Order of Travis McGee Book Series

Travis McGee Series by John D. MacDonald

The "Travis McGee" series, penned by the acclaimed author John D. MacDonald, follows the adventures of a captivating and resourceful protagonist, Travis McGee, a self-proclaimed "salvage consultant" who lives on a houseboat in Florida. The series, comprising 21 novels published between 1964 and 1984, delves into thrilling tales of mystery, adventure, and moral complexity as McGee navigates the seedy underbelly of society to recover what has been lost—sometimes material possessions, other times justice or integrity. Known for his sharp wit and philosophical musings, McGee often becomes embroiled in the lives of those he helps, revealing the shades of human nature and the struggles of morality within a tantalizing blend of suspense and social commentary. With its richly drawn characters and atmospheric settings, the series captures the essence of the American psyche in the mid-20th century while providing a compellingly entertaining read.

Travis McGee Series by Lee Child

In a unique reimagining of the beloved "Travis McGee" saga, acclaimed thriller writer Lee Child adds his own suspenseful twist to the legendary character created by John D. MacDonald. Known for his gripping narratives and relentless pacing, Child crafts new stories that breathe fresh life into McGee's adventures. Readers can expect to see the iconic salvage consultant take on modern challenges, facing off against a new breed of criminals while tackling the ethical dilemmas of contemporary life. Lee Child's version retains the essence of McGee's character—his resilience, charm, and complex moral compass—while introducing fast-paced action and contemporary relevance. This new chapter of McGee's life promises to offer fans and newcomers alike a thrilling ride through intrigue, danger, and the nuanced exploration of right and wrong in today's world.

(Note: Currently, Lee Child has not officially written in the "Travis McGee" universe, and the description above is a speculative take on what it might entail if he did. The original series was solely authored by John D. MacDonald.)

The "Travis McGee" series is a classic set of mystery novels written by author John D. MacDonald. The series features the character Travis McGee, a "salvage consultant" who lives on a houseboat in Florida and helps clients recover lost or stolen items, often getting involved in dangerous situations along the way. There are 21 books in this series, published between 1964 and 1984.

Lee Child, on the other hand, is known for his "Jack Reacher" series, which focuses on the character Jack Reacher, a former military policeman who travels the U.S. and gets drawn into various criminal situations. This series features a different protagonist and narrative style than MacDonald's novels and does not feature Travis McGee.

Travis McGee Series by John D. MacDonald

1. The Deep Blue Good-By (1964) - McGee is hired to find a missing girl and confronts a dangerous criminal in the process, establishing the tone for his adventures.

2. Night Blade (1964) - McGee becomes embroiled in a plot involving a woman with a dangerous past and her deceitful father.

3. The Quick Red Fox (1964) - In this novel, McGee investigates the murky world of blackmail and deception after a friend is murdered.

4. The Scarlet Ruse (1964) - McGee works with a poker player to recover a stash of stolen money that leads him into a web of greed and betrayal.

5. The Green Ripper (1979) - McGee faces off against a cult while searching for revenge and answers to personal tragedy.

6. The Lonely Silver Rain (1982) - The final adventure of McGee involves a complicated search for a missing boat and the intertwining lives of various players.

(Additional titles include A Deadly Shade of Gold, Darker Than Amber, The Long Lavender Look, The Turquoise Lament, etc. Each book typically features crime, complex characters, existential reflections on life, and McGee’s moral code.)

Jack Reacher Series by Lee Child

The Jack Reacher series is separate from the Travis McGee books but features a similarly rugged, resourceful protagonist. Key titles include:

1. Killing Floor (1997) - Reacher arrives in a small town and quickly gets embroiled in a murder investigation while uncovering a counterfeiting scheme.

2. Die Trying (1998) - Reacher is kidnapped along with a woman and must navigate the complexities of his captors to escape.

3. Tripwire (1999) - Reacher investigates the disappearance of a Vietnam veteran, which leads him to dangerous truths about the past.

4. The Visitor (2000) - Reacher investigates a series of murders that lead him into unexpected entanglements with the law.

5. Echo Burning (2001) - Reacher becomes entangled in a woman's predicament in Texas, touching upon themes of justice and self-defense.

(There are numerous other titles following Reacher's journey, and the series is renowned for high-paced action, intricate plots, and the exploration of moral themes.)

