The Mugger is a (1956) novel by Ed McBain,[1] the second in his 87th Precinct series.

In 2002 the author wrote an introduction to this and to his earlier novel Cop Hater when both were published in an omnibus edition.

Carella is on his honeymoon, and the case is being handled by Detective Hal Willis.

A second plot involves Bert Kling, a patrolman hunting a killer.

This novel introduces the character of Claire Townsend, Bert Kling's girlfriend (killed in the novel Lady, Lady, I Did It).