Matthew Hope Books In Order

Publication Order of Matthew Hope Books

The American writer Evan Hunter, who’s mainly known as Ed McBain, created an entire industry during his lifetime. Creating the pen-name, it would become synonymous with a certain genre and style of writing that is still replicated and admired to this very day. Understanding his target audience and who he was writing for, this would lead to him becoming one of the most prolific voices of his generation. A series that Hunter, under the name of McBain, was particularly well known for was that of his much acclaimed Matthew Hope series. Following the eponymous practitioner of law from the title, it sees him undertaking a number of different case-files and mysteries. Set in Calusa in Florida, it charts his progress as he moves his entire life from New York City to the state of Florida, turning his whole life around, whilst also charting the various pitfalls that follow such a transition..

With over thirteen books in the series, this is one franchise that managed to enjoy a long and industrious run. The first was brought out in 1978 with ‘Goldilocks’, whilst the final book, ‘The Last Best Hope’, was released in the year of 1998. These would go on to become some of his most successful books to date, ensuring he had a legacy that would endure for years to come.

Goldilocks

First brought out in 1976, this was to be a definite must for any fans of the Ed McBain brand of action. Setting up the ‘Matthew Hope’ series overall, it was initially brought out under the Grand Central Publishing label to a great deal of fanfare. Introducing the character of Matthew Hope for the first time, it provides the reader with an insight into his world, as well as giving him his first case to solve.

Setting up the world, this is a title that work as a mystery novel in the very traditional sense of the word. Clearly understanding the genre, Hunter is expertly able to tease out his subject matter with a great deal of efficiency. This is something that will progress over the course of the following books, creating an in-depth and highly intricate world. With the character of Matthew Hope himself he is clearly someone that is always willing to do the right thing whatever the cost. This leads to him undertaking a series of cases that others may typically steer themselves away from, giving them a wide berth. Creating a strong bond with the readers, though, they feel a sense of empathy with him, as he is essentially a likable character. Taking place on the sunny coast-line of Florida too, it works at juxtaposing Hope as a city boy who is a fish-out-of-water almost. A world apart from New York City, this is something that is completely different for him, as he tries to get used to his new environment. Hunter is highly adept at conveying this too in both a witty and insightful manner, allowing the reader to really resonate with him.

An attorney with a soft-heart and sensitive nature, the attorney Matthew Hope has never been one for taking the easier cases. With a mother and her daughter brutally murdered on the west coast of Florida, it seems this is a horrific case unlike any other. Now Hope must defend the man who’s confessing to the murder, the only man that doesn’t have a motive for such a terrible crime. Why is he confessing? Who really did it? Can he discover the truth behind Goldilocks?

Rumpelstiltskin

Originally released in 1981 through the ‘Hodder and Stoughton’ publishing outlet, this was to provide another case file for the ever intrepid attorney. Undertaking another mystery, it follows on from the previous novel as another self-contained story set in the world of Matthew Hope. Developing the character and the world overall, it manages to progress both the character and the many arcs that came beforehand.

Bringing forwards a lot of the themes and ideas that came before, this takes the story forwards, allowing it to advance in the process and be built upon over the course of the novel. Giving the readers more of what they’ve now come to expect from the series, and the McBain brand as a whole, Hunter really delivers. Using the mystery thriller genre, he really provides a number of ideas that are strong, which he is able to deliver in an effective manner. With the character of Matthew Hope coming back once again too, he’s grown since the previous novel, developing in the process. Taking his personality forwards, the readers now feel more at ease with, feeling a sense of familiarity with him by now, as the book jumps straight into the action. This then allows the character to be taken even further, fully testing him and his limits in the process, finding out what he’s really capable of. The American state of Florida is also featured heavily once more too, as it once again becomes the centerpiece for much of the story-line. Really coming into its own here, Hope largely focuses upon the west coast, making this primary location to set his sights on throughout, as it once more remains a character in its own right.

It seemed as if it was just going to be a fun and casual one night stand for the attorney Matthew Hope, that was until everything went wrong. The woman was a 60s rock star hoping to make her big comeback, but is then brutally murdered, leaving Hope in the middle of it all. Not only that, but her daughter also goes missing too, leaving only Matthew Hope to solve the case and find justice for them both. Who murdered the woman? Where is the girl? Who is Rumpelstiltskin?

The Matthew Hope Series

This is a series that contains excellent examples of its genre, allowing its readers to follow an inventive and interesting take on it. Following the leading protagonist throughout, he’s well developed by Hunter, showing a fully three-dimensional personality. With more and more discovering it every day, it’s legacy will continue to grow on into the foreseeable future for some time to come.