The Green Ripper

by John D. MacDonald
The Green Ripper cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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  • ID: 7479
  • Added: 2025-12-14
  • Updated: 2025-12-14
  • ISBN: 9780307826794
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2013-01-08
  • Reviews: 3

Travis McGee, a beloved character from John D. MacDonald's crime fiction novels, finds his life turned upside down when Gretel, the woman who brought him true love and stability, dies under suspicious circumstances. Convinced it's murder, McGee embarks on a dangerous journey of revenge, leaving his houseboat and his old life behind. /n/n As he pursues those responsible, McGee adopts a new identity and becomes increasingly unhinged. His single-minded crusade for justice threatens to consume him, and he must find the strength to save himself before he loses his mind entirely. The novel features a new introduction by Lee Child, highlighting MacDonald's enduring legacy in the crime fiction genre.

Reviews
Dave's Pulp and Mystery Reads · Dave · 2021-03-15
exciting 4.00

This novel is praised for its engaging plot and the protagonist's struggle against a global cult. It's a thrilling read with a lone hero against formidable odds.

Dave finds The Green Ripper to be a terrific novel, especially for its engaging plot and the protagonist's struggle against a worldwide cult. He appreciates the tension and the stakes involved, making it a thrilling read. The story pits a lone hero against formidable odds, which adds to the excitement and keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Dave highlights the emotional depth and the compelling narrative that make this book stand out.

Quick quotes

    It is a terrific novel which pits a lone McGee against a worldwide cult set on blowing up modern civilization.

    What can this one lone treasure hunter do against such a powerful, well-organized, and well-funded enemy?

    The Green Ripper is a thrilling read with a lone hero against formidable odds.

James Nicoll · James Nicoll · 2015-07-12
nostalgic 3.50

The novel holds a special place for the reviewer, despite some aspects not aging well. It's a personal journey through a thrilling narrative.

James Nicoll has a soft spot for this book, even though it hasn't aged perfectly. He appreciates the personal journey and the thrilling narrative that keeps him engaged. The story's emotional depth and the way it tackles themes of vengeance and loss resonate with him, making it a memorable read. However, he acknowledges that some elements might not appeal to modern readers as they did back then.

Quick quotes

    John D. MacDonald's 1979 novel The Green Ripper will always be a special book to me.

    In some respects, this book has not aged well and my review is going to reflect that.

    The Green Ripper is a personal journey through a thrilling narrative.

The View from the Blue House · 2010-09-24
solid 3.50

The book is noted for its elegant writing style and engaging narrative. It's a solid entry in the series, though not the best.

The reviewer appreciates the elegant writing style and engaging narrative of The Green Ripper. They find it to be a solid entry in the series, though not the best. The story's emotional depth and the way it tackles themes of vengeance and loss are highlighted. The reviewer acknowledges that while it's not the strongest in the series, it still holds its own with its compelling narrative and well-crafted characters.

Quick quotes

    Macdonald writes elegantly in an easy and engaging style.

    The Green Ripper is the 18th McGee novel in a series of twenty one.

    It's a solid entry in the series, though not the best.

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