McBain's new mystery [Jack and the Beanstalk] is another in the series featuring Florida lawyer Matthew Hope, a strong rival of the author's popular 87th precinct police series. Based on another macabre fairy tale burlesque, it is the story of Hope's young client, slain Jack McKinney, and his stolen fortune. And it's racy, intricate, well-crafted suspense.

A review of "Jack and the Beanstalk," in Publishers Weekly, Vol. 225, No. 5, February 3, 1984, p. 398.