A review by matt4hire
The Deep Blue Good-By by John D. MacDonald

medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A looooong time ago (back when I was working at Borders), I was on a huge detective fiction kick, and a friend suggested I should try out the Travis McGee books. So I grabbed the first one and…was left completely cold by it.

Over 10 years later, I decided to try again, and guess what?!!? Younger me was a dummy. This book’s pretty great! McGee’s an interesting protagonist, with something sad about him that a lot of the other detective fiction protagonists that I like don’t have. He’s not as angry; in fact, he’s practically serene (though troubled) until he sees an injustice.

Macdonald also has a really great writing style. Lots of vernacular, interesting ruminations, an engaging plot.

Definitely worth your time if you like reading detective stuff.