Dress Her in Indigo

by John D. MacDonald
Dress Her in Indigo cover
Good Books rating 3.87
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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  • ID: 7463
  • Added: 2025-12-14
  • Updated: 2025-12-14
  • ISBN: 9780449132937
  • Publisher: Fawcett
  • Published: 1987-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

In 'Dress Her in Indigo,' Travis McGee is hired to investigate the puzzling last months of a wealthy heiress's life before her death in a car crash in Mexico. The heiress had cleaned out her bank account and vanished, leaving behind a trail of mysteries. McGee's journey takes him through the steep hills and strange backwoods of Oaxaca, where he encounters a bizarre world of dropouts, drug freaks, and kinky rich people. As he digs deeper, he begins to suspect that the beautiful girl's death was no accident./n/nThe novel is praised by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. as a treasure that would be valuable even to future civilizations. It combines elements of mystery and suspense with a vivid portrayal of the counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s. McGee's investigation leads him through a labyrinth of deceit and danger, ultimately uncovering the truth behind the heiress's death.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-12-14
engaging 4.10

The book has a strong rating and is well-received by readers. It is praised for its engaging story and well-developed characters.

The book has a strong rating and is well-received by readers. It is praised for its engaging story and well-developed characters. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to captivate readers with its compelling narrative and memorable characters. The story is filled with suspense and intrigue, making it a popular choice among fans of the genre. The reviewer appreciates the author's skill in creating a believable and engaging world, as well as the depth of the characters. The book's high rating reflects its popularity and the positive reception it has received from readers.

Quick quotes

    A wealthy old man laid up in the hospital is desperate to understand the last months of his daughter's life.

    The story is filled with suspense and intrigue.

    The author's skill in creating a believable and engaging world is notable.

Sand Between the Pages · sandbetweenthepages · 2019-04-27
thoughtful 3.50

This book was a tough read due to its heavy themes, but the writing is compelling. The mystery is well-crafted, though some elements may be disturbing.

This book was a tough read due to its heavy themes, but the writing is compelling. The mystery is well-crafted, though some elements may be disturbing. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the story and the character development, but warns that it contains sensitive material. The narrative is engaging and the plot is intricate, making it a memorable read despite its challenging content. The reviewer acknowledges the skill of the author in handling such a complex and emotional story.

Quick quotes

    I love every Travis McGee novel, but Dress Her in Indigo was a tough read.

    The mystery is well-crafted, though some elements may be disturbing.

    The narrative is engaging and the plot is intricate.

Penguin Books · 2013-08-01
excellent 4.00

This book is a masterclass in thriller writing, with witty observations and outstanding characterisation. It is a hard-boiled page-turner that keeps readers engaged.

This book is a masterclass in thriller writing, with witty observations and outstanding characterisation. It is a hard-boiled page-turner that keeps readers engaged. The reviewer praises the author's ability to create a gripping narrative with well-developed characters. The story is filled with tension and sharp imagery, making it a standout in the genre. The reviewer highlights the author's skill in blending suspense with vivid descriptions, resulting in a compelling read that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    A masterclass in thriller writing, Dress Her in Indigo is a hard-boiled page turner.

    Full of witty observation and outstanding characterisation.

    The tension is palpable, the images and emotions are sharp and clearly defined.

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