Travis Mcgee 01 - The Deep Blue Good-by Site
Originally published in 1964, is the debut novel in John D. MacDonald’s iconic series featuring Travis McGee. The book establishes the blueprint for the next 20 entries in the series, introducing a "salvage consultant" who lives on a custom houseboat, the Busted Flush , won in a poker game. Character Profile: Travis McGee
McGee is not a traditional private investigator; he is an "adventurer" and "philosopher" based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
: He is described as a tall, tanned, and sandy-haired man with pale gray eyes. He is often noted as a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. Travis McGee 01 - The Deep Blue Good-By
: He recovers items or money stolen from people who have no legal recourse. His fee is strictly 50% of the recovered value plus expenses.
: The primary villain is Junior Allen, a terrifyingly charismatic and psychotic predator who specializes in grooming and manipulating women to steal their assets. Originally published in 1964, is the debut novel in John D
: McGee is famously wary of modern consumer culture and environmental destruction, often taking "retirement" in installments between jobs. Plot Overview
The series is credited with pioneering the "Florida Noir" genre, influencing later authors like Carl Hiaasen and Elmore Leonard. Each book in the Travis McGee series features a color in the title, a tradition that began with this novel. Readers often praise the series for MacDonald's sharp social commentary and the blend of hard-boiled action with introspective character development. Character Profile: Travis McGee McGee is not a
: The narrative follows Allen’s evolution from a thief into a serial rapist and murderer. McGee must use his savvy, guile, and physical prowess to track Allen down and recover the stolen fortune. Legacy and Style