Evan Hunter is a man of many talents and many names. As Ed McBain, he is writing the most authentic squad-room thrillers since Sidney Kingsley researched "Detective Story." You may have read him as Richard Marsten. A couple of other aliases tag his science-fiction and paperback and pulp output. Under the parent name, Evan Hunter, he has written what he must consider his serious novels … "The Blackboard Jungle," "Second Ending," "Strangers When We Meet" and "A Matter of Conviction."

Whether he is writing the whodunit, the potboiler, the pulp or the serious novel, he is a thoroughly professional writer: a "pro." His style has drive, pace, tempo and authenticity.

All of these virtues are apparent in his newest, "Mothers and Daughters." There is, however, something more. "Mothers and Daughters" is a panoramic novel, covering a span of slightly more than ten years and a multiple cast of characters...