Top 9 John D Macdonald Books

Michael Hernandez
9 min readJul 14, 2024

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Are you a fan of thrilling mysteries and intricate plot twists? Then prepare to dive into the world of John D. Macdonald, a renowned author known for his gripping crime novels and captivating characters. In this book roundup article, we’ll be exploring some of Macdonald’s most popular works, offering you a glimpse into the suspenseful world of his best-selling books. So sit back, grab your favorite beverage, and let’s embark on a literary adventure together.

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1. Free Fall in Crimson

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A Travis McGee Novel

Dive into the criminal underworld with Travis McGee, the unforgettable hard-boiled detective living on a houseboat, in John D. MacDonald’s intriguing novel, Free Fall in Crimson. When the wealthy Ellis Esterland’s son turns to McGee to solve his estranged father’s murder, the stakes are high, leading McGee on a thrilling journey to unravel the truth.

As McGee unearths the dark secrets behind Esterland’s death, he finds himself entangled in a web of corruption, drug deals, and prostitution rings. This gripping tale takes readers from Hollywood to the heartland of America, as McGee navigates through the dangerous landscape of his investigation.

As McGee’s quest takes a disturbing turn, he begins to lose sight of his own identity amidst the chaos. However, one thing remains certain — he is on a relentless pursuit to bring Esterland’s killer to justice.

This classic crime novel, written by the renowned author John D. MacDonald, captures the attention and intrigues readers with its timeless mystery and unforgettable characters. Free Fall in Crimson is a must-read for fans of the genre and newcomers alike.

  • Authors: John D. MacDonald
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published Date: January 08, 2013
  • Page Count: 290
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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2. Pale Gray for Guilt

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A Travis McGee Novel

Pale Gray for Guilt, a riveting crime fiction novel by the legendary John D. MacDonald, introduces readers to the hard-boiled detective, Travis McGee. With 320 pages of suspense-filled thrills, this classic novel is a must-read for any fan of the genre.

Set on a houseboat, Travis McGee uncovers a shocking conspiracy when his old football buddy, Tush Bannon, is found dead. As he digs deeper, questions arise about the circumstances surrounding his death.

In this gritty tale of justice, loyalty, and corruption, Travis McGee is on a mission to unravel the dark secrets and bring those responsible to justice. This timeless novel, featuring a new introduction by Lee Child, is perfect for readers looking for a heart-pounding adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns.

  • Authors: John D. MacDonald
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published Date: January 08, 2013
  • Page Count: 320
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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3. The Deep Blue Good-by

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A Travis McGee Novel

Embark on an edge-of-your-seat journey with The Deep Blue Good-by, a riveting crime novel by the acclaimed author John D. MacDonald. This book is the first in the legendary Travis McGee series, where our hard-boiled detective lives aboard a houseboat, his only rule being that he’ll help you find whatever’s been taken from you, as long as he can keep half.

When our knight-errant, McGee, comes across Cathy, a resilient girl enduring brutal manipulation from her ex-boyfriend Junior Allen, he can’t help but extend a helping hand. Little does he know that Junior has left a trail of shattered lives in his wake. The introduction of Junior’s latest victim, Lois Atkinson, sets McGee on a harrowing quest to track down the ruthless man who steals women’s spirits and livelihoods.

As McGee delves deeper into the cruel world of Junior Allen, he realizes the stakes are higher than he initially anticipated. This game of cat and mouse will teach him a bitter lesson: there must be casualties in this ruthless pursuit of justice.

The Deep Blue Good-by is not just a thrilling crime novel, but an engaging escape into a world where the lines between right and wrong blur. With 242 pages of heart-wrenching action and suspense, you’ll find yourself immersed in a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

Featuring a new Introduction by Lee Child, The Deep Blue Good-by is a must-read for any crime fiction lover seeking an unforgettable experience with a unique blend of mystery and adventure.

  • Authors: John D. MacDonald
  • Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks
  • Published Date: January 08, 2013
  • Page Count: 242
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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4. Wine of the Dreamers

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A Novel

Discover the masterful storytelling of John D. MacDonald with his classic science fiction novel, Wine of the Dreamers. Join the inhabitants of planet Earth as they navigate the mysterious and dangerous world of the Watchers.

Living in a remote, isolated planet, the Watchers possess the power to dream across the galaxy, influencing people of Earth. As humanity reaches a dream beyond their planet, the Watchers will do whatever it takes to prevent their escape.

Dive into this thrilling, timeless tale with new insights from Dean Koontz’s heartfelt introduction. Don’t miss the suspense, the adventure, and the unforgettable characters that make this a must-read for fans of the genre.

  • Authors: John D. MacDonald
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published Date: June 11, 2013
  • Page Count: 220
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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5. The Drowner

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A Novel

Immerse yourself in the chilling suspense of The Drowner, a gripping novel by iconic crime writer John D. MacDonald. In this captivating tale, Lucille Hanson leaves her wealthy, careless husband in search of love and happiness. Finding it with her new partner, she is cautiously optimistic about her future. However, her hopes are shattered when her body is discovered at the bottom of a lake. Was it an accident or suicide, or did someone have a darker motive?

As Lucille’s mourners gather, one person refuses to accept the tragic explanation. Delve into the mind-bending narrative as the truth about Lucille’s demise slowly unravels, leaving readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking revelation. Joining the ranks of MacDonald’s other classics, such as Cape Fear and the Travis McGee series, The Drowner showcases the masterful storytelling that has earned him a reputation as one of the greatest authors of our time.

With a new introduction by Dean Koontz and the compelling writing that has earned MacDonald a legion of devoted fans, The Drowner is a must-read for fans of suspense and mystery. Don’t miss the chance to experience this thrilling masterpiece for yourself.

  • Authors: John D. MacDonald
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published Date: June 11, 2013
  • Page Count: 231
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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6. The Turquoise Lament

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A Travis McGee Novel

In John D. MacDonald’s The Turquoise Lament, a classic crime novel featuring the hard-boiled detective Travis McGee, our hero is reluctantly drawn into an intricate web of danger when he is tasked with uncovering a plot on his friend Ted Lewellen’s daughter, Linda, who is marrying a man with a sinister reputation.

When Travis McGee crosses paths with Ted Lewellen in a bar fight, saving his life, he could never imagine that one day his own life would be indebted to Ted. Now, years later, Travis owes Ted a big one when Linda needs his help five time zones away in Hawaii.

Suspense and intrigue heighten as McGee is forced to confront his own instincts and motives in this thrilling entry of the beloved Travis McGee series. Is Linda in danger, or is her paranoia all in her head? As McGee investigates, he struggles to separate reality from paranoia, all while being drawn into a tangled net of seduction and deceit.

As the story unfolds, readers will be drawn into the exotic landscape of Hawai’i, experiencing the turquoise waters and captivating beauty of the islands. The plot thickens, and our hero finds himself questioning everything he assumed in this new, deadly game.

Join Travis McGee as he unravels the mysteries of The Turquoise Lament in this masterfully crafted tale of crime, suspense, and human frailty. This is a story that promises to entice and captivate mystery buffs alike, proving once again that MacDonald is a true master of the crime fiction genre.

  • Authors: John D. MacDonald
  • Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks
  • Published Date: August 13, 2013
  • Page Count: 306
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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7. The Last One Left

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The Last One Left is a gripping suspense novel by acclaimed author John D. MacDonald. Set in the glamorous world of high-stakes yacht racing, this thrilling tale follows attorney Sam Boyleston from Texas and newspaper reporter Raoul Kelly as they delve into the mystery surrounding the explosion of a yacht off the Bahamas. With six people seemingly killed, the search for the truth unravels a web of deceit and manipulation.

As the plot unfolds, the presence of a marooned burned captain adds an unexpected twist, leaving Boyleston and Kelly struggling to solve a seemingly insoluble crime. As the investigation continues, secrets are revealed, and they become entangled in a dangerous game with an unseen puppeteer orchestrating events.

The Last One Left offers suspenseful thrills, intriguing plot twists, and a complex, unpredictable mystery. This major suspense novel from the New York Times will keep you on edge and leave you guessing until the very end.

  • Authors: John D. MacDonald
  • Publisher: Murder Room
  • Published Date: June 14, 2014
  • Page Count: 443
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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8. No Deadly Drug

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No Deadly Drug is a gripping, suspenseful novel by the renowned author, John D. MacDonald. This thrilling tale follows Dr.

Carl Coppolino, who finds himself accused of murdering his lover’s husband, Colonel William Farber, as well as his own wife, in order to marry the widow. As the complex story unfolds, it becomes apparent that Marjorie Farber may have been hypnotized into being an unwilling accomplice to the crime.

The acclaimed attorney F. Lee Bailey takes on the defense and must prove Marjorie’s innocence. But with a star witness against him, can Bailey successfully defend Dr.

Coppolino in this intriguing whodunit? This must-read novel is a perfect blend of suspense, intrigue, and legal drama, making it the perfect addition to any mystery lover’s collection.

  • Authors: John D. MacDonald
  • Publisher: Murder Room
  • Published Date: June 14, 2014
  • Page Count: 736
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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9. A Key to the Suite

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In “A Key to the Suite, “ we embark on a thrilling journey of corporate deceit and political intrigue. Follow the gripping tale of Hubbard, a cold-blooded hatchetman, as he prepares to deliver another termination at an industry convention. But little does he know, this convention is a modern Sodom of treacherous husbands and aspirational wives — all vying for their share of industry gossip and success.

A covert plan is set in motion to tarnish Hubbard’s reputation, and as he navigates the twisted corridors of corporate life, he discovers that he’s not the only one playing a dangerous game of survival. With just over 160 pages, prepare yourself for a suspenseful and surprising ride into the world of corporate espionage.

Join John D. MacDonald as he weaves a tale of betrayal, ambition, and the cost of doing business in his latest offering, “A Key to the Suite. “.

  • Authors: John D. MacDonald
  • Publisher: Murder Room
  • Published Date: October 14, 2014
  • Page Count: 161
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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