A Purple Place for Dying

A Purple Place for Dying cover
Good Books rating 4.1
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Technical
  • ID: 7466
  • Added: 2025-12-14
  • Updated: 2025-12-14
  • ISBN: 9780812983937
  • Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks
  • Published: 2013-02-12
  • Reviews: 3

Travis McGee, a retired detective living on a houseboat, takes on a new case when a mysterious woman hires him to steal back her trust fund. The job takes him to a picturesque but dangerous location in the West, where he finds himself entangled in a web of secrets and lies. When the woman is shot and killed, Travis becomes a prime suspect and must race against time to uncover the truth. As the bodies pile up, Travis's investigation leads him down a treacherous path, where even allies may not be what they seem. With his own life on the line, Travis must use all his wit and skill to solve the case and come out alive. The novel is praised for its rich characterization, suspense, and vivid sense of place, showcasing John D. MacDonald's mastery of crime fiction. /n/n The story is set against the backdrop of a stunning yet ominous landscape, where the beauty of nature contrasts sharply with the ugliness of human deceit. Travis McGee, a character beloved for his toughness and moral compass, is once again thrust into a high-stakes situation that tests his limits. As he navigates the dangerous waters of the case, he must confront not only external threats but also his own demons. The novel features a new introduction by Lee Child, highlighting its enduring appeal and relevance in the genre of crime fiction.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-12-14
good 4.10

The book is a bit dramatic and heavy on chivalry, but it's surprisingly forward-thinking. The mystery at the heart of the story is particularly engaging.

The Travis McGee series can be surprising, with a mix of dramatic and chivalrous elements. Despite these, the books are surprisingly forward-thinking. The mystery at the heart of 'A Purple Place for Dying' is particularly engaging, and the book's pacing ensures that you won't want to put it down. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is intriguing, making it a great choice for fans of crime fiction and mystery novels.


Quick quotes

    These Travis McGee books can be surprising.

    They're a bit too dramatic and heavy on chivalry but surprisingly forward thinking as well.

    The mystery at the heart of the story is particularly engaging.

Goodreads · 2025-12-14
excellent 4.10

The book is well-written and engaging, with strong characters and an interesting plot. It's a great introduction to MacDonald's work.

This book is a fantastic read, with a compelling story that keeps you hooked. The characters are well-developed and the plot is intriguing, making it a great introduction to John D. MacDonald's writing. The mystery at the heart of the story is particularly engaging, and the book's pacing ensures that you won't want to put it down. It's a great choice for fans of crime fiction and mystery novels.


Quick quotes

    It's well written, the story is interesting, and the characters were strong.

    This was the first novel of MacDonald's that I have read but I can see why he was ...

    It says a lot about John D. Macdonald's writing that despite all the heavy-duty misogyny on display they're still a lot of fun to read.

Cannonball Read · jeverett15 · 2021-05-05
great 4.10

Despite the heavy-duty misogyny on display, the book is still a lot of fun to read. The mystery at the heart of the story is particularly engaging.

John D. MacDonald's writing is engaging and fun, despite some heavy-duty misogyny. The mystery at the heart of 'A Purple Place for Dying' is particularly engaging, and the book's pacing ensures that you won't want to put it down. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is intriguing, making it a great choice for fans of crime fiction and mystery novels. The book is a great introduction to MacDonald's work, and it's a fantastic read for those who enjoy a good mystery.


Quick quotes

    It says a lot about John D. Macdonald's writing that despite all the heavy-duty misogyny on display they're still a lot of fun to read.

    The mystery at the heart of the story is particularly engaging.

    The book's pacing ensures that you won't want to put it down.