If you're looking for more details on a specific book in either series, feel free to ask!

The "Travis McGee" series is a classic detective fiction series authored by John D. MacDonald, featuring the titular character Travis McGee. The series consists of 21 novels, published between 1964 and 1994. Here are the main characters from the series:

Travis McGee

• Role: Protagonist, private investigator
• Description: Travis McGee is a "salvage consultant," who retrieves lost or stolen property for a fee, often taking a percentage of the value. He lives on a houseboat called the "John Sebastian" in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. McGee is characterized by his tough, cynical demeanor, but he also possesses a strong moral compass, often getting embroiled in larger issues of justice and corruption. He has a deep sense of loyalty and a complex relationship with women.

Meyer

• Role: McGee's best friend and confidant
• Description: Meyer is a former economist turned writer. He is McGee's intellectual counterpart, offering philosophical insights and reflections on life that often contrast with McGee's more action-oriented approach. He is characterized by his quirky personality, sophisticated tastes, and a less conventional lifestyle.

Various Antagonists and Supporting Characters

Each novel in the series features a variety of antagonists, from criminals to corrupt officials, as well as numerous supporting characters who often play pivotal roles in the plot. McGee frequently encounters various women, who serve as love interests or valuable allies, but sometimes also as sources of conflict or danger.

Note on Lee Child

Lee Child is not an author of the "Travis McGee" series. He is known for the "Jack Reacher" series, which features a different main character with a distinct focus from that of McGee. Jack Reacher is a former military police officer who wanders the United States, dealing out his own brand of justice.

In summary, "Travis McGee" is centered around the character of Travis McGee himself, with Meyer serving as an essential companion throughout the series. The stories explore McGee's adventures as he navigates the complexities of crime, morality, and relationships.

The "Travis McGee" series is a classic set of hardboiled detective novels written by John D. MacDonald, featuring the titular character, Travis McGee, a self-styled "salvage consultant." Here are some interesting facts about the series:

Travis McGee Series by John D. MacDonald:

1. First Book: The series began with "The Deep Blue Good-by," published in 1964. It set the tone for the character's adventures as he navigates moral ambiguity and complex relationships.

2. Total Books: There are 21 novels in the Travis McGee series, with the last one, "The Lonely Silver Rain," published in 1984. MacDonald wrote these novels over two decades.

3. Character Background: Travis McGee lives on a houseboat in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and he often gets involved in cases where he helps recover lost or stolen property, making him a unique mix of a detective and a repo man.

4. Philosophical Undertones: The series is notable for its philosophical commentaries on life, society, and human relationships. McGee often reflects on issues such as morality, trust, and disillusionment.

5. Cultural Impact: The series is credited with influencing many subsequent crime and thriller writers. Authors like Lee Child have cited MacDonald as an inspiration for their own characters and storytelling styles.

6. Distinctive Titles: Each book is notable for its unique title, often derived from color themes or other thematic elements related to the story's plot, such as "A Deadly Shade of Gold" and "The Green Ripper."

7. Popularity: The series has enjoyed significant popularity and has been in print continuously, making McGee an enduring figure in the detective genre.

Lee Child:

While Lee Child is a prolific author known for his "Jack Reacher" series, he has no direct involvement with the Travis McGee series. MacDonald's work did influence Child's writing style and approach to storytelling. Here are relevant facts about Lee Child and his connection to MacDonald's work:

1. Literary Admiration: Lee Child has publicly expressed his admiration for John D. MacDonald, stating that MacDonald's work helped shape his understanding of writing strong, compelling characters and plots.

2. Jack Reacher Series: Lee Child's Jack Reacher series began with "Killing Floor" in 1997. The character shares some qualities with McGee—both are tough, resourceful, and operate outside of conventional law enforcement.

3. Writing Style: Like MacDonald, Child often incorporates a blend of action and introspection, combining thrilling plots with deeper philosophical themes regarding justice and morality.

4. Legacy: Child has acknowledged that MacDonald's influence extends to modern thrillers, and his characters often reflect the complexity that MacDonald infused into Travis McGee.

The "Travis McGee" series remains a significant part of American crime literature, and John D. MacDonald is remembered as a master of the genre, with lasting impacts on writers like Lee Child.