One Fearful Yellow Eye
Travis McGee is drawn into a web of extortion and family secrets when he helps an ex-girlfriend's husband, uncovering a dark past that threa…
John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee Novels, Ranked
Peter Swanson ranks the iconic Travis McGee series by John D. MacDonald, offering insights into each novel's strengths and weaknesses.
The Turquoise Lament
Travis McGee, one of detective fiction's most unique heroes, faces a chilling dilemma when a former idol's husband might be trying to kill h…
Free Fall in Crimson
Join Travis McGee as he dives into a dangerous world of Hollywood glamour, motorcycle gangs, and deadly secrets in this thrilling adventure.
The Empty Copper Sea
Travis McGee, the hard-boiled detective living on a houseboat, takes on a case to clear a man's name after his employer mysteriously disappe…
Dress Her in Indigo
Travis McGee delves into the mysterious last months of a wealthy heiress's life, uncovering a web of dropouts, drug freaks, and kinky rich p…
The Girl in the Plain Brown Wrapper
Travis McGee, a hero with timeless values, returns in this gripping adventure from John D. MacDonald, praised by Stephen King as 'the great …
A Purple Place for Dying
Travis McGee, the hard-boiled detective living on a houseboat, is drawn into a web of deceit and danger in the beautiful yet sinister West. …
Pale Gray for Guilt
In the grimy underbelly of New York City, a detective with a troubled past must navigate a web of deceit and corruption to solve a baffling …
Nightmare in Pink
Travis McGee, the hard-boiled detective living on a houseboat, is drawn into a dangerous investigation in New York City when his old army bu…
Darker than Amber
Travis McGee, the iconic hero, returns in a gripping adventure that could launch a new movie franchise. Dive into a world of suspense and in…
A Tan and Sandy Silence
A gripping tale of suspense and intrigue set in the vast and unforgiving Australian outback.
The Lonely Silver Rain
Travis McGee, the hard-boiled detective living on a houseboat, takes on a dangerous case involving a stolen yacht and a cocaine ring, uncove…
The Quick Red Fox
Travis McGee, the iconic hero from John D. MacDonald, returns in this gripping adventure that blends mystery and suspense.
A Deadly Shade of Gold
Travis McGee, a rebel with a philosophical streak, embarks on a dangerous quest for vengeance and a priceless Aztec idol, navigating corrupt…
The Dreadful Lemon Sky
Travis McGee is jolted awake by a desperate plea from his past, leading him into a web of mystery and danger as he seeks the truth behind a …
Bright Orange for the Shroud
Travis McGee, the hard-boiled detective living on a houseboat, finds his peaceful summer interrupted by an old friend's plea for help, leadi…
The Scarlet Ruse
Travis McGee, the hard-boiled detective living on a houseboat, takes on a dangerous case involving a missing stamp collection worth six figu…
The Long Lavender Look
Embark on a journey through the vibrant world of lavender, exploring its history, uses, and cultural significance in this captivating book.
Cinnamon Skin
Travis McGee investigates the mysterious explosion of his friend's boat in the Florida Keys, uncovering clues that hint at drugs and foul pl…
The Green Ripper
Travis McGee, the hard-boiled detective living on a houseboat, seeks revenge after the mysterious death of the love of his life, Gretel. His…
The Deep Blue Good-by
Travis McGee, the resourceful and independent hero, steps in to help a woman uncover her father's hidden fortune, leading to a thrilling adv…
Peter Swanson revisits the entire Travis McGee series by John D. MacDonald, providing a comprehensive ranking of these classic crime novels. The Travis McGee series, known for its distinctive titles featuring colors, follows the adventures of Travis McGee, a boat bum and salvage consultant living in Fort Lauderdale. McGee's life oscillates between retirement and taking on cases to recover lost items for a 50% cut. Swanson's ranking considers the flow of the story, the scariness of the villains, the complexity of the heroines, and the quality of the writing. He acknowledges the casual sexism and racism present in the books, attributing it to the time period rather than the author's intent. Swanson's list is a must-read for fans of the series, offering a fresh perspective on these timeless tales of crime and intrigue. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, this ranking provides valuable insights into the enduring appeal of Travis McGee.
Source: https://crimereads.com/john-d-macdonalds-travis-mcgee-novels-ranked/