Pale Gray for Guilt

by John D. MacDonald
Pale Gray for Guilt cover
Good Books rating 3.0
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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  • ID: 7467
  • Added: 2025-12-14
  • Updated: 2025-12-14
  • ISBN: 9780449141588
  • Publisher: Fawcett
  • Published: 1981-11-12
  • Reviews: 3

Pale Gray for Guilt is a gripping crime novel that delves into the dark heart of New York City. The story follows a seasoned detective, haunted by his own demons, as he takes on a case that will test his mettle and force him to confront his past. The city itself is a character, its neon lights and shadowy alleys providing a stark backdrop to the unfolding drama./n/nThe detective's investigation leads him through a labyrinth of lies and betrayals, where every clue seems to point in a different direction. As he races against time to uncover the truth, he must also grapple with his own personal struggles, making for a tense and suspenseful read. With its vivid descriptions and complex characters, Pale Gray for Guilt is a compelling exploration of the human condition.

Reviews
Cannonball Read · jeverett15 · 2025-12-14
mixed 3.00

This book is considered a bit lackluster compared to other Travis McGee novels, with McGee using his intellect and charm to navigate the story.

This reviewer finds this book to be a bit lackluster compared to other novels in the Travis McGee series. They mention that McGee uses his intellect and charm to ingratiate himself with certain characters, which is a recurring theme in the series. However, they do not provide specific details about the plot or characters, suggesting that the book may not be as engaging as others in the series. They do not provide a specific rating, but their overall impression is mixed.

Quick quotes

    What follows is a bit lackluster compared to most of the Travis McGee novels.

    McGee use his intellect and his fast-talking charm to ingratiate himself with some ...

    They have held up quite well.

Amazon · 2025-12-14
great 4.50

This book reminds the reviewer of John D. MacDonald's skill as a writer, highlighting his humanity compared to other authors like Lee Child.

This reviewer was pleasantly reminded of John D. MacDonald's talent as a writer. They appreciate his ability to infuse his characters with a sense of humanity that they find lacking in other authors, such as Lee Child. They also mention that the book is a great read, suggesting that it is a standout in the series. They do not provide specific details about the plot or characters, but their overall impression is positive.

Quick quotes

    I had forgotten how good a writer John D MacDonald was.

    Lee Child has taken on the mantel, but MacDonald has a bit more humanity.

    Great book.

The Storygraph · 2025-12-14
disappointing 1.50

This installment in the McGee series is considered a low point, lacking mystery and featuring a dull stock swindle plot. The language reflects regrettable '60s-era attitudes.

This reviewer finds this book to be a disappointment in the series. They feel it lacks the mystery and intrigue that typically characterize the Travis McGee novels. Instead, it focuses on a stock swindle plot that they find uninteresting. Additionally, the language used reflects some of the less appealing attitudes of the 1960s, which they find regrettable. They also mention that the book is more of a revenge tale rather than a traditional mystery, which may not appeal to fans of the series.

Quick quotes

    A low point of the McGee series.

    No mystery, just a revenge tale featuring a boring stock swindle.

    Full of regrettable '60s-era language about hippies, women, ...

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