre thrills.
Hunter, already a titan in crime fiction with his 87th Precinct novels, used the Matthew Hope series to explore a different archetype: a lawyer who doubles as a detective. This allowed him to flex his storytelling muscles, infusing the books with humor, local flavor, and intricate mysteries, all while maintaining the sharp dialogue and pacing that made McBain a household name.
The Heart of Matthew Hope
The Matthew Hope series kicks off with Goldilocks (1978), where Hope, a transplanted New Yorker, tackles a case of marital infidelity that spirals into murder. In Beauty and the Beast (1982), he defends a man accused of killing his stunning wife, unraveling a web of prejudice and deception. Rumpelstiltskin (1981) sees Hope navigating a complex case tied to a missing child, while The Last Best Hope (1998) caps the series with a high-stakes art heist involving McBain’s 87th Precinct detective Steve Carella.
Themes of justice, morality, and human complexity run deep. Hope’s cases often probe societal issues like interracial marriage or vigilante justice, reflecting Hunter’s bold approach to controversial topics. The Calusa setting, with its warm Gulf waters and seedy underbelly, grounds the stories in a vivid, almost tangible atmosphere. McBain’s style—tight prose, witty banter, and unexpected twists—keeps the pages turning, while the fairy-tale titles add a playful nod to classic storytelling.
Unlike traditional detective tales, the series balances Hope’s professional life with personal struggles, from romantic entanglements to moral dilemmas. This three-dimensional portrayal makes him relatable, a lawyer who fights for the underdog while wrestling with his own flaws. Fans praise the series for its cozy yet thrilling vibe, perfect for readers craving mysteries with heart.
Why Matthew Hope Resonates
The Matthew Hope series carved a unique niche in crime fiction, blending legal drama with detective work in a way that feels fresh even decades later. Its influence lies in its ability to humanize the lawyer archetype, showing Hope as both a tenacious advocate and a flawed everyman. Fans of McBain’s 87th Precinct often cross over to Hope’s world, drawn by the lighter tone and Florida flair.
Though less celebrated than the 87th Precinct, the series’ legacy endures through its devoted readership and McBain’s masterful storytelling. Its exploration of timely issues and memorable characters ensures it remains a must-read for mystery enthusiasts. The series also showcases Hunter’s versatility, proving he could conquer multiple subgenres with ease.
- Publication Years: 1978–1998
- Number of Books: 13
- Setting: Calusa, Florida
- Notable Awards: Ed McBain received the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America
Grab Goldilocks and dive into Matthew Hope’s thrilling world of mystery and justice. With Calusa’s beaches calling, your next great read awaits!