The Deep Blue Good-by

by John D. MacDonald
The Deep Blue Good-by cover
Good Books rating 3.69
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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  • ID: 7464
  • Added: 2025-12-14
  • Updated: 2025-12-22
  • ISBN: 9780449223833
  • Publisher: Fawcett
  • Published: 1995-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

Travis McGee, a self-employed troubleshooter, is drawn into a complex web of deceit and danger when a stranger approaches Cathy Kerr with information about her father's missing fortune. McGee, known for his unique approach to justice and his love for the sea, takes on the case, navigating a treacherous path filled with unexpected twists and turns. /n/n The story is set against the backdrop of the Florida coastline, where McGee's houseboat serves as both his home and his base of operations. The narrative is rich with vivid descriptions of the natural world and the characters' interactions with it, adding depth and authenticity to the tale. As McGee delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers secrets that challenge his moral compass and test his resolve, making for a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Reviews
Kirkus Reviews · 2025-12-14
suspenseful 3.75

The story is suspenseful and well-crafted, with a heroine who is both compassionate and assertive.

Kirkus Reviews describes 'The Deep Blue Good-By' as a suspenseful and professional-grade procedural. The reviewer highlights the heroine's unique blend of compassion and attitude, which makes her a standout character. The story's pacing and suspense are particularly praised, creating a gripping narrative that keeps the reader engaged. The reviewer also notes the authenticity of the setting and the believability of the characters, which add to the overall impact of the story.

Quick quotes

    A suspenseful, professional-grade north country procedural.

    The heroine is a deft mix of compassion and attitude.

    The story's pacing and suspense are particularly praised.

Andrew Diamond · Andrew Diamond · 2017-04-06
engaging 4.00

The writing is witty and insightful, never cliché. The protagonist is compelling and the story is engaging.

Andrew Diamond praises John D. MacDonald's writing style, highlighting its wit and insightfulness. He finds the protagonist, Travis McGee, to be a compelling character who drives the story forward with his unique perspective and actions. The reviewer appreciates the engaging nature of the narrative, which keeps the reader hooked throughout. The story's setting and the protagonist's interactions with the environment are particularly noteworthy, adding depth to the overall reading experience.

Quick quotes

    MacDonald's writing can be witty and insightful, and is never cliché.

    Travis McGee is a compelling protagonist who drives the story forward.

    The story is engaging and keeps the reader hooked throughout.

Bob's Books · Bob · 2016-08-08
interesting 4.00

The story is interesting and takes readers on a journey through different settings. The protagonist is well-developed and the plot is engaging.

Bob finds the story interesting, taking readers from the air-bridge between China, Burma, and India during WW2 to the present day. He appreciates the well-developed protagonist, Travis McGee, and the engaging plot that keeps readers interested. The reviewer also notes the authenticity of the settings and the believability of the characters, making the reading experience enjoyable and immersive.

Quick quotes

    The Deep Blue Good-by is an interesting story that takes us from the air-bridge between China, Burma and India in WW2.

    Travis McGee is a well-developed protagonist.

    The plot is engaging and keeps readers interested.

Knowledge Lost · 2012-06-24
predictable 3.00

The story is predictable but enjoyable, making it a quick and entertaining read.

The reviewer from Knowledge Lost finds 'The Deep Blue Good-By' to be a predictable but enjoyable story. They describe it as a quick and entertaining read, suitable for those looking for a light and engaging narrative. While the story may not be groundbreaking, it offers a pleasant diversion with its well-crafted characters and engaging plot. The reviewer suggests that the series could work well as filler between more substantial reads, providing a enjoyable and easy-to-read experience.

Quick quotes

    The story felt very predictable, it was more of a quick enjoyable story being told to me.

    This series might work well as filler between more substantial reads.

    The story offers a pleasant diversion with its well-crafted characters and engaging plot.

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