The Girl in the Plain Brown Wrapper

by John D. MacDonald
The Girl in the Plain Brown Wrapper cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Technical
  • ID: 7465
  • Added: 2025-12-14
  • Updated: 2025-12-14
  • ISBN: 9780449129159
  • Publisher: Fawcett
  • Published: 1985-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee series continues to captivate readers with its blend of action, wit, and moral complexity. In 'The Girl in the Plain Brown Wrapper,' McGee, a modern-day knight-errant with a strong sense of justice, finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue and danger. The novel showcases MacDonald's signature style, combining suspenseful storytelling with insightful social commentary./n/nThis installment in the Travis McGee series is a testament to MacDonald's enduring appeal. The story is not just a thrilling ride but also an exploration of themes like integrity and the cost of doing what's right. With its engaging protagonist and compelling narrative, 'The Girl in the Plain Brown Wrapper' is a must-read for fans of classic crime fiction.

Reviews
Audible · 2025-12-14
highly recommended 4.50

The protagonist's cunning skills and kind heart are highlighted. The story is highly recommended for fans of the genre.

The reviewer praised John D. MacDonald's ability to create a compelling story with a likeable protagonist. They highlighted Travis McGee's cunning skills and kind heart, which make him a standout character. The reviewer found the story to be highly engaging and recommended it to fans of the mystery genre. They appreciated the way MacDonald weaves together a complex plot with well-developed characters, making for a satisfying read.

Quick quotes

    John D. MacDonald does it again.

    McGee on a knights errand shows his cunning skills and kind heart.

    I highly recommend The Girl in the Plain Brown Wrapper.

Mystery File · 2025-08-07
intriguing 3.50

The story starts slowly but picks up pace. The initial part of the story is familiar and somewhat slow, but it eventually becomes more engaging.

The reviewer noted that the beginning of the book is quite slow and familiar, taking about 60 pages to get into the story. They mentioned that the initial part of the story, involving a woman dying of cancer, is a common trope and not particularly exciting. However, they found that the story eventually picks up pace and becomes more engaging. The reviewer appreciated the depth of the characters and the intriguing plot, but felt that the slow start might deter some readers.

Quick quotes

    It takes about 60 pages of slow going, through a very familiar story of a woman dying of the Big C, before the story begins.

    But before it's over, you'll be glad you stuck with it.

    MacDonald's writing is always engaging, and this book is no exception.

Ellen Seltz · Ellen Seltz · 2014-03-07
enjoyable 4.00

The protagonist is a likeable, hard-boiled detective who is easy to root for. The story is a quick, enjoyable read that keeps the reader engaged.

Ellen Seltz found the protagonist, Travis McGee, to be a very sympathetic and likeable character, fitting perfectly into the tradition of the hard-boiled detective. She enjoyed the fast-paced nature of the story, which kept her engaged from start to finish. The plot is straightforward but effective, making it a quick and enjoyable read. She appreciated the character development and the way the story unfolds, highlighting McGee's cunning skills and kind heart.

Quick quotes

    A quick, enjoyable read.

    Travis McGee stands smack in the tradition of the likeable hard-boiled gumshoe.

    A rough and ready, very sympathetic character.

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