Cop Hater

This was one of several less-than-satisfactory theatrical experiences for Hunter, who tried several times to succeed with stage productions or adaptations.

In 1956, the name Ed McBain remained as yet unheard, only coming into being as the author completed the first book in the new series, Cop Hater.

The public at large were to be kept in the dark as to the identity of this new writer, and during the foundation year of the 87th Precinct series, the first three books emerged without any reference to Evan Hunter or any of his other pseudonyms.

The Mugger and the Pusher joined Cop Hater on bookstore shelves by the end of the year, and with that, Hunter had fulfilled his initial three-book contract for the series.

The Hunter family was also kept busy by what was to be their largest upheaval so far.

Financially much more secure by the end of 1955 than they'd been in 1953, Evan and Anita decided to move out of Long Island and into a new home that they were having built for them in Westchester County.

Television continued to provide some income and exposure for Hunter in the meantime as alter ego Kurt Cannon found his name on the screen as the originator of two stories in the Mike Hammer series in February of 1958 and another the following year.

Apparently whilst working for Scott Meredith, Lombino was sent to meet Mike Hammer author Mickey Spillane, who made an impression on the young literary agent by firing a gun into a waste paper bin to demonstrate its effect